What does sustained casing pressure indicate?

Sustained casing pressure refers to the condition where pressure remains in the annular space between the casing and the surrounding formation over an extended period. This pressure can be caused by various factors, including fluid migration from the formation or the presence of gas in the annulus. A key aspect of sustained casing pressure is that it indicates a potential integrity issue with the wellbore, as it suggests that there is an ongoing movement or influx of fluids, which can pose risks during drilling and production operations.

The identification of this sustained pressure is crucial for well integrity management and can be indicative of problems such as ineffective cementing, casing damage, or leakage paths between the formation and the annulus. Recognizing and managing sustained casing pressure is essential to maintaining safe operations and preventing blowouts or other hazards associated with well control.