Form H-5 Testing Procedure - Instructions

1. Notification/Filing requirements (Instructions 1-3)

Give 48-hours notice to district office.
File Form H-5 and attachments in duplicate with the district office within 30-days after any pressure test.
Note that "any pressure test" includes "failed" or "inconclusive" tests.
Originals will be forwarded to Austin by district office.

2. Pressure Recorder (Instruction 4(a))

Must use a one-pen recorder to monitor the tubing-casing test pressure.
Must submit the recording chart if the test is not witnessed by the Commission.
Test pressure must fall within 30-70% of full scale. Normally, the Commission will allow test pressures to fall within 20-80% of full scale on 1000 psi charts.
Scale requirements also apply to strip charts.
Clock for circular chart recorders must not exceed 24 hours.

3. Pressure Gauges (Instruction 4(b))

Must use gauges to monitor the tubing, casing, and surface casing pressures to be entered under Item 19.
Casing gauge readings will either back up the recorder or indicate an improperly calibrated instrument.
Casing pressure must fall within 30-70% of full scale with a minimum increment on the gauge of no more than 5% of the required test pressure.

4. Casing Test Pressure (Instruction 4(c))

Test to 500 psig or maximum authorized injection pressure, whichever is less, but no less than 200 psig.

Permitted Maximum Injection Pressure H-5 Test Pressure

200 psig or less 200 psig

200 to 500 psig permitted maximum pressure

500 psig or more 500 psig
Maintain a 200 psig pressure differential between the test pressure and any tubing pressure. The tubing pressure may be 200 psi higher or lower than the test pressure.
Wells that inject down casing must test at the maximum permitted pressure.

Permitted Maximum Injection Pressure	H-5 Test Pressure
200 psig or less	200 psig
200 to 500 psig	permitted maximum pressure
500 psig or more	500 psig

5. Test Duration (Instruction 4(d)).

Minimum 30-minute test.
A successful test is one in which the pressure stabilizes within 10% of the required test pressure and remains stabilized for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Minimum 60-minute test is required for a gas injection well being tested with a gas-filled annulus.

NOTE: Wells permitted to inject liquids must be tested with a liquid-filled annulus unless otherwise approved by the Commission.

Direct questions or comments to: Technical Permitting, 512-463-6792