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Introduction
In todays remote areas and extreme environments, exploration puts increasing demands on the technology required for developing new reserves. No new technology is better tailored to these demands than Advanced Cement Technology from Schlumberger. Incorporating 10 years of R&D, Advanced Cement Technology provides a range of cement alternatives, tailored to the well, to achieve zonal isolation for the life of the well. CemCRETE Advanced Cement Technology decouples set-cement properties from slurry density. With CemCRETE systems, properties such as permeability and strength are superior to those of conventional cements. Slurries can be lighter (or heavier) than ever, without compromising properties of the set cement. CemSTONE systems, the newest generation of Schlumberger Advanced Cement Technology, offer set-cement properties that can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the well. They are purpose-built to withstand mechanical stresses and changes in temperature and pressure that damage conventional cements. CemSTONE systems offer control over properties never possible with conventional oilwell cement, allowing you to meet your requirements for such set properties as exibility, expansion and impact resistance.
Standard cement slurries require water to ll the void between particles. CemCRETE slurries ll the interparticle void with more solids, giving superior cement properties.
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0.25 0.20 0.15 Permeability (mD) 0.10 0.05 0.00 12.0 lbm/gal 12.0 lbm/gal 15.8 lbm/gal 17.5 lbm/gal Conventional LiteCRETE Conventional DensCRETE cement cement cement cement Properties of CemCRETE cements are superior to those of cement made using conventional technology. 40 Cementing Services and Products
Foamed cement LiteCRETE cement 3500 3000 2500 Compressive strength (psi) 2000 1500 1000 500 0 8 9 10 11 12 13 Density (lbm/gal) 3 2 1 Permeability (log mD) 0 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 12 13 Density (lbm/gal) Strength and permeability of LiteCRETE slurries are superior to properties produced by foamed cement.
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Low-density LiteCRETE slurry frequently eliminates stage cementing in long intervals. With performance similar to higher-density slurries, you can get exceptional perforation quality without reducing cement integrity. LiteCRETE systems are even strong enough for hydraulic fracturing treatments or setting kickoff plugs. In some cases, special properties may be built into CemCRETE slurry systems to meet specic performance criteria. For instance, casing strings through permafrost zones must be cemented with slurries having protection from freezing. For this application, Schlumberger developed Arctic LiteCRETE cement.
Applications
Across weak formations where high-performance cement is required Slurries with densities as low as 900 kg/m3 [7.5 lbm/gal] Alternative to stage cementing or topping out Alternative to foamed cement Across completion intervals Kickoff plugs
Benets
Production-quality zonal isolation across easily fractured formations Longer cement columns without losses caused by hydrostatic pressure Elimination of two-stage cementing Less damage to completion intervals resulting from slurry or ltrate invasion Whipstock plugs at lower densities with less tendency for contamination or falling downhole
Features
Cement with low density but that has completion-quality properties Slurry preparation without special equipment or additional personnel Set-cement properties vastly superior to those of other lightweight systems at equivalent densities
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Applications
Placement of full columns of cement for complete coverage across weak, shallow formations in deepwater Potential shallow water or gas ows
Benets
Cement circulation to surface across weak shallow formations WOC time minimized in low-temperature environments Control and isolation of shallow water or gas formations Low-density, low-temperature cementing without complicated equipment setup or additional personnel on the rig
Features
Rapid compressive strength development even at 4C [40F] Low density with compressive strengths comparable to those of higher-density cement Low density with low permeability Slurry preparation without special equipment or additional personnel Compatible with Schlumberger gas migration technology
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3500 3000 2500 2000 Pressure (psi) 1500 1000 500 0 0 5 10 15 Time (hr) At low temperatures, 1500-kg/m3 [12.5-lbm/gal] Deep CRETE slurry develops strength faster than conventional Class G cement with density of 1895 kg/m3 [15.8 lbm/gal]. WOC time is reduced, saving rig time and reducing costs. 20 25 30 At 65 F DeepCRETE at 12.5 lbm/gal Class G at 15.8 lbm/gal
500 450 400 350 300 Friction pressure (lbf/1000 ft) 250 200 150 100 50 0 1 3 5 7 Pump rate (bbl/min) 9 Conventional cement DensCRETE cement
CemCRETE technology results in slurry formulations that have excellent ow properties. Friction pressures are much reduced, so slurries can be placed at greater ow rates to reduce placement time and enable better mud removal. 44 Cementing Services and Products
High-pressure drilling can require sudden changes in mud weight. With DensCRETE technology, you can quickly increase the slurry density by 120 kg/m3 [1 lbm/gal] on location. With reduced risks, shorter placement times and lower costs, DensCRETE systems offer the highdensity cementing alternative with higher performance.
Applications
High-pressure primary cementing High-density slurries to 2880 kg/m3 [24 lbm/gal] Well control plugs Sidetrack and whipstock plugs Grouting
Benets
Easier slurry placement in narrow fracture-pressure/pore-pressure windows Reduced costs and risks associated with long WOC High-density cements that can be continuously mixed
Features
High-density cement slurry with lower viscosities Greater density differentials with high-density drilling uids Shorter placement times, allowing use of slurries with shorter pumping time, and consequently shorter WOC time Stability at high temperatures without special additives Easy design of high-density systems Reduced additive requirements Ability to increase the density at the wellsite using special additives
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Transparent plate Filter paper Spacer medium, delimiting a channel Porous plate
Injection point
Injection point
SqueezeCRETE slurry
In this 120-micrometer [0.005-in.] slot test, well-dispersed microcement bridged immediately after entering the slot. SqueezeCRETE slurry penetrated and lled the entire length of the slot, providing a complete, effective seal.
