Professional Documents
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2. This Standard Operational Procedure applies within Pertamina and may also be a
reference to a subsidiary of Pertamina. Scope of this work is as follows:
a. Preliminary information
b. Slurry design
c. Spacer design
d. Hydraulic calculation
e. Cement placement technique
f. Downhole equipment
g. Surface equipment
h. Operating program
3. Definition:
a. Consistometer is a device with rotating paddles, used to check the pumpability and
set time of cement slurries.
b. Chiksan Swivel Joints are metal are metal pipe fittings with integral ball-bearing
swivels. These rugged fittings come in 3/8- to 12-inch sizes and can handle cold
working pressures up to 20,000 psi.
c. Klampons is tubing protectors that used by the Rig operators while handling
Tubulars between the rack and the rig floor.
d. Slurry is a thin sloppy mud or cement or, in extended use, any fluid mixture of a
pulverized solid with a liquid (usually water), often used as a convenient way of
handling solids in bulk.
e. Additive is material added to a cement slurry to modify or enhance some desired
property
f. Spacer is Fluid containing insoluble weighting materials that is used to separate
drilling fluids and cementing slurries.
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4. Standard operating procedures have limitations and some points that must be obeyed.
The following points are:
a. Cementing program in this SOP used for conventional drilling. For other case (i.e.
HPHT drilling, Deep Water Drilling) have own SOP.
b. Specification for Cements and Materials for Well Cementing base on API SPEC 10A.
5. Reference:
a. Saudi Aramco-Drilling Manual
b. Dehadrun Drilling Operation Practice Manual
c. Eni Drilling SOP
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18.2.2. Specifications
API Specification 10A “Specification for Cement and Materials for Well Cementing”
is used for the approval of the purchasing of class G (HSR) cement.
API Recommended Practice 10B is used for the basic test procedures for the physical
testing of cement slurries. Many instruments in the cement lab are not listed in API
RP 10B. Procedures for testing cements are located in the labs procedures manual.
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the most expensive part of the cementing invoice. If high fluid loss occurs the
following can happen:
Premature dehydration of slurry, which can cause annulus plugging and
incomplete placement of slurry.
Changes in slurry flow properties (rheology) and increased slurry density.
Damage to production zones by cement filtrate
Most fluid loss additives also retard the thickening time. On the 4 ½” and 7”
liner jobs for vertical Arab D wells, no retarder is used. Adequate retardation is
produced from the synergetic effects combining the fluid loss additive with the
dispersants.
c. Dispersants (Friction Reducers)
The functions of dispersants are: A) to thin the slurry in order to reduce the
turbulent flow rate or enable easy mixing of slurry B) to densify cement slurry
(increase the solid-to-liquid ratio). C) to aid in fluid loss control.
Over dispersing the cement slurry can cause high free fluid and density settling
in the cement column. This must be avoided at all times and especially when
cementing deviated or horizontal section of the well. Pumping slurry that is not
up to the designed weight (density) can easily settle after placement.
Pressurized mud balances must be used to confirm correct cement density.
Pumping cements that are heavier than the planned density doesn’t cause
settling problems.
However, the thickening times are generally shorter.
d. Accelerators
The function of accelerators is to reduce the thickening time and decrease the
(WOC) time. Calcium Chloride is the most common accelerator used. Calcium
Chloride does not increase the final strength of cement and may perhaps lower
the final compressive strength a little. Most fluid loss additives do not work well
with Calcium Chloride in the cement slurry. Sodium Silicate is recommended if
low fluid loss is required with fluid loss control in most cases. Special mixing is
required for sodium silicate slurries 1) if accelerator is used then the accelerator
must be added first. 2) if a retarder is to be used then the Sodium Silicate should
be added first and the retarder must be added last.
e. Non-Foamers
The function of non-foamer (defoamers) in cement slurry is to release trapped
air in the slurry as it is being mixed. Entrapped air cause viscosity increases,
which make the cement slurry more difficult to mix. Entrapped air also makes
the density of the slurry more difficult to measure. Special non-foamer are used
for Latex cement slurries. The addition of excess non-foamer may stabilize foam.
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Sodium Silicates have also been used to lower the density of cement but are
more expensive than pre-hydrated Bentonite. Foam cement and Micro spheres
have been utilized with limited success.
j. Expanding Additives
The function of expanding additives is to increase the bonding strength of the
set cement. After cement goes through hydration reaction, the cement shrinks.
Expanding additives primarily MgO and CaO or combinations of the two are dry
blended in cement to take the set cement out of shrinkage and provide up to
2.5% expansion. This expansion may take up to two weeks to reach completion.
