Standard -175

August, 1999

CEMENTING OPERATIONS

Prepared by

Committee on Cementing Operations

Oil Industry Safety Directorate,

2nd Floor Kailash,
26, Kasturba Gandhi Marg,
New Delhi - 110001

1
 FOREWORD

The Oil Industry in India is 100 years old. Because of various

collaboration agreements a variety of international codes, standards and
practices have been in vogue. Standardization in design philosophies and
operating and maintenance practices at a national level was hardly in
existence. This coupled with feed back from serious problems that occurred in
the recent past in India and abroad , emphasized the need for the industry to
review the existing state of art in designing, operating and carrying out the
cementing operations in an Oil well.

With this in view , the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986
constituted a Safety Council assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate
(OISD) staffed from within the industry in formulating and implementing a
series of self regulatory measures aimed at removing obsolesce , standardizing
and upgrading the existing standards to ensure safe operations. Accordingly,
OISD constituted a number of functional committees of experts nominated
from the industry to draw up the standards and guidelines on various subjects.

The present standard on “Cementing Operations” was prepared by the

Functional Committee on “Cementing Operations”. This document is based on
the accumulated knowledge and experience of industry members and the
various national and international codes.

The standard is meant to be used as supplement and not as a

replacement for existing codes and practices.

It is hoped that provisions of the standard if implemented objectively,

may go a long way to improve the safety and reduce accidents in Oil Industry.
Users are cautioned that no standard can be a substitute for the judgment of
responsible and experienced engineer.

Suggestions are invited from the users after it is put into practice to
improve the document further. Suggestions for amendments to this document
should be addressed to the Coordinator, Committee on “Cementing
Operations”, Oil Industry Safety Directorate, Kailash Building, 26- KG Marg, ,
New Delhi-110001.

This standard in no way supersedes the statutory requirements of

bodies like DGMS, CCE or any other Government Body which must be followed
as applicable.

2
 COMMITTEE FOR
PREPARING STANDARD ON
CEMENTING OPERATIONS

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Position in Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Shri A.K. Hazarika Leader

2. Shri A.K. Mehra Member

3. Shri N.K.Tyagi Member

4. Shri T.H. Mazumdar Member

5. Shri D.K. Rajkhowa Member

6. Shri T.Singh Coordinator

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3
 CONTENTS

PAGE
NO.

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. SCOPE 1

3. OIL WELL CEMENT SELECTION CRITERIA 1

4. CEMENT EQUIPMENT 3

5. PRIMARY & SECONDARY CEMENTING PRACTICES 5

6. WELL ABANDONMENT PROCEDURE 17

7. CEMENTING SAFETY GUIDE LINES 19

8. CHECK LIST OF CEMENTATION JOB 22

9. TRAINING 25

10. REFERENCES 27

4
1.0 INTRODUCTION:
Cementing is one of the most critical phases
of well completion. It is difficult to imagine
the drilling and completion of a well without
the successful cementation jobs.
Cementing of an oil/gas well is highly
precise and complex job. So, from the safety
and economic point of view the best
available technical development should be
applied directly to the operational areas with
practical approach.
One of the objectives of this cementing
operational standard is the formulation of
concrete practical & implementable
recommendation. Success or failure of
primary cementing operation is normally
influenced by safe planning and its
execution. Therefore, it is expected that this
recommendation based on standard safe
practices of cementation both onshore as
well as offshore wells will provide a valid
support to the managers, supervisors and
operators in further improving the planning,
execution and evaluation stages of
cementing operations.
Utilising the practical observations of
cementing specialist and making liberal use
of recent published literature, this is an
attempt to frame specification for the safe
cementing practices and procedures which
are widely accepted standards in oil
industry. A positive cementing philosophy,
attitude, commitment, dedicated job
involvement, vigilant supervision, quality
control and team efforts must be developed
and executed to get good quality and safe
cementation job.
2.0 SCOPE
Presenting a general overview of the
fundamental cementing technique, these
articles are designed to provide the oil field
people with a basic knowledge of many
things that influence quality and safety
aspect of cementing operations.
Systemisation, micro-planning, proper
supervision, engineered concept and related
safety measures applied religiously during
the job execution may give positive effect on
the success of cementing.
The important consideration associated with
cementing are covered under seven articles.
5
The opening article discusses physical and
chemical properties of oil well
cement, packaging, handling and storage
tips of cement and additives. The functional
concepts and application engineering of
various cementing equipment are also
explained in brief. Basic fundamental
practices for primary and secondary
cementing are presented with various
factors which contribute to cementation
failure or success. Topics like
recommended well abandonment procedure
of onshore and offshore fields, cementing
safety guidelines and checklist can help in
the effort to eliminate accidents and failures
during cementing jobs. Training needs at all
levels are also highlighted to keep pace with
technical progress and to create safe
working culture.
It is believed that greater attention should be
given to the planning, supervising and
developing more efficient and safe
cementing technique. The best results may
be obtained by the basic fundamentals and
using sound judgement in the execution of
the job without trying short cuts.
3.0.0 OIL WELL CEMENT SELECTION
CRITERIA
OIL WELL CEMENT:
Oil Well Cement is equivalent and
conforming to API - 10 specification for
"Material and Testing of Oil Well Cement"
3rd Edition July 01,1986.
3.1.0 DEFINITION:
Oil well cement must conform to all
chemical, physical and mandatory
specifications laid down by API which are
as under:
3.2.0 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
a) Water requirement for making
slurry, water % by weight of cement.
- 44%
b) Soundness (autoclave expansion)),
- 0.8% maximum
c) Free water content percent by
volume - 1.4%(max)
d) Compressive strength after 8 hours Specification for Material and
curing time at Atmospheric pressure Testing.
and Curing temperature a) Sampling procedure :- as per
I. At 38C 300psi (min) section 3 of API - Spec 10.
II. At 60C 1500psi (min) b) Test for:-

