+Sl 1
A Look at Cement Bond Logs
Walter H. Fertl, SPE-AIME, Continental Oil Co.
p. E. Rlkington, SPE-AIME, Continental Oil Co.
James B. Scott, SPE-AIME, Continental Oil Co.
Introduction
Well cementing technology in both relatively straight
and high-angle directional holes has advanced dra-
matically since the first casing was cemented in 1903.
Besides the everyday cementing needs in problem-
free boreholes, recent engineered improvements suc-
. ..
cessrully cieai with cementing of arctic weiis, uitra-
deep and hot holes, water-sensitive formations, and
proper placement opposite incompetent, fractured, or
highly permeable formations.
The basic requirements for obtaining a successful
primary cement job have been known for years. Good
design characteristics are based on a knowledge of
formation, cement, and pipe properties, and con-
trolkxl placement techniques that consider fracture
gradients. Also important is an understanding of (1)
minimum practical mud density and viscosity, (2)
cement type, (3) turbulent flow conditions, (4) the
optimum size of preflushes, (5) centralizing of casing,
the use of scratchers, and the handling of pipe, and
(6) the proper choice of casing.
For more than a decade now, the oil industry has
used wireline well logging, such as cement bond log-
ging, to detect the presence of cement behind pipe
and to evaluate the bond of the cement to both the
casing and the formation.
The validity of Cement Bond Log (CBL) interpre-
tation has been a subject of controversy since its
introduction; and the CBL, despite its great potential,
is probably one of the most abused, misused, and mis-
understood logs run in the oil field today. To make
I Despite its potential, the cement bond log is probably one of the most abused, misused,
and misunderstood logs used in the oil field today. Miscalibration, inadequate
information, and a severe lack of standardization are enough to push petroleum
-----
engineers into a moruss 0j bewW?rfii&iit.
$&7=
matters worse, tools run by service companies use
various gating systems, spacings, frequencies, etc.
This lack of standardization, in addition to poor sonde
centering, miscalibration of tools, and inadequate in-
formation on log headings, has more than once con-
fused unsuspecting petroieutn engineers.
In the present discussion, CBLS are reviewed as
to the information obtainable and as to how they are
interpreted. Comparative field tests and specific ob-
servations illustrate some of the pitfalls and possible
misinterpretations if logging operations are not de-
signed properly or run correctly.
The CBL, if properly run and interpreted, is an
efficient aid in estimating cement bond quality. Usu-
ally the log consists of an ampiitude curve measuring
a specific part of the acoustic signal; and since inter-
pretation of the amplitude curve alone maybe incon-
clusive and misleading, supplemental data are nor-
mally included. The latter may be one or more of
the following (1) transit time to the first event of
the acoustic signal reaching a minimum or prede-
termined amplitude, (2) amplitude of the formation
signal, (3) variable intensity, and (4) oscilloscope pic-
tures. Additional measurements, although not di-
rectly related to cement bonding, can also be included
on the CBL. These usually include the gamma ray
curve and casing collar log.
Basic Principles of Cement Bond Logging
The Cement Bond Log is an acoustic logging system
I
607
 TABLE l--CEMENT BOND LOG CHARACTERISTICS
Transmitter Pulse Gate
Logging OD Frequency Rate Width
Company (h; Type of Gate SpacKg (ft) (KH) (pulsa/see) (see)
A 3%7 Floating time,
fixed or floating amplitude 3 20 20 25-100
Fixed amplitude, 20 20 25
floating time 3, 5
11%6 Fixed amplitude 3 30 20 15-20
Floating time 5
Floating time, 20 15 50
fixed amplitude 3, 4, 5, 7
Fixed 3 20 50 50
Fixed 3, 4, 5 20 60 50
Fixed 3, 5 20 m 50
Fixed 4 20 60 50
Fixed 3, 4, 5 20 60 50
Fixed 4 20 20 200
Fixed 30
Fixed 4 15 10

