Well integrity

Well integrity, in regard to oil wells, is defined by NORSOK D-010 as the "“Application of technical, operational and organizational solutions to reduce risk of uncontrolled release of formation fluids throughout the life cycle of a well”. There are various facets to well integrity, including accountability/responsibility, well operating processes, well service processes, tubing/annulus integrity, tree/wellhead integrity and testing of safety systems.

Accountability/responsibility

Accountability is the position that ensures a particular task is being done. They typically control the budget and organizational chart structure.

Responsibility is the position that actually does the task. There are a variety of tasks associated with well integrity and responsibility can reside with a field's well operations engineer, operators, well service technicians, etc.

Well operating processes

This includes processes such as personnel competency, well startup-operating-shutdown procedures, process to report anomalies, corrosion/erosion control, etc.