e) High pressure, High temperature i. Free water - as per Section 7

Thickening Time test: Thickening of API Specification 10
Time at temperature 52C and ii. Compressive strength - as per Section
pressure 5160 PSI raised in 28 7 of API Specification - 10
min. (Scheme No.5 of API spec. 10) iii. Soundness - as per Section 4 of API
- 90-120 Minutes. Specification 10
Maximum Consistency 15-30 iv. Thickening Time as per Section 8 of
Minutes stirring - 20 BC (Max.) API Specification - 10
Consistency Initial and after 20
Minutes stirring -20 BC (Max.) 3.5.0 PREPARATION OF SLURRY:
f) Maximum Consistency at
temperature 27oC Initial and after 20 As per Section 5 of API
Minutes stirring in Atmospheric Specification-10
Consistometer - 20 BC (Max.)
3.6.0 MARKING
3.3 CHEMICAL REQUIREMENT : HSR -
TYPE CEMENT. Each bag shall have clearly legible
marking as given below:
a) Magnesium Oxide (MgO) % by a) Name of the product either with
mass - 6.0 (max.) MSR or HSR.
b) Sulphur Tri-Oxide (SO 3) % by b) Name of supplier
mass - 3.0 (max.) c) Date/ month /year of manufacture
c) Loss on ignition, % by mass d) Supply order No. against which
- 3.0 (max.) supplies are made.
d) Insoluble residue % by mass e) Weight only in Kilograms to be
- 0.75 (max.) mentioned
e) Tricalcium Silicate (3CaO.SiO2) %
by mass- 48 - 65 3.7.0 PACKAGING, HANDLING AND
f) Tricalcium Aluminate (3CaO.Al2O3) STORAGE OF CEMENT AND ITS
% by mass - 3.0 ( max. ) ADDITIVES
g) Tetra Calcium Alumino Ferrite
(4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3) plus twice the 3.7.1 PACKAGING
Tri-Calcium Aluminate (3CaO.Al2O3)
% by mass - 24.0( max. ) a) Cement/ chemical bags should be
h) Total Alkali contents expressed as packed in moisture proof bags and
Sodium Oxide ( Na2O ) equivalent should be resistant to misuse during
percent by mass - 0.75(max) handling. Cement/ additive bag
i) Free lime content percent by mass should be multi-layered paper bags
- 1.0 ( max. ) consisting of six paper-layers with
up to 2 polyethylene layers included
3.4.0 MANDATORY SAMPLING AND between first and fifth paper layers.
TEST REQUIREMENTS: Up to two asphalt and bitumen
layers may be included to further
Class 'G' cement manufacturer improve handling resistance.
under this specifications shall b) Cement/Additives can also be
comply with mandatory test packed in HDPE bags which should
requirements as indicated in Table have two loops in the corners on
2.3 of API specification 10: one edge of the bags for easy
handling and to avoid application of
hooks.
6
c) Each cement bag should be of 50
kg. wt. (net) and each cement
additive bag should be of 25 kg. wt.
(net)
3.7.2 HANDLING
a) Care must be taken during handling
and transportation of cement/
additive bags so as not to allow
introduction of moisture.
b) Use of iron hooks be avoided as it
will puncture the bags and expose
the material to moisture.
c) Possible contamination of bulk
cement by other cement brands or
bulk materials should be avoided in
offshore operations.
d) Suitable moisture scrubbing
equipment should be added in the
cooler air lines between compressor
and tanks. Particular care should be
taken in offshore bulk cement
handling operations to avoid transfer
lines becoming wet.
e) One type of cement additive should
be kept together.
f) For offshore use, cement additive
should be sent to installation in
sealed containers and if sent on
pallets, then it should be properly
covered with water-proof tarpaulin.
3.7.3 STORAGE
a) Cement chemicals should be kept
separately from other chemicals to
avoid any intermixing of bags.
b) Storage of cement / chemicals
should be such that oldest stock will
be issued first.
c) It is advisable to store cement
chemical bags on a platform with
approximately 6 inches air space
and tarpaulin should be spread on
the base of stacking in order to form
a moisture proof seal.
d) When stored on pallets, cement and
additives should be stored from
initial stage of receipt of material
and on a pallet not more than 20
bags of additives and 30 bags of
cement should be placed.
e) While storing cement for a long time
in silo, either on site or in bulk
handling plants, cement should be
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transferred from one silo to another,
at least once in a month.
f) Air dryer must be used for moisture
free air in handling cement when
storing in silos.
g) Staggered delivery schedule should
be maintained.
4.0.0 CEMENTING EQUIPMENT
Some of the offshore cementing
equipment are different from the
onshore cementing equipment,
because in the case of onshore rigs
such equipment is mobile whereas
in case of offshore rigs the same is
stationary.
4.1.0 CEMENTING UNIT
a) It should consist of two triplex
pumps which are horizontal plunger
type developing high pressures,
driven by either Diesel engine or
electric motor and mounted on
single skid or on truck chassis. One
pump should be able to develop
pressure up to 15,000 psi and the
other pump should be able to give
maximum discharge up to 10 BPM
at low pumping pressure.
b) Pressure release safety valve
should be placed in discharge line
so as to avoid sudden rise in
pressure in the unit.
c) Recirculating system should be a
part of cementing unit with a booster
pump of 50 HP or otherwise batch
mixer should be used.
d) The unit should have a Densometer
to monitor slurry density.
e) The unit should have two centrifugal
pumps for mixing water, one directly
coupled with the main transmission
and other with independent drive
with 50 HP motor in case of offshore
rigs.
f) Apart from recirculating system, unit
should also have a ground mixing
system using rotary jet, hopper
goose neck pipe, slurry tub etc.
g) It should also have high pressure
mixing system lines so that in case
of failure of both the mixing units,
high pressure mixing can be carried
 out by isolating one triplex pump
from the other.
h) All high pressure lines should be of
2 inches nominal diameter and
15,000 psi rating.
i) All cementing units should have two
displacement tanks with minimum
10 barrels or 1.6M3 capacity each
with measuring scale calibrated
either in barrel or cubic meter.
j) The onshore cementing unit is
generally of mobile type and
mounted either on 6x4 or 6x6 truck
chassis.
4.1.1 CEMENT SILOS
The silos are used for storing of
blended / neat cement for
cementation jobs at sites or at bulk
plant.
a] All offshore rigs should have at least
3 silos for cement storing purpose
out of which two should be of 1,500
sacks (75 MT) and one around of
1,000 sacks (50 MT) capacity.
b) These silos should be equipped with
suitable safety valves & weight
indicators.
c) All the inlet, outlet and vent lines
from these silos should always be
kept clean to avoid any blocking /
choking.
d) In line filters should be installed on
the inlet and outlet ports of silos to
avoid any cement stones entering
into the system and choking lines.
These filters should be periodically
cleaned.
f) Compressed air used for transfer of
cement from silos to surge tank
should be free of moisture.
Compressor should be equipped
with suitable air dryer unit.
4.1.2 CEMENT SURGE TANK
a) The surge tank should be equipped
for controlled discharge of cement to
the mixing hopper. Surge tank is
with a capacity of minimum 100-150
sacks (5 to 7.5 MT).
b) It should be equipped with safety
valves and weight indicators and
glass windows.
8
c) Surge tank should be kept empty
after each cement job.
d) Provision may be kept to back load
excess cement from surge tank to
silo if required.
4.1.3 CEMENTING HEAD
Cementing heads are used in
cementing jobs in order to facilitate
connection between casing and
pumping unit and has arrangement
to load and release the cementing
plugs at the proper time. Cementing
heads are of single plug container
type or double plug container type.
a) The cementing head should be
cleaned, serviced, greased before
and after every cement job.
b) Cementing head should be
equipped with positive lever type
indicator for plug release. Plug
release indicator and assembly
should be serviced regularly for its
function at the time of job.
c) The cementing head should be of
15,000psi rating.
d) The cementing head should have at
least 2 circulating connections with
15,000psi rating nipples with
hammer unions.
e) All 'O' ring should be checked for
any cuts or damages before putting
in for cementing operation.
4.1.4 ADDITIVE MIXING TANK / SLUG
PIT
a) In all rigs preferably a separate tank
be provided for mixing of cement
additives with suction facility from
bottom by centrifugal pump and with
delivery line to cementing unit
displacement tank.
b) Stirrers/jet-guns should be provided
for proper mixing of chemicals in
tank.
c) Tanks should be provided with
proper facility for cleaning.
4.1.5 HIGH PRESSURE LINES AND
MANIFOLDS
a) All high pressure lines and manifold
should be of 15,000psi CWP,
pressure rating.
b) Pipe line layout on offshore rig powered by diesel engine or electric
should have minimum bends to motor.
avoid excessive pressure loss.
c) Two numbers of high pressure lines 5.0 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
should be there from the cementing CEMENTING PRACTICES
unit to derrick floor, one from each
triplex pumps with interconnections The success of cementing
for offshore rigs. operations can be improved
significantly by following the
4.1.6 MOBILE PNEUMATIC BULK standards developed below. Major
CARRIER: factors requiring detailed attention
are:
The mobile pneumatic bulk carrier
( truck mounted ) consists of a A. Slurry design / job planning
horizontal silo of 20 MT capacity, B. Blending of cement and additives in
surge tank, one air compressor of bulk handling plant.
capacity 250 cubic feet per minute, C. Casing lowering, hook up, pre-job