Applications
Microannulus repair Repair of leaking liner tops Repair of leaking perforations Squeeze of small channels Plugging and sealing of old gravel packs
Benets
Improved penetration into difcult-to-repair and difcult primary isolation problems Superior channel-lling properties for complete isolation repair Low placement pressures for improved uid placement Restoration of zonal isolation or well integrity
Features
Superior injectivity compared to other remedial systems, including microcements Superior slurry properties, including low viscosity, low uid loss Superior set-cement properties, including high compressive strength and low permeability
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Materials
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Microannuli are created by changing the fluid weight. CemSTONE systems can expand to reseal the well.
Temperature shock that occurs when hot produced fluids pass through lower-temperature surface casings causes stress cracks in conventional cement. CemSTONE systems are very resistant to thermal and mechanical stresses.
Complicated completion techniques such as multilaterals shatter conventional cement. CemSTONE systems provide better durability.
Any changes in wellbore stresses can cause loss of isolation. Stress analysis model software can help optimize design parameters to improve well life.
Modern well construction techniques can destroy conventional cements. CemSTONE systems have superior mechanical properties.
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Applications
HPHT gas wells Casings subjected to changing stress loading Casings isolating gas, either productive or nuisance Steam injection wells Areas with high tectonic stresses
Benets
Zonal isolation during and after stimulation treatments Extended productive life of steam injection wells Long-term isolation and casing protection in dynamic stress environments Long-term isolation and casing protection in corrosive environments Protection from annular gas and uid migration Prevention of sustained casing pressure Prevention and healing of microannuli resulting from decreases in pressure or temperature while drilling and completing
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12 10 8 Well isolation properties 6 4 2 0 T/E ratio Bond strength Permeability (MPa after 4 weeks set time) (D) Conventional cement FlexSTONE system
Properties of conventional cements are not adequate for difcult well isolation. FlexSTONE systems have higher ratios of strength to Youngs modulus (T/E) and higher bond strength while maintaining low permeability.
Features
Mixed and pumped with conventional equipment Flexibility adjusted to the requirements for the life of the well Linear expansion two to three times greater than possible with conventional cement systems Lower permeability than conventional cementindependent of slurry density Resistance to corrosive uids
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Applications
Multilateral completions Reentry wells Sidetrack plugs, especially in hard formations Across shoes where impacts are high during subsequent drilling
Benets
Zonal isolation integrity across multilateral junctions Improved security against failure of the cement sheath in high-impact areas Better isolation in high-density, precision perforating Improved success in setting sidetrack plugs
Features
Engineered mechanical properties Mixed and pumped with conventional equipment Increased durability High resistance to impact Lower permeability than conventional set cementindependent of slurry density Broad density range (12003360 kg/m3 [1028 lbm/gal]) Greater drilling resistance for faster sidetracks
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DuraSTONE Advanced Cement Technology systems are more durable and have better impact resistance than conventional cements, so they provide better isolation under rugged drilling and completion conditions. The conventional cement (top right) failed after 6 impacts while the DuraSTONE cement (bottom right) held up to more than 82 impacts.
16 15X 14 12 10 DuraSTONE system performance 8 6 4 3X 2 0 Drilling resistance Impact Energy for resistance flexural failure Conventional cement performance 3.5X
DuraSTONE systems are tougher than conventional cement. They have better drilling resistance and impact resistance, and signicantly more energy is required to cause exural failure.
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Lightweight Cements
Lightweight cements are used to control losses to weak or high-permeability formations. In most cases, cement extended by the addition of water and additives to prevent water separation are adequate to control the losses. These cements generally have low strength and high permeability. However, when low density with either high strength or low permeability is required, special formulations are necessary to meet those requirements. Applications for lightweight cements include very weak, fractured, and highly permeable or vuggy formations. Such cements can be used in primary, squeeze or plug cementing.
Low-density LiteCRETE cement or foamed cement can oat on water. After a short period, the high-porosity foamed cement sinks as a result of water absorption. LiteCRETE cement continues to oat as a result of its low porosity and permeability, which is benecial for preventing gas ow and damage to the cement or casing by corrosive uids.
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LiteCRETE cement
LiteCRETE cement is a special formulation using patented technology to produce very low permeability and high strength. LiteCRETE cement is discussed in detail in the section on CemCRETE cements.