(transmitter-receiver) used for years to analyze
cement bond quality and to locate cement tops. Un-
fortunately, the oil industry has not yet standardized
CBL logging sondes and logging operations. Table 1
...j nf
illustrates tnls aa~ers~- SILUiILIUn
-:.. --+:-- h., :.*AI
UY Im.zug crime
.w... .,- the,
----
basic characteristics of several CBLS currently avail-
able. Here one must keep in mind that visual presen-
tation of a specific log and its interpretation depend
upon how and what portion of the acoustic signal is
measured and recorded.
Furthermore, several other factors, such as tool
frequency, gating systems and bias settings, spacing
options, sonde centralization, tool calibration, and
logging speed, also have a large effect on the tool
iiXpC)ZS2.
Frequency effects upon the character of CBLS have
been studied by Chancy et al. who concluded that
logging systems using predominantly high frequen-
cies may result in a pessimistic evaluation of the
cement bond to the pipe because high frequencies
preferentially travel the pipe path along the unbended
se-merit.
Fig. 1 shows a comparative fieid test of a cottven-
tiomd 3%-in. compensated acoustic-type tool, with
a center frequency of 20 Kc, and a small-diameter
tool (1% in.), with a center frequency of 30 Kc.
These logs were mn in a 5%-in. casing in a well
located in Duval County, Tex., 40 hours after cement-
ing. Comparison of both logs shows that the higher-
frequency log generally gives poorer bond indication
because of stronger casing signal on the VDL* and
higher values on the amplitude curve.
Cycle skipping, as shown by the increase in
transit time results from the attenuation of the casing
signal below the bias setting of the floating transit
time gate. Cycle skips occur in Figs. 1, 2, and 7.
Gating systems and bias setting are also very im-
portant parameters. It is necessary to know how a
specific tool is gated to measure a particular por-
tion of the wave train. Measurements are made dur-
As used here, VDL refers to a generic type of presentation, which
includes VDL, MSG, Sonic Seismograph, etc. Scope pictures can
also be used and are referred to as sianature logs, X-Y plot% Or
scope picture logs.
ing the time the gate is open, and the length of time
that the gate is open is referred to as gate width.
Basically, two types of gates are being used by service
companies: fixed gates and floating gates.
For a fixed gate CBL, both the gate width and the
time the gate opens after the transmitter fires are
fixed and therefore they do not depend on the time
the acoustic signal arrives at receiver. In other words,
the fixed gate is set to open only at a definite portion
of the wave train and thus records whatever ampli-
tude is present at that time.
Whh the floating gate, the tool remains open and
scans across the acoustic signal until it finds an
amplitude high enough to trigger and then records
this response as transit time, This signal amplitude
is often called bias setting. ?& rnagnntude Of Lbis
bias setting is very important. For example, if the
bias is too low, the floating gate could be triggered
by cable noise or forerunners.
Comparison of two CBLS that were run using the
same logging device but different gating systems are
shown in Fig. 2. It is an excellent example of what
Caz bzppea. TWm. .. .10gs run hack-to-back in the same
well show completely different amplitude curves. The
only difference is that the logon the left was run with
a fixed-amplitude gate and the one on the right with
a floating-amplitude gate. For the floating-gate log,
the time curve and VDL are necessary for complete
evaluation. Otherwise, looking only at the amplitude
curve one could conclude that the log run with the
floating gate indicated poor casing cement bond.
Actually both logs are valid and show a very good
cement job.
The point is that if one has insufficient knowledge
of how a CBL tool works and how the log was run,
and if one relies only on the amplitude curve for a
definition of cement bond quality, erroneous con-
clusions may be drawn.
Spacing options for CBLS have been listed in Table
1. Basically, very long amplitude spacings show less
detail because of poorer vertical tool resolution and
thus give a too optimistic cement bond log.z Morak
if you want a low amplitude, run the longest CBL