a working pressure 4 kg/cm 2 and arrangement.
one air drier along with pipe lines, D. Slurry mixing on location, pumping
victaulic couplings and butterfly and job execution
valves mounted on a truck chassis. E. Displacement of cement slurry
The mobile pneumatic bulk carrier F. Job evaluation
should have load carrying capacity
of 10 MT and stationary capacity of 5.1.0 CEMENT SLURRY DESIGN /
20 MT. The air compressor should PLANNING OF CEMENT JOB
be rotary / screw type driven by
Diesel engine and mounted on 1. Gather the data, obtain and assess
same chassis of truck. all the necessary information prior to
preparing any cement job design
4.1.7 LOADING POD: and operation programme. The
information should include the
Loading pod is required when following points:
cement is transported by trucks to
site. Onshore rigs require - Rig, Well No., Field location
provision of loading pod at site for - Type of job - casing or liner -
loading cement to main silos. conventional or sub-sea operation.
Loading pod is of 5 to 10 MT - Casing sizes, grades, weights and
capacity depending upon threads.
requirement with provision of - Casing depths, deviation, hole size,
hopper, cutting pod for loading caliper (if available), drilled depth.
cement and then transfer to main - Type of mud to be used, mud
silos. Suitable ladder should be parameters and rheology.
equipped with the loading pod or - Bottom Hole Circulating
otherwise a screw conveyor with a Temperature(BHCT) & Bottom Hole
hopper placed at the ground be static Temperature (BHST),
used for loading. expected pore pressures and
fracturing pressures.
4.1.8 BATCH MIXER: - Interested zone intervals with Oil
Water Contact (OWC) or Gas Oil
The purpose of a batch mixer is to Contact (GOC)
prepare homogeneous cement - Any special well problems (high
slurry of desired gravity, and when pressure gas, Lost circulation etc.)
this is properly accomplished, the - Cement rise needed
end result is a cement slurry of - Specific requirement on cementing
predictable properties. The batch or hermetic testing of casing.
mixer may be skid type or movable
9
2. At job planning stage, the availability
of equipment and additives for
the job execution should be
assessed.
3. Calculate the cementing parameters
which include the quantity of
cement, total mix water, pump rate,
well head and bottom hole pressure
during displacement, mixing time,
mud displacement volume, surface
pressure and other related
information. This will assure that
well will remain under control during
the cementing operation.
4. Design maximum allowable down
hole slurry density to prevent
fracturing. Slurry density should be
preferably 2-3 ppg heavier than that
of drilling mud.
5. Determine bottom hole circulating
temperature (BHCT) from logs and
using API Temperature data.
Temperature logged approximately
24 hrs. after the last circulation
ceased can be used as BHST for
API table.
6. Design fluid loss as under, as per
API test
a) For preventing Gas Channeling:
Less than 50 ml/30mins.
(Fluid Loss test for gas wells must
be conducted at BHST)
b) For Liner Cementing : Less than
100 ml/30mins.
c) For casing cementing: Approx. 250
ml/30mins.
(Fluid Loss test must be made at
BHCT)
7. Design cement slurry or preflush /
spacer to be displaced in turbulent
flow to obtain minimum 10 mins.
contact time at the top of pay zone.
Preflush i.e. aqueous solution of
dispersant and surfactants are not
recommended in high pressure
wells.
8. Weighted buffers i.e. spacers are to
be used in plug flow or turbulent
flow. Design the spacer density 0.5
ppg higher than cement slurry.
9. If turbulent flow is not possible, then
design the job for mud displacement
in effective laminar flow using rig
pump rate as fast as possible.
10. Use 35% Silica flour (BWOC) at
BHST above 230 F (110C) to
10
prevent strength retrogression of set
cement.
11. For normal slurries, control free
water separation to 1% or less. To
prevent gas channeling and in
cementing highly inclined wells, zero
free water control should be a
primary objective.
12. Determine cement slurry thickening
time at BHCT and bottom hole
pressure. Generally maximum
slurry thickening time to 100 BC
should be at least 1 to 2 hrs. longer
than the estimated job time based
on depth, temperature and job
volume. Excessive slurry thickening
time should be avoided.
13. When field slurries are to be batch
mixed, while running the thickening
time test in lab, before following API
test schedules for increasing
temperature and pressures, the
slurry should be stirred in the
consistometer at the surface
temperature and atmospheric
pressure for the estimated batch
mixing and holding time on drill site
prior to pumping slurry into the well.
14. Slurry consistency for all normal
turbulent flow slurries should be 10
to 20 BC. Since sometimes slurries
are mixed heavier in the field, so
check consistency in the lab for 1
ppg heavier slurry also. For
pumpability, it should have
consistency less than 30 BC. If not
slurry should be redesigned.
15. Use the same mixing water, cement
and additives in Lab testing that will
be used on the wells for the job. If
additives are dry blended, a blended
cement sample must be collected
and tested in the cement test lab
before the execution of the job.
16. Check the compatibility of the
cement slurry, drilling mud and
spacers at room temperature and at
BHCT. If possible at Bottom Hole
Pressure also.
17. In the case of certain types of
cement jobs, such as long liner or
two stage cementation where the
static temperature at the top of
cement is lower than the BHCT,
compressive strength test should be
performed to determine the
 adequate WOC time. Otherwise,
the cement setting characteristic
may influence the subsequent
operations.
18. Compressive strength of set cement
stone at BHCT should be:
- 500psi for drill out
- 2000psi for perforations
19. For light weight slurries:
Upto 1.4 sp.gr. - use Bentonite, Fly
ash and Expanded Perlite
Below 1.4 sp. Gr. - Use High
Strength Micro Spheres(HSMS).
Below 1.0 Sp.Gr. - use ultra light
weight foam slurry.
20. For heavy weight slurries:
Check density of weighting
materials
Upto 2.0 sp. Gr. - Use course Silica
or Barytes
Above 2.0 sp. Gr. - Use Hematite or
Ilmenite.
21. Fluid Loss Additives:
Use fluid loss additives suiting to
well temperature condition. Fluid
loss can control free water. It
increases the viscosity of liquid
phase. So use it in combination
with dispersants.
22. Friction Reducer:
It is compatible with other additives
and is used to reduce the
consistency of cement slurry.
Friction reducer increases free
water content therefore, it is
generally used in combination with
fluid loss additives.
23. Retarder:
Temp. upto 100C, use low
temperature retarders i.e.
lignosulfonate of Na/Ca. Beyond
100C , use High Temp. Retarders,
i.e. a blend of lignosulfonate and
organic acids and their salt.
24. Accelerator:
Salt, Calcium Chloride, Sodium
Silicate and sea water can be used
as an accelerator. Do not use
calcium Chloride above 6%. It
causes flash setting of cement
slurry.
25. For thermal wells above 310C, do
not use "G" Class Oil Well Cement.
Calcium-Aluminate cement should be
used which has high heat of reaction
11
and attains almost 12000psi
compressive strength in 24 hrs.
26. In case of primary cementing of gas
wells with expected high pressure,
special chemicals need to be added
to cement slurry for effective
blockage of gas leakage possibility.
5.2.0 BLENDING OF BULK
CEMENT AND ADDITIVES
5.2.1 BLENDING OF BULK CEMENT
1. Cement absorbs moisture from its
surroundings and changes its
properties. Therefore, cement
should be purchased in lot
preferably meeting the requirement
for 4 months only and stored
properly.
2. During blending operation, verify
weight calculations, quantity and
name of each additives going into
the cement with design composition.
Count the additive sacks and
cement sacks for each blend.
3. Visually inspect empty tanks prior to
transferring blended materials to
ensure that they are empty.
4. To ensure proper blending, transfer
the blended material at least twice
before loading on mobile silos or
bulk supply boats for drill site
delivery.
5. Conduct fluid loss and thickening
time test on samples taken from
each container to verify blending.
6. Transfer dry blend to empty tank
and back to original tank just prior to
slurry mixing. If extra empty tank is
not available on site, then fluff or
percolate air through each tank from
the bottom for 15-20 minutes to
redistribute additives.
7. When different blends are used,
each blend and tank should be
clearly identified.
8. Collect and save sample of each
composition for post job analysis if
failure occurs. Otherwise, throw
away the samples after the job.
9. Check to see that all materials
required for job are loaded and
identified on the transporting
vehicles. Verify that correct
 chemicals are loaded with correct
weight and volume.
5.2.2 CEMENT ADDITIVES
Cement additives are used with Oil
Well cement (API Class 'G') in order
to get the desired properties of
cement slurry as per job
requirement. The cement additives
are available in dry form or liquid
form. Dry chemical powder can be
blended with dry cement or can be
dissolved in mix water, whereas
liquid additives are to be mixed with
water only.
functioning on surface before make
up.
4. Put float collar and shoe 2-3 joints
apart as depth increases. In case of
differential float equipment, check
the size of the ball for actuating
them properly.
5. Place external casing packers(ECP)
at desired depth for zone isolation.
Place mechanical aids on casing at
proper places.
6. Last two casing joints should be
lowered at a very slow speed.
5.4.0 HOOK UP - PRE-CEMENT JOB
ARRANGEMENTS

