Nov

2008
Nov
2008
Advanced Cementing to
Increase Well Productivity

November 12 14, 2008

The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Fundamentals of
Cementing Technology
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Primary Cement Job
Oil/gas well cementing operation is the
process of mixing and displacing a cement
slurry down the casing and up the annular
space behind the casing where it is allowed
to set, thus bonding the casing to the
formation.
No other operation in the drilling and
completion process plays as important a role
in the producing life of a well as does a
successful primary cementing job.
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Implications of Cementing on Well
Performance
Zonal isolation is surely the most important
function of the cement sheath.
It is critical that no shortchanging in the
quality of the cement and the cement/casing
or cement/formation bonds can ever be
justified
Primary Cement Job
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Implications of Cementing on Well
Performance
Causes of improper zonal isolation are
micro-channeling and gas migration.
Both causes large effective permeability
behind the casing and through the cement
sheath.
Primary Cement Job
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Implications of Cementing on Well
Performance
Gas migration can open additional flow
paths, in the form of interconnected porosity
through the setting cement.
The resulting set cement suffers from an
unnaturally high permeability, because of
this earlier disruption, and may not provide
a competent seal.
Primary Cement Job
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Implications of Cementing on Well
Performance
Flow paths may also take the form of
microannulus at the pie/cement or
cement/formation interfaces.
These paths, and their effective width, then
corresponds to a certain permeability that is
higher than the permeability of the
undisturbed set cement.
Primary Cement Job
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Zonal Isolation
This figure shows a
typical completion. In the
middle is a perforated
interval with two other
potentially producing
intervals.
The simple equation of
flow for oil is given as

Primary Cement Job
|
|
.
|

\
|
+

=
s
r
r
B
P P kh
Q
w
e
wf e
ln 2 . 141
) (

Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Zonal Isolation
Crossflow from the
adjoining formations into the
producing layer may occur
at the cement sheath. Using
Darcy equation, the flow
rate through the cement
sheath is as follows
Primary Cement Job
( )( )
( )
1
2 2 *
2 . 141 L B
P P r r k
Q
wf e cas w
cem
A

=

t
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Zonal Isolation
This equation provides the oil
flow rate that can be either
through the cement sheath
matrix permeability, through a
microannulus formed within the
sheath, or through a
microannulus formed between
the cement/casing or
cement/formation
Primary Cement Job
( )( )
( )
1
2 2 *
2 . 141 L B
P P r r k
Q
wf e cas w
cem
A

=

t
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Index of Zonal Isolation (IZI)
Index of Zonal Isolation is the ratio of the
flow rate into the well from the intended
formation to the flow rate through the
cement. It is given by the following equation
Primary Cement Job
( )
|
.
|