608 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

spacing you can find! Keep in mind that too short
an amplitude spacing may result in interference from
direct mud arrivals.
A long spacing is used for the VDL. With longer
spacing, the formation signal arrivals will be stronger
and clearer, which makes them easier to recognize.
Fig. 3 shows such a spacing comparison (3 and 5
ft) for both the amplitude curve and the VDL
presentation.
Sonde Centerings, 7,8
Proper centralization of the logging sonde in the
casing is more critical with short-spaced tools. For
example, eccentering a 3-ft-spaced tool by A in.
causes an amplitude reduction up to 50 percent of
the value otherwise recorded with a perfectly cen-
tered tool, thereby giving a false indication of bond
quality. Thus, properly centered tools are of utmost

TRANSIT AMPLITUDE VDL MPLITUDE VOL

400 TIME 2( )() TIME ~ (3Fr) 5

.4

.
-

i
J

FREQUENCY 20 KC FREQUENCY 30 KC

Fig. lEffect of CBL sonde frequency and thickness of resin-sand coating on casing.

JUNE, 1974 609

 Middle East. Tool centering in this 95/s-in. casing
importance in large casings and in directional holes.
especially affects the first CBL run, as clearly shown
Also, tools should not be run too fast since at high
by the waviness of the time curve. Also note that too
speeds, such as4,000ft/hr, the sonde maybe jerked 1,..., - +...,~l timp .21WXX coincides with a drastic re-
,Uw a .Lcs. w . . ... . . ----- - -------
off center.
duction in values of the amplitude curve, giving a
Eccentering can be recognized on the time curve
too-optimistic bond indication. The repeat log run,
by values recorded lower than casing signal arrival
using an additional centralizer, shows Improved cen-
time for specific tool and borehole conditions. Also,
tering. Comparison of the two log runs reveals that
because some arrivals are out of phase, the VDL
even relatively small variations in the time curves are
shows wavy rather than straight streaks representing ..m--. _x :- fi....+:- ,.h.mti-. A hdh amnlitude values.
reneewu III UIC13UV tiU~LS5W. . . . -u... -...r... -
the pipe signal. Preferred accuracy ior tine transit
The Appendix lists several recommendations for
time curve is ~ 2 ~sec, with a maximum tolerant@ of
proper centralization in both vertical and direc-
~ 5 ~sec, for a 3-ft-spaced tool.
tional boreholes. Since it is extremely difficult to cen-
Fig. 4 shows an example of a well located in the

$!
*

$

:;
J
:.
:

.:, i:-
.%

+
I

. .
..----
:z-;
-;:.
::
-w
,:
17

:::
:..
:::
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:-:
---
.,.
.-.
.-
:.:.:,
.
/

:,
.~::
:,
:::

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:..
-.: .

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. ...-, : ::;, ::
,:

:...
:::: :
::~: :: f!:, ,:,
,:, :; ,,

z
;:;!:
:,. ;: ::
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z!3!i-
:: .::.,
:;~:i ::
:.:: _:.1 :

.... .::
:., :
:::: :!!
:; !: ::::!

& ;:.*
:;. ..:

w
+Riili+
d
mm
~--- riIEEI
. w
lit

!zEEEE -Ii:!
--+=

FLOATING GATE
-- .,
. . .. . .

Fig. 2Same CBL sonde as in Fig. 1 with different gating system in same WCU.