5.2.3 DRY BLENDING CHEMICALS : 1. After arrival at site independently,

calculate the slurry volume required
a] Fluid loss additives. and displacement volume using
b] Dispersants or turbulence inducer actual parameters and also total
(Friction Reducer). water requirements including the
c) Light weight material. water needed to flush cementing
d) Heavy weight material. unit and high pressure lines.
2. Check the mud volume on the site,
5.2.4 WET MIXING CHEMICALS the hole conditioning, mud rheology,
density, flow channel return. Mud
a) Fluid loss additives. conditioning should be
b) Friction Reducer. recommended, if necessary.
c) Accelerators (should always be wet 3. Ensure that the supply rates of both
blended only) mud and water required for the job
d) Retarders (should always be wet can be achieved.
blended only) 4. The following parameters should be
verified with the rig-in-charge the
5.3.0 LOWERING OF CASING mixing and displacement rates,
pressure to apply when plug lands,
1. Running in speed of casing should and how many barrels (or cubic
be controlled to prevent fracturing meters) over the calculated
and lost circulation. Casing lowering displacement volume will be
should be so regulated that the pumped, if the plug fails to land.
maximum annular velocity caused 5. In case the displacement is to be
by the movement of the pipe does performed by the rig pump, the
not exceed the annular velocity volumetric efficiency of mud pump,
during normal circulation. functioning of stroke counter and
2. Casing centralisation is a critical mud line flow meter should be
parameter that must be part of the checked.
cementing programme. Centralisers 6. Conduct a pre hook up meeting to
should be placed on casing across review equipment placement, lay
and 60mtrs., above and below the out of high pressure lines, material
pay intervals and other designed mixing and pumping sequence,
location such as dog leg sections pump rates, slurry densities, safety
and deviated holes. Welding of stop hazard during pumping operation
ring on casing and use of welded and maximum allowable pressure.
steel bows should be avoided. 7. Check the air compressor operation,
3. Use double float protection - a float fluff the cement of silos, prime the
shoe and a float collar. Check its
12
 pumps and mixers and check for
operation.
8. In case of offshore, one has to
ensure the proper working of air
dryer. If not the entire pneumatic
system comprising of compressor,
silos, surge tank and lines get
clogged and free flow of cement will
not be there.
9. In case of floater rigs, a mandrel is
used for carrying top and bottom
plugs. This has to be serviced
immediately after every use.
10. Check the cementing head, plug
release mechanism, plug dropping
indicator and review the number and
placement of rubber plugs in proper
sequence.
11. The pump and bulk operator and
rig-in-charge should have step by
step job sequence in written.
5.5.0 JOB EXECUTION - CEMENT
SLURRY MIXING AND PUMPING
1. Pressurise bulk units to 15-25psi
just prior to starting mixing slurry.
2. Pressure test the cementing line.
3. Start the pumping operation to
break circulation to ensure that the
casing shoe is open and check the
mud return.
4. Do not premix the cement additives
in the water more than 5-6 hrs.
before the cementing job. Before
premixing additives in water, better
to wait until the final circulation is
started after casing lowering to the
target depth. Verify metering device
if liquid additives are pre mixed in
water, continue to agitate chemical
water thoroughly until the job is
complete.
5. The mix water for cement should be
measured through displacement
tank because it helps to calculate
easily how much quantity of cement
has been pumped in the event of
unplanned shutdown. When liquid
cement additives are mixed in
displacement tanks, measurement
of mixed water is absolutely
necessary as tanks are alternately
filled and emptied.
6. Control slurry density with
pressurised mud cup balance.
13
Check calibration of densometer as
well as mud cup balance with fresh
water to ensure the reliability of
density readings.
7. Use top and bottom cement rubber
plugs. Inspect plugs before loading.
Turn bottom plug upside down and
inspect hollow core and rubber
diaphragm. Do not puncture
diaphragm of bottom plug prior to
loading. Bottom hollow plug is
loaded first and then Top solid plug
is loaded. Check order of plug
loading.
8. Displace top plug out of cementing
head without shutting down
operations. Do not open cementing
head to drop top plug, it will allow
the well to suck in air and cause
honey combing of cement around
the shoe joints.
9. Use preflush or spacer volume
equal to 150-200 mtrs. annular
height, Pump preflush or spacer
ahead of bottom plug. Better use
two bottom plugs, one ahead of
preflush and one ahead of cement
slurry. Be sure to conduct
compatibility test with preflush, mud
and cement slurry.
10. To ensure good control of slurry
density and other properties, batch
mix all cement slurries, if possible.
Alternatively use continuous mixing
devices like Precision Slurry Mixer
(PSM) or Recirculating Cement
Mixer (RCM).
11. Do not try to get the last few
quantity of cement out of the
cement bunker or surge tank. This
will cause reduction in slurry density
and will result in poor slurry at shoe
joint and outside bottom joints.
Maintain constant density of the last
10-12bbls. (2cu.m) slurry pumped
which is very critical.
If the density cannot be controlled
within acceptable limits and slurry
thickening time is too short to allow
job completion, then it is advisable
to call off the job and circulate the
cement slurry out of the hole.
12. If cement slurry reaches the annulus
during cement mixing, maintain
mixing rates at 2 BPM above
 minimum turbulent flow rate or just
above minimum plug flow rate.
13. Monitor the displacement and
bumping of plug. Check the flow
back by releasing the pressure.
Leave casing open during WOC. A
small amount of back flow is
expected because of thermal
expansion and cement reaction.
14. Even if the rig pump performs the
displacement, then also cementing
unit must remain completely lined
up until plug bumps. The plug hitting
must be observed carefully and
pressure recorded in cementation
job reports.
15. In the event of failure of float valves,
well is left closed from the
cementing head and rig-in-charge
should be cautioned to release the
casing pressure by bleeding it off
after thickening time of cement to
prevent the formation of micro
annulus.
16. During cementation a person should
be designated to monitor returns
from annulus on mud channel.
5.6.0 DISPLACEMENT
1. In fact, the best beneficial single
operation to improve mud
displacement is pipe movement.
After casing is at bottom,
immediately circulate the well with
casing reciprocation for mud
conditioning.
2. Continue pipe movement until
casing tends to become stuck or top
cement plug bumps. Reciprocation
of casing need not be fast. 5 Mtr.
Stroke cycle per 2-3 mins. is helpful.
Reciprocation speed should be safe
enough to reduce swab and surge
pressures.
3. Condition hole with good surface
condition mud at high circulation
rate. Condition the drilling mud to
as low Pv and Yp as system permits
without settling of solids. Continue
conditioning the mud and hole until
at least minimum 2 cycles are
completed.
4. Measure mud returns in trip tanks or
by other means continuously. If
mud return rate is less than the
14
pump rate, the lost circulation is
occurring. Sometimes, slow
pumping rates can correct lost
circulation.
5. Do not over displace if the plug has
not bumped when calculated
displacement volume has been
pumped.
6. Maintain log of operations to include
operation in progress, time, density
measurement, mixing rate, volume
of fluid pumped, pumping pressure,
displacement rate etc.
7. All specific events occurring
throughout a cement job must be
recorded along with other relevant
points for post job evaluation.
5.7.0 POST JOB ANALYSIS
1. Evaluation of cement job is very
crucial to determine the success of
a cement job for its objectives. A
complete post job analysis
comparing field job parameters with
actual results is the best way to
reasonably understand what
happened in down hole and
accordingly necessary corrective
measures for future operation may
be applied.
2. Caliper, CBL-VDL, CET or USIT
logs can provide accurate and
useful information to evaluate post
job success or failure. However,
production results are the actual
proof of the acceptable quality of
cementation.
3. The general rule is that the cement
bond log should not be run until 48
hrs. after the cementation in order to
achieve the true cement bond
reading. This again is highly
dependent on the cement type and
additives used in the slurry.
4. Field results show that more than
90% of wells exhibit a micro-annulus
on a primary cement job. Always
record CBL-VDL under 700-1000psi
pressure to eliminate micro-annulus
effect.
5.8.0 PRIMARY CEMENTING
Oil Well Cementing is the process of
preparing a cement slurry of cement
 and water and pumping it down 6. Establish circulation initially at slow
through steel casing to the critical SPM keeping watch on return and
points in the annulus between then after gelation break at rate
casing and open hole. equivalent to circulation during
The four main Primary Cementing drilling.
techniques used are listed as under, 7. Minimum 2 cycles of circulation
and discussed in detail thereafter: should be given before cementation.
8. Reduce gel strength, plastic
1. Single Stage Cementing viscosity and yield point of the mud
2. Multistage Cementing to the optimum level for complete
3. Stab-in Cementing removal of mud during cementation.
4. Liner Cementing 9. Fit cementing head and place
bottom and top rubber plug and lock
5.8.1 SINGLE STAGE CEMENTING the plug release mechanism
properly.
1. Design a suitable cement slurry and 10. Connect cementing unit to
make cementation plan after cementing head with H.P. lines and
collecting the following information: test it to 1.5 times the maximum
pressure to be encountered during
a) Depth of the well cementing.
b) Hole or bit size, caliper log 11. Release bottom plug and pump
c) Type of mud, mud weight and sufficient preflush to obtain a
parameters contact time of 10 minutes followed
d) Bottom hole static temperature by a suitable designed spacer.
(BHST) 12. Prepare a homogenous cement
e) Bottom hole circulating pressure & slurry of requisite volume (slurry
temperature(BHCT) volume to be calculated as per
f) Expected pore pressure caliper log + 10% excess). Cement
g) Expected fracturing pressure slurry should be batch mixed
h) Previous casing details preferably in case of critical jobs.
I) Size and grade of casing to be 13. Release top plug and displace by