\
|
+
A
= =
s
r
r
r r k
L kh
q
q
IZI
w
e
cas w
cem
ln
2 2 *
t
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Permeability for Flow Through a Slot
Primary Cement Job
Since permeability has the dimension of [L2], the K for
the flow through a slot is given by the following
equation
K = w
2
/12 where w is in inches
K = 5.4 x 10
10
w
2
(md)
The above equation implies that while a large matrix
perm within the cement sheath is unlikely, a large
equivalent perm can result from a relatively small
microannulus width. Note: a microannulus width would
probably not be detectable by bond logging.
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Primary Cement Job
An oil-well set cement becomes very ductile
under low effective confining pressures.
However, under high pressure required for
fracturing (a tensile failure mechanism), a cement
sheath is potentially subjected to two phenomena:
Fracture propagation within the cement sheath
Dislodging of the cement sheath from the pipe by
overcoming the cement/pipe bond.
Cement/Pipe Bond and Fracturing
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Primary Cement Job
The ability of a well to achieve its production
potential is influenced most by the degree of
zonal isolation achieved during completion by
cementing
The quality of the cement sheath is in turn the
most important factor influencing zonal isolation.
Hence, the cementation of a well should be of
critical importance to every operator.
Conclusions
Nov
2008
Plug
Container
Production
Casing
Bottom
Plug
Reciprocating
Cleaner
Centralizer
Top
Plug
Float
Collar
Float
Shoe
Displacement
Fluid
Casing Accessories
Nov
2008
High Wiping Efficiency Plugs
Deep cup design
Greater wiper contact
area
Greater wear
resistance
750 psi shear disk in
bottom plug
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Primary Cement Job
Primary Cementing Techniques
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
There are two systems: bulk and manual handling
systems
Bulk system
Facilitates storage and dry mixing of cement
Cement is transported in trucks (onshore) or
boats (swamp or offshore)
Decreases mixing time and better cementing job
Manual system
Good for small cementing jobs such as plug-back
and squeeze
Field Handling of Cement
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
1. Preparation for a casing/cementing job
2. What to do after receiving materials at the rig
3. Preparation on the rig before running casing
4. Preplanning the cement job
5. Running casing and when casing is on bottom
6. Primary cementing (the CRITICAL PERIOD)
7. Casing pressure tests & casing landing practices
8. Continued drilling operations - leak-off tests
9. Evaluation of the cement job
Field Procedures for Successful
Cementing Jobs
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Typical through-
drillpipe stab-in
cementing
technique
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Top-up cementing.
Used when lost
circulation occurs
during large casing
slurry displacement
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Typical one-stage
primary
cementing job on
a surface casing
string
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Two-stage
cementing of an
intermediate
casing string
Nov
2008
ES Stage Cementer Job Sequence
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Liner cementing
Liner setting tool and
hanger assembly
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Flow rate target turbulent flow
Pipe Centralization (70% Stand-off)
Optimum Hole Size
Circulation to Condition Mud
Address Gas Flow Issues
Good Mud Properties (PV<20; YP<10)
Optimum Mud Gel Strength
Nov
2008
Cementing Best Practices
Good Mud Fluid Loss Properties (API=7)
Top & Bottom Cementing Plugs are used
Pipe movement (Reciprocation & Rotation)
Use Spacer Volume for 10 min Contact Time
Place Weighted Viscous Pill in Rat Hole
Minimum Shoe Joint Length of 1 Casing Joint
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Unsuccessful cement jobs lead to water or
gas contamination or migration during the
well life
Remedial work is time consuming and
expensive and hence must be avoided.
Cementing Problems
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Problems and causes:
Communication between zones and micro-
channeling due to poor mud, inadequate
(laminar) displacement, poor centralization
Flash cement setting due to dehydration,
high temperature
Mechanical failures due to porous cement,
poor cement design
Cementing Problems and Causes
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
1. Evaluating the cement job is important so
that (a) problems can be identified quickly
and (b) to avoid if possible a future
recurrence of the problem.
2. One important way that the cement job is
evaluated is by following the correct quality
control and data recording procedures.
3. These can be divided up into three: before,
during and after the job.
Cement Evaluation
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Cement Evaluation Prior to Job
1. Samples taken of cement & additives.
2. Samples tested in the lab to meet
specifications (pilot testing)
3. Program discussed and agreed by all
concerned.
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
1. Samples taken of mixed slurry and
spacers during the job.
