CFR > Title 30 - Mineral Resources > CHAPTER II—MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER B—OFFSHORE (parts 250 to 285) > PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF > SUBPART D—Oil and Gas Drilling Operations (§250.400 to §250.490) > 250.424—What are the requirements for prolonged drilling operations?

250.424—What are the requirements for prolonged drilling operations?

If wellbore operations continue for more than 30 days within a casing string run to the surface:
(a) You must stop drilling operations as soon as practicable, and evaluate the effects of the prolonged operations on continued drilling operations and the life of the well. At a minimum, you must:
(1) Caliper or pressure test the casing; and
(2) Report the results of your evaluation to the District Manager and obtain approval of those results before resuming operations.
(b) If casing integrity has deteriorated to a level below minimum safety factors, you must:
(1) Repair the casing or run another casing string; and
(2) Obtain approval from the District Manager before you begin repairs.

Code of Federal Regulations

[68 FR 8423, Feb. 20, 2003]