lowered calculated volume of mud up to float
j) Rise of cement in annulus collar. Displace in two steps i.e.
k) Any weak formation / any special major and minor displacement.
well problem (high pressure gas Major displacement volume should
/lost circulation etc.) be 3-4m3 less than the total
l) Zones of interest displacement volume. Major
m) Slurry design displacement should be done in
n) Cementing material available sufficient rate for achieving
o) Cementing equipment available turbulence if formation permits.
Minor displacement should be done
2. Design slurry for an appropriate at slow rate till plug hitting.
thickening time i.e. anticipated job 14. Through out the major displacement
time and 60 minutes safety factor. reciprocate the casing 5-6mtrs
3. Plan to run casing with sufficient length.
centralisers for proper centralisation 15. Bump the plug at a pressure 400-
of the casing as per the standards 500psi more than the maximum
of centraliser fitting. pressure at the end of displacement.
4. Use scratchers against permeable 16. Release the pressure and check the
formation and 50 meters above and float function. If the float function is
below the pay zones and water O.K., keep the valves of cementing
zones (spacing of scratchers head open. If not O.K. then apply
should be 1mtr.) pressure equivalent to the
5. Float collar should be fitted differential pressure inside casing
minimum two joints above the float and keep the well closed under this
shoe. pressure for 4 hours.
15
17. W.O.C. 8 to 12 hours depending
upon the slurry testing and
compressive strength results.
5.8.2 MULTISTAGE CEMENTING
It is the conventional placement of
cement slurry around the lower
portion of the casing string followed
by placement of successive upper
stage through ports of stage collar.
A. Design cement slurry for the first
stage and second stage at
temperature and pressure at the
casing depth and stage collar depth
respectively.
B. Run in the casing with the stage
collar at the desired depth. Do not
put tong on the outer sleeve of the
stage collar at any time. Stage collar
should be tightened with rope only.
C. The stage collar should preferably
be placed against the shale section.
D. Besides slurry pumping
displacement and safety factor, the
first stage slurry thickening time
should include the traveling time of
bomb, opening of ports and one
cycle circulation through stage collar
ports.
E. One centraliser may be placed just
above the stage collar and one
below the stage collar.
F. After completion of first stage
cementation job, drop the opening
plug or bomb and allow it to reach
the stage collar. To open the ports
slowly build-up pressure approx.
1,000 psi (70Kg / cm ). The
cementing ports should normally
open after 850psi (60 Kg/cm 2)
pressure build-up. A drop in
pressure will indicate that fluid has
escaped into the annulus after
opening of ports.
G. Circulate the well through the stage
collar ports for 2 cycles to flush out
any extra / contaminated cement
from the first stage.
H. Release closing / shut off plug in
such a manner so as to have some
cement slurry over it. This will
ensure cement outside the stage
collar and minimize the hazards of
displacement fluid outside the stage
16
collar. Further cement above shut
off plug will help in drilling it out.
I. For closing the cementing ports
approximately 1000psi (70 Kg/Cm 2)
pressure in excess of second stage
final / cementing pressure is to be
built up over the shut off plug in one
continuous operation without
slowing down or stopping the
pumps.
5.8.3 STAB IN CEMENTING
Stab in cementing is done when
large size of casing necessitates
high displacement volume in
conventional cementing or
combined strings do not allow the
use of conventional plug. This
cementing is carried out with drill
pipe with a stabbing unit attached to
its bottom end. The drill pipe with
stab in unit (stringer) is stabbed into
the stab-in cementing collar or shoe
and then cementation is carried out.
STAB IN CEMENTING
PROCEDURE
A. If well cleaning requires viscous
mud spacers and if well stability is
not a problem, volume of water at
least equivalent to 150mtrs of
annulus should be injected ahead of
the slurry.
B. The specific condition for cementing
with a stringer are generally:-
i) A highly viscous fluid in space.
ii) Very low slurry displacement rate.
C. With the casing set, fix the stringer
equipped with a centraliser at the
end of drill pipe string and run in the
assembly to the depth of the shoe
or collar.
D. When running in, the pipes are filled
with the same fluid as the one
placed in the well.
E. As much as possible, the stringer is
engaged only once into the collar or
shoe.
F. Test the surface lines and
hermeticity of the inner string.
G. Check the O- Ring of the stringer
for proper sealing and replace it if
required.
H. Establish the circulation after
stabbing to ensure that
circulation is there through open
hole annulus only.
I. Continuously monitor the weight
on string during displacement to
ensure proper engagement of
stringer all the time
5.8.4 LINER CEMENTATION
A liner is a standard casing string
which does not extend all the way to
the surface up to the well mouth,
but it is hung from inside the
previous casing, generally keeping
an overlap of 100 to 120 mtrs.
Liners are very difficult to cement
because most of the conditions are
adverse. The annulus is usually
very small, the liner is poorly
centralised because of small
clearance, poor rheology, small
quantity of cement slurry are easily
contaminated by mud and gas may
percolate through and “honey comb”
the cement on long liner. If the liner
leaks through the overlap, a
remedial squeeze at hanger top
should be performed.
LINER CEMENTATION AND
PROCEDURES
A. Slurry Design: While designing the
cement slurry for liner cementation
job, depth, hole condition,
temperature and pressure to be
encountered during the job should
be carefully considered.
B. Thickening Time: It is usually
designed to include the time taken
for reversing out the excess slurry
above the liner hanger top.
C. Slurry Density : High density low
water ratio cement is used to
prevent water separation and entry
of fluid into the well bore, but the
combined density and displacement
pressure must remain below the
fracture pressure of the weakest
zone.
17
D. Fluid Loss Control: Fluid loss of
the slurry should remain less than
100 ml/30mins so as to avoid
building up of cement filter cake and
to reduce chances of annulus
bridging due to small annular
channels.
No lost circulation material should
be used in liner cementation to
avoid plugging of float equipment or
the narrow annulus. If loss control
material is added in mud to combat
loss, then after lowering liner well
should be circulated with fresh mud
free from LCM (Lost Circulation
Material).
E. Centralisers- Centralising the liner in
the hole is very critical for effective
cement placement. This is
particularly true in case of deviated
wells. Centralisers and turbulators
on the liner could be essential for
the success of cementing operation.
F. Slow down displacement when the
pump down plug (dart) approaches
the liner wiper plug in order to
observe the first pressure surge
(about 300psi) corresponding to the
shearing of the pins.
G. Release the liner setting tool after
completion of displacement and if
packer type liner hanger is used
then set the packer.
H Use combination dart in case of
combination string is used for
lowering liner.
I. Preferably use liner hanger with
integral packer or with top seal in
case of loss prone area to avoid
hanger top squeeze job.
5.8.5 SECONDARY CEMENTING:
Any cementing operation that occur
after primary cementing operation is
usually referred to as "Secondary
Cementing". Secondary
cementation jobs are mainly
classified as
A) Plug Cementing
B) Squeeze cementing.
A PLUG CEMENTING
A cement plug of a specified length
when placed across a selected
 interval in an open hole or a cased
hole, is called "Plug cementing".
The most commonly used technique
for plug placement is known as
"Balanced Plug Method".
Consideration of well bore condition,
slurry volume, temperature
estimation, slurry design, plug
contamination, work string
movement, controlling the
downward slurry movement etc. are
instrumental in setting up a
successful cement plug. Specially
in inclined /horizontal wells and
enlarged bore holes use of divertor
tool, movement /rotation of string
while placement of plug and
additional provision of 100mtr. high
viscous mud pill as a static barrier
below the expected bottom of plug
can prevent cement plug slippage
and contamination resulting high
degree of success in plug
placement.
1. Select gauge section of a hole.
Consult a caliper log for selecting a
location to set a plug.
2. Select an easily drillable formation
for whipstock placing a plug against
a hard zone can mean having to re-
drill the cement. Select a hard
formation for placing cement plug
for DST.
3. High compressive strength is
mandatory in whipstock plugs. So
design a high density slurry using
coarse sand (20 to 30% by weight of
cement).
4. Plan for a plug length of minimum
100mtrs. In open hole and 50 Mts.
In cased hole.
5. Consult a caliper log for accurate
hole size and calculate the slurry
volume accordingly. Anticipating
that top 15 to 20mtrs of the plug will
get contaminated, pump excess
slurry accordingly to get the desired
plug length.
6. Batch mix cement to ensure uniform
slurry density.
7. Pump preflush that is compatible
with drilling fluid. Preflush volume
should be sufficient to cover an
annular height of 50 to 75mtrs. After
flush volume should cover the same
18
height in the tubing string as that of
the preflush.
8. For open hole cement plugs in gas
wells, use a weighted spacer or high
viscous mud pill. Using water as
preflush can cause reduction of
hydrostatic head, resulting in gas
migration through the cement.
9. Try to rotate or reciprocate drill pipe
slowly till the completion of
displacement.
10. Under displace the plug by 200-300
liters to avoid any back flow.
11. Pull out drill pipe very slowly out of
cement.
12. Reverse wash twice the drill string
volume to wash excess slurry out of
the hole.
13. At least provide 48 hrs. W.O.C for
attaining sufficient hardness/
strength for side- track plug.
14. Always test the cement plug by
tagging top of cement with Bit and
apply required weight for "Hardness"
test.
15. While placing a cement plug in large
hole sections or washout sections,
use a "Flow divertor tool" so as to
achieve uniform placement of
cement slurry all around the wash
out.
16. Prior to placing the lost circulation
plugs, place LCM pill across the lost
circulation/thief zone for a
successful cement job.
17. While plugging a well for
abandonment, bottom abandon
cement plug should be placed
