Annular Pressure

Where did it come from?

Annular pressure is associated with leaks,

malfunctions of seals or down hole problems as well
as Heat transfer.

These annular areas are most often monitored by

Pressure gauges.
 Basic Flanged Wellhead
Wellhead with 03 casings design

4.1/2” Tubing
Tubing / Casing annulus
A.K.A Production annulus

7” Casing

Casing annulus - B

9.5/8” Casing

Casing annulus - C

13.3/8” Casing
Welded / threaded

2
 Secondary
Lifting Threads
Neck seal

Primary
Body seal

Typical Tubing
Hanger with
lifting threads

Tubing
connection
End of
Casing Pipe

Secondary
Sealing areas

Ring
Gasket

Casing Primary
Hanger/slips Seal on
Hanger
body
 Secondary / T.H Neck
An Ideal flow Seals
path of a
Production zone Primary / Hanger

body seal

Secondary / C.H Stub

Seals

Seal Integrity Primary / Hanger

check port
body seal

Secondary / C.H Stub

Seals

Seal Integrity Primary / Hanger

check port
body seal

5
 Questions Around Annular Pressure

How can gas (and liquids) leak into the annulus?

How do wells develop annular pressure?
Why does the annular pressure rise during startup?
Why does annular pressure continue to rise in some
wells even in stable flow?
Can a gas column in the annulus reduce annular
pressuring?
Following are some causes for high Annulus
pressure

1. Although, it’s not supposed to happen. However:

Thread leaks inside tubulars / Pipes
Wellhead hangers (Tubing + Casing) seal leaks
Corrosion holes in inside tubulars
Packer seal leaks
Mechanical damage of Tubulars.
2. Heat from produced fluids causes expansion of fluids
in inner and outer annuli.
3. Gas may leak into annulus from a “non” producing
formation. Shallow zone charging of annulus (rare!)
4. Ballooning effect of the Tubing and other Csg Pipes.