Cement Bond Log

(CBL) Evaluation
Guidebook
QC and Interpretation

Huawen Gai
BP EXPLORATION
CBL Evaluation Manual
QC and Interpretation

Whether to run a cement evaluation log?

What tool to choose?
When to run the log?

How does the CBL tool work?

How do the conditions affect the log?
How to carry out QC operation?

• The systematic way to Interpret the Cfl

• Historical mIstakes corrected
• Squeeze consIderations

DrHuawen Gai
Drilling and Completions Branch
liP Research Centre
Sunbury-on-Thames
Middlesex TWJ6 7LN
UK
Tel. (+44) (0)932 763495
Fax (+44) (0)932 763352
Acknowledgements
Many PEs and DEs in BP Explorationhave directly contributed to this manual. I particularlywant
to thank David Law, David Munro, Lee Richardson and Daryl Kellingrayof Dyce Aberdeen and
Chris Greaves of Westport Lab Houston for their most valuable comments and advice.

I want to thank the following people in Drilling and Completions Branch who made significant
technical contributions or editorial advice in preparing this manual: Chris Lockyear, Dan Ryan,
Ashley Hibbert, George Brown (Production Operation Branch),John Mason, John Bensted and
Nigel Brown. The help from Robin Lewis, Ian Palmer and Andy Gardner in associated
experiments is most appreciated.

Several people from logging service companies assisted in supplying information. I’d like to
thankSigveMauritzen, AVince SpinelliandPitakWangvarangkoon ofSchiumberger, and Ruud
Henskens of Atlas Wireline for the valuable discussions.

H Gai
Sunbury, UK
June, 1992

L Cement Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation 1992

 CBL Evaluation Manual QC and Interpretation
—

Contents:

How to Use the Manual and Quick Reference Charts i-viii

~1. Things you should know about the tools 3

Whether to run a log and Criteria to choose a tool—QCis most important—
What the tools can do at their best— Do not interpret logs in isolation

~2. Tool principles andJargon 4

How the measurement is made — How the tool works downhole — Important
features ofthe tool structure — What a log looks like — El, £2, E3 etc. —
Gates — Transit Time — Stretching — Cycle skipping — Casing arrivals,
formation amivals, and mud arrivals— Fastformations— p-annulus— Free pipe

~3. Information Included in the log 8

The log header— The bodyof the log— The log tail — The BP questionnaire

~4. Parameters affecting the log results 9

p-annulus — Eccentricity — Channelling — Casing coating — Fastformations — Mud
type and conditions — Temperature — Casing diameter and thickness — Casing
damages— Casing standoffand open hole geometiy — Double casing strings —
WOCtime — Cementparameters and conditions — Computer keyboard operations

0. Operation QC In three phases 17

Before logging — During logging — After logging

~6. Interpretation 21
Intespretation Chart — QC review— Quick checks— Examine the TTcurves— and the
CBL curves and the t’DL log — BPI calculation with example — Special Investigation
Chart

~7. Cementing operation 29

Cementing operation — the CFS

~8. Squeeze considerations 30

Where did the cement go — Whatkind of channel could it be — Where to squeeze

~9. Log examples 33

Log header/tail and scale — ~i-annulus — Eccentricity — Fastformations —
Muddensity— Temperature — Green cement — Double casing string

~1O.Data and Charts for Reference 41

Toolperformance comparison — Tool characteristics — Soundvelocities in muds
formations — Casing expansion underpressure — Relationship between eccentricity,
amplitude and TTreduction — Interval lengths required for isolation — Amplitude
compensation charifor various muds — 3’El readingsfor 100% cementedand 0%
cementedpipes

Index 47

[ Cement Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation 1992

 0
U

0)
0)

Concord..
99/79901
 CBL Evaluation Manual — QC and Interpretation

How to use the Manual

• Who Isltwrltten for? For PE5 and DEs within BP who maybe involved in planning cement
job evaluation,witnessing the logging process, interpreting cement bond logs, or making
squeeze job decisions.

• How to use It? Much efforthas been made to ensure that it is easy to use infield applications.
Beginner or expert, you can start where you need:

Job planning and witnessing §1, §5 (“s”

means section)
Log interpretation §4, §6-8
Undertaking squeeze job §8
Beginner or requiring basics §1-4 and then §5-6

The manual is cross referenced by ~(~*) and supplied with working examples. Wherever
you start, you should find the needed information. If you do not get what you want, let us
know and we will sort it out for you and improve the manual!

• Update your expertise: The manual has some new results from recent research. If you are
already an expert in interpretation, you are advised to readthrough at least §6 to updateyour
expertise.

Structure What’s included

~fs’~
S Key knowledge of the tools and their selection (~1)
• Principles and jargon used (~2)

5 Operation OC in three phases: (~5)

Before the job, during the lob and after the job
5 Log contents and format (~3)

• Operation OC review (~6)

~‘ ISInterpretatIon including squeeze consideration (~7)
5Examples and reference data (~ 9&10)

• Cement quality, probability of zonal isolatIon

Conclusions ~ S Squeeze job recommendation
S invalid log
Comments/queries ...~ S Comments on the manual o~
general interest
to DCB RCS ‘~— — — — • Help on log interpretation

The highlighted header at the top of each page tells you where you are in the manua~j

[ Cement Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation 1992

 The following charts also appear in the
‘Things You Should Know” and “Log
Interpretation” sections. They are collected
here for easy access or quick reference.
Please refer to the appropriate section if any
detail of the charts is required.

CBL Evaluation Manual - OCand interpretation Page ii

This Chart tries to help answer three key questions for decision making.

Whether to run a cement evaluation

1. Aims of the cement ~ 3. Cernenhng service

Zonal isolation of All appraisal wells If experienced personnel

liners transversing should be bond logged with good performance
reservoirs should and so should most records in a field are
have higher priority production wells used, the number of
~?n~te~te be logged can
Wr~ai~

In job planning phase these three

factors must be carefully
considered to descide if the
cement job should be bond logged

What tool to choose?

1. Mud weight etc* 2. Achieve aims ofthe logging 3. Logging service company
For OBM>lOppg & • Capability of the tools (§1.2) • experience of personnel
WBM>1 3ppg only CBL type • Importance of isolation • performance of their tool
oftool can be used • Possible cement conditions • costs
*Please refer to § 10. land
§ 10.2 for other constraints
factors. 4l1I~~~’

Although in most cases both CBL and CET types of tool can be
I used (~1O.1,the most important is QC), avoidthe CBL when there
I are:
1) Intervals containing a ~s-annulus (~2.12)which logging under
I pressure failed to eliminate(~4.2,~9.3)
2) Intervals where isolation is required contain fast formations
~ §9.4)

When to run the log?~

To avoid green cement (~4.12,§9.8): do not start logging~”)
I within 8hrs after the cement has set I
I 2) To avoid l2-annulus especially for CBL: do not reduce thel
I pressure in central hole after cementing and before loggingl
U~L1,~9.2) J

CBLEvaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page ii

The Flow Chart on the opposite page offers a systematic way to interpret a CBL log. The actions
at each step are briefly explained on this page. See §6 and the given references for detail.

check:sJob planning execution

• ‘The 5 data sets’ (see p22) > Mainly in log header
S The logging engineer’s comments
• The presentation Log completeness

Take 1 or 2 minutes to see if theIT and I E.g.:7”, 29 lb,ft casing The TI should be in
the CBL are in the expected range and the I the order of 270~us(see p22) and CBL
- VDL log has good contrast. i should be from 1 to 65mV.

The TI curves are bound to vary. You

must know why they did on the log in handj
E.g.:the marked zone is probably due to
eccentralisation - No fast formation was
confirmed by other logs including VDL.

To confirm TOC, I
good cementand I
‘free pipe” is to i
provide key
references for the
BPI

Mainly to
substantiate TI
and Ampiitude
indications

Concentrate on zones of interest. The longer the I Elf - Elm

interval of hight BPI value, the better chance of I SPI El - El
zonal isolation (see p26 for an example). I f c

CBLEvaluation Manual - QC andInterpretation Page iv 1 CBL Evaluation Manual - OC andInterpretation Page v

This Flow Chart provides a common sense approach to Special Investigation. A good
understanding of what can affect the tool perfomiance and how (in §2 and §4), is very useful.

involves the following actions

Special investigation which may have to be iterative
1. Finding information~
2. Analysing abnormal log behavior 1
3. Calculating the probability of zonal isoIati~

Proceedl* ~
____________ Ye~ fthl
accounted for? Np~ ~.c~yalid io~

* Either go to the next action or resume the main interpretation flow chart on previous page

CBLEvaluation Manual- QC and Interpretation Page vi

 This Chart and the one on the next page are concerned with decision of a squeeze job. They
ask three crucial questions and offer common sense answers. Do not decide to squeeze before
answering these questions!