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

610
ter the CBL sonde in, say, 133/s-in. casing, one may TRANSITTIME,p set AMPLITUOE,mv
want to consider the possible alternative of pressure L 1

testing the casing shoe. F

In some areas, logging engineers have found that
improper gate setting for example, moving the
amplitude gate to the back side of El will result in
nicespikes through casing collars in low-amplitude
intervals. This allows easy marking of collars without
l--l--l+

Ill
correcting depth from CCL. However, it is no justifi- RN I
RUN2
cation for setting an amplitude gate improperly. Fur-
thermore, such practice makes the tool more sensitive
to centering.
I
Calibration
Different logging companies use ditlerent calibration
procedures. It is vitally important that the logging
sonde be properly calibrated before and after the
logging run. In down-hole calibration, the tool must
h-
., r.nlihrnt.d
W..I.. -.WW in free
. . . ..w, Ilnhmm+.wl
. . . .....
cemented to the surface, a shop or surface calibra-
W @~~+ If c@qg ~S HHA 7800
1
tion is required for tools without an internal calibra-
tion system. One should check for proper transit time,
which can be computed or obtained from tables avail-
able from service companies. Improperly low gain
setting can result in low amplitude readings in free
pipe as refiected by drastic amplitude reduction (40 ~,,_
Fig. 4-Effect of centralization on CBL.
~ AMPLITUDE . ITUDE ~
2m 5FT)
I (3Fr) -

-i -

JUNE, 1974
II Fig. 3-Effect of spacing changes on amplitude curve and V ..

611
 carry a large pipe signal to the receiver. Following
to 80 Dercent) from that of casing collars. Too high
a gain- settkg can result in a pessimistic log.
are some basic characteristics of both the CBL and
the VDL:
Logging Speed 1. Strong casing signal arrivals. If the logging
Logging speed is a basic consideration for any wire- sonde is centered, the VDL lines are parallel. If the
line logging tool. Experience indicates that 1,800 sonde is eccentered, some of the signal arrivals are
ft/hr gives the most reliable results over the zones of out of phase. This causes two main effects: (a) the
interest. Logging speed should not exceed 3,600 ft/ amplitude changes considerably as the sonde moves
hr. Speeds faster than this can create more tool cen- from one side to the other, and (b) the VDL lines
tering problems. are wavy instead of straight.
2. Weak, if any, formation signals. If formation
Cement Bond Evaluation signal is present, it is because the casing rests against
A more thorough understanding of bonding condi- the formation or because the formation around the
+:,....
Uuua
:. =Ffi.,hlp~
ID y... u-u
hv nrnner
, y--r-. ----
of Celll@
interoretatbn
r----- --
pipe is sloughhg.
7 9 The following discussion ihStraks how 3. Clear chevron patterns (W) observed at the
bond logs. ,
to recognize various conditions of bonding between collars on the VDL. -This dktortion is attributed to
casing, cement, and formation. discontinuity of metal at the collars, which causes
a reflection of the acoustic signal. The vertical dis-
Uncemented Casing Free Pipe tance between pattern comers equals the transmitter-
Y--.- . L... A 1,.. +. t.. ncmittt=r nntc Quf ~ receiver spacing.
m (XIIKXI1 Uul:u lUGgILJS, a .~-..-...-..-. r---

vibration pulse that is picked up by the receiver. If 4. Increasesin travel time curve and amplitude
pipe is free i.e., not held by cement and not in decreases at collars.
5. No change in arrival time with depth.
touch with the borehole wall it will vibrate and

wRCENT UNBONOED VDL

TRANSIT AMPLITUDE o IU2
1200 PIPE~
TIME 2000 xl 200 DL
400

1
.
. . .
. .
.

.:, .
a
J.
:.-
,:
pzi___
----
:::
,,
;

_j...:
L

$,
:
.. -
.,.
;:
_. l
,
-.;..
!& . . .. l-----
;:

,:
,,

::
~!
::
;::
~:
! .-----: -::
:: ,!
0; -%..-- -.--
!!,
:: 0
:: 4.. --
- -
:: i~ 1

: -. - i> + ---
::.
:,
.,

COMPANY A I
Fig. 5A-CBL response to free pipe, cement top, and channeling.