covering the open hole section and
base of the last casing shoe, and
top abandon plug has also to be set
inside surface casing.
18. Cement plugs placed for
abandonment are normally not
tested.
B SQUEEZE CEMENTING
Squeeze cementing is the most
common type of secondary
cementation job. Its main objective
is to obtain a seal between the
casing and formation. The process
involves applying a calculated
hydraulic pressure to squeeze
cement slurry into the formation void
 or through perforations in the
casing.
Basic fundamentals of squeeze
cementing is that cement slurries
composed of cement particles and
water do not penetrate the matrix of
a formation. The particles are much
too large to enter the permeability.
Therefore, they are separated from
the water under a differential
pressure. The cement filtrate is
pumped into the permeability while
the cement particles form a filter
cake of cement. As the filter cake
builds, the pump in pressure
increase until a squeeze pressure
less than fracturing pressure is
attained. A good guide for a
squeeze pressure is 500-1000 psi
above the pump in pressure with no
flow back in 3 to 5 minutes.
CLASSIFICATION AND
PLACEMENT TECHNIQUES
a) High Pressure Squeeze: It
involves breaking down the
formation and squeezing cement
slurry into the formation. In this
technique, the fluid pressure in the
well bore exceeds the formation
fracture pressure.
b) Low Pressure Squeeze: It involves
placing of the cement slurry over the
interval to be squeezed by applying
a pressure sufficient to form a filter
cake of dehydrated cement in
perforations, voids etc. In this case
fluid pressure in the well bore is
maintained below the fracture
pressure of exposed formation.
There are four basic placement
techniques:
a) Bradenhead Squeeze Technique
b) Packer Squeeze Technique
c) Running Squeeze
d) Hesitation Squeeze
INJECTIVITY TEST: Prior to placement
of cement slurry, conduct injectivity test
against the squeeze interval using a
clean and solid free water :-
19
A. To obtain an injection rate
B. To calculate amount of slurry to be
used,
C. To estimate maximum squeeze pressure.
D. While taking injectivity test, raise the
pressure very slowly up to the point of
injection without fracturing the exposed
formation.
2. DESIGN OF CEMENT SLURRY FOR
SQUEEZE.
The properties of cement slurry must be
tailored according to the characteristics
of the formation to be squeezed, and the
technique to be used. Standard for
designing the slurry for squeezing
should be:
A. Low viscosity; to allow the slurry to
penetrate the small voids.
B. Low gel strength; to allow easy
movement of the slurry
C. No free water
D. Appropriate fluid loss control.
E. Proper thickening time; to safely meet
the anticipated job time.
Following factors may be considered in
designing the cement slurry for any squeeze
operation:
Fluid Loss Control: Fluid loss and filter
cake growth rate vary directly i.e. higher the
fluid loss, faster will be the filter cake build
up. As such, while designing the slurry, fluid
loss must be tailored to the formation type
and the permeability so as to achieve a
uniform cake build up against the squeeze
interval.
Fluid loss recommendation for satisfactory
filter cake build up against the squeeze
interval:
For high pressure squeeze: High fluid loss
slurry 200 - 500 ml/30 min.
For low pressure squeeze: Low fluid loss
slurry - 50 ml/30 min.
Thickening Time: In squeeze cementing,
the pressure, temperature and squeezing
method to be used influence the thickening
time of the cement slurry. Thickening time
must be the anticipated job time plus 60
minutes safety factor. Anticipated job time
is from the start of slurry pumping to
completion of squeezing.
For running squeeze method, requirement of
thickening time should be less. Whereas for
a hesitation squeeze method, higher
pumping time must be designed so that
cement slurry remains in fluid stage till
squeeze pressure is achieved.
Slurry Volume: For a successful job, the
appropriate cement slurry volume depends
upon the length of interval, placement
technique, the injection rate of a particular
formation and pumping of excess slurry. A
low pressure squeeze usually requires a
very small volume of cement, whereas a
high pressure squeeze, in which the
fractures are to be filled, requires a higher
volume of slurry. However, calculate the
slurry volume as per the injection rate of a
particular formation and pumping of excess
slurry is always recommended for a
successful job.
Slurry Density: When preparing the slurry,
batch mixing of the slurry should be done to
ensure a uniform density of slurry.
Squeeze Pressure Requirements:
For low pressure squeeze:
Surface pressure + Hydrostatic pressure <
fracture pressure of formation
For high pressure squeeze:
Surface pressure + Hydrostatic pressure >
Fracture pressure of formation.
Obtain fracture pressure as per the fracture
gradient of Leak off Test value.
When selecting the squeeze pressure,
considerations may be given to:
a) Casing bursting pressure
b) Casing collapse pressure; assuming
that the pressure will be acting on the
outside of the casing through the existing
channels.
Preferably use retrievable packers for high
pressure squeezing.
W.O.C Time:
Dehydrated cement filter cake develops
strength faster than a slurry that has not lost
fluid under pressure. In all type of squeeze
operations, a minimum 4-5 hrs W.O.C time
20
should be provided after the final squeeze
pressure has been reached.
Evaluation Of Squeeze Job:
1. Positive pressure test:
After the W.O.C time, test the cement by
applying required surface pressure for
checking integrity of the perforation
squeezed.
2. CBL / VDL
When the objective of the squeeze is to
repair a primary cementing job, record CBL /
VDL for the squeeze interval after the
squeeze job to evaluate the effectiveness of
the repair job.
Low pressure squeeze cementing
1. Consult a CBL / VDL log prior to
squeeze job.
2. If the poor bondage is against a
particular permeable formation,
decide to carry low pressure
squeeze.
3. Decide the point of perforation and
perforate against a permeable
formation at least 6 to 8 Shots(Gun
Perforation) per foot for achieving
better intake.
4. Carry out injectivity test in water. If
injectivity is found to be poor, acid
job may be required to improve
injectivity.
5. For low pressure squeeze
cementing, follow all the standards
as given for a normal cement plug
job so as to spot the slurry against
the perforated interval.
6. Then pull out drill string 50 mtrs.
above the cement top.
7. Close BOP and apply pressure
through drill string to squeeze
cement.
8 Squeeze calculated volume of slurry
and close the well under pressure
for 4 hrs.
Block squeeze cementing
1. Block cementing is employed before
perforating for production to help
prevent fluid migration from either
above or below.
2. For block squeeze perforate 2 sets
of perforation i.e. above and below
the cement retainer.
3. If the poor bondage is continuous
for a longer section, decide to carry
out block squeeze using a cement
retainer.
4 Establish circulation through cement
retainer behind casing with water or
cleaned fluid to ensure good clean
up of the channels.
5. Maintain the down hole treating
pressure below the formation
fracture pressure when carrying out
injectivity test or establishing
circulation behind casing.
6. Calculate slurry volume keeping into
consideration the annular volume
and slurry required below cement
retainer.
7. Use spacers ahead and behind
cement slurry for a minimum length
of 50 to 75mtrs to avoid
contamination.
8. While displacement monitor free
falling /U tubing of cement slurry by
controlling through choke. Displace
cement up to the tip of cement
retainer so as to keep the cement
inside the string and engage tubing
string to retainer, and squeeze to
circulate out cement between the
two perforations.
9. Disengage the string from retainer
and balance the plug. Pull out the
string above the top of perforations,
reverse wash and squeeze cement
in the upper perforation (optional)
and keep the well under final
squeeze pressure.
Water /Gas Shut Off Squeeze
1. For elimination of water intrusion or
reduction of gas oil ratio this
squeeze cementing is carried out
to seal all the perforations and
then reperforate a selected interval.
2. All procedures that of low pressure
squeeze cementing are to be
followed for placement of cement
slurry against the perforated
interval.
3. In case of good injectivity squeeze
calculated volume of slurry into the
perforations leaving a cement plug
21
inside the casing. Squeezing be
done by hesitation method, so that
final squeeze pressure is achieved.
4. In case of no injectivity, squeeze
cement slurry at the maximum
permissible squeezing pressure and
close the well under squeeze
pressure for 4 hours.
6.0 WELL ABANDONMENT
PROCEDURE
Well abandoning procedures shall
be different between onshore and
offshore.
6.1 ONSHORE WELL
ABANDONMENT
Any oil gas or fresh water show
should be isolated with cement. If a
caliper log is available, correct
volume of cement should be
calculated and placed to cover the
predetermined length of cement
plug.
The bore hole including the space
between the cement plugs shall be
filled with drilling fluid of sufficient
specific gravity and other properties
so as to enable it to withstand any
subsequent pressure which may
develop in the bore hole.
6.1.1 OPEN HOLE ABANDONMENT
I. Isolation plug: Where there is open
hole below the casing, place a
cement plug of 50mtrs in open hole
and 50mtrs inside the casing shoe.
II. Tag and test the plug prior to
placing subsequent plugs.
III. Surface plug: Place a surface
cement plug of 100mtrs inside the
casing between a depth of 200 to
300mtrs.
6.1.2 CASED HOLE ABANDONMENT
I. A hydrocarbon producing zones
should be isolated by cement
squeezing and plugging.
II. Last object tested, should be
squeezed with cement and leave a
cement plug of minimum 150mtrs.
above the zone of interest. Tag the
 top of plug and test it to 500psi
pressure.
III. Plugging of casing stub: If the
casing is cut and recovered there by
leaving a stub inside the next larger
string, abandonment cement plug
should be set so as to extend a
minimum of 50mtrs above and 50
mtrs below the stub.
IV. Surface Plug: A cement plug of at
least 100mtrs with the top of the
plug 100 to 200mtrs below the
surface should be placed in the
string.
displacement method so as to
extend at least 30 to 50mts. in open
hole below the casing shoe and a
minimum of 50mts. approximately
cement plug should be placed inside
the casing.
4. If loss circulation exists or is
anticipated, a permanent type
bridge plug may be set within 30-45
mts. above the casing shoe. This
bridge plug should be tested
prior to placing a subsequent
cement plug of minimum 50mtrs.
above it.