1. Where did the cement go?

Analyse the well and cementing

conditions together with the log

Not clearly ~cated?~6.2~ Yes

CheckIf any fluid loss Calculate the difference

occured during drilling from expected value
or cementing(~6) (Note the hofe gauge,
washout: caliper log).

~ N
1~~(es

Possible cement Possible heavy The cement is likely Possible bad

loss by large contamination or bad to be still in the contamination
quantities. Such slurry leading to annulus but badly at the cement
cases are green cement. bonded tothe casing top or bad mud
usually easily Re-run the CBL If and maybe to the removal.
Identifiable. possible. formation as well. _____________

CBLEvaluation Manual- OCand Interpretation Page vii

:
 6 scenarios of communication channels
Eccentred casing, mud channel on the narrow side.

Heavily contaminated cement which may or may not

be solid.
Contaminated but solid cement on the wide side with
mud channel on the narrow side.
Contaminated but solid cement on the narrow side
with mud channel on the wide side.
kasy:
Gap between the set cement and mud
the casing cement
contaminated
Thick mud cake between the set cement
cement and the formation, formation

Well conditions and cementing operation vs potential channels

Channel Bad casing- Deviated Displacing cementing
type centralisation wells contamination operation problems

I,
Severe iii
_________________
‘.4, high deviation

Washoutsection ~‘o~ei weiis

a,
Some delayed communications observed In porous reservoirs
are believed to be caused by the disintegration of the mud cake.
This type of channel Is hardly detectable with today’s technology

Bond logs provide vital information for squeeze

job design particularly in the following areas:
1. Depths/lengths of communicating channels for positioning
the perforating gun and bridge plug or packers.
2. Azimuth of communicating channels for perforating shot
phase arrangement: a 45 degree channel can be missed!
3. Identify the vent for the channel filling substances.

CBL Evaluation Manual- OC and interpretation Page viii

Things You Should Know
 This part of the Manual provides the starting
point for proper use of the tool and
interpretation of the log.

CBLEvaluation Manual - CC and Interpretation Page

 ~1. Things you should know

1.1 Whether to run a cement bond log or not can result in substantial expenditure or savings,
1. Aims ofthe cement I 2. Existing knowledge ~1 3. Cementing service and is a decision which relies largely on experience, logging objectives (e.g. if only TOC
job the field company is required a temperature log run at the right time would be the best) and government
Zonal isolation of I All appraisal wells
liners transversing should be bond logged If experienced
with good performance
personnel Criteria to (~10.
legislation operations
cementing 1, §10.2),
choose a particular
but areusually
tool cangovernedby
be dictated by
factors
the well
suchas
conditions
experience,
and
reservoirs should I and so should most
have higher priority I production wells
______________________
records in a field are
used, the number of wells required logging emphasis and cost. Expensive tools do not necessarily give the extra
casing be reduced
than intermediate to be logged can probably information you really need! (This Manual concentrates on the CBL only.)
1.2 QC is the most important part of cement bondlogging. This is because the effects of most

factors
cementplanning
considered
must
job should
tobedescide
phase
carefully
be these
bond
if thethree
logy parameters
them
1.3 Every as much
tool on the
has as
its islimitations
logpossible
are not even
quantitatively
while logging.
under knownconditions,
perfect (~4).The best
e.g.:thing to do is to eliminate

The CBL tool can only give an average measurement of the 360° annulus (~2.3).It is
impossible forthe CBLto indicate the position of a channel. TheVariable Density Log (VDL,
§2.4) is a qualitative log and does not indicate how much of the annulus is bonded (~6.5).

I 1. Mud weight etc* I [~A~hieve aims ofthe logjI~ijl3. Logging service company I The CET tool and the US! (~io.i)concentrate only on the casing/cement interface in their
I For OBM>1 Oppg & I . Capability ofthe tools (§1.2) 1
• experience of personnel data measurement. The ‘cement map’ is in fact an interface map. If a channel is beyond
I of tool can be used • Possible cement conditions I • costs
I *PI~serefer to § 10. land
1.4 Although cement
it isbond logging can be quantitative, itis not always accurate because of the
II WBM>l3ppg
factors.
only CBLtYP~j~~Importance of isolation 1 • performance oftheir tool I this interface not detectable.
I § 10.2 for other constraints many factors that affect the log ~4). Therefore always remember to review the ñill picture
including the way the cement job was carried out (~4,§7, §8). Don’t let calculated results
~Although in most cases both CBL and CET types of tool can be override common sense.
I used (~1O.1,the most important is QC), avoid the CBL when there 1
I are:
I 1) Intervals containing a ~.t-annuIus (~2.12)which logging under
pressure failed to eliminate(~4.2,~9.3)
I 2) Intervals where isolation is required contain fast formations
~ (~4.5,§9.4)

(~iE~To avoid green cement (~4.12,§9.8): do not start loggin~”~

I within 8hrs after the cement has set
I 2) To avoid ~.u-annulusespecially for CBL: do not reduce the
I pressure in central hole after cementing and before~~n~J
§9.2)

CBLEvaluation Manual - CC and Interpretation Page 2 ~CBLEvaluation Manu a - CC and Interpretation Page 3
 Things you should know

~2. Tool Principles andJargon used

2.1 Row the measurement Is made:

The CBL tool has a sonde for measurement and an electronics cartridge
for signal acquisition and transmission. The sonde works on “piezo-
electricity” — a physical property of certain materials such as quartz and
piezo-ceramic — ifthe material is deformed, a voltage will be generated
on its surfaces and conversely, ifa voltage is applied to the material it will
deform accordingly. Mechanical vibrations or “waves” approaching such
a material can therefore be converted into voltages and by measuring
these voltages the mechanical waves can be analysed.

2.2 How the tool works down hole:

The sonde (see Fig.2.1) typically has one transmitter and two receivers
which are in a metal mandrel and are 3’ and 5’ fromthe transmitter. When
the transmitter is fired, it will send out a cylindrical compressional wave
train (usually about 20kHz). This wave train will travel through the mud
into the casing/cement/formation structures, where different types of
waves such as shear wave wifi be induced by mode conversion
phenomenon. Some of the induced waves will travel along the cased
weilbore, and on their way they will send their characteristics back to the
mud. The receivers in the mud can therefore pick up these waves which
carry information about the media.

The early part of the received waveform is found to be indicative of the

quality of the bond between the casing/cement interface: the better the
bond, the lower the amplitudes. The later parts can tell us, for example,
how fast the the sound travels in the formation (~2.10, ~4.5).

The 3’ receiver is dedicated to measuring the first peak of the received

waveform, including itsarrival time and itsmaximumvalue, conventionally
called El (~2.5).The arrival time is used to check if the tool is properly
centralised for a valid log (~6.3),and the El value is used for bond quality
calculations (~6.6).The 5’ receiver records the whole waveform to
produce either the VDL or the signature log (~6.5)or both. This provides
more information to help detect the bond (~6.5).

2.3 Important features of tool structure:

The transmitter and receiversare tube-like andwill respond to mechanical

waves without telling their radial directions. This means that the CBL
measurement is an average of the circumference and is unable to detect
the azimuthal position of an uncemented area in the annulus, known as
a channel.
Fig. 2.1 CBL sonde

CBLEvaluation Manual - QCand interpretation Page 4

To prevent the housing mandrel from “short-circuiting” the transmitted wave, it is cross-
sectionally slotted. Consequently the sonde is not rigid and can bend under its own weight. The
tool centralisation should take this into consideration (~4.2).

2.4 What a log looks like:

A sample ofa common CBL log is shown in Fig.2.2. The left track is the Transit Time (Ti’) curve
(~2.7).Usually in this track there are also a gamma-ray log and a casing collar locator (CCL) log
for depth tie-in. The middle track is the CBL amplitude curve which is a continuous reading of
El (~2.5).The right track is the VDL log which is produced by applying a simple processing to
the waveforms received by the 5’ receiver. The processing is essentially thresholding and
stacking: positive peaks are represented by black line segments and negative peaks white ones;
these line segments are then stacked along the well depth and the VDL log is created. If the
waveforms are stacked without the thresholding treatment, the log created is called signature
log. Note these curves may be named with different mnemonics or in different scale, e.g. extra
letters may be used to distinguish curves generated by sliding gate (~2.6)from those by fixed
gate.

