Well Integrity for Abandoned Well Re-entries

by Les Skinner

Overview

Well Integrity for Abandoned Well Re-entries addresses well integrity and operational risks that accompany the benefits of using an old and abandoned wellbore by providing it a second chance to perform. Re-entering an abandoned well provides new life to an old wellbore by reducing the need for drilling new wells. This, in turn, reduces emissions footprint, drilling waste, and costs for some wells. The book covers well integrity basics, abandoned wells, analysis required for re-entry, potential uses for re-entered wells (including applications for EOR, CO₂ EOR with sequestration, natural gas storage, geothermal heat recovery, and much more.)

Packed with case studies and tips for practical application, this book provides readers with an understanding of re-entry techniques, pitfalls, and diagnostics to determine well integrity. This novel text digs deep into the process and benefits of re-entering abandoned wells in support of sustainability.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780443238253
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	02/01/2026
Pages:	450
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Les Skinner graduated in 1972 with a BS in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University. He is a PE who has worked in the petroleum industry for 50 years. Les has written numerous articles for industry publications and authored three full-length books through the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)’s Technical Publications Committee. These include Coiled Tubing Operations (IADC, 2016), Hydraulic Rig Technology and Operations (Elsevier, 2019), Well Integrity for Workovers and Recompletions (Elsevier, 2021) and Well Integrity for Abandoned Well Re-entries (2024).

Les is a member of several professional societies and associations including SPE, ICoTA, AIChE, AADE, IADC and others. He is also a member of multiple industry committees including the API Recommended Practice 1170/1171, RP 90-1 revision committee (which he chaired for five years), and the ISO 16530 revision team. He is currently on the Steering Committee for AADE’s Innovative and Emerging Technology group and ICoTA’s Technical Committee

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Well integrity basics
3. The abandoned well
4. Potential uses for re-entered wells
5. Abandoned well analysis for re-entry
6. ESG considerations
7. Economics
8. Preliminary surface procedures
9. Re-entry procedures
10. Investment decision

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From the Publisher

Provides an understanding of re-entry techniques, pitfalls, and diagnostics to determine well integrity in pursuit of re-purposing abandoned wells