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

612
.
 Fig, 5 illustrates the presence of essentially free,
uncemented pipe above 990 ft. The logs of all four
service companies clearly define the cement top at
990 ft, with only Service Company B still showing
some damping effect on the amplitude curve over
the first three free joints.
All four logging tools are centralized. For example,
Company As time curve on three passes using fixed
and floating gates falls within the & 5 psec accuracy
range required (i.e., T = 246 psec for a 33/s-in. log-
ging sonde in 5%-in. and 15.1 lb/ft casing). Strong
parallel casing arrivals are seen on all VDL runs.
Good Bond to Casing and Formation
Good bond to both casing and formation creates a
good acoustic coupling between casing, cement, and
formation. For illustration, the acoustic wave forms
are shown schematically in Fig. 6 for both low-
velocity formations (shales, soft sands, etc.) and high-
velocity formations (carbonates, etc.). In both situa-

AMPLITUDE
PIPE
I I VDL PERCENT BONDING VDL
~ ---
FORMATION
-- _ 1200
200 1200 ~ 200

.;

.,
---------
~31=
-j --

. .

. .

I[)ol

1, (,

110(1

I COMPANY C ] COMPANY D ]

Fig. 5B-CBL response to free pipe, cement top, and channeling.

JUNE, 1974 613

tions, maximum energy is transmitted to the forma-
tion because of the excellent acoustic coupling be-
tween the interfaces of pipe, cement, and formation.
In general, the casing signal becomes essentially
negligible. This is apparent in soft formations. In
hard formations interpretation is complicated because
fast velocity arrivals will reach the amplitude measur-
ing gate either at the same time or before the casing
signal. Under these conditions, the amplitude curve
does not reflect the bond condition. The formation
.__I: ..A. --- h ~~ CBI d in the fixed pipegate and
duq.ud Uuu wall UQ.I.wa...r-. ... --- ..... .
can be significantly different from the low amplitude
frequently associated with good bonding. Thus VDL
or scope pictures are necessary for reliable interpre-
tation, particularly in fast formations.
Generalized characteristics for good bond to casing
and formation are as follows:
1. Weak or no casing arrivals.
2. Strong formation arrivals, provided formation
attenuation is not too high (unconsolidated gas
sands, etc.)
In Fig. 7 very good bond to casing and formation
occurs over long sections of the hole, Formation
arrivals are easily recognized by the way the forma-
tion travel time on the VDL varies with depth.
Good Casing Bond but Poor Formation Bond
Past practice often has been based on the rule of
thumb that good bond to pipe goes hand in hand
with good bond to formation. However, this rule does
not always hold.
General characteristics for good bond to pipe but
poor bond to formation are (1) weak casing arrival,
and (2) weak or no formation arrival.
It is impossible to recognize such bond conditions
from the casing amplitude curve only. Where there
is low casing signal amplitude, a VDL is required to
indicate lack of formation response.
Some companies use a two-curve system consisting
of casing amplitude and formation amplitude curves
run in the cased hole. A low formation amplitude
curve can be indicative of poor or no bonding be-
tween cement and formation. However, if there is
no formation amplitude curve, a VDL is absolutely
necessary. Weak formation signals can also be caused
O. FREE PIPE
o 3. Cement properties, 10,11 such m type, compres-
a b. GOOD.BOND TO PIPE
u
N ANO FORMATION
SO FT. FORMATION(LOWVELOCITY)
w
z liner completions where thickness is less than % in.
i=
C. Gooo BOND To PIPE a HARD
FORMATION (FAST VELOCITY)
Fig. %Acoustic wave forms.
614
by (1) high acoustic formation attenuation (soft
shales, unconsolidated gas sands, etc.), (2) the pres-