Fig. 2.2 Log sample

The log interpretation is all about making sense of the curves in the context ofthe cement job
and the well.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 5

 Things you should know

Jargon:

2.5 El, E2, E3 etc. (Fig.2.3)

El means the amplitude and duration of the

first peak,conventionally stated in mV.
Similarly E2 is the negative peak following
El, E3 is the next positive peak, and so on.

2.6 FIxed gate, Sliding or Floating gate

(Fig.2.3)

For datareduction, the electronics starts measuring El only when it is about to arrive, and stops
measuring when it has passed. This measuring period is called a gate. It is vital that the gate is
opened in the right position on the waveform in order to see El. There have been two ways of
setting the gate: the fixed gate and the sliding gate. The fixed gate is set by the tool operator to
straddle El. Once set a fixed gate will open and close irrespective of the waveform. The sliding
gate is triggered open by the waveform when it has first reached a preset detection level.

Mostof the timeboth typesofgate will givethe same value ofEl. However, whenthe El position
is caused to change by certain conditions (e.g. fast formations, §2.11), a fixed gate could miss
it but a sliding gate would pick it up. On the otherhand a sliding gate could be triggered open
by E3 instead of El if the latter is lower than the detection level. Therefore both types of gate
are now commonly used together.

2.7 Transit Time (Ti’) (Fig.2.3)

The Ti’ is the time span between when the transmitter is fired and when the waveform at the
receiver has reached a preset detection level. The sliding gate is opened at the TI’. Note: unless
El amplitude coincides with the detection level, the Ti’ is not the time when El reaches its
maximum value. See also §4.2.

2.8 StretchIng (Fig.2.3)

Stretching means the increase in the T~due to the decrease in El caused by, for example,
increased bond quality. Because the Ti’ is related to the detection level, a decreased peak wifi
reach the detection level later and thus “stretch” the Ti’.

2.9 Cycle skipping (Fig.2.3)

When the El value for some reason (e.g. very good bond or severe eccentralisation) becomes
lower than the detection level, the first time the waveform reaches the detection level could be
part of E3 (or even E5, E7 etc. if the early ones all fall below). The TI’ measurement wifi skip
a cycle (or two cycles, three cycles and so on). The TI’ will be increased by roughly an integer
number of the wavelength.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QCand interpretation PageS

2.10 CasIng arrivals, Formation arrivals, Mud arrivals (Fig.2.4)

The received waveform is extremely complicated. It is a combination of wave trains which have
gone through different media such as casing, formation and mud and consequently carry
information about them. Casing arrivals, formation arrivals and mud arrivals are terms to refer
to the corresponding portions ofthe waveform. Because the tailof one type ofarrivals will always
be eaten by the head of the next, on a single waveform one cannot clearly see the joints of two
types of arrivals. However, when the VDL log is generated, the features of these arrivals usually
stand out as shown.

The features of casing arrivals and mud arrivals on

the VDL are straight stripes starting at relatively
fixed times. This is because the acoustic properties
of the steel casing and that of the mud column are
usually homogeneous. The sound velocities in the
formations, however, can vary substantially along
the well, making the formation arrivals wander in
time as shown in wiggly stripes. Casing arrivals Formation arrivals Mud arrivals

2.11 Fast formations

Fig. 2,4
Formations in which sound waves travel typically faster than insteel (57
1.is/ft) are conventionally
called fast formations (~4.5,§10.3). On the VDL log, fast formation arrivals will appear before the
casing arrivals and override them (~9.4).

2.12 Micro-annulus

Micro-annulus refers to a minute gap between the casing and the cement. Such a gap damages
acoustic coupling between the casing and the cement although usually it does not permit fluid
communication. The development of a micro-annulus and at what size it will invalidate the
measurement of bond quality has not been fully understood (~4.1).

A micro-annulus can make the CBL log look as if the casing was partially or completely
unsupported. On the VDL log there will be strong casing arrivals as well as strong formation
arrivals (~9.2).Once a micro-annulus has occurred, it is not possible to quantitatively estimate
the bond conditions because the micro-annulus could mask coexistent channels.

2.13 Free pipe

Free pipe is a section ofpipe which is not cemented. However, some engineers have been using
the term to describe a log which appears as ifthe annulus were not cemented. Inthis case it does
not necessarily mean that the annulus is free ofcement or indeed squeezable. See §9.1 on p 34
for a free pipe example.

CBL Evaluation Manual- QCand Interpretation Page 7

 Things you should know

~3. Information included in the log

It is not imperative that logs from different service companies have the same format. But a
complete log should have four parts: the header, the body, the summary or tail and the
questionnaire. See example shown in §9.1.

3.1 The log header should include the following:

- GeneralInformatlow log types, well name, log time and date, rig name and type, location,
log measurement base, log scale and run number
- Wellgeometrical data. deviation, depths and bit sizes of hole sections, depths and sizes
and weights of casings sections, top and bottom of logged intervals
- Wellfluids data: type, density
- Cementing data: type, slurry densities, volumes, additives, retarders, starting and finishing
pumping times, lab thickening and setting times, spacer type and density and volume, fluid
loss volume
- Wellpressure and temperature data: pressure applied afterbumping the plug, pressures
applied at the time of logging, temperature profile
- Logging equipment data. modules number, calibration status
- Tool string sketch: centraliser types and positions
- Logging engineer’s comments: record the aims of the logging, events which may have a
bearing on the log and express views on the quality of the log

3.2 The body of the log should include the following where applicable:

- A “freepipe” reading sectiow record about two joints of pipe if available

- The “main log”: record the main interval(s) of interest
- The repeat sectiow record about 200m

The title ofeach of these sections should also include the pressure applied even if it was zero.
All curve scales and legends should
1 in thebetitle
clearly
area.and correctly indicated. Less conventional
mnemonics should be explained
‘Not In wide practiceyet If you witness logs, you can help speed up this process!

3.3 The log tall

Should include summaries of tool operational status, software input parameters, and tool
calibration before survey (~9.1).

3.4 The BP questionnaire (“Log Quality Control Sheet”)

Should be completed and signed by the logging engineer, and included as part of the hard copy
log.

L CBL Evaluation Manual- QC and interpretation PageS

 ~4.Parameters affecting the Log Results

Some key parameters are discussed here. Because most of their effects are not quantitatively
known, it is important to understand the mechanism by which they affect the log, and assess
which parameter would carry more weight than others in a given situation.

4.1 MIcro-annulus

How it occurs: Not fully understood yet but a micro-annulus can be created either by casing
contraction after the cement has set, orby casing expansion under high pressures that break the
cement bond. Casing contraction can be thermal or mechanical. Casing expansion is usually
caused by high pressure such as occurs during a squeeze job. The micro-annulus can therefore
be classified into 3 types: thermal contraction, mechanical contraction and expansion.

The thermal contraction type is due to the heat released from cement hydration. The casing
contracts after the cement hasset and the heat has dispersed. This type ofmicro-annulus depends
on the cement sheath thickness and composition, and the thermal conductivity ofthe formation.

The mechanical contraction type is caused by reduction in pressure, for example, by changing
casing fluid to a lighter one after the cement has set, or holding the pressure inside the casing
before the cement has set and release it afterwards.

The expansion type is usually caused by squeeze pressure that permanently damages the bond.
When the pressure is released, only the casing resumes its previous size but not the cement.

How it affects the log: When the cement is bonded to the casing, the acoustic energy is
transmitted from the casing to the cement easily and is thus heavily attenuated, When a micro-
annulus has developed, the energy transmission is severely hindered and a large proportion is
trapped in the casing. (A gas filled micro-annulus is much worse than a liquid filled one in terms
of energy transmission). The casing then rings relatively freely, producing strong casing arrivals
on the VDL log. The El amplitude will be high, indicating that little bond exists. Particular
problems with micro-annulus are:

1) It is not possible to distinguish a partially bonded annulus with a channel from a cemented
annulus which can provide isolation but with a micro-annulus.

2) The effect of a micro-annulus can be so bad that the log may look like that the pipe is
completely unsupported. This must have led to a good proportion ofthe failed squeeze jobs.

CBL Evaluation Manual- QC and interpretation Page 9

 Things you should know

Becausethe CBLtool measures the bond between the cement and the casing, the micro-annulus
that destroys this bond is the most severe factor that affects the log results.