D049 lightweight cement
D049, TXI lightweight oilwell cement is a special cement with lightweight components interground to provide an economical low-density, high-yield slurry. Because of the composition, the low specic gravity and the particle size of the grind, slurries can be mixed over a wide density range without extenders. This feature gives high versatility and exibility to D049 lightweight cement. By varying the mix water-to-cement ratio, slurries can be mixed over a density range of 1440 to 1700 kg/m3 [12.0 to 14.2 lbm/gal] without excessive free uid or high rheology. Because of the chemical composition and particle size, D049 lightweight cement provides excellent strength. Strengths at low densities are superior to those of conventionally extended cements. In most cases, the strength of D049 lightweight cement is adequate for completion, making a tail slurry unnecessary. Elimination of a separate tail slurry can simplify the cementing operation and improve the quality of the isolation. D049 lightweight cement requires no blending and no special additives. Properties of D049 lightweight cement can be adjusted to meet almost any performance criteria needed to cement a well.
Foamed cement
Cement is foamed by adding a gas (generally nitrogen) and surfactants. Foamed cement has been very effective in controlling losses when very weak formations are cemented or where formations are highly permeable. The thixotropic nature, in addition to the low density of the cement, makes it highly effective in these scenarios. In addition to their low density, foamed cement slurries provide excellent strength and relatively low permeability compared with low-density cements prepared by conventional means. Foamed cement has greater durability than conventional cements. This cement can be made at virtually any density, depending on the density of the base slurry and the amount of gas. Virtually any cement used in the oil eld can be used as the base slurry. A further advantage of foamed cement is that the density at which it is mixed can be selected immediately prior to the job, unlike the case of preblended cements. Additionally, by merely adjusting the gas ratio, the density can be changed during the job to provide slurries with different properties in different parts of the well.
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FlexSTONE cement systems provide mechanical properties that can be adjusted to match the wellbore stresses. When designed with the assistance of stress analysis model software, exibility and expansion properties provide permanent zonal isolation to seal wellbore uids behind casing. See page 48 for details on FlexSTONE cement.
WELBOND cementimproved bonding cement system
WELBOND* improved bonding cement systems were developed to improve zonal isolation through better bonding. They improve the cement-to-pipe and cement-to-formation bonds by controlling uid loss and by adhesion properties provided by latex additives. Furthermore, their low permeability when set prevents uid movement behind the casing. For optimal bonding properties, the latex concentration is adjusted to control uid loss below 70 mL/30 min. When bonding is not an issue but uid-loss control is a necessity, the latex is adjusted to control uid loss to less than 100 mL/30 min. This formulation provides a costeffective alternative to polymeric uid-loss agents, particularly at high temperatures. WELBOND slurries can be used over the entire range of temperatures, densities and depths that normally occur in oil and gas wells.
SALTBOND cementcement system for cementing across salt zones
The cementing of wells penetrating massive salt formations poses a number of problems. Frequently, cementing across salt formations makes it necessary to use slurries containing high concentrations of salt. Historically, salt-saturated cement slurries have had technical limitations. Many additives cannot tolerate saline environments or are degraded in the presence of salt. Other additives, which can tolerate the salt, often result in undesirable performance. Effects of the salt and additives used with it have led to poor early strength development, especially when conventional uid-loss additives were used. The unusually high plasticity of salt causes it to deform, or ow, when it is subjected to stress. Thus, under normal overburden pressures salt zones will typically encroach upon a well drilled through them. The nonuniform nature of this ow results in point-loading on casing strings, often causing their failure and collapse. To reduce this risk it is essential that the cement slurry develops good early compressive strength, thereby preventing the movement of the salt formation into the wellbore. One of the key performance problems in high-salinity cements is obtaining sufcient control of uid loss. Many polymers do not perform well in high-salinity systems. Thus, standard uid-loss additives could not provide the level of uid-loss control needed and drastically increased slurry rheology. Additionally, formulations for cementing through salt greatly delayed strength development, leading to operational delays and exposure to hazards while waiting for the cement to set. SALTBOND* slurries are specially designed for use across salt zones. They use a special additive that provides uid-loss control and dispersion in salt-rich slurries. API uid-loss values as low as 40 mL/30 min are obtained as are good rheological characteristics, short controllable thickening times, and good early strength. The normal temperature range over which these slurries can be applied is 49 to 121C [120 to 250F] BHCT. SALTBOND slurries contain 18 to 37% (based on the weight of water) salt and exhibit the following properties: uid loss as low as 40 mL/30 min
very low rheological characteristics short controllable thickening times good early strength development.
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With a low rate of uid loss and low rheology values at high salinities, the SALTBOND service also provides controllable thickening times and high early compressive strengths. The result is valuable protection against casing collapse. SALTBOND slurry offers these advantages: good uid-loss control (less than 100 mL/30 min)
low placement (friction) pressures to help prevent loss of circulation high early compressive strength to help prevent casing collapse predictable slurry properties attained with only one additive (and one retarder, if required) good bonding against salt formations no potential dissolution of the salt formation while cementing.
RFC* regulated ll-up cement slurries are highly thixotropic, forming a rigid gel structure shortly after slurry movement has stopped. They also expand. RFC slurries provide a number of distinct advantages over conventional cement slurries because of their thixotropic and expansive properties. Thixotropy minimizes losses and provides better bonding and zonal isolation through expansion. RFC cement is a mixture of Portland cement and plaster. With minimized losses, RFC slurries provide more predictable ll-up in the well. RFC slurries are advantageous in any application in which it is desirable for the slurry to quickly become immobile after placement. In addition to primary cementing where losses are minimized, these systems can also be used to provide a gelled barrier to prevent further penetration during squeeze cementing, thus improving success of squeeze cementing. An important property of RFC cement is the expansion of the set cement. The plaster reacts with the tricalcium aluminate in Portland cement to provide expansion during the early strength development. This expansion acts to compensate for slight dimensional changes in the pipe resulting from thermal or pressure changes following cement placement. Thus, the expansion helps prevent microannulus development, resulting in improved zonal isolation.