6.2.0 OFFSHORE WELL 6.2.3 SURFACE PLUG REQUIREMENT:

ABANDONMENT PROCEDURES:
6.2.1 ISOLATING PERFORATED
INTERVAL:
To abandon a zone, a cement plug
should be placed opposite all open
perforations extending a minimum of
30mtrs above and 30mtrs below the
perforated interval by the balance
cement plug /squeeze method. A
permanent type bridge plug may be
set within casing above the top of
the cement plug up to the maximum
possible depth run without scrapper
trip.
If the perforations are isolated from
the hole below, squeeze cementing
operations should be accomplished
using the Braden head method or a
cement retainer.
6.2.2 PLUGGING OF CASING STUBS:
Abandonment may be accomplished
by one of the following methods if
the casing is cut and recovered
thereby leaving a stub inside the
next larger string.
6.2.3
1. A balanced cement plug should be
set so as to extend approximately
30mtrs above and 30mtrs below the
stub.
2. A permanent bridge plug may be set
at least 15mtrs. above the stub with
a minimum of 50mts. of cement plug
7.0
on top.
3. In uncased open hole of well, a
cement plug should be placed by
22
After abandoned plug and squeeze
in the last object, set a bridge plug
in casing at maximum possible
depth without scrapper run. Check
20 x 13.3/8 annulus and 13.3/8 x
9.5/8 annulus for any activity. Fill
both annulus with mud. Perforate
9.5/8 x 13.3/8 casing 25mtrs.
above 20 shoe with 8 shots per
foot. Place a balanced cement plug
of 100 Mts. and closing BOP as
well as both the annulus squeeze
slurry up to 1000psi. Cut and
retrieve 9.5/8, 13.3/8 and 20
casing from MLS.
Place a balanced plug of at least
100 Mts. starting from 25mtr. below
the 9.5/8 casing cut point up to 10
to 15mtrs. below the sea bed. Cut
and retrieve 30 conductor 1 M
below sea bed.
All casing and protective structures
should be removed to the
satisfaction of the governing
authority for the clearance of
location.
TESTING PLUG
Cement plug should be tested
placing a minimum pipe weight of
15000 lbs. on the cement plug or
testing with a minimum pump
pressure of 1000psi.
CEMENTING SAFETY
GUIDELINES
 This cementing guideline is intended 2. After initial warm up of engine,
to standardize cementing check engine oil pressure, water
procedures and safety aspects with temperature, air pressure, brake
a view to improve planning, application, auto electrical light
execution and evaluation areas indications etc.
related to cementing services and to 3. Fire extinguisher, spark arrestor in
reduce occurrences of accidents. engine's exhaust pipes and a first-
The cementing of oil well is an aid kit should be there in all
important and highly critical cementing vehicles.
operation which is accomplished in 4. Accessories like high pressure lines,
a relatively short period of time. valves, swivels, jet mixers, rubber
Utmost care should be taken to hoses etc. should be clamped and
follow established safety regulations fastened to avoid any loss and third
to avoid any untoward accident party injury while plying the
during cementation. Following are cementing vehicle on road.
some distinctive features /areas of 5. While lifting the cab of cementing
safety concern associated with vehicle for chassis engine check up/
cementing operations. repair, no person should be allowed
to stand underneath the charging
1. Simultaneous presence of a large pump till the cabin is locked and
crew of different disciplines properly clamped in position
makes
coordination extremely essential.
2. Several liquid chemicals and 7.2 SAFETY IN PLACEMENT OF
cementing additives used in CEMENT VEHICLE, HOOKING UP
cementation can cause safety OF CEMENTING LINES AND PRE-
hazards which needs proper JOB PLANNING.
precautions while handling.
3. High pressure and air pressure 1. Onshore cementing operator should
involved in cementing job execution. be well conversant with traffic
4. Simultaneous running of all signals, road safety rules and
equipment creating high level of regulations to minimise road
noise pollution. accident
5. Special attention is required when 2. One should never attempt to
cementation is being carried out in perform work or drive a vehicle
night time. when he is impaired by alcohol or
drugs.
The following guidelines are 3. While reversing a cementing
suggested as good operating vehicle, one should be certain that
practices. It is the responsibility of the sides and backing area is clear.
supervisor to ensure that all One should not reverse a vehicle at
cementing service personnel and rig the facility or on the work location
crew adhere to the procedures without a guide.
outlined below: 4. One should use the prescribed
personal protective safety kits like
7.1 PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKS OF overhaul, hardhats, safety glasses,
MOBILE CEMENTING hard-toed shoes, hand gloves etc.
EQUIPMENT BEFORE Wearing of rings, bracelets or neck
PROCEEDING TO ONSHORE chains should be avoided while on
DRILL SITE. oil field duty and in repair/
maintenance garage.
1. Oil level, HSD level, Radiator water 5. A pre-job planning meeting should
level, Steering hydraulic oil level, be held to ensure proper job
battery connections, tyre pressure layout and placement of
etc. are to be checked. cementing equipment following all
safety procedures.
23
6. Mobile cementing equipment
positioning should be planned for
quick removal from the work area in
case of an emergency. All vehicles
should be placed with cabin facing
away from the well and wooden
wedge support should be placed
behind wheels to minimise
vibrations and movement of line
while pumping operation.
7. Place cementing pump / bunkers /
mobile silos at least 1.5 - 2 mtrs.
apart from other cementing vehicles
and at least 25 mtrs. distance from
the well head.
8. Park all vehicles which are not
required for the job to safe areas
from the well head so as not to
block the well site exits.
9. In hooking of high pressure lines
from cementing units, avoid
crossing of two discharge lines.
Lines should not be run under
cementing trucks. Ensure proper
anchoring of high pressure lines to
prevent accident in case of
line failure.
10. Use sufficient number of chicksans
to provide more flexibility to
discharge lines for reducing
vibrations during cementing
operations.
11. Do not suspend discharge lines
from cementing head without safety
chains. Inclined or vertical
discharge lines should be tied off to
prevent them from being dragged.
12. Use only high pressure fittings and
approved steel pipes which are in
good condition and thoroughly
inspected .
13. Cementing heads, manifolds, valves
and plugs should be inspected,
cleaned and lubricated prior to
hooking up. Always clean an oil line
connection before making up
cementing lines.
14. The cementing operational in-
charge must supervise line hook up
work and thoroughly inspect prior to
testing lines
15. Care should be taken to avoid
damage to the threaded pin end and
stopper of cementing head during
handling and tightening to the
casing. Cementing head must be
24
secured to the links by safety
chains.
16. Thread protectors must be used on
all exposed male threads of
circulating subs or cementing heads
to avoid thread damage.
17. Only steel lines should be used for
releasing pressure and checking
back flow from the wells.
18. In electrical rigs, all cementing
equipment should be earthed to the
derrick structure to avoid any
electrical shock accident. Electrical
powered cementing skid unit should
also be earthed properly.
19. Cementing head, safety valves and
high pressure lines of cementing
units should be checked for
operation at stipulated pressure to
ensure operational safety and NDT
should be carried out at an
interval of 3 years.
A. High pressure lines should be tested
with water at 1.5 times the
maximum pressure expected in
pumping operations. The pressure
test will not exceed the safe working
pressure of the equipment.
B. Before, testing all persons should be
vacated from the vicinity of high
pressure line. No one will be
permitted to step across, stand on
or straddle or hammer on any
pressurised line.
C Do not allow any one to take up line
leakage repair operation until –
i) Particular well site personnel are
notified by the cementing supervisor
with the repair plan
ii] Pressure has been released from
the line.
iii) The release valve is left open during
repairs.
iv) The flow has stopped from the
bleed-off line.
v) The cementing supervisor has
personally observed and determined
that the system is free of any
pressure.
20. The maximum permissible pressure
and pumping rates through
cementing lines are as follows:
2" (1.75" ID) -15000 psi W/Pr. - 7
BPM
2" (1.8" ID)-10000 psi W/Pr.- 7.5
BPM
21. During a pre-job safety meeting,
cementing in-charge must outline
the job procedure, define pressure
limits, discuss safety measures and
additional briefing on emergency
procedure or any unsafe conditions
to all personnel designated to
participate in the job.
He should designate the sequence
and volume in which fluid will be
pumped and at what pumping rate.
Also duties of each person during
cementing job including equipment
operation, mixing of chemical,
operation of valves, bulk delivery,
cementing head and maintenance
management.
He will also review communication
system which plays an important
role in monitoring cementing job
execution.
22. Entire sequence of operation should
be controlled by cementing
operational in-charge (one
single supervisor) to avoid any
confusion in following
instructions during cementation.
23. In many offshore rigs, the
cementing unit is placed in relatively
congested closed space. The
cementing supervisor should ensure
that all exhaust fans are working
and that all the personnel
present in the cementing
room should wear air filters (masks).
24. In floaters, the cementing supervisor
should ensure that the ventine
system which facilitates in cleaning,
is in proper working condition. If not,
the entire cementing room might be
filled with unwanted fluids.
7.3.0 PUMPING JOB:
1. All valves in discharge lines shall be
checked properly to see that they
are open before orders are given to
start pumping.
2. No pumping should take place while
any personnel is working on, above
or below floor level.
3. Flammable or combustible fluids are
not to be placed in open
displacement tanks on cementing
equipment.
25
4. Acid pumping with cementing units
should be avoided, if possible. In
case it cannot be avoided, make
extra sure that all the valves, caps,
lines etc. are fitted correctly and
also the least number of people
should be present in the vicinity.
After the job, the cementing unit and
the lines should be washed
thoroughly so as to remove even
traces of acid
5. When pumping into any system -
i) Be sure that you have an
accurate pressure gauge.
ii) Be alert for closed valves also.
iii) Start slowly with little throttle to
confirm that system is open.
6. A pressure-chart to record pumping
pressure continuously should be
made available for all cementing
jobs. Pressure chart should be
supplemented with pumping
sequence volume, time and rate.
7. Surface pumping pressure should
not exceed the lowest pressure
rating of the union and / or
whatever connections used such as
chicksans, valves, cross-over etc.
8. When transferring or venting
material through an open ended
hose, a "T" shall be affixed to the
end of the hose to prevent the hose
from whipping around. The end of
the hose should be secured tightly
to a stationary object.
9. Cement bunker or mobile cement
silo loaded with cement should be
kept on jacks at drill site when
parked.
10. During slurry, mixing, chemical
preparations, adequate precautions
must be taken to avoid chemical /
additive contact with skin, eyes and
clothing. Fumes of defoamer should
not be inhaled while using. When
handling cement additives,
appropriate safety goggles,
respirators, dust or vapor masks,
face shield, rubber gloves, shoes
and hearing protection should be
worn.
11. Fluid loss, retarder and dispersant,
additives for cement do not contain
hazardous ingredients. Primary
routes of their entry in human body
is by skin contact, eye contact,
 inhalation and ingestion. Material
safety data sheet should be made
available at work-center while
handling cement additives.
12. Review method and hazard of
handling, transferring and chemical
mixing as well as proper mixing
sequence.
13. Proper illumination with adequate flame
proof lighting arrangements should
be provided in the operational area
especially at slurry mixing point and
additive mixing system to ensure
safe and effective job coordination
during night time.
7.4.0 RIG DOWN
1. Before dismantling the line,
pressure must be released to
zero. Pressurised line should not be
hammered. Tightening
loosening of connections under
pressure is strictly prohibited.
2. After pumping has been completed,
all pumps, lines and hoses will be
flushed before rigging down. All
valves and caps on all piping of
each unit shall be opened or
removed to allow complete drainage
of any fluid in the units piping.
Piping choked with cement slurry
may damage cementing equipment
and lead to major breakdown.
3. The air pressure in pneumatic bulk
silo / mobile cement silo should be
relieved before the vehicles are
moved off to location.
4. Transportation of chicksans, high
pressure lines, valves, swivels,
hoses with end connections
from rig floor to ground should be
done by winch line only. Throwing
down these equipment from derrick
floor must be prohibited.
7.5.0 SAFETY IN CEMENT BULK
HANDLING PLANT
1. All cement silos and other
pressurised vessels should be
emptied and pressure tested at the
specific rating. Safety valves and
pressure gauges attached to each
vessel should be checked for proper
functioning.
2. If any leakage is observed during
pressure testing of silos, it should be
rectified immediately on top priority.
3. Valves in pipe lines should also be
checked for proper isolation.
4. Proper functioning of air dryer
should be ensured to get rid of
moisture in the air line to silos with a
view to prevent cement lump in the
system and provide consistent dry
cement supply for slurry mixing.
5. The discharge of air, dust and
cement from vent line should be
directed away from the operational
area and preferably in a water pit to
avoid air pollution.
6. Personnel concerned with bulk
handling plant operation must use
all personal protective safety
equipment including helmet,
goggles, dust mask, ear protection
or etc.
8.0.0 CHECKLIST OF CEMENTATION
JOB
8.1.0 BEFORE CASING RUNNING IN:
1. Casing tally is made in such a way
that casing can be landed up to
target depth.
2. Caliper log should be recorded to
know the hole size at various depths
and for the calculation of cement
slurry volume to be pumped.
3. Well is conditioned prior to pulling
out for casing lowering and note
down the following details.
A. No. of cycles of circulation with
conditioned mud.
B. Discharge rate :
C. Mud parameters :-
i) Specific gravity :
ii) Pv :
iii) Yp :
iv) Gel-0/Gel-10 :
v) Funnel Viscosity :
vi) Water loss :
4. Well is free from activity/loss or any
special well problems.
8.2.0 DURING CASING RUNNING IN.
1. During casing running in, speed has
to be controlled and should be
recorded.
26
2. One has to record 3. Mud was conditioned to lowest
a) No. of intermediate possible Pv & Yp as the system
circulation at different permits without dropping solids.
depths with time intervals. Mud parameters during final circulation:
B) Total time taken from final
pull out to casing landing. i) Specific gravity.......……….
ii) Pv..........……………………
8.3.0 MECHNICAL AIDS iii) Gel…………………………
vi) Viscosity …………………
A) To check the following for v) water loss.............................
centralizers : 4. Conditioning of mud was done at
I) Total number of centralisers max. possible speed of the pump.
used. 5. Casing reciprocation during
ii) Whether stop rings were circulation was done.
used to place the 6. Cementation started only after the
centralizers. mud is free from any gas bubbles
iii) To make sure that the stop /pockets/ cuttings.
rings are not welded on
casings. 8.5.0 CEMENTING HEAD
iv) Whether centralizer spacing
done with computer 1. Whether single or double plug
programme. container cementing head is used.
v) 60 Mts. below and above 2. Cementing head should be checked
the zone and the interval of for any leakage during cementing
the zone should be operation and proper function of
properly centralized. plug release indicator.
vi) Total cement column is 3. Stopper pin is checked for its easy
centralized. movement.
B) Whether scratchers are used 4. Top and bottom plugs are placed in
against permeable formation to proper sequence viz. Bottom
remove filter cake hollow plug is loaded first
C) Whether swirlers are used in and then top solid plug.
washout sections.
D) To see that float shoe is checked 8.6.0 CEMENTING EQUIPMENT
and placed on first joint of casing to
guide casing into well and 1. The cementing units, bunkers/silos
minimising derrick strain. are thoroughly checked to avoid any
E) To check float collar and should be break down during the operations.
placed on one/two/three joints 2. The discharge of cementing unit is
above casing shoe depending upon checked physically for their capacity
well situation. in accordance with the liner size.
F) To ensure float shoe and float 3. Tanks of slurry units are thoroughly
collars used are of same type. cleaned.
G) Type of floating equipment, 4. Cementing head and all connection
conventional or differential. If lines are pressure tested to 1.5
differential type is used, the tripping times the max. pressure to be
ball is checked. encountered during cementing.