How toprevent it: Obviously try not to create the conditions mentioned above under which
a micro-annulus may occur. A method practised by some oil companies to prevent it from
occurring is pump the cement wiper plug with a light fluid and change back to the weighted
mud after the cement have set. Or even circulating the light fluid to cool the casing while the
cement is setting. Because a micro-annulus does not usually permit communication and only
affect the log, it is more important to eliminate it, if it has occurred, at the time of logging. This
can be done by pressurising the casingusing a wireline packoffor sometimes using a heavy mud
to increase the hydrostatic pressure (~5.2).

Type ofmlcro-annulus Be prepared to pressure up to:

Thermal contraction l000psi
Mechanical contraction Reduced pressure (hydrostatic or wellhead) +l000psi
Expansion Max squeeze or hydrostatic pressure applied

Limited by~burst pressure of casing; Casing pressure test; Liner top test.
* After the recent cementing. See 4.2 for pressure determination during logging.

4.2 Tool eccentridty

How it affects the log: When the tool is off the casing centre, the acoustic energy from the
transmitter will not reach the casing circumference simultaneously (~2.2).Instead part of the
cased weilbore which is closer to the tool forms a shorter path for some of the energy to go
through. Consequently this will cause reduction in the CBL amplitude as well as in the Yr as
shown in Fig.4.1.

The Yr has been used as a log quality

indicator. Traditionally 4~.tsthe
when thelogUis
reduction is less than
accepted with an error of unknown
magnitude. Recent research results tell
us that the amplitude has a unique
relationship with the amount ofeccen-
tricity but it is a multi-value function of
theYrreduction(~1O.5).The importance
of these results are two fold:

1) When “minor” eccentricity (e.g. Ti’ reduction 4~ts)occurs the amplitude reduction caused
by eccentricity can be compensated for.

r CBL Evaluation Manual- QC and interpretation Page 10

2) The fact that the amplitude reduction is not uniquely determined by a given TI reduction
reveals the limitation of the U being used as a quality control indicator.

How to prevent tool eccentricity: Not only sufficient number of centralisers are needed, but
they must be put in the right positions. The following points should be observed:

1) Type ofcentralise?s: The rigid metal type seems to be the best. The rubber fin type is the
second and the bow spring type is the worst. Worn centralisers can be weak and ineffective,
but they can be checked by visual inspection.

2) Number of centralisers: In vertical wells use minimum of three centralisers and in deviated
wells use minimum of five. Always request at least two extra ones for the job in case any faults
develop in the mounted ones (~5.l).

3) Where to put them: For vertical wells put centralisers immediately above and below the
transmitter-receiver section and on top oftool assembly (CCL or GR). Note the casing collar
locator is not an adequate centraliser! Without a centraliser atthe top the CCL and GR section
may act as a lever arm to promote eccentering problem. For deviated wells add a centraliser
to the centre of each section which does not yet have a centraliser. Preferably always add
an extra one at the near receiver which is used for CBL amplitude measurement.

4.3 ChannellIng

How it occurs: When the combined conditions of cementing operation and down hole
geometries are such that the cement cannot displace all the mud from the intended section of
the annulus, pockets of mud may reside in the annulus and formmud channels (~7,~8). Another
less recognized type of channel is the mud-cake channel due to filtration often occurring
between the cement sheath and the reservoir formation. A channel may not be a problem if it
does not communicate. However, you do not know until it does!

How it affects the log: Ideally we want to detect any channels and like them to affect the log
as much as possible so that we can identify them. Unfortunately only those channels which are
immediately next to the casing have a strong bearing on the log. Others are more difficult to
observe. This is because of the energy transmission mechanism, as discussed in ~4.1 and ~2.2.

When a mudchannel occurs next to the casing,a large portion ofthe acoustic energy in the casing
corresponding to the channel will not be transmitted to the formation. As a result more energy
is returned to the receiver and the El value becomes higher (~6.6).For channels awayfrom the
casing, however, this energy transmission mechanism is not presented in El but later in time,
and is usually drowned in the complicated waveform.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 11

 i nings you snouia KnOW

A mud-cake channel can sometimes be identified from the VDL log when the cement/casing
interface iswell bonded. Because the mud-cake channel provides veryweak coupling, not much
energy could go into the formation and the majority would be absorbed by the mud-cake and
the cement. As a result the VDL would show weak casing arrivals with little formation arrivals.

4.4 CasIng coating

Some casings have a layer of coating such as epoxy. If this layer of epoxy is thick (e.g. >70 mils),
it can affect the log in the sameway as a micro-annulus. Butpressurewhen logging will not affect
the CBL.

4.5 Fast formations

What formations are they: They are usually strongly packed hard formations such as
limestone and dolomite (~10.3).The sound velocity in the formations is affected by the forces
they are subjected to as well as their microscopic structure. Therefore the velocity may vary
slightly in the same type of formation at different locations.

How they affect the log: When fast formations are present, the sound wave in the formations
is faster than that in the casing. The latter, however, isthe bond quality messenger. The real El
is distorted, or even drowned in the formation arrivals. What is measured has therefore nothing
to do with cement bond quality. Fast formations make it difficult to evaluate the cement job.

How to detect them. Fast formation arrivals are easily seen on the VDL log (~9.4).The Yr will
be shorter and the CBL amplitudes may be high. Remember that U reduction can also becaused
by tool eccentricity. It is usually easy to tell fast formation from tool eccentricity by examining
the VDL log, but it is difficult to see if the log is affected by the combination of the two. The
formation arrivals on the VDL log can be confirmed by the open hole sonic log (~9.4).

4.6 Mudtype and conditions

How the mudaffects the log: The mud (or other casing fluid) is the medium for the acoustic
signal to go to the casing/cement/formation structure and come back. It does not distort the
shape ofthe signal but affects the amplitude: any medium will attenuate the acoustic energy by
scattering or absorbing. Different mud will have different attenuation rate which affects El
amplitude. The sound velocity may also change with different mud conditions, thus affecting
the U.

CBL Evaluation Manual- OC andinterpretation Page 12

Mud parameters that affect the acoustic attenuation and sound velocity are complicated. The
mud density and the sizes of particles contained in it are two major ones. The general trend is
that the denser the mud, the less attenuative it is (~1o.7).In other words, in dense mud the
measured amplitude will be higher than that in lightermud under the same weilbore conditions.

Tiny gas bubbles in the mud can affect the log by increasing the TI’ and reducing the El
unpredictably.

4.7 Temperature

How it affects the log: There are two aspects of the temperature effect: firstly on physical
conditions of the wellbore such as casing fluid density, and secondly on the tool. A good tool
should be insensitive to temperature changes. The response of such a tool to the changes in
weilbore conditions due to the well temperature profile should be stable and repeatable on the
log. In most wells this response is small but in high temperature or high temperature gradient
wells this can be noticeable.

When temperature changes, the sensitivity ofthe transducers will change, and so will that ofthe
electronics. The output of the tool will inevitably include some error.This error can be ofsteady
state (when the tool is used to the new temperature) or transient (when the tool is not used to
the new temperature yet), but usually both.

The overall temperature effect cannot be quantified. In HPHT wells it is important to observe
the logging time and the repeatability of the log since the log validity can be severely impaired
under these circumstances.

4.8 CasIng diameter and Casing thickness

How do they affecttbe log: In casings ofdifferent OD, the attenuation change is mainly caused
by the different length of the mud path: the larger the casing, the lower the CBL amplitude. The
amplitude decay rates also depend on the type of mud in the casing (~l0.7).The mud conditions
and the temperature effect are closely linked and should be considered together.

A general rule for commonly used casing size is that a millimetre increase in the thickness ofthe
casing would cause about lmV increase in the “free pipe” CBL amplitude. The reason is that the
thicker the casing the less acoustic energy would be transmitted to the cement, and the energy
trapped inthe casing willbe more difficult to damp.Jointsofdifferent weights in one casing string
should be seen from the U curves.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 13

 Things you snoula KnOW

4.9 CasIng damage

How does itoccur: Casing can beworn by drill-pipe, or splitby excessivepressure. Perforations
of course blow holes in it. Corrosion can cause serious pittings in casing.

How it affects the log: Casing wear or corrosion can cause tool eccentricity problem and thus
reduce the El amplitude. Perforations can damage cement bond, especially for weak cement
(compressive strength <2000psi), by cracking the cement. Split casing can cause the tool to
become stuck. Severe irregularity in the casingwill be reflected in the log. For example, casing
collars damage the continuous transmitting of the acoustic energy and this can be seen from
both the U and the VDL log of light or less well-bonded cement.