SELFSTRESS expanding cement system
SELFSTRESS* expanding cement provides improved bonding. The maximum application temperature is 85C [185F] BHST. SELFSTRESS cements can be used where thixotropic properties are undesirable. SELFSTRESS cement is composed of Portland cement, plaster and salt or dispersant, depending on the application. Other additives, such as retarders, uid-loss agents, dispersants, and extenders may be used as required.
When cementing at shallow depths below the mudline in deepwater wells, rapid strength development is critical to prevent water ow and to provide adequate strength to continue operations, avoiding costly waiting time. DeepCEM cement additives provide the dispersion needed to minimize adverse gelation effects, minimize friction pressure and to enhance compressive strength development. DeepCEM dispersant D185, unlike most dispersants, does not retard at the very low temperatures encountered at shallow depths below the mudline. This property, coupled with the rapid set-enhancement offered by D186, the DeepCEM set enhancer, provides the rapid strength development needed in this tough cementing environment. DeepCEM set enhancer provides much more rapid strength development than standard accelerators.
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Slurries formulated with DeepCEM additives are simpler and easier to design than other slurry formulations for deepwater cementing. When used with DeepCRETE Advanced Cement Technology slurries, these benets are provided in a system that has low density, avoids losses and sets rapidly. This same technology is used in land operations where fast strength development at low temperatures is required.
ARCTICSET cementcement system for use through permafrost
ARCTICSET* cements are designed for low-temperature applications across permafrost zones. They will not freeze but will set and develop adequate strength in wells having temperatures as low as 9C [15F]. ARCTICSET cements have low free-water separation, low permeability, excellent durability to temperature cycling, and controllable pumping times and gel strength properties. To ensure that the mix water does not freeze before the cement hydrates, a freeze depressant is used. Heat of hydration is low to prevent thawing of the permafrost. ARCTICSET formulations are available for a variety of wellbore conditions including normal density, lightweight and with lost circulation materials (LCM).
Right-angle set cement
At low temperatures, conventional accelerators like calcium chloride often do not provide either early setting or rapid strength development. This is especially true below 20C [68F]. Right-angle set cement systems are designed for use at low temperature, between 0C [32F] and 30C [86F], where short WOC time and/or short transition time are required. Application at temperatures to 122F [50C] is possible. Regardless of the temperature, a compressive strength of 500 psi can be obtained 1 to 2 hr after the setting begins, while the slurry transition time from 30 to 100 Bc consistency is only a few minutes. The thickening time can be adjusted easily between half an hour and several hours, without impairing this right-angle setting property. Right-angle set cement is known by several names, depending on the application, including surface-set cement and quick-setting cement.
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In some situations, cement is exposed to acid. Portland cement is acid soluble, although in most cases acid treatment does not cause failure to the cement sheath. When large volumes of acid are pumped at high rates and expose old perforations that have been sealed with cement, the plugs in the perforations sometimes fail. Acid-resistant cement can prevent such failures. Acid-resistant cement is made from conventional API cement with a special formulation of latex that reduces the permeability of the cement and imparts acid resistance. When used for plugging perforations, this formulation has been effective in wells where acid treatments have caused failure of the plugged perforations in other cement formulations. When complete resistance to attack by acid or other chemicals is required, synthetic cement can be used.
Carbon dioxide-resistant cement
Carbon dioxide-resistant cement was developed for completions in wet carbon dioxide environments. Applications include source, injection and production wells in carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery projects or oil and gas wells with high levels of carbon dioxide. Under these conditions, wet carbon dioxide chemically attacks cement. The end result is a loss of strength and structural integrity in the casing sheath. This cement is 45% more resistant to carbon dioxide leaching than either conventional cement or typical y ash-cement blends of equivalent density. Although the carbon dioxide corrosion rate is dependent on the amount of water present and is difcult to predict, the use of carbon dioxide-resistant cement translates into improved performance with respect to completion life at approximately the same cost per sack as conventional cement. These systems are applicable in the temperature range of 16 to 93C [60 to 200F]. Because of their low permeability, the cements of Advanced Cement Technology, CemCRETE and CemSTONE cements are well-suited for such use, either on their own or supplemented with the special treatments used to prepare the acid-resistant cement or carbon dioxide-resistant cement.
Synthetic cement
Synthetic cement is designed for completing waste-disposal wells. It is characterized by high corrosion resistance and high compressive and shear-bond strength. Synthetic cement is resistant to attack by strong acids and bases, such as 37% hydrochloric, 60% sulfuric and 50% sodium hydroxide, at elevated temperatures. However, it is not resistant to organic solvents such as acetone or chlorinated solvents. The system density can be adjusted from 1140 to 1560 kg/m3 [9.5 to 13.0 lbm/gal]. The upper temperature limit of synthetic cement is between 93 and 104C [200 and 220F], depending on the required pumping time. Remedial cementing is another application for synthetic cement. Computer modeling shows that it can enter microleaks and microannuli at low differential pressures.
