Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and Cementing Page 1 of 6

Alaska Drilling and Wells

Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and
Cementing

Authority: CTD Manager Custodian: Drilling Representative

Document
Drilling and Wells
Drilling and Wells – CTD Control
Scope: Document Control
Operations Administrator
Specialist
:
Issue Date: December 1997 Issuing Dept: Drilling and Wells
Revision Date: April 3, 2002 Control Tier: Tier 4
Next Review Date: April 3, 2005

1.0 Purpose/Scope
CTD liner cementing techniques continue to evolve. Recent equipment developments have
eliminated the inner string method for cementing. By displacing the entire hole to KCL water
prior to pumping any cement, the friction pressure drop in the system is reduced allowing higher
pump rates. This fluid change-out eliminated the mud/cement incompatibility concerns with
respect to fluid immobility. To increase low-side flow area, integral blade centralizers are now
used throughout the entire open hole section at each tool joint.

For 3-3/4” hole, BP CT Drilling has standardized on 2-7/8”, 6.16#, L-80, ST-L liner. For slim
(3.0”) hole, 2-3/8”, 4.7#, L-80 ST-L liner is used. While FL4S connections have been used in
the past, ST-L is preferred because of the longer thread and greater strength, particularly in the
bending stress conditions imposed in high dogleg areas. 3-3/16” TC II and 3-1/2” ST-L are
used in certain applications.

2.0 Definitions
CTLRT- Coiled Tubing Liner Running Tool
LBRT - Liner Backdoor Running Tool
TOL - Top of liner
ELM - Electric line measurement

3.0 General Requirements

4.0 Key Responsibilities

5.0 Procedure/Process
Pre-Job Planning and Safety
1. Well Control:
 Monitor well bore fluid level and keep hole full at all times.
 Ensure TIW stabbing valve is tested, labeled, and ready in open position for
each liner size/thread being run.
 If slotted liner is to be run, ensure a solid safety joint is available for
immediate deployment.
2. Confirm appropriate liner sized slip rams are in place in the BOP stack.
2. Use “YT” elevators (slip type).

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 04/02/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00022-4 Print Date: 04/04/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and Cementing Page 2 of 6

3. The liner lifting nubbins should be tightened with a 24” pipe wrench and a back-up.
4. Use the proper size bowl, slips, and safety clamp for each liner size to be run.
5. Baker lock float equipment and joints if liner may be drilled out at a later date.
6. Strap and drift all pipe. Install centralizers as described in the procedure below. Be sure to
have an accurate total joint count for all liner on location, both inside and outside the pipe
shed. Note: Due to close liner wiper plug tolerances, it is important that 2-3/8” liner and
centralizers be drifted to 1.85” with a 16” or longer drift. 3-3/16” liner should be special
drifted (Non API) to 2.75” for possible future drill outs.
7. Provide cementers with a minimum of 24 hours advance notice. Fax the cement data sheet
from the well plan . Include an estimated BHT verified from MWD measurements.
Liner Running Procedure
1. Determine desired location of liner top based on condition of the production tubing and
location of jewelry. Be sure TOL is located by ELM and not drillers depth. Where possible,
plan to space out liner with at least one full joint above the tubing tail. Determine the size
and type of deployment sleeve based on tubing size and need for a liner top packer. The
standard deployment sleeve for 2-7/8” liners is 3.70” OD, 3.00” ID, 6’ long, and has a 4” GS
profile on top. The standard deployment sleeve for 2-3/8” liners is 2.7” OD, 2.25” ID, 6’
long, and has a 3” GS profile on top. Modifications to this may include a larger entry guide
on top for different sizes of tubing or increased length for seal movement in long straddle
applications.
2. Prior to POOH with the drilling assembly to run liner, short trip to the window at no more
than 30 fpm, tie in to RA marker and short trip back in to further condition the hole and to
confirm TD. Make a second wiper trip if hole conditions warrant. Inadequate hole cleaning
can prevent the liner from reaching TD.
3. In wells with poor hole conditions, lay in a pill of clean or new flo pro (corrosion inhibiter
not required) on the final up pass. This will require pulling slowly to avoid excessive pill
size. Flag the coil sufficiently far above the window so that a depth correction can be made
prior to the liner entering open hole. A flag +/- 50’ from bottom can help verify that the liner
reaches TD.
4. The coil volume and micro motion accuracy should be determined. This should be
performed during initial coil displacement at the start of each well. If coil volume has not
been verified prior to running the liner, circulate the CT with the wiper dart to be pumped
behind cement. Determine accuracy of micro motion meters in and out. Check against
known reel volume and against magnetic counter on triplex pump. Note any damage on dart
when retrieved. For slim hole applications, verify that dart will pass through weld on coil
connector id.
5. Hold an on-site safety meeting to review liner running related issues. Review well shut-in
procedures and responsibilities.
6. Determine fluid volume requirements for displacement (KCl) and cementing (fresh water).
Plan to save mud system for processing at mud plant for re-use. Schedule fluids and trucking
as required.
7. MU up the liner assembly as detailed in the well plan. Typically as follows:

 Dual float shoe ( ST-L) (round or tapered nose)

 One 30’ joint liner
 Float collar (ST-L)
 One 30’ joint liner (ST-L)
 Latch Collar (ST-L)
 Liner (ST-L)
 10’ marker joint near to and above top of shallowest perf zone.

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 04/02/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00022-4 Print Date: 04/04/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and Cementing Page 3 of 6

 Crossover to 2nd liner (ST-L or TCII)

 Larger liner size (ST-L or TCII)
 Crossover
 “X” nipple
 Baker liner deployment sub w/ “GS” profile
 Baker CTLRT or LBRT w/ liner wiper plug and shearable ball seat w/ catcher
sub
 Baker HDC (hydraulic disconnect)
 Baker Swivel
 Crossover as required
 Baker CTC (2-3/8” coil) or Schlumberger weld on connector (2” coil) with
minimum 1-1/16” id.

Liner running notes:

 Important Note: If using a weld on connector, verify that coil dart will pass id of same.
 Centralization:
 Open hole: One centralizer per joint
 Above window: One centralizer every three joints
 Collared liner (TCII) requires no centralization
 Two float joints are optimal but uneccessary if rat hole needs to be conserved. Pup
joints can be substituted in place of full joints.
 Field make-up torques for most liner sizes are typically higher than the “book
value”given by the manufacturer. See Section 6 below for the recommended make up
practice.
 Fill the liner at least once at the half way point with water or mud and then before
running in the hole.
 The Baker CTLRT (big hole liner running tool) and LBRT (slim hole liner running)
collets are set to release at 2000 psi. The releasing ball is 5/8” and the ball seat is
pinned shear out at 2800 psi . The liner wiper plug will be pinned to release from the
liner running tool at about 2900 psi after the CT dart latches up. (pressures are
approximate).
8. Close the BOP slip rams on the liner and pull test liner running tool as per Baker
recommendations. Open BOPS.
9. Stab on with coil. RIH at 100ft/min with the liner circulating mud at minimum rate to keep
hole full. Be sure water is displaced from liner before entering open hole. Slow down to
50ft/min through window and in open hole. Record up and down weights above window.
Correct to depth flag before entering open hole. RIH to TD and confirm full circulation.
Record up and down weights at TD
10. Pump a 5/8” ball to the liner running tool ball seat. Be sure to maintain liner running tool in
compression (+/- 10K lbs down at tool) for tool to release liner. Pressure up to release the
running tool (normally set to release at 2000 psi) and shear out the ball with 2800 psi. Actual
shear pressures are normally higher than calculated with flopro in the coil. PU slowly to
confirm release. Slack off once recorded up weight is noted to avoid pulling seals out of the
polished bore. Slack-off and stack weight on liner as per service company recommendations.
11. Displace well to 2% KCl. Maintain circulating pressure at or below 2500 psi to avoid pre-
mature release of liner wiper plug. Monitor for 1:1 returns.