4.10 CasIng standoff and Geometry ofthe open hole

How do they affect the log: When the casing has a 0% standoff (i.e. touching the formation),
there will be some formation arrivals coming through in the VDL log regardless of the cement
conditions in the annulus. The contact between the formation and the casing may also deform
the El, giving incorrect bond indications. This can undoubtedly mask channels.

The geometry of the open hole would affect the log in two ways (~7).First, if the annulus
thickness isless than 19mm (0.75”), the El might be deformed and increase because ofreflection
from formation catching the first half of El. (Since this depends also on the cement and the
formation, especially the cement/formation interface conditions, this thickness is only a rough
guide). Secondly, in washout areas especially in deviated hole, mud removal is much more
difficult. The thermal conditions in washout sections are different from the rest of the cemented
annulus. This may add to the complication of micro-annulus generation and its detection.

Small casing standoff can leave very thin cement in part of the annulus and cause the El
deformation problem. Itis reported by Dowel Schlumberger that casing standoff from 100% to
0% could cause 30% increase in the El.

4.11 Double (or concentric) casing strings

How do they affect the log: When the annulus created by one casing string inside another
(eg. the liner overlap) is cemented, the log usually shows the following features to indicate a
good job (~9.8):

CBL Evaluation Manual- QC and interpretation Page j

1) The U curves will be increased. In a 7” and 9 5/8” combination for example, the increase
20M~~
is typically
2) The first few cycles of the waveform shown on the VDL log will be narrower, i.e. gaps
between the first few stripes are smaller than usual. Also, the apparent casing arrivals can
be so strong that formation arrivals are masked.

3) The CBL amplitudes, which are not useful in such an interval, can be high.

Arough explanation for these isthat the well-bonded concentric casinghas caused the frequency
ofthe first few cycles to increase, while high attenuation has caused El to be skipped, resulting
an increase in the U and measurement of E3 as amplitude output (~2.9).

4.12 Wait on cement (WOC) time

How does it affect the log: Cement slurries take time to set and bond to the casing. Since El
represents the bond quality of the cement to the casing, it willchange from free pipe value, before
the slurry thickens, to bonded value, when the cement has set.

WOC time should be the minimum time to wait before logging. Logs produced at marginal WOC
times can be very tricky because the down hole conditions are not the same as in the lab and
itmay well take a bit longer for the cement to set; Beside, the slurry can be contaminated which
may stretch necessary WOC time (~7).For foamed cement, this is often complicated by the fact
that some foam agents are retarders and are sensitive to contaminations. It is not possible to
tell greenish cement from a channel.

It is very important not to log the well too early: one hour saved may cost you ten! It is always
good practice to monitor the timing of the logging and the slurry properties when interpreting
a log (~4.l3).

4.13 Cement parameters/conditions (~7)

Whatare they: The slurry density, cement class, additives types (retarders or accelerators) and
weighting agents are all things that should be known.

How do they affect the log: For neat cement slurry, the heavier it is, the higher the acoustic
attenuation it will have when bonded to the casing. Other solids such as bentonite and silica
added in the cement may increase the attenuation.

The acoustic attenuation of foamed cement is lower than that of the neat cement, resulting in
higher El values for 100% bonded casing. However, the CBL response to foamed cement has
not been systematically studied and therefore is more difficult to interpret.

CBL Evaluaiion Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 15

 Things you should know

4.14 Computer keyboard operations

What are they: Software parameter setting for communicationcontrol and log result formatting
(~3,~9.1)

How do they affect the log: It isthe engineer’s keyboard operations that make the toolcorrectly
function and the data properly recorded. Apparently small errors on the keyboard can spoil all
the hard work, and should not be underestimated.

In the log presentation, small mistakes such as incomplete information, wrong legend or scale
for curves, can cause frustration and time loss in the interpretation, or even big mistakes by
inexperienced personnel,

CBLEvaluation Manual - OC and Interpretation Page 16

0

I.

C.)
0
 ~5. Operation QC In three phases

Once a decision is made that a log is to be run, the operation QC should be carried out in the
three phases as shown in the following chart:

To meet with the logging To help logging engineer

engineer to set clear carry out a hi9h quality To accept or reject the
objective & to supply job by observing the log (~5.3)
sufficient information correct procedure (~5.2)
(~5.1) ___________________ ___________________

5.1 Before logging (Phase 7): Meet with the logging engineer and discuss:

1) The aims of the job (zonal isolation, finding TOC or else?)

2) Well conditions and history including (~3.1):
- Well ambient conditions (deviation, temperature, formation structure, gas or oil reservoir
intervals, intervals of interest, any anomalies)
- Well fluid characteristics (OBM or WBM, weights, gas/solid contents and sizes, fluid
change after cement job?)
- Casing characteristics (sizes, weights, depths)
- Pressure history (BOP test, casing test, formation test, fluid change). Discuss whether
pressure will be needed during logging if pressure was applied to the well after the
cement has set or pressure was maintained during the cement setting time.
3) Cement job (~4.13 cement type, density, special additives, estimate setting time, volume,
pumping time and any problem in cementing operation). Make sure logging does not start
within 8hrs after the lab cement setting time (~4.12,~9.8).
4) Choice of tools (~1),tool string configuration, centraliser types numbers and positions (~4.2),
special/back-up equipment needed (such as wireline packoff)

The purpose of this meeting is to set clear objectives for the logging engineer, and supply
sufficient information for him orher to plan and prepare for the job. The meeting shouldbe held
at the earliest possible time. The logging engineer should then produce a job plan which can
help you take appropriate actions and plan ahead. The logging engineer’s plan should include:

1) The objective of the specific logging and the approach to achieve it.

2) Estimated time for logging operation, including a detailed plan of wireline rig-up and rig-
down.

3) Indication of any further information needed in order to carry out the job successfully and
to present the log completely (~3).

CBLEvaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 17

 QC Matters

5.2 DurIng logging (Phase 2)’

On the well Site we are to help the logging engineer to carryout a high quality job by observing
the correct procedures. The logging engineer should have a detailed plan of when to do what,
but he or she may well alter it as things change.

A check lists

1) If the well was pressurised or the well fluid was changed not as originally planned, discuss
with the logging engineer if pressure should be applied during logging to prevent the
possible micro-annulus effect (~2.12, ~4.1,~9.2).Ifwell head pressureis needed,the following
is recommended to determine the pressure required:

- Run a 0 psi repeat section

- Identify a potential micro-annulus zone (fom-iation signals behind casing signals)

- Stop the logging tool at the micro-annulus depth

- Switch the panel to time drive i.e. the screen display as if the tool was moving

- Tighten the wireline packoff and start pressure-up (pump mud slowly into the casing)

- Monitor the amplitude until it no longer drops

- Stop pressure-up

- Log under this pressure

2) The centralisers are the required type/size and in good condition. Also check that they are
correctly mounted and secured in the required position (~4.2).

3) The tool used should be calibrated and the next calibration date has not expired.

4) The tool string is correctly connected and tested before being lowered into the well. Tool
calibration before and after the logging run.

5) The parameters/constants Set from the keyboard are correct (j3).

6) Do not exceed the maximum logging speed.

7) The scales and markings are correctly set.

8) Monitorthe curves on the screen. Discussand recordany suspected problemwith the logging
engineerand suggest to repeat abnormal sections. Ifthe TI’does not repeat and the difference
in amplitude in the repeat section is >10%, it could be a centralization problem. Pull out of
hole and change/add centralisers if necessary.

CBLEvaluation Manual - QC and interpretatlor Page 18

5.3 After logging (Phase 3): To accept the log or otherwise.

To present the log correctly and in a complete manner is important, not only for producing valic
logs for immediate use, but also for documentation. The logs may be referred to after the wel
has produced for several years. Missing information can be irretrievable and render the lo~
meaningless.

A check list

1) All the signals have been correctly recorded. Authorise rig down.

2) The scales and legends used are correct (~9.1).

3) The log header, tail and the questionnaire etc. are fully completed with no incorrec’
information.

4) The logging engineer’s comments have included and explained all quality-related incidents
the aims of the logging and his or her opinion on how well they were achieved.

5) The log hard copy is delivered on the time agreed. Authorise payment if there are no QC
problems, otherwise raise them with the service company.

6) If any event occurred during the logging which may have affected the log, prepare a repor
describing that event in detail. Attach a copy of the report to the hard copy of the log wher
it has arrived.

CBLEvaluatIon Manual - OCand Interpretation Page 19

0
a
0,
a.
4,

at
0
-J
 ~6.CBL Interpretation

A systematic way to interpret a CBL log is demonstrated in the interpretation flow charts, Go to
the references given if you are uncertain at any stage.