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Materials
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Benets
Simplied slurry design Cost-effective Minimized rig time Fewer additives for simplied wellsite logistics Low sensitivity to cement variations for reduced slurry-design time
Features
Universal uid-loss and retarder additives for any condition Low sensitivity to cement brands Low sensitivity to temperature and concentration variations Lower concentrations needed Highly predictable concentration and thickening time Minimized WOC time Environmentally friendly chemistry
0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 UNIFLAC L (gal/sk) 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 50 150 250 Temperature (F) 350
13.0 lbm/gal 16.2 lbm/gal 18.5 lbm/gal
450
UNIFLAC L additive concentration to achieve API uid loss of 50 mL/30 min is easily predictable at different temperatures and slurry densities. 60 Cementing Services and Products
Applications
All cementing applications Wells with temperatures from 10 to 260C [50 to 500F]
Benets
Economical Savings from less WOC time Simplied slurry design Simplied logisticsfew additives required
Features
Low sensitivity to cement brands Low sensitivity to temperature All densities Fresh to salt-saturated mix water Compatible with all additives, including calcium chloride accelerator and silicate extenders Synergy with Schlumberger UNISET retarders Low concentration requirements Excellent slurry rheology
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
Concentration (gal/sk)
Use of UNISET retarder with UNIFLAC additive results in synergy that allows much reduced concentrations.
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Excessive retardation by conventional retarders impairs strength development, extending WOC time and making the cement vulnerable to invasion by well uids or mechanical damage from changing stresses in the well. In extreme cases, some cementing treatments must be done in several stages to avoid excessively long setting times. This complicates and increases the overall cost of the operation. UNISET HT additive retards to provide sufcient time to place the cement, yet promotes early and rapid strength development to minimize WOC time. UNISET HT additive is also much less sensitive to temperature variations than other cement retarders. It is the preferred retarder for the most challenging situations when temperature is not well dened or if there is a large difference between temperature at the top of the liner and the bottom of the cement.
Applications
Benets
Simplied slurry design Much reduced risk of problems from inherent temperature errors Cost benets from simplied logistics, reduced additive usage and shorter WOC time Lower concentrations required due to synergy with UNIFLAC additives
Features
Full range of temperature All densities Fresh water and seawater Highly reliable and predictable concentration and thickening time response Only two additives needed for entire temperature range Synergistic with UNIFLAC uid-loss additives Rapid setting and compressive-strength development
7
16-lbm/gal slurry
6 5
D121/D28
Ratio of time to reach 50 psi at 320F (hr) to thickening time at 350F (hr)
When UNISET HT additive is used, extended thickening times do not result in the excessive WOC times found with conventional retarders.
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UNISET additives are available for low- to moderate-temperature and high-temperature applications. UNISET LT additive covers applications to about 120C [250F], and UNISET HT additive can be used from about 80 to 260C [180 to 500F]. UNISET retarders are compatible with most other Schlumberger cementing additives.
200
220
280
300
320
The relationship between concentration and temperature is linear, making concentration selection simple when using UNISET HT retarder. The graph shows the concentration required for a thickening time of 4 to 5 hr.
Cementing additives
The following paragraphs and tables describe the performance of cementing additives by functional group. Some materials are discussed in more detail in sections on specic functional systems. The Cementing Additive Quick Guide and Cementing Additive List provide descriptions of additives listed by functional group and by code, respectively. The list gives general application conditions for each additive. These application conditions reect those tested during product development. In many cases, the products can be used outside the quoted conditions with testing appropriate to specic applications.
Accelerators
Accelerators are materials that cause cement to hydrate and develop strength earlier and faster. They are commonly used to provide improved strength at low temperatures and to counteract the retarding effects of other additives. Accelerators also shorten the thickening time.
Antigelation agents
In some cases gelation is caused by the chemical makeup of the cement. Many times this gelation can be controlled by dispersants, but special materials may be required.
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DeepCEM additives
DeepCEM liquid cementing additives were created for short transition time and early compressive-strength development. Such properties are necessary for isolation and early casing release to ensure successful cementation in the unconsolidated, low-temperature environment of the surface and conductor casings in deepwater wells. They are also useful in other low-temperature situations. DeepCEM additives are discussed in detail on page 56.
Dispersants
Dispersants act to reduce the viscosity of cement by breaking up aggregates of the ne cement particles. This reduction in viscosity allows mixing at lower water/cement ratios for higher density, improved uid-loss control and pumping at reduced pressures.
Expanding additives
Expanding additives react chemically after hydration (setting) to produce an increase in the bulk volume of the cement. This reaction provides benets in zonal isolation and protection of the casing. When used across soft formations, exible systems may be required to prevent microannulus formation.
Extenders
Extenders allow the production of a greater volume of slurry from the powdered cement. This feature can result in reduced cost and, where the extenders are lightweight (or they allow additional water to be used), lower density. The advantage of reduced cost is obvious. Reduced density is important where weak formations are to be cemented. Such weak formations could part and allow loss of the slurry during the cementing operation. A variety of extenders are available to provide for different requirements of lower density, lower cost and other performance parameters.
