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Underground Injection Control Branch Guidance No. 5 <br />, • <br />~~ t <br />wy~i wyg://35/h ttp://www.epa. gov/reg5oh?o/u i dr5_O5. h tm <br />pressure change which would result in failure of the test and to record accurate intervening values requi <br />per the procedures in Part D below. If the test pressure is 300 pounds per square inch, gauge (psig), ther <br />gauge face should be marked in increments of 5 psi or less. A gauge measuring injection pressure shoul <br />available. <br />The "Annulus Pressure Test" form (Attachment 11) is used to record SAPTs. Pressure measurements at <br />intervals through the test period and the signature of an authorized witness are essential for acceptance. <br />most recent record of calibration for the gauge used for the MI test must be submitted along with the <br />Annulus Pressure Test form. If authorization has been granted to conduct the test without a USEPA <br />witness, [he mechanical record of the test must be submitted as well. <br />D. Procedure for the SAPT: <br />To properly conduct the SAPT: <br />The tubing/casing annulus (annulus) must be completely filled with liquid (variations must be <br />approved by Region 5). Temperature stabilization of the well and annulus liquid is necessary pric <br />conducting the test. This may be achieved by filling the annulus with liquid and either ceasing <br />injection or maintaining stabilized injection (i.e., continuous injection at a constant rate and cons) <br />injection Fluid temperature) before and through the test; <br />No unapproved substances may be added to the annulus liquid. Use of any substance which migh <br />affect the outcome of testing may constitute falsification of [he test procedure, invalidate the test, <br />may subject the owner/operator to civil or criminal prosecution; <br />2. After stabilization, the annuluses of Class II wells should be pressurized to a surface pressure of r <br />less than 300 psig. The annuluses of Class I wells should be pressurized to the greater of 300 psis <br />a pressure which exceeds the maximum allowable injection pressure by 100 psi, unless an al[erna <br />pressure is approved by Region 5. A positive pressure differential between the pressure in the am <br />space and the injection tubing pressure of at least 100 psi should be maintained throughout the en <br />annulus (from [he [op of [he packer to the surface) of all Class I and II wells. Specific gravity <br />differences between liquids in the annulus and the tubing should be accounted for when determin <br />[he appropriate test pressure. Following pressurization, the annular system must be isolated from <br />source of pressure and the sealpot (if present) by a closed valve. If not inconvenient, the connecti~ <br />to the pressure source should be disconnected entirely; <br />3. The annulus system must remain isolated for a period of no less than 30 minutes for Class II, III, <br />V wells. The isolation must be maintained for one hour for Class I wells. During the period of <br />isolation measurements of pressure should be made at ten-minute intervals; and <br />4. After the SAPT test period has been completed, the valve to the annulus should be opened and lic <br />returns from the annulus observed and measured. This may be done by allowing liquid to Clow in' <br />sealpot assembly and measuring the volume of [he returns or by opening a valve and catching the <br />liquid flowback in a container. The volume of annulus liquid returns recovered is proportional to <br />volume of the annulus and the amount of pressurization. The liquid return test can serve as an <br />indication as to whether the full length of the annulus has been tested. As an alternative, the amot <br />of liquid needed to increase the pressure can be measured. If the entire length of the annulus, fron <br />the wellhead to the packer, set at the approved depth, is not tested, then the test is void. <br />E. Interpretation <br />8 of 34 5/28/99 1:09 PM <br />