You may have to break the main flow chart for special investigation which is shown on page
27, and resume afterwards.

INTERPRETATION FLOW CHART

CBLEvaluation Manual - QCand Interpretation Page 20

6.1 QC Review

If the log is properly documented, it should contain most ofthe information needed for correct
interpretation, The majority of the key parts are included in the log header (~3).Check the
following four items. Anything missing or incorrectly recorded will at least cause time loss or
an invalid log.

Item 1: Theplanning and execution of logging Clear objectives? Effective effort to prevent
micro-annulus and eccentricity? Logging actively witnessed — witnessing engineer’s signatures
and relevant reports?

Item 2: Thefive data sets are complete and correct (~3.

1):

1) General information
2) Well geometry
3) Well fluids
4) Cementing operation
5) Well pressure and temperature

Item 3:The logging engineer’scomments Clear and relevant in addressingany problems. The
answers to the questionnaire can also imply his or her competency.

Item 4: The log presentation Header-body-tail-questionnaire, signatures and date complete?

6.2 Quick check of ranges of the various curves

77 Curves: The normal ranges of U curves depend mainly on the casing ID and mud type/
weight (affecting the sound velocity). Temperature and the type of tool (the size of the
transducers) also have some effect. A rough guide for calculating this range is
170(Ms)
TT(~is)—(casingID eg. In mm)/(sound velocity in the mud eg. In mn’z.~us §10.3) +

The last item is the distance of T-R spacing (3ft) times the sound speed in steel (57~ts/ft).

CBL Curves: The normal ranges ofCBL for unbonded pipes depend mainly on the casing sizes
(~1O.8)and mud type/weight (~10.7).The ranges for 100% bondedpipes are less reliable because
of the difficulty in controlling the test conditions. For foamed cement there have not been
sufficient field data or lab results for fully bounded pipes and the interpretation is therefore more
difficult.

VDL/Signature log: Check whether the time scale/range are correct (in the above equation
replade 170 by 285, which corresponds to Sft), the log has good contrast, and there are any fast
formations (~9.4).

CBL Evaluation Manual -00 and interpretation Page 21

 Log Interpretation

6.3 ExamIne the fl Curves

The purpose of examining the U curves is to explain the curve variation, ifany, and investigate
the log validity.

The IT curves variation. The U curves from a properly centralised tool run in uniformly
cemented pipes should ideally be straight lines in the expected region (~6.2).Parameters
affectingtheU curves include centralisation (~4.2,§9.3), casingID size/weight (ID)changes (e.g.
casing collars) (S4.8), casing fluids change over different depths (~4.6,§9.5), fast formations (~4.5,
§9.4) and temperature (j4.7, §9.6). The U curves will also vary to indicate stretching, cycle
skipping (j2.9) and well bonded double-casing string (~4.11,§9.7).

A log validity criterion. A widely quoted log validity criterion in the literature and various
manuals is that ifthe U curves vary for more than ±4iis,the log is invalid. Be careful. Variation
of the U curves of a real log is rarely within this limit: investigate if the cause was eccentricity!

When the tool is not properly centralised, the U can be shorter than normal. Unfortunately the
amplitude will also be reduced. The effects of most other factors mentioned above on the
amplitude are likely to be relatively small. Traditionally the log is treated as invalid because of
the unknownreduction in the amplitude. This nowhas been better understood (~4.2,§10.5) and
the amplitude reduction due to eccentricity can be calculated. However, because the uncertainty
of the effects of other factors still exists, it is recommended that similar criterion be used with
the U reduction limit being 5.us (~10.5).

Note the transient temperature effect can make the log invalid (~4.7,§9.6) and so can fast
formations and micro-annulus — the amplitudes in the interval of interest are not quantitatively
reliable.

6.4 ExamIne the CBL Curves

CBL curves: Look for Top of Cement (TOC) if

applicable (e.g. a non-liner job), where the CBL
curves swing from the low end of the value range to
the high (~6.2,§9.1). Is the TOC in the expected
region? Check with the annulus size and pumped _____

cement volume. A low TOC measured is often

associatedwith slurry loss anda high one incomplete mud removal. Ifthe TOC is not found the
slurry has been contaminated at least in the top section (~8).

Look for good cement section where the curves are

at the low end of the value range. Note ifa lead and
tail slurry system was used, a difference should be
seen in the good cement sections found, where the Lead cement
tail cement should give a lower reading. These will
be useful in qualitatively evaluating the cement job.
If no good cement section is found, the problem Tail cement
could be heavy contamination but refer to the
Special Investigation Chart on page 27.

CBL Evalaation Manual - QCand Interpretation Page 22

Look for “Free Pipe” (uncemented pipe) section if
applicable. Do not be misled by high readings of the CBL
curves: check for the micro-annulus (~4.1)!The CBL
values for free pipe offer references in cement quality
evaluation (~6.6).

6.5 ExamIne the VDliSignature log

The VDL log: must have good black and white contrast. It contains much information but now
only a small portion is extracted, and this is done by visual examination. The main uses of the
VDL log are: --___________

1) to detect micro-annulus (~9.2)

2) to detect fast formation (~9.4)

3) to confirm free pipe (~9.1)

4) to confirm good bond in double casing strings (~9.7)

5) to confirm good bond to the casing but bad bond to

the formation (where the casing arrivalsare extremely
low with little or no formation arrivals and CBL
amplitude indicates a good bond).

The signature lo& whichis often superimposed on the

VDL log, produces the wave amplitude information
which is not available on the VDL. This information can
be useful in confirming changes in bond quality. How-
ever, the signature log is not as easy to use as the VDL
in detecting, for example, the formation arrivals and that
is why it is often combined with the VDL log.

The indications of the U, the amplitude and the VDL logs must be in agreement and their
examinations should be in parallel. Ifthey do not agree, there could be a tool problem resulting
an invalid log.

L CBL Evaluation Manual-00 and Interpretation Page 23

6.6 Bond Percentage Index Calculation

BFlDeflnitiow The percentage of the annulus where the cement is well bonded to the casing.
The rest of the annulus (100% - BPI) is not well bonded, which may be contaminated cement,
localised small gaps between the cement and casing, or a channel.

Angle of bonded cement Elf- Elm

BPI (%) - - x 100%
The whole arinulus Elf- Elc

Where the El’s are from the same receiver (e.g., the 3’ receiver), and the subscript m represents
the value measured in the zone of interest, f represents free pipe value, and c the value for 100%
cemented pipe.

The BPI applies to any type ofcement system (neat, foam, etc.). Note when a lead and tail slurry
system is used, El c should be selected separately for the two slurries. When Elfand El c are
available, the corresponding BPI at a given Elm can be found from the above equation, or as
shown in Fig.6.l below.

FIg.6.1 How to findthe BPI graphically

On the Elm axis, mark El~and Elfvalues. Mark the BPI (%) axis by equal intervals from 0 to
100. Draw a straight line from (Elc,lOO) to (EljçO). Given a Elm value, the corresponding BPI
can be found as shown.

To provide a sealwith high confidence, BPI need to be around 95% orhigher for certain lengths
(~l0.6).For gas wells this rule should be applied more stringently.

CBL EvaluatIon Manual-00 end Interpretation Page 24

 Log Interpretation

BPI Calculation Example

Below is a section around the shoe ofa 7’, 29 lb/ft linerjob run atthe Gulf ofMexico. Assuming
that the log has passed the QC and quick examinations, let us see how the BPI is calculated.

Suppose the cementing operation and other well conditions allow us to believe that at least a section of

perfectcement job can be achieved, we can then select the lowest reading, 5mV, as 100% bonded value
Elc. The “free pipe” value Elf is nonexistent(hopefully!) in a linerjob, we therefore look itup from §10.8
anduse 62mV (or we can use an available value from a log with close conditions as the job in hand).

Between points Aand B the average reading of7mV gives the BPI-(62-7)/(62-5)-96.5%; BetweenB and
C the average reading is about9mV. The effect of the slight U reduction (3—4~.ts)caused by eccentricity
can be compensated for (~10.5),in this case by increase the amplitude by about 10% to lOmV. The
corresponding BPI here is therefore (62-10)/(62-5)91%.

If El~cannot be clearly def’med on the log, we can also use a reasonable value elsewhere, e.g. 2.4mV
from §10.8. The BPI for the two intervals will be (62-7)/(62-2.4)92% and (62-l0)/(62-2.4)—87%
respectively. As there exist about90% bonded intervals for30ft, the probability of zonal isolation is high.