Retarders
Retarders are used to lengthen the time that a cement slurry can be pumped or remains uid so that other operations (such as pulling pipe after spotting a cement plug) can be performed. They are required at elevated temperatures or when large volumes of slurry require a long time to pump at lower temperatures.
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Surfactants
Surfactants are used in chemical washes and spacers with OBM and to create stable foam when adding a gas to make foamed cement.
Special additives
There are a number of additives that do not t neatly into functional groupings. Fibers are used for controlling lost circulation (see section on CemNET advanced ber cement). Special types of bers also improve the impact resistance and tensile strength of cement (see section on DuraSTONE cement). The exibility of cement can be improved by the use of special additives. This increase in exibility provides increased resistance to failure by mechanical stresses imposed on the cement during well operation. (See section on FlexSTONE cement.) Granular salt (sodium chloride) and potassium chloride are used primarily to change the ionic nature of the water in the slurry, which helps to minimize adverse formation interactions. In cases where the formation is salt, high concentrations of salt, up to saturation, are commonly used to prevent leaching salt from the borehole wall. Silica is used to combat strength retrogression. Strength retrogression is a change in the hydration products that are formed when cement is exposed to high temperatures (>110C [230F]). Silica is available in coarse or ne grades for cementing.
Thixotropic additives
Thixotropic additives produce an intentional gelation of the cement to aid in placement of the cement. Thixotropic cement is discussed as RFC cement on page 56.
UniSLURRY additives
UniSLURRY additives have unique and synergistic properties. These additives have been purpose built to perform their function and have properties that distinguish them from other uidloss or set-control (retarder) additives. UniSLURRY additives, UNIFLAC uid-loss additive, UNISET LT retarder and UNISET HT retarder are discussed on pages 5963.
Weighting agents
Weighting agents are used to increase the density of the cement when needed for well control.
Spacers
Spacers are generally thickened, weighted uids used to aid in mud removal and to separate the mud from the cement to prevent any compatibility problems.
Chemical washes
Chemical washes are generally thin uids with surfactants to aid in mud removal and to separate the mud from the cement to prevent any compatibility problems. The following tables list additives by functional category (Cementing Additive Quick Guide) and by additive code (Cementing Additive List).
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Antifoam Agents
D046 D047 D144 D175 M045 S L L L L Foam preventer Foam preventer Defoamer Defoamer Defoamer No limit No limit No limit No limit No limit
Chemical Washes
D122A D191 D192 L L L Chemical wash concentrate Surfactant for washes and spacers Chemical wash concentrate No Limit Maximum 250C [482F] No Limit
DeepCEM Additives
D185 D186 L L Low temperatures; nonretarding Set enhancer Maximum 57C [135F] 755C [45130F]
Dispersants
D065 D065A D080 D080A D121 D145A D185 D604AM D604M S S L L S L L L L Freshwater systems SALTBOND additive for high-salinity systems Liquid equivalent to D065 SALTBOND additive for high-salinity systems Dispersant, retarder, uid-loss additive Low temperature Low temperature; nonretarding SALTBOND additive for high-salinity systems Easy-to-disperse cement Maximum 121C [250F] Maximum 121C [250F] Maximum 121C [250F] Maximum 121C [250F] 121274C [250525F] Maximum 85C [185F] Maximum 57C [135F] Maximum 121C [250F] Maximum 121C [250F]
Expanding Additives
D053 D174 D176 S S S Additive for RFC and SELFSTRESS systems Low to moderate temperatures High temperatures Maximum 85C [185F] Maximum 110C [230F] BHST 80204C [176400F] BHST
Extenders
D020 D035 D048 D056 D072 D075 D079 D124 D125 D128 D132 S S S S S L S S S S S Bentonite Class F y ash Class F y ash Diatomaceous earth Expanded perlite Sodium silicate Sodium metasilicate LITEFIL* ceramic microspheres Expanded perlite Attapulgite Class C y ash Maximum 232C [450F] BHST Maximum 232C [450F] BHST Maximum 232C [450F] BHST No limit Maximum 232C [450F] BHST Limited by ability to retard Limited by ability to retard Maximum 232C [450F] BHST Maximum 232C [450F] BHST Maximum 232C [450F] BHST Maximum 232C [450F] BHST
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Fluid-Loss Additives
D008 D059 D065A D080A D112 D167 D168 D300 D604AM S S S L S S L L L Fluid loss control High-salinity systems SALTBOND additive for high-salinity systems SALTBOND additive for high-salinity systems Low-density systems UNIFLAC additive UNIFLAC additive Low to moderate temperatures, nonretarding SALTBOND additive for high-salinity systems 85232C [185450F] 3893C [100200F] About 121C [250F] About 121C [250F] 493C [ 40200F] 0204C [32400F] 0204C [32400F] Maximum 121C [250F] About 121C [250F]
Gas-Control Agents
D500 D600G D700 D701 L L L L GASBLOK LT additive for low temperatures Latex GASBLOK MT additive for moderate temperatures Latex GASBLOK HT additive for high temperatures GASBLOK stabilizer for high temperatures Maximum 71C [160F] 66121C [150250F] 121191C [250375F] Maximum 191C [375F]