8.4. DURING CIRCULATION PRIOR 8.7.0 BLENDING OF CEMENT

TO CEMENTATION ADDITIVES

1. No. Of cycles 1. A minimum of three transfers of

circulated.....................cycles cement and additives is a must,
2. Circulation rate and pressure---------- when dry blending is
recommended.

27
2. Correct weights (doses) of
powdered additives are mixed. 8.10.0 SLURRY MIXING AND PUMPING
3. Conduct test of each blended
cement sample. 1. Sufficient mixing water is available
4. If wet mixing is done, the correct for the volume of cement to be
percentage of additive is thoroughly mixed and enough liquid or solid
mixed. additives are present at site.
2. Mixing pump pressure should be
8.8.0 PREFLUSH / SPACER tested for required discharge
3. Batch mixer/ recirculating mixer/
1. Check whether sufficient volume of precision slurry mixer is used for
Spacer/Preflush equal to 50-75 mts. preparing homogenous slurry.
of annulus height, is prepared. 4. Mud balance or other density
2. Compatibility of Spacer/Preflush measuring device is calibrated with
with cement and mud should be fresh water before actual cement
checked. job.
3. Ensure that Spacer/Preflush is 5. The sp.gr. of cement slurry is
pumped ahead of bottom plug. continuously monitored during
4. In case of weighted spacer, the cementation job.
spacer should be heavier by 1 ppg 6. The sp.gr. of cement slurry is
when compared to cement slurry. maintained as close as the lab
5. In case of normal spacers, a low design with variation of ± 0.2 ppg.
density scavenger slurry can be 7. Quantity of cement used and slurry
used. volume pumped is as per plan.
8. Continuous monitoring of mud
8.9.0 CEMENT SLURRY DESIGN. returns during cement slurry
pumping.
1. Determine maximum allowable
down hole density to prevent 8.11.0 DURING DISPLACEMENT
fracturing or induced losses.
2. Correct bottom hole circulating 1. Displacement volume is calculated
temperature and pressures should as per casing string actually being
be used to design the slurry. run in the well.
3. Thickening time: 2. Displacement is to be done by -
a. Is there a safety factor for a) Rig pumps
placement taken into b) Cementing units.
consideration. 3. Number of strokes were calculated
b. Has it been laboratory with 100%, 98% or 95% rig pump
tested with mixing water efficiency.
under simulated conditions. 4. The discharge of the rig pump is
4. Viscosity (Consistency) of cement checked physically as well as
slurry is low enough for the required theoretically.
displacement rate to achieve 5. The SPM of pump was calculated to
turbulence. achieve desired flow regime during
5. Filtration control is adequate as per displacement.
well requirement. 6. Casing was reciprocated/ rotated
6. Free water is controlled as per well during cementing operation.
requirement. 7. Cycle of reciprocation
7. Comprehensive strength of cement -------------Mts./mins.
is determined after 24 hrs. and 48 8. If rotated, the speed of
hrs. at BHST. rotation----------RPM.
8. Sufficient quantity of additive are 9. Last 200 strokes are pumped at
available as per job requirement. slower speed to bump the plug.
9. Silica Flour 35% is used with 'G' 10. Check function of NRVs.
class cement at temp. Above 11. Pressure applied to be calculated in
110C. case of NRV failure.
28
12. If well was kept under pressure,
necessary directions to be conveyed
to shift in-charge for monitoring of
pressure during WOC.
13. Casing left open during WOC if NRV
holds after plug hitting.
14. Continuous monitoring of mud
returns during displacement has to
be strictly complied with.
8.12.0 OPERATIONAL
CONSIDERATIONS.
1 Necessary instructions to be passed
to the cementing officials before
starting the job.
2. The cementing unit pumps are
loaded prior to starting the
cementation job.
3. Extra bunker / silo loaded with
cement is kept as standby
4. Necessary arrangement for applying
back pressure (if it is to be given)
has been made.
5. Anchoring / rig up of cementing
units has been properly made.
6. Supply of water to the cementing
unit has been checked.
7. Safety precaution has been taken
prior to commencing of actual
cementing operation.
8. WOC time specified is sufficient.
8.13.0 EVALUATION
1. Quality of CBL/VDL: Excellent /
Satisfactory / Poor.
2. CBL/VDL was taken after 48 hrs. /
60 hrs.
3. Whether CBL/VDL is recorded
under pressurised conditions.
9.0.0 TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR
CEMENTING ENGINEERS
TRAINING FOR CEMENTING
PERSONNEL
How to achieve a good primary
cementation down hole has always
been a matter of concern where
companies are exploring for oil &
gas. The most important aspect in
achieving a good primary cement
job is by way of imparting training to
the concerned persons. It is
29
necessary to design and prepare a
comprehensive course on various
aspects of cementation and its
evaluation with a view to train and
develop our cementing personnel
operationally as well as technically.
We should design and provide
quality training and skills that fits the
needs of various cementing
personnel and which can
immediately be applied by them in
the present job assignment.
Emphasis should be given to in-
service training so as to upgrade
standards of professionalism among
cementing operators/ engineers.
9.1.0 TRAINING OF CEMENTING
OPERATOR CUM MECHANICS
Cementing operators should be
capable of running cementing
units/mobile silos/ bunkers /
cementing mixers etc. and should
perform basic cementing
calculations. They should know the
procedures and equipment used in
oil and gas well cementing and how
to use them to the greatest
advantage. In this connection they
should be given training in the
following areas.
9.1.1 OPERATION OF CEMENTING
EQUIPMENT.
They should be given on the job
training showing the working of
different equipment like Cementing
Pumps, Bunkers, Mobile silos,
Cementing mixers, GMU systems,
RCM systems, PSM systems etc. of
various make being used in oil
fields. They should be also given
field training showing sequence of
operations and use of various
cementing equipment in
combination.
9.1.2 MAINTENANCE OF CEMENTING
EQUIPMENT
 Overhauling of triplex/duplex E) Primary cementing sequence of
pumps, power end, mix and booster operations with calculations.
pumps. F) Cementing slurry / drilling mud,
Repair of transmission system, rheology, cement slurry placement
hydraulic equipment, lubrication and and mud displacement techniques.
cooling systems. G) Cement slurry design and laboratory
High pressure valves, chickson practices.
lines, swivels, cementing heads etc. H) Secondary cementation viz
cementing plugs, squeeze
9.1.3 BASIC CEMENTING cementing, block cementation etc.
CALCULATIONS I) Safety training and education.

They should be given class room as 3. On the job training with respect to
well as on actual job training operation of cementing equipment
regarding basic cementing and preventive / running
calculations. maintenance of cementing
equipment.
9.1.4 TRAINING IN FIRST AID, FIRE
FIGHTING AND SAFETY 9.3.0 TRAINING OF MIDDLE LEVEL
OFFICERS
Provide adequate training to create
an awareness of occupational The middle level officers should be
safety, health practices, first aid trained in the following areas.
service, fire prevention and control, 1) Stage cementing, stab in cementing
material handling operations, and liner cementing.
personal protective equipment and 2) Rheology of cement slurry and
clothing. cementing programmes.
3) Latest innovation in drilling mud
9.2.0 TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR engineering/rheology.
FRESH CEMENTING ENGINEERS 4) Lab slurry design and methods used
in the lab.
(INDUCTION LEVEL). 5) Cement job evaluation - interpreting
the CBL/VDL Logs & latest cement
1. General familiarisation/orientation of evaluation techniques .
geological reservoirs, drilling, mud 6) Cementing case studies.
engineering, logging, production and
know how about rig equipment and 9.4.0 TRAINING OF SENIOR LEVEL
operations related to various OFFICERS
equipment.
2. Major topics to be included in They should be given training in the
theoretical / class room training. following areas:
1) Advanced cementing technology.
A) Introduction / fundamentals of 2) Cementing of high pressure and
cementing technology viz. Detailed high temperature wells.
information about cementing 3) Cementing of sub hydrostatic wells.
practices. 4) Cementing of horizontal / highly
B) Triplex / duplex pumps, cement inclined wells.
mixing equipment, sub surface 5) Techniques of supervision of
equipment / casing attachments, production casing cementing jobs.
packers including ECPs, Bridge 6) Computerised cementing
plugs and cement retainers, programme.
centralizers and other cementing 6) Management practices to bring out
aids. the best possible job out put from
C) Preflushes, after flushes & spacers. cementing operator/ junior level
D) Properties of Oil well cement and officers.
cementing additives.
30
9.5.0 COMMON PROGRAMMES FOR 2) Every year a cementing technology
ALL OFFICERS workshop should be organised.
3) International training exposure with
1) Every two years a refresher course leading International cementing
in cementing technology should be companies will enable all officers to
attended by different level of learn latest international cementing
cementing personnel. practices.

10.0.0 REFERENCES:

1. " Cementing" - D.K.Smith

2 "Well Cementing" - Erik B. Nelson
3 Cementing Manual - ONGC
4. Cementing Hand Book - World Oil
5. Dos and Don's - IDT, ONGC
6. API Spec. 10 -
7. Cementing Guidelines - D.S
8. Successful primary cementing
checklist - DS
9. Cementing Operational Manual - BJ
10. "Successful Primary Cementing
Can be Reality" - Smith R.C. JPT
(No.1984) P. 1851-1854
11. "Principles of Squeeze
Cementing" - Goodwin K.J. Paper
SPE12063,1984
12. "Critical Mixing Parameters
for good control of Cement
Slurry Quality" - Vidick B. , Paper
SPE 18895,1989
13. "Cementing Technology"
- Dowell Schlumberger,
14. " Planning would boost liner
cementing success" - Grover K.S., Oil & Gas
Journal (April 15, 1985)

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