Notemore than 50%reductionin Elc(from5mVto 2.4mV) has changed the BPI valuefor <5%. Variations
in Elf does not affect the BPI much either. This means that for conventional jobs the selection of the
reference valuesis important but not critical for a reliable interpretation. Preferablyboth
0and Elfare
decided from the log whenever possible. This method applies to all types of slurry design.

CBL EvaluatIon Manuai-QC and Interpretation Page 25

 SPECIAL INVESTIGATION FLOW CHART~

* Either go to the next action or resume the main interpretation flow chart on previous page

C~L
Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 26
6.7 Finding Information

If information in the log is incomplete, or other information is required such as open hole logs
or some detail of cementing operation, contact the right person to obtain it. Keep an updated
list of contacts for necessary help: their name, specialities, company, base, telephone and fax
numbers etc..

6.8 AnalysIng abnormal log behaviour

1) Review all factors which are likely to affect the log (~4).
2) Eliminate one by one around the key problem in hand until only such factors whose effects
may be significant.
3) Judge whether these factors have invalidated the log — a good understanding of all the
factors (study §4) may be very useful.

6.9 CalculatIng the probability ofzonal Isolation

Cementing operation can offer valuable common sense evaluation which should not be
discounted (~l.4).If any steps in the operation were altered from planned, it is suggested that
the post-job CPS be run (~7).A starting point is to judge the likelihood of at least some sections
which are channel free. Ifno such sections can be assured and the log shows a very bad cement
job, a remedy job may have to be considered (~8).

For the BPI calculation, the El value for 100% bond (Sl0.8) may have to be found elsewhere if
that value for the given conditions is not available in the literature. The log of a well of close
location with similar conditions can prove useful to provide this reference. The value can be
chosen by finding the lowest reading at intervals where isolation was required and achieved.
Make sure there were no fast formations or micro-annulus (~4. 5,~4.1).

6.10 Keep a record of Interpretation

It is recommended that the interpretation of a log is recorded, eg, on the back of a log, for ease
of later reference. The rubber stamp issued together with this manual is for this purpose. The
table from the stamp is designed to summarise the log with minimal amount of information.
Stamp the back of the log and fill in the form as you complete the interpretation.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 27

 Log interpretation

~7. Cementing Operation

1. What to check~

Do not come to conclusions on the quality of the cement job without reviewing the cementing
operation. Every step of the operation is carefully designedto ensure a good job. Problems may
occur if any recommended step was not followed correctly. Common sense can often tell you
the nature of the problem.

Cement placement itself is a large and complex subject. But simplistically speaking, there are
somerules ofthumb. For example, the more centralized the casing string, the better the cement
job; Equally important are the displacement rates of mud, spacer and cement slurry. Usually the
higher the flow rates, the better the displacement. The flow rates are limited by the formation
strength and the displacement facilities. The rheology and density of the fluids are similarly
important. The idea is to remove the viscous mud by spacer as completely as possible, then to
displace the spacerby the cement slurry. The spacer here is designedto make easythe removal
of mud and the placement of cement. Usually a heavier fluid following a lighter one can help
the displacement. Remember, non-vertical wells are not only difficult to log, but also difficult
to cement because ofthe casing centralisation problem and the complicated flow regimes in an
inclined annulus.

Without being deeply involved in cementing technology, you can always get some idea about
the quality of the cement job by checking the following:

- Was there any lost circulation?

- Was the casing string centralised?

- Were the pumping rates and displacement timing as planned?

- Were the well-site-measuredfluids properties (density, viscosity, additives quantities etc.) as

designed?

Answer “No” to any of these questions could mean a less than perfect cement job. Ifthere were
losses to the formation or other operational problem encountered during cement placement, it
could be a bad job and log interpretation must take this into account.

2. The Cement Placement Simulator (CPS)

This simulator, developed by the Fluid Mechanics Team at RCS, can tell you how to carry out
the cement job and what the cement job should look like. The CPS is located at Dyce, Houston
and Sunbury and wifi also be incorporated in DEAP. If a bad cement job is suspected it is
suggested that the CPS be run. The result is another reference for interpreting the log.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QCand Interpretation Page 28

 Log Interpretation

~8 Squeeze considerations

A bad cement job indicated by a bond log (whichever type) does not mean you can go ahead
and squeeze. The following questions must be answered as best as you can before any action:
Where did the cement go? What kind of channel could it be, and where and how to squeeze?
The following Charts may help you answer these questions.

1. Where did thecement go?

Analyse the well and cementing

conditions together with the log

Not clearly~~d?~
62~ Yes

Check if any fluid loss Calculate the difference

occured duririu d~IIing from expected value
or cementing(~6) (Note the hole gauge,
_____________________ washout: caliper log).

__________________________ ~ Yes

Possible cement Possible heavy The cement is likely Possible bad

loss by large contamination or bad to be still In the contamination
quantities. Such slurry leading to annulus but badly at the cement
cases are green cement. bonded tothe casing top or bad mud
usually easily Re-run the CBL if and maybe to the removal.
identifiable. possible. formation as well.

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 29

:
 6 scenarios of communication channels
Eccentred casing, mud channel on the narrow side.

Heavily contaminated cement which may or may not

be solid.
Contaminated but solid cement on the wide side with
mud channel on the narrow side.
Contaminated but soiid cement on the narrow side
with mud channei on the wide side.
key:
Gap between the set cement and mud
the casing cement
contaminated
Thick mud cake between the set cement
cement and the formation. formation

Well conditions and cementing operation vs potential_channels

Channel Bad casing- Deviated Displacing Cementing
type centralisation wells contamination operation problems
I,

I,
Severe in
________________ high deviation
Washout section Often in wail.
horizontal
~~1

Some “delayed” communications observed in porous reservoirs

are believed to be caused by the disintegration of the mud cake.
This type of channel is hardly detectable with today’s technology

Bond logs provide vItal information for squeeze

job design particularly in the following areas:
1. Depths,lengths of communicating channels for positioning
the perforating gun and bridge plug or packers.
2. Azimuth of communicating channels for perforating shot
phase arrangement: a 45 degree channel can be missedi
3. Identify the vent for the channel filling substances.

L~~Evaiuatlon
Manual~QC and interpretation Page 30
at
at
U
C
at
at
at

C
at
at
C.
E
‘C
9.1 A Log Example

Header [on this page], body and tail [on next page], and questionaire (~3)

~ion~cC~
 Log Examples

CBL Eva’uation Manual - OC andInterpretation Page 32

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 33
 Log Examples
AFTER
PRESSURIZIFICJ AMPLITUDE
~ aEFORE TO3000FSI&
RUN1 RUN2 AMPLITUDE PRESSURING RELEASING
*

9.2MIcro.annukis

F~.ashs1om~rho1ding5Op~onthecasing~r3daysRun1wasmnwithOpsiandRun2wsswith7OOpsi.Adequate
pxessuxe cen eliminate some miao-annulus.

Fig.bwlogsninbefoieandasngwsspiessuzeiisedto 3OOO~l.Excessivepressuxecanbreakthebondbetween
the casing and thecement

TT (US )~ ___L_~M~___~_. VDL (US

aUO.00 5~._OOO 100.00 1200.0Q 1200.0

9.3 ToolEccentricity

Eccentrldty causes reductionintheTrand intheCBLamplitude (~1O.5).Addan exn~centmliser aithe 3’ receivercan alleviate

the problem(~6.2).Never run the CBL knowinglyoff-centred (eg with 711 rubber centraliser for liner, running in95/8” casing
above the liner).

CBL Evaluation Manual - OC and Interpretation Page 34

 TRAVEL TIME ATTENUATION
OS/IT
290 190 20 0
• ~ T~A/ —— - — — PEAK AMPLITUDE — — ‘LIGNATUITE VARIABI E DENSITY
API MV
0 100 0 120200 1200 200 ‘200
CC AMI’LIIIED

9.4 Fast Formations R

The TT fell below the expected value (~5.2).The VDL and Signature logs also showed that
formation arrivals overtook the casing arrivals.

The formation arrivals can be confirmed by the open hole sonic log: the delta-T curve should
closely mirror the formation arrivals on the VDL, as shown below.

Quoted from “Cement Evaluation” Bigelow E L, Western Atlas International, Houston, 1990
CBL Evaluation Manual - CC and Interpretation Page 35
 Log Examples

9.5 CasIng Fluids Effect on the Log

The mud weight changed from 1O.5ppg above 7028ft to 16.6 ppg below. The effect on the rr
is obvious butnot so on the CBL amplitude. The well temperature profile canmake a difference
to the mud (eg in density) if the mud has been static in the hole for somtime, This can cause
the iT to vary (~6.2).