Retarders
D008 D013 D028 D081 D093 D110 D121 D150 D161 D177 D800 D801 S S S L S L S L L L S L Moderate temperature; also controls uid loss; used mostly with high-salinity systems Low temperatures High temperatures Low temperatures Retarder aid; high temperatures High temperatures Retarder aid; high temperatures High temperatures UNISET additive for high temperatures UNISET additive for moderate temperatures Moderate temperatures Moderate temperatures 54104C [130220F] Maximum 85C [185F] 104149C [220300F] 204C [400F] (with aid D121) Maximum 85C [185F] 149204C [300400F] 79149C [175300F] 191C [375F] (with aid D121) 110177C [230350F] 104149C [220300F] 204C [400F] (with aid D121) 85232C [185450F] 60121C [140250F] 52121C [125250F] 154C [310F] (with aid D121) 52121C [125250F] 154C [310F] (with aid D121)
Materials
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Special Additives
D030 D044 D053 D066 D111 D140 D606 J120 M117 S S S S L S S S S Coarse silica; strength retrogression control Salt Additive for RFC and SELFSTRESS cements Silica our; strength retrogression control Additive for RFC cement Activator for PERMABLOK plug Gelation suppressant Polymer for polymer plug Potassium chloride No limit No limit Maximum 85C [185F] No limit Maximum 85C [185F] Maximum 80C [176F] 107C [225F] No limit 200F No limit
Surfactants
D139 D607 F040 F057 F078 F103 F104 U066 U100 L L L L L L L L L Stabilizer for foamed cement Wash or spacer for OBM removal Aid in OBM removal Aid in OBM removal Foaming agent for foamed cement Aid in OBM removal Foaming agent for foamed cement Solvent for OBM removal Solvent for OBM removal Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F] Maximum 232C [450F]
Suspending Agents
D153 D162 S L Antisettling agent Antisettling agent Maximum 149C [300F] Maximum 149C [300F]
Thixotropic Agents
D053 D111 S L Additive for RFC and SELFSTRESS cements Additive for RFC cement Maximum 85C [185F] Maximum 85C [185F]
Weighting Agents
D018 D031 D076 D151 D157 D165 D166 S S S S S S S Ilmenite Barite Hematite Calcium carbonate Micromax Additive for DensCRETE slurries Additive for DensCRETE slurries No limit No limit No limit No limit Maximum 232C [450F] No limit No limit
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D013
Retarder
Brown powder
D018 D020
Ilmenite Bentonite
3.504.50 High-density slurries and spacers to 2300 kg/m3 [19 Ibm/gal]. 2.65 API untreated bentonite. To 25% BWOC when dry blended. About one-fourth as much is required when prehydrated. Minimum density: 1380 kg/m3 [11.5 Ibm/gal]. Attapulgite (D128) is used in salt water. LCM. Concentration: 10.6106 kg/t [110 lbm/sk]. Temperature to 149C [300F]. Temperature: 104149C [220-300F]; to 204C [400F] with a retarder aid. Concentration: 0.051.0% BWOC. Can be used in fresh water and in high-salinity systems. LCM. Concentration: 1.35.3 kg/t [0.1250.5 Ibm/sk]. 100-mesh silica sand. Prevents strength retrogression at temperatures above 110C [230F]. Concentration: 35-50% BWOC. D030 is preferred to D066 (silica our) in dense, low-water-ratio slurries. High-density slurries and spacers (to 2300 kg/m3 [19 Ibm/gal]). Class F y ash. Normally substituted for a portion of the cement on an absolute volume basis (e.g., in USA, 35:65) or blended on a bulk volume basis (e.g., in Canada, 1:1). LCM. Granular material of controlled particle size distribution. Concentration: 10.6106 kg/t [110 lbm/sk]. Sodium chloride. Used where formations are sensitive to fresh water. Accelerates cement set when used at concentrations to 15% BWOW (by weight of water). At 18% BWOW, its effect is essentially neutral and thickening times are similar to those obtained with fresh water. Above 18% BWOW, D044 retards setting of cement. Used above 18% to minimize leaching of salt formations. General purpose solid foam preventer. Typical concentration: 2 kg/t [0.2 Ibm/sk].
D024 D028
Gilsonite Retarder
1.07 1.25
D029 D030
1.45 2.65
D031 D035
4.33 2.48
D042
Lost circulation control Accelerator; inhibit clay swelling; facilitate bonding in salt formations
1.30
D044
2.16
D046
Antifoam
Tan solid
1.50
Materials
69
D048
LITEPOZ 6 extender
Cement extender
2.01
D053
White powder
2.70
D056 D059
2.10 1.36
D065
Freshwater or low salinity slurries Fluid-loss control for high salinity slurries
1.43
D065A
1.43
D066
Silica our
2.65
D072
Perlite
Cement extender
2.40
D075
Colorless liquid
1.38
D076 D077
Hematite
Weighting agent
Reddish brown powder 4.95 Clear to straw colored liquid White solid 1.38
Liquid calcium Cement slurry chloride accelerator Sodium metasilicate Cement extender
D079
2.40
70
D080A
SALTBOND additive
1.24
D081
Brown liquid
1.26
D093
Retarder aid
Increase performance range of retarders Lost circulation control Lost circulation control High temperatures
White powder
1.73
D095
CemNET ber
Fibers
2.55
D096
CemNET ber
Fibers
1.27
D110
Retarder
Brown liquid
1.13
D111
RFC additive
1.26
D112
Tan powder
1.15
Control uid loss, primarily in lightweight slurries. Temperature: to 93C [200F]. Concentration: 0.53.0% BWOC. Can be used in fresh water and seawater. Strong viscosier. Temperature: to 177C [350F]. Concentration: 0.52.0% BWOC. Effective in fresh water and high-salinity systems. Typical concentration: 12 L/m3 [0.5 gal in 41.5 gal] in water.