ence of gas in the mud, and (3) an eccentered tool.
M]croannulus
A microannulus is a very small gap between casing
and cement that will affect the CBL. It can exist even
with a hydraulic seal, which prevents vertical fluid
migration. A microannulus can be caused by (1) hold-
ing pressure on casing after cementing, (2) thermal
expansion of pipe while cement sets, (3) thermal con-
traction as a result of circulating cooler borehoie
fluids before running the CBL, and (4) contaminants
such as mill varnish and grease on the external sur-
face of casing, and oil-wet pipe.
Generalized log characteristics of such a micro-
annulus include (1) weak to moderately high casing
arrivals, and (2) moderate formation signal.
In F]g. 7, comparison of runs without casing pres-
sure and with 1,000 psi casing pressure clearly shows
the presence of microannulus in the intervals from
1,760 to 1,820 ft and from 1,900 to 1,990 ft.
If it is mechanically feasible, it would be good
practice, should one suspect the presence of a micro-
annulus, to run CBLS with a short overlap under
pressure over zones of interest. If there is a signifi-
cant change in amplitude between the two runs, the
entire log should be run under pressure to eliminate
this effect.
Channeling
With channeling, cement is present but is not com-
pletely surrounding or bonded to the casing, Pres-
surizing the casing will produce little or no change in
the CBL amplitude or VDL, and where there is con-
tinuous channeling there is no vertical isolation. In
Fig. 5 channeling is present between 1,050 and 1,120
ft. Pressurizing the casing did not change the ampli-
tude values or the VDL on either log run by Com-
pany A. Similar results, keeping the different gating
in mind, are observed with Companies B and C.
However, Company Ds amplitude curve failed to
show channeling. (All CBLS are reproduced as re-
ceived from the logging companies.)
Other Factors Intfuencimg CBL Inteq.wetationa
To properly interpret a CBL, it is important to under-
stand the effect of other factors on the acoustic signal.
Here are some of those effects:
1. Drilling and completion fluid properties, such as
type, weight, mud additives, and presence of gas cut.
~0such ~ she, wall thickness>
2. Casing properties,
cleanliness, and type of external pipe surface.
sive strength, setting time, and contamination by drill-
ing mud. Cement thickness can be critical in certain
Effect of Resin-Sand Coated Casing on CBLS
In recent yean resin-sand coated casing has been
widely used in well completions to obtain a stronger
bond between the casing and the cement.-
Winat effect does thk resin-sand coating on the ex-
ternal surface of the pipe have on the CBL? In sev-
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
eral field tests different types and thicknesses of resin
coating were applied in the same well and various
CBLS were run to study the effect of the coating on
the acoustic signal.
In field tests run in Duval County, Tex., in rela-
tively shallow (3,000 to 4,000 ft) vertical holes, a
thick coating with numerous air bubbles entrapped
in the resin gave poorer bond indication than thin
coating. Fig. 1 shows this phenomenon of poorer
bond indication for the thickest coating (50 to 70
roils), whereas for thin coating (1 O to 25 roils) this
effect is absent.
In a field test in West Texas, another series of
tests on coatings ranging in thickness from less than
10 roils to 30 roils was run to further investigate this
anomaly. A chemical additive was mixed with the
resin before application to reduce the air bubbles
entrapped in the resin. Four service companies ran
CBLS in this well. There was no effect on the ampli-
tude curve as a result of the presence of resin-sand
coating on the cemented pipe (Fig. 2). Note the ex-