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 04/02/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00022-4 Print Date: 04/04/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and Cementing Page 4 of 6

CEMENTING PROCEDURE

1. Mix cement as follows:

 Volume: Unless otherwise requested, TOC should be a minimum of 200 ft above
the window. Calculate desired pumpable cement based on open hole volume +
40% excess, shoe joint(s) volume, and CTD liner x production liner annulus
volume.

 Cement Slurry: Discuss slurry design with CTD engineer as required.

Schlumberger has a standard Class G liner latex slurry. Adjustments to the blend
normally occur only as a result of bottom hole temperature variations, or thickening
time modifications. The general blend is as follows: Class G + 0.02 % C359+ 0.2
GPS D047 + 0.65% D065 + 2.0 GPS D600G + 0.08% D800

 Density (ppg): 15.8

 Yield (cu.ft/sk): 1.17
 Water (gal./sk): 5.06
 Fluid Loss (cc / 30 min.): 7
 Free Water (ml): 0
 Thickening Time (hrs): 3-4 hrs. includes 1 hr. batch time
 Compressive Strength: 500 psi @ 5 hrs

 Run thickening time and fluid loss tests based on BHCT = 150 F or BHCT
observed on MWD while drilling if higher than 150 F. Adjust to achieve a
thickening time of 3 to 4 hrs plus 1 hr on surface.
 Retain a slurry sample for UCA testing by cementers.
 Do not rig cementers down until cement is in place and running tool is free from
liner. Cementers pump may be needed for unplanned contingencies.

2. While cement is shearing, hold pre-job meeting to discuss pumping job.

3. Obtain an accurate pit strap. If fresh water spacer is used, pump the minimum needed
only to test lines. A KCl spacer is preferable as it is compatible with cement and open
hole formation. Pump cement, staging off micro motion meter, and measuring out of
displacement tank. Upon pumping desired cement volume shut down pumping and
launch dart as per service company recommendation. Zero micro motion meter. Close
reel valve and knock cap off to confirm that CT wiper dart left the launching chamber.
4. Flush cement from dead space between the reel valve and the filter by-pass. Be careful
not to by pass the micro motion in meter while purging lines. If possible, it is
recommended that a liner volume of diluted flopro or 1# biozan be pumped behind the
CT dart to help contaminate any possible cement by pass in liner. Continue displacing
cement with KCL water at maximum rate, normally 2-3 bpm.
5. Note when cement reaches the liner shoe. This is the most critical phase of cement
placement. Closely monitor micro motion returns to track the TOC behind the liner.
Attempt to maintain at least 1 bpm in 3” hole, or 2 bpm in 3-3/4” hole. The higher rate
the better, but not at the expense of increasing or full losses.
6. Slow displacement to 1 bpm, 2 bbls prior to landing dart in wiper plug.. After latch up,
the liner wiper plug should shear at 2800 psi. Note: If latch up is not seen, stop
displacement at no more than the total combined (coil + liner) displacement calculated
to float collar. Resume maximum displacement rate even if latch up is not noted.
7. After latch up, shear liner wiper plug and resume displacement at maximum rate
possible. Adjust displacement volume to landing collar once latchup and release is

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 04/02/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00022-4 Print Date: 04/04/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and Cementing Page 5 of 6

noted. Slow pumps to 0.5 BPM no more than 1 bbl before planned plug bump. If plug
does not bump, do not over displace more than liner volume below landing collar.
8. Liner wiper plug will latch into the Baker landing collar and provide two way check.
Bleed off pressure to check floats. Re-pressure to +/-500 psi and sting out of tie back
sleeve. Begin circulating while stinging out to prevent any excess cement from falling
past running tool.
9. Circulate at liner top to clear any excess cement. POOH chasing contaminated cement.
Notify pit watcher for estimated bottoms up. Check for cement in bottoms up returns
and estimate volume if possible. LD running tool BHA
10. MU swirl sub on coil. Stab on well and flush BOP stack to remove any trapped cement.