D121
Dispersant, retarder and aid for uid-loss control Mud thinning, dispersing and removal Ultralightweight cementing additive
1.38
D122A
Brown liquid
1.03
D124
Gray powder
0.65- 0.85 Hollow ceramic microspheres allowing slurry density as low as 1080 kg/m3 [9 Ibm/gal]. Temperature: to 232C [450F]. Pressure limit owing to crushing of spheres: about 35 MPa [5000 psi].Application ranges may be extended with testing. Expanded volcanic glass used in shallow wells; collapses at high pressure (signicant at 20.7 MPa [3000 psi]). Clay extender for saline waters (including seawater).
LCM. Concentration: 1.35.3 kg/t [0.1250.5 Ibm/sk].
D125
Perlite
Extender
D128
D130
Attapulgite
2.65
1.06
Materials
71
D140
1.24
D144
Antifoam additive
1.00
D145A
Liquid dispersant
Low temperatures
Viscous liquid
1.24
D150
Retarder
High temperatures
1.11
D151
White powder
2.70
D152
2.65
D153
Suspending additive
2.53
D154
Extender
Low temperatures
Gray powder
2.20
D155
Extender
Low temperatures
Gray liquid
1.40
D157
Weighting agent
4.80
72
D162
0.84
D168
UNIFLAC L additive
Fluid-loss control
1.08
D174
Tan powder
3.22
D175
0.99
D176
High temperatures
Tan powder
3.54
D177
1.10
D182
1.32
D185
Dispersant
Low temperatures
Colorless liquid
1.04
Materials
73
D190
High temperatures
Colorless powder
1.23
D191
Surfactant
D192
1.18
D300
Green liquid
1.00
D500
GASBLOK LT additive
Yellow liquid
1.01
D600G
White liquid
1.02
D602
Diatomaceous Cement extender earth Fluid-loss control for high salinity slurries Easy-to-disperse cements Antigelling additive
2.10 1.21
1.21
D606
Gelsuppressing additive
White crystals
2.68
74
D700
GASBLOK HT additive
1.02
Latex additive. Typical temperature: 121191C (250375F). Concentration: 177310 L/t [23.5 gal/sk]. The addition of D701 (high-temperature latex stabilizer) may be required. Used to stabilize D700 GASBLOK slurry; necessary. Typical concentration: 5% by volume of D700. Lignosulfonate retarder with reduced tendency for gelation. Temperature: 52121C [125250F] BHCT; can be extended to 154C [310F] when used with a retarder aid. Compatible with fresh water or salt water (to saturation). Concentration: 0.252% BWOC. Liquid version of D800. Temperature: 52121C [125250F] BHCT; can be extended to 154C [310F] when used with a retarder aid. Compatible with fresh water or salt water (to saturation). Concentration: 4.5-36 L/t [0.05-0.4 gal/sk]. Typical concentration: 210% by volume.
D701
1.05
D800
1.26
D801
Retarder
1.18
F040
For spacers and washes for removal of OBM For spacers and washes for removal of OBM For spacers and washes for removal of OBM For spacers and washes for removal of OBM Foamed cement
Clear liquid
1.04
F057
Yellow liquid
1.07
F078
EZEFLO surfactant
0.89
Typical concentration: 210% by volume. Also used for foaming cement slurries with nitrogen or air. Typical concentration: 1918 L/t [0.10.2 gal/sk]. Typical concentration: 210% by volume.
F103
0.94
F104
1.01
For foaming cement slurries with nitrogen or air. Also used in washes and in MUDPUSH spacers for removal of OBM. Typical concentration: 210% by volume. Typical concentration: 918 L/t [0.10.2 gal/sk]. Polymer for use in Polymer Plug lost circulation control system. Typical concentration: 6 L/ m3 [0.25 gal/bbl]. General purpose liquid foam preventer and defoamer. Added to the mix water. Typical concentration: 5 L/t [0.05 gal/sk] for cement slurries and 2.5 L/m3 [0.1 gal/bbl] for spacers.
Polymer Plug White powder lost circulation system Fluid-loss control in chemical washes Creamy liquid
Materials
75
S001
Accelerator
White solid
1.75
S002
Accelerator
White solid
1.75
U066
For spacers and washes for removal of environmentally safe OBM For spacers and washes for removal of environmentally safe OBM
0.90
U100
Mutual solvent
0.90
Note: Temperatures, concentrations and other conditions of application are typical. Testing may allow extension of ranges.
76