Tl?#.S.T ~ ~ AMPLITUDE
VDL
I I %Or)
I Ill II II
a
Fig. 7Effect of microannulus
JUNE, 1974
cellent coupling (bond) over the coated pipe section.
Also nbte the presence of a microannulus in the plain
(uncoated) pipe immediately above the coated section.
One coated joint was run in the free (uncemented)
portion of the casing string to determine the effect of
coating on the CBL in free pipe.
Neither the amplitude curve and VDL nor the
scope pictures showed any effect due to the pipe
coating in free casing (Fig. 8).
Over-all test results indicate that thick resin-sand
coating on the external surface of the casing may
show up as poorer bonding. The CBL anomaly caused
by thick resin with entrapped air bubbles can be
avoided by restricting the thickness of the coating to
10 to 25 roils and adding a chemical to reduce air
bubble entrapment. This approach is now used in all
field applications of the resin-sand coated casing.
Conclusions
Results of this study show that (1) a variety of tool
calibrations and logging procedures are used by log-
~ TRANSIT
TIME
la 1 T eH5Fzm L W)(
on CBL response.
615
ging companies, (2) interpretation is not so simple
and straightforward as often assumed, (3) necessary
information on cementing and logging operations is
often not available or not included on log heading,
(4) application of resin-sand coated casing will not
ailect the CBL response, provided coating thickness
does not exceed 30 to 40 roils and a chemical additive
is used to reduce air bubble entrapment in the resin,
and (5) standardization of logging techniques used by
different logging companies is needed in order to
derive the maximum benefit from CBffs as the tool
for evaluating cement bond quality in well comple-
tion operations.
References
1. Gibbs, M. A.: Delaware Basin Cementing Problems
and Solutions, J. Pet. Tech. (Oct. 1966) 1281-1285.
2. Grosmangin, M., Kokesh, F. P., and Majani, P.: *A
Sonic Method for Analyzing the Quality of Cementation
of Borehole Casings, J. Pet. Tech. (Feb. 1961) 165-
171; Trans., AIME, 222.
3. Anderson, W. L., and Walker, T.: Research Predicts
Improved Cement Bond Evaluations With Acoustic
Logs: J. Pet. Tech. (Nov. 1961) 1093-1097.
4. Chancy, P. E., Zimmerman, C. W., and Anderson, W.
L.: Some Effects of Frequency Upon the Character of
Acoustic Logs, J. Pet. Tech. (April 1966) 407-411.
5. Bade, J. F.: Cement Bond Logging Techniques How
They Compare and Some Variables Affecting lnterpre-
tatiom J. Pet. Tech., (Jan. 1963) 17-22.
6. Pickett, G. R.: Acoustic Character Logs and Their
Applications in Formation Evaluation, J. Per. Tech.
(June 1963) 639-667; Trans., AIME 228.
7. Walker, T.: A Full-Wave Display of Acoustic Signal
in Cased Holes, J. Pet. Tech. (Aug. 1968) 811-824.
8. Pickett, G. R.: Prediction of Interzone Fluid Com-
munication Behind Casing by Use of Cement Bond
Log; Tram., SPWLA (1966).
9. Brown, H. D., Grijalva, V. E., and Raymer, L. L.:
New Developments in Sonic Wave Train Display and
Analysis in Cased Holes, The Log Analyst (Jan. -Feb.
1971 ) 27-40.
I ter of GR sonde.
- 3. Scratcher and centralizer depths.
. .
. . .
. .. .
______ .
I T
RESIN- SANOCOATEO I%AIN PIPE
PIPE
Fig. 8-CBL response in free casing.
616
10. Pardue, G. H., Morris, R. L., Gollwitzer, L. H., and
Moran, J. H.: Cement Bond Log A Study of Ce-
ment and Casing Variables, J. Pet. Tech. (May 1963)
545-555; Trans., AIME, 228.
11. Weaver, W. B., Jordan, A. J:, and Overton, H. L.: The
Effect of Chrome-Ferro Llgnosulfonate on Cement
Bonding; The Log Analyst ( 1965) 13-26.
12. Wtnn, R. H., Anderson, T. O., and Carter, L. G.: A
Preliminary Study of Factors Influencing Cement Bond
Logs J. Pet. Tech. (April 1963) 369-372,
13. Carter, L. G., and Evans, G. W.: A Study of Cement-
Pipe Bonding: J. Pet. Tech. (Feb. 1964) 157-160.