POST CEMENTING PROCEDURE

1. If slim hole, plan to PU a 1-11/16 motor and 1.85” mill assembly. Experience has
shown that even trace amounts of cement can result in slim hole logging and /or
perforating problems. In big hole, if job parameters were normal (dart latch, plug bump,
floats held), then proceed with logging and/or perforating.
2. While logging big hole, utilize the pump through tool carrier. Circulate both in and out
of hole in the event that green cement is encountered inside the liner. Do not exceed 1.5
bpm while logging due to possible vibration induced logging tool problems. Circulate in
150k LSRV new flopro for perforating. Pull out of hole.
3. Consult Schlumberger UCA cement test. When cement is at least 2500 psi compressive
strength, pressure test liner and lap to 2000 psi (or as per well plan) prior to
perforating. If the lap bleeds off more than 15% of test pressure in 30 minutes, a liner
top packer may be required. Monitor the inner annulus and surface pressures to verify
leak is at lap. Consult with town. If required, the liner top packer will normally be set
before perforating.
4. Prepare to perforate liner.

6.0 Key Documents/Tools/References

Field make-up torques for 2 7/8” and 3 ½” ST-L connections are typically higher than the “book
value” given by the manufacturer. Field torque values may vary with block alignment, ambient
temperature and tong calibrations. A simple procedure to achieve good ST-L connection make up is
as follows:
a. Make up ST-L connection with hand wrenches to shoulder “contact”.
b. Scribe a vertical line across the connection with a medium tip magic marker
(1/8”)
c. Use hydraulic tongs to make up connection such that the scribed line is offset
one marker width (1/8”). Note torque required. ( 1/8” scribe movement
equates to 5 degrees rotation on 2 7/8” pipe and about 6 degrees on 2 3/8” pipe)
d. Inspect box to confirm no swelling.
e. Repeat three to four times to confirm repeatable torque numbers.
f. Use field determined torque value for remainder of liner job.

The collared TC II connection on 3 3/16” pipe shoulders internally rather than externally.
However, the make up procedure given above for ST-L can be used for TC II also. Detection of
“contact” may be a bit more difficult with TC II as there is more thread interference than with
ST-L. The same principle applies in that rotation of approx. 5 degrees or 1/8” after pin
“contact” will result in good make up.

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 04/02/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00022-4 Print Date: 04/04/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems
Recommended Practice: CTD Liner Running and Cementing Page 6 of 6

For reference, recommended book values (ft-lbs) are:

 2-3/8”, 4.7#, ST-L 500 min 700 max
 2-7/8”, 6.5#, ST-L 800 min 1000 max
 3-1/2”, 9.3#, ST-L 1400 min 1800 max
 3-3/16”, TC II 1200 min 1400 max

Revision Log
Revision Date Approving Custodian/ Revision Details
Authority Author
December 1997 Original Issue
March 31, 1999 Drilling Manager John McMullen
April 2, 2002 CTD Manager Gary Goodrich Revised entire procedure to reflect
current practices. Deleted liner top
packer section.
<< Revision date >> << Approving << Author’s << Brief Description of Revision
Authority’s Name >> Name >> >>

(or, see attached e-mail )

Approving Authority signature Date

Control Tier: 4 – ADW Revision Date: 04/02/02

Document Number: UPS-US-AK-ADW-CTD-HSE-DOC-00022-4 Print Date: 04/04/02
PAPER COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED. THIS COPY VALID ONLY AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. THE
CONTROLLED VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://alaska.bpweb.bp.com/ems