Quoted from DS Cement Bond Logging Field Reference Manuai.

CBL EvaluatIon Manual - CC andInterpretation Page 36

9.6 Temperature Effect on the Log

The temperature in the section shown was about 320°Fand 300m below was about 345°F.The
tool was run to TD in 1.5hrs, experiencing high temperature gradiant, and the logging was
finished in 2hrs. The tool was properly centralised but the CBL amplitude and the VDL were
affected by transient temperature effect.

9.7 Double Casing String

Below D is 7” (291b/ft) inside 9 5/8” (561b/ft) and the annulus was fully cemented. The TT has
increased by 20its and the VDL showed strong “pipe ring” with first few cycles being narrower.
The CBL amplitude here may be E3 (~2.5,~6.11).
CBLEvaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 37
 Log Examples

TIME AFTER CEMENTATION

4 HRS. a HRS. ze HRS.

9.8 Green Cement

Remember that the down hole conditions are not as ideal as in laboratory. Cement slurry can
easily get contaminated by mud, spacer orformation fluids. The thickeningtime and setting time
can be much longer than quoted (S4.1, §6.12,13).

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 38

 Parameters CBL CET USI

Original design purpose openhole cement bond bond/corrosion

Calibration conditions uphole down hole down hole
Casing sizes 4.5” - 13 3/8” 4.5” -95/8” 4.5”- 133/8”
Mud density high(eg>l8ppg) OBM<loppg OBM<llppg
unquanfifted effect WBM<l3ppg WBM<l5ppg
Micro-annulus severe effect less 9effect less effect
(liquid filled) (liquid filled)
Heavily contaminated cement amplitudeattenuated could indicate as could indicate as
channel” channel”
Cement/formation bond can be detected not measured avoided
Eccentralisation sensitive less sensifive less sensifive
Vertical resolution 3ft 3ins 1.Sins
Azimuthal resolution non-directonal 45 degrees 10 degrees
Shape of channel (on no effect detectable good measurement
casing/cement interface)
Cement thickness values debatable less effect less effect
Compressive strength derived (un~usfiflably) derived idea abandoned
Double casing string severe effect less effect less effect
Casing stand-off strong effect less effect less effect
Casing thickness strong effect measurable measured
Casing wall conditions some effect strong effect detectable
Mechanical complexity simplest complex easy to damage
Operational robustness OK easy to get wrong good?

Costs relatively low typically 2xCBL typically 4xCBL

*This is because the acoushc impedance of heavily contaminated cementis in a similar range as that of mud.

10.1 Performance Comparison of CBL, CET and US!

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and Interpretation Page 39

 Data and Charts for Reference

_______ I
10.2 CharacterIstics of Commonly Used CBL Tools
(quoted from “CBL Field Referenc Manual” DS)

CBL Evaluation Manual - OCand Interpretation Page 40

 SOUND VELOCITY ACOUSTEC
MATERIAL POROSLfl AT IMPEDANCE
TYPE (%) (Ms/ft) (ft/a) (rn/a) (MRayl)

Casing - 57.0 17,500 5,334 41.6

Dolomite - 43.5 23,000 7,010 20.2
Limestone - 47.6 21,000 6,400 17.3
~ Calsite - 49.7 20,100 6,126 16.6
~ Anhydrite - 50.0 20,000 6,096 18.2
Z Gypsum - 52.6 19,000 5,791 13.6
~ Quarts - 52.9 18,900 5,760 15.2
— Halite — - 66.6 15,000 4,572 9.3

Dolomite 5 to 20 50.0 to 66.6 20000 to 15000 6096 to 4752 17,0 to 11.5

Limestone 5 to 20 54.0 to 76.9 18500 to 13000 5639 to 3962 14.8 to 9.4
~ Sandstone 5 to 20 62.5 to 86.9 16000 to 11500 4877 to 3505 12.6 to 8.2
~ Shale 58.8 to 143 17000 to 7000 5181 to 2133 12.0 to 4.3

— OBM - 209 to 222 4785 to 4505 1458 to 1373 1.7 to 2.7

WBM - 198 to 205 5050 to 4878 1539 to 1487 1.8 to 3.0
Water - 208 4800 1463 1.5
~ Water + 10% NaC1 - 192 5200 1585 1.7
Water + 20% NaC1 - 182 5500 1676 1.8
Sea Water - 199 5020 1531 1.6
Kerosene - 230 4340 1324 1.1
Air (15 psi, 0°C) - 920 1088 331 0,0004
Air (3000 psi, 100°C) - 780 1280 390 0.1

10.3 Speed of Sound In Various Types of Formation and Mud

(edited from “Well Cementing”, Dowel Schlumberger, 1990)

10.4 CasIng Expansion Under Pressure

(quoted from “Cement Evaluations” Atlas, 1990) _______________
CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 41
 Data and Charts for Reference

Eccentricity vs Relative El Eccentricity vs IT reduction

IT reduction affected by cement TI reduction vs reIativ~ El

Notes: 1) Cement does not affect the relationship in (a).

2) Mud affects relationships in (a) (b) and (c) but less in (d).
3) Cement affects amount of Yr reduction as shown in (c), consequently Yr-El
relationship is not unique.
4) Free pipe U-El relationship in (d) can be used for El conpensation.

10.5 Relationship among Tool Eccentricity, CBL Amplitude and Tr Reduction

CBL Evaluation Manual - OCand interpretation Page 42

 Data and Charts for Reference

For BPI95%

10.6 Interval Lengths Required for Isolation

10.7 Amplitude Compensation Charts for Various Muds, Casing ID and Thicknesses
(quoted from “The Fluid-Compensated Cement Bond Log” Nayfeh et al, SPE Formation
Evaluation, pp335-341, 1986)

CBL Evaluation Manual - OCaid Interpretation Page 43

 Casing size weight Free pipe 100%
(classbonded
H)
(in) (Ib) Elf(mV) E1
0(mV)

4 1/2 9.5
11.6
13.6
5 15.0
18.0
21.0
51/2 15.5
17.0
20.0
23.0

7 23.0
26.0
29.0
32.0
35.0
38.0
40.0

75/8 26.4
29.7
33.7
39.0
95/8 40.0
43.5
47.0
53.5

10 3/4 40.5
45.5
48.0
51.0
54.0
55.5

The data above were derived from a chart by Pardue et al [Cement Bond Logging - A Study of
Cement andCasing Variables,JPT May 1963, pp545-555]. Note they can onlybe used asa general
guide.

10.8 CBL 3’ ReceIver El Readings for 100% Bonded and 0% Bonded Pipes

CBLEvaluation Manual- QC and Interpretation Page 44

Index

Amplitude 4,5,18,22 Pressure 2,8,9, 10, 17,18,21

After logging 19 Principles 4,5
Before logging 17 Questionnaire 8,19,21,33
Body, log 8,32 Review, QC 21
BPI, Bond Percentage Index 24 Signature log 4,5,23
Casing, arrivals 7 Sonde 4
Casing, coating 12 Squeeze job 29
CCL 5,11 Standoff 14
Cementing 3,17,11,28 Stretching 6,22
Centralisers 8,18,11 Tail, log 8,31
CET 3,39 Temperature 8,13,17,21,22,37
Channel 3,5,7,9,11,24,30 Test: BOP, casing, formation 10,17
Check list 18,19 Thickness 10,13,14
CPS 28 TOC 17,22,28
Criteria, tool selection 2,3 TT, Transit Time 6,21,22
Cycle skipping 6,22 USI 39
Density 8,13,15,17,28,36 VDL 3,5,7
Diameter, casing 13 WBM 17,41
Double casing string 14,37 WOC 15,38
During logging 18
El, E2, E3, etc 6
Eccentridty,centrallsation 5,10,34
Examples, logs 31-38
Fast formations 7,23,35
Features, tool 4
Five data sets 21
Foam cement 15,21,24
Formation arrivals 7
Free pipe 7
Gate, fixed and sliding 6
Geometry, open hole 14
Green Cement 15,38
Header, log 8,31
Interpretation 20
Isolation 2,9,20,43
Jargon, explained 5-7
Keyboard operation 16
Manual structure
Micro-annulus 2,7,9,18,22,23
Mud arrivals 7
OBM 17,41
Peak 6,7

CBL Evaluation Manual - QC and interpretation Page 45