14. Scott, J. B., and Brace, R. L.: Cement Bonding Is
Improved with Coated Casing; paper presented at
Spring Meeting, Mid-Continent Dist., API Div. of Pro-
duction, Tulsa, March 30-April 1, 1966; Oil and Gas J.
(Aug. 1, 1966).
15. Cawley, M. M., and Lindsey, H. E.: Special Comple-
tion Methods Boost Production Rates 75% V World Oil
(June 1969).
APPENDIX
Cement Bond Logging Guidelines
Checklist for Logging Service Company
A. Adhere to following centralization requirements.
1. Vertical Holes
a. Use minimum of three centralizers.
b. Preferably use rubber fin or rigid aluminum
centralizers.
c. Locate centralizers immediately above and
below transmitter-receiver section and on
top of tool assembly (CCL or GR).
2. Directional Holes
a. Use minimum of four centralizers (five if
GR CBL is run).
b. Preferably use rubber fin or rigid aluminum
centraltirs.
c. Locate centralizers immediately above and
below transmitter-receiver section, on top
of tool and on top of sonic section. If GR
is run, fifth centralizer should be near cen-
B. Obtain following well data.
1. Well name, location, serial number (if any).
n.. - ------ :-1../4:
2. ~atd Gti ~~lllc~t j~~($, 411&lL4Ulllg PJp~, vd-
urnes, time.
4. Unique down-hole conditions (coated pipe,
DV, tools, inflatable packers on casing, etc.).
5. Casing data, including size, weight, grade, joint
type, depths.
6. Amular fluid data including type, weight, and
salinity.
c. Obtain complete log headings on field prints.
D. Run VDL, MSG, Signature, or X-Y plot (accord-
ing to preference) on 200- to 1,200-psec time
scale.
E. Run overlap section (200-ft minimum) through
interval of intermediate bond with and without
pressure. If microannulus exists, run log under
1,000 psi.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
F. Set logging speed through intervals of interest D. Does repeat section repeat?
(pay zones and vicinity) at 1,800 ft/hr. Maxi-
mum logging speed above pays should not exceed E. Do intervals of known travel time check out with
3,600 ft/hr. approximate arrival time on VDL or Signature
log?
G, Run CBL up through cement top (if any).
P
r.
n---
JJcltx
-:--
plpc.
--:-.
drrlvm
-1 .: -
LUIIG Ill
:- 4?---
lICG
-:--
plpG
~----
d~14X
.-<*L
Wlul
General Checklist for Cement Bond Logs computed values?
A. Are all curves (amplitude, transit time, GR) cali-
brated before and after log run? G. Does overlap indicate microannulus? If so, was
entire log run under pressure?
B. Are all curves mechanically zeroed before and
after log run? H, Was log run to cement top? Note: Cement top
may not be present when there is a liner or when
C. Is 10J?heading comcdete? cement is circulated to the surface.
1. T%ol and ~anel bata.
2. Logging speed. I. If cement bond log was run above liner top, was
3. Sketch showing centralizing of tool and de- tool pulled out for appropriate centralizing?
scription of centralizers.
A. Calihratinn
. . .. . . . .. . .. ch=nth
..-= . . . h-fore
---- - and
--- after
---- @ C& T
. Wn.
., .. V~T
, -- nr Sicmat,lm= .V=
. -.~.--....- lnu .-..
rmn cm ?Of)-
.,- --v tn 1 2f)O-
-- -,---
brated in free pipe). psec time scale?- JTT
5. Cementing data.
Annular fluid data (type, weight, and salinity).
?: Pressure (if any) under which log was run.
8. Scratcher and centralizer depths. Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Enginaera
a n;.nn+~~-ol ~o+o office Aug. 6, 1973. Revised manuscript received Feb. 26, 1974.
Dl UGULLCU UCZLC!. Paper (SPE 4512) was presented at SPE-AIME 46th Annual Faii
16: Casing data. Meeting, held in Las Vegaa, Nev., Sept. 30-Ott. 3, 1973. @I Copy-
right 1974 American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and
11. Bottom-hole temperature. Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

JUNE, 1974 617