Section 1724.3 - Well Safety Devices for Critical WellsCertain wells designated by the Supervisor, that meet the definition of "critical" pursuant to Section 1720(a) and have sufficient pressure to allow fluid-flow to the surface, shall have safety devices as specified by the Supervisor, installed and maintained in operating condition. A description of such safety devices follows:
(a) Surface safety devices. (1) Fail-close, well shut-in or shut-down devices. Wellhead assemblies shall be equipped with an automatic fail-close valve.(2) High-low pressure sensors in all flowlines, set to actuate shut in or shut down of the well(s) in the event of abnormal pressures in the flowlines.(3) Check valves in all headers, except for gas storage wells, to prevent backflow in the event of flowline failure. All flowlines and valves shall be capable of withstanding shut-in wellhead pressure, unless protected by a relief valve with connections to bypass the header.(4) Fire detection devices, such as fusible plugs, at strategic points in pneumatic, hydraulic, and other shut-in control lines in fire hazard areas.(5) Remote, manually operated, quick operating shut-in controls at strategic points.(b) Subsurface safety devices. (1) A surface-controlled, subsurface tubing safety valve installed at a depth of 50 feet or more below the ground level. For shut-in wells capable of flowing, a tubing plug may be installed in lieu of a subsurface tubing safety valve. Subsurface safety devices shall be installed, adjusted, and maintained to ensure reliable operation. If for any reason a subsurface safety device is removed from a well, a replacement subsurface safety device or tubing plug shall be promptly installed. Any well in which a subsurface safety device or tubing plug is installed shall have the tubing-casing annulus sealed at or below the valve- or plug-setting depth. A bypass-type packer that will seal the annulus on manual or automatic operation of the tubing subsurface safety device will meet this requirement.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 1724.3
1. New section filed 2-17-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 7).
2. Amendment filed 12-28-84; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 84, No. 52).
3. Change without regulatory effect amending first paragraph filed 12-26-2006 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2006, No. 52). Note: Authority cited: Sections 3013 and 3106, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 3106 and 3219, Public Resources Code.
1. New section filed 2-17-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 7).
2. Amendment filed 12-28-84; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 84, No. 52).
3. Change without regulatory effect amending first paragraph filed 12-26-2006 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2006, No. 52).