2. All the main job parameters recorded
(pressures, flow rates, densities, event
log).
Cement Evaluation During Job
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
1. Compare planned vs. actual job,
analyze differences.
2. Ensure all valid comments are captured
in the end of job report.
3. Simulate job to analyze the root causes
of problems.
Cement Evaluation After Job
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Techniques used are:cement top, temperature log,
cement bond log (CBL) and variable density log
(VDL)
Temperature log must be run within 12 hrs of job
CBL and VDL most common methods
Both are acoustic (sound) logs
Compare to VDL, CBL cannot easily identify
small channels and may be used with
segmented bond log (SBL)
Cement Evaluation Techniques
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Leak-Off Test
Leak-off test also called formation
strength or integrity test serves as a
pressure test on the primary
cementing behind the casing shoe.
The general procedures for
pressure testing below the casing
seat follows:
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Drill 10 - 20-ft of hole below
the casing seat.
Pump mud slowly at a rate
of 1/4 -1/2-barrel per min
using the cementing
pumping unit (do not use
the rig pump).
Record pressure and rate
and cumulative volume of
mud pumped.
Procedure for Leak-Off Test
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Leak-Off Test
The max. pressure depends on the
operators objectives.
For example if the operator needs to
assure a subsequent mud weight will not
cause failure at the casing shoe or needs
to know the maximum leak-off and rupture
pressure.
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Objective - to repair faulty primary job or abandon non-
productive or depleted zones, or shut-off troublesome
zones
Above objectives achieved by cement squeeze job and
there are many depending on the pressure
Poor boy squeeze or squeeze without a packer
Squeeze with packer and various types: hesitation
squeeze and circulation squeeze
In general the squeeze pressure is greater than the
formation pressure but less than fracture pressure
Remedial Cementing Techniques
Nov
2008
SQUEEZE TECHNIQUES
Nov
2008
Squeeze Techniques
Pressure to Squeeze
High Pressure Squeeze
Low Pressure Squeeze
Pumping Techniques
Hesitation Squeeze
Running or Walking Squeeze
Placement Techniques
Squeeze Packer
Bradenhead (Including Coiled Tubing)
Nov
2008
High Pressure Squeeze
Surface Pressure
+
Displacement Fluid Hydrostatic
+
Cement Slurry Hydrostatic
=
Total Bottom Hole Pressure
Greater Than
Formation Fracture Pressure
Nov
2008
High Pressure Squeeze
Nov
2008
Low Pressure Squeeze
Surface Pressure
+
Displacement Fluid
Hydrostatic
+
Cement Slurry Hydrostatic
=
Total Bottom Hole Pressure
Less Than
Formation Fracture Pressure
Nov
2008
Low Pressure Squeeze
Nov
2008
Squeeze Techniques
Pressure to Squeeze
High Pressure Squeeze
Low Pressure Squeeze
Pumping Techniques
Hesitation Squeeze
Running or Walking Squeeze
Placement Techniques
Squeeze Packer
Bradenhead (Including Coiled Tubing)
Nov
2008
Hesitation Squeeze
Nov
2008
Running/Walking Squeeze
Nov
2008
Squeeze Techniques
Pressure to Squeeze
High Pressure Squeeze
Low Pressure Squeeze
Pumping Techniques
Hesitation Squeeze
Running or Walking Squeeze
Placement Techniques
Squeeze Packer
Bradenhead (Including Coiled Tubing)
Nov
2008
Squeeze Packer Method
Retrievable or
drillable squeeze
packer set above
injection point
Isolates casing above
packer from squeeze
pressure
Higher squeeze
pressure possible
Annular pressure can
be applied
Nov
2008
Bradenhead Method
Spot cement across squeeze
interval
Pull workstring above cement
top
Close BOP/Bradenhead &
reverse tubing clean
Apply squeeze pressure
Disadvantages
Casing exposed to squeeze
pressure
Limited squeeze pressure
Advantages
Cost reduction
Wash cement out of casing
Nov
2008
CHOKE
+
PSI
CEMENT
Coiled Tubing Method
It is a form of
Bradenhead
Inside Production
Tubing
Higher Pressure
Possible
Improved control
of slurry placement
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Primary Cement Job
Bannister, C. E. et al, SPE 11982, 1983
Cheung, P.R. and Beiruite, R. M., JPT (June
1985)
Garcia, J. A. and Clark, C. R. SPE 5701, 1976
Stewart, R.B. and Schouten, F. C., (SPEDE
March 1988)
References
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Appendix
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
1. Density - ranges between 14.8 and 16.4 ppg
2. Thickening time pumpability time - affected
by pressure and temperature; can be
controlled with accelerators or retarders
3. Water loss (wL) - high wL causes flash set
4. Compressive strength - 500-psi is all that is
needed to continue drilling operation
5. Permeability - almost impermeable
6. Stability - use cement with <3% C
3
A
Major Properties of Cement Slurry
Nov
2008
Nov
2008
Special purposes cements are Pozmix, resin, latex,
expanding, diesel-bentonite
Pozmix - mixture of regular cement & pozzoloan material
(50:50 or 70:30) and used as fill-up or preflush
Low cost, light weight, long thickening time
Cement additives
Major additives are accelerators (CaCl
2
), retarders
Minor additives are agents to control density,
thickening time, water-loss, and friction reducer
Special Cements & Cement Additives