Salt (NaCl) is not recommended as an expansion additive in cement due to the
higher permeability that high concentrations of salt in cement produce. On the
other hand MgO and CaO are not as water soluble as NaCl and provide a lower
permeability once the cement has set.
k. Bactericide
The function of the Bactericide (biocide) is to kill significant quantities of
bacteria in the cement mixing fluid to prevent chemical degradation of cement
additives. Bacteria reproduce exponentially and if not controlled will reduce the
cement additives to an ineffective level.
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Figure 18. 1 Shown above is a typical thickening time curve for Class
G cement + 1% CaCl2 @ 118 pcf, a BHCT of 100 0F. When the
consistency reaches 100 Bc the thickening time is terminated.
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The water that is lost from the slurry does not give the cementing properties that
were originally designed.
When water is lost from the cement slurry, the slurry property’s change:
Viscosity increases which increases friction or pump pressures. – High loss of
water will result in a highly viscous cement slurry which is unpumpable.
Thickening time decreases
Higher solids to liquid ratio – cement bridges may form in areas of narrow
clearances
The water that is lost from the cement slurry will have higher compressive
strengths. High fluid loss cement slurries can be used when squeezing high injection
rate leaks or perforations.
Two types of tests are preformed for cement slurries. 1) HT/HP Fluid loss test and 2)
Stirred fluid loss test. The permeable medium for both tests is a 325 mesh screen.
a. HT/HP Fluid Loss Tests (BHCT<190 0F)
The cement slurry is condition at bottom-hole circulating temperature
(maximum 190 0F) under atmospheric pressures. The cement is then
transferred to the fluid loss cell and tested at the bottom-hole circulating
temperature and 1000 psi. The filtrate collected is used to calculate the fluid
loss.
b. Stirred HT/HP Fluid Loss Tests (BHCT>190 0F)
The cement slurry is condition in the test apparatus at bottom-hole circulating
temperature and 1100 psi. The cell is then rotated 180 degrees and the test
cement slurry falls on to the 325 mesh screen. Back pressure (100 psi) is
maintained through out the testing period. The filtrate collected is used to
calculate the fluid loss. Cements tested with the Stirred fluid loss cell generally
give higher fluid loss values as compared to the same cements tested on the
HT/HP fluid loss cell.
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periods of time depending on the setting profile of the cement. The most
important use of the data from the UCA is WOC (waiting on cement) time. It
should be noted that this test uses uncontaminated cement slurry unless
otherwise specified. Mud contamination in cement slurries can either shorten or
lengthen the initial set of the cement. Mud contamination also reduces the final
compressive strength.
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Figure 18. 3 This Static gel strength data is for a 150 pcf
cement used to cement across abnormal pressure
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the hydration reaction is complete. Expanding additives and latex additives have
been successfully used in cementing the abnormally pressured Jilh formation. More
recently expanding additives have been used to cement the Arab-D open hole
sections of deep gas wells. These wells have abnormal pressure due to their
location, which is usually near to water injectors.
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Catch samples. It doesn't do much good to catch a dry sample of cement unless
a container of mixing water is caught at the same time.
All signals for communications will be reviewed. The pressure recorder on the
cementing unit, the 5 or 6 pen drilling recorder and the radioactive Densiometer (if
used) should all be inspected prior to the job to insure that they are working
properly.
The Foreman must not have any duties that will tie him down to any one operation.
He must be free to supervise the overall operation and be able to go to any trouble
that may occur.
To avoid any potential problems in communications onshore, the pump truck should
be located so that visibility is good between the driller's console and the pump
truck. The best way to accomplish this is by placing the pump truck at the end of the
catwalk.
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fluid loss, rheology, free fluid, settling, static gel strength and compressive strength. The
pressurized density balance is the best device readily available to field personnel to measure
cement density. Batch mixing is the most effective way to ensure accurate slurry density.
18.5.1. Mix Water Quality
The water used as pre-blended cement mix water should be reasonably fresh. If the
water is too hard (high Calcium & Magnesium concentration) then alternative sources
of water should be located. If the proposed water is high in Chloride then alternative
sources of water should be located. If no acceptable water can be found send a
sample of the proposed water to the cement lab and a softening treatment can be
recommended in most cases. Softening treatments usually include adding Soda Ash
and or Caustic causing a heavy white precipitate to settle to the bottom of the tank.
The clear water should be skimmed off the top after the precipitate has settled to the
bottom of the tank. Sometimes there are exceptions to this rule and they should be
clearly defined in the drilling program. Biocide should be added to all mix waters that
contain retarders, friction reducers or fluid loss additives. If any mix water is
questionable then verify that such water is acceptable with the Drilling
Superintendent / Engineer / Oil well cement lab prior to blending chemicals.
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The preparation work prior to performing a complicated cement job is crucial to the
success of the cement job. Batch Mix cement when possible. This gives you a positive
check of the total batch of cement slurry before it goes downhole. On large jobs
(where you can't batch mix), mix and pump a small amount to the desert before
pumping cement downhole. This short 'pump test' will exercise the pump system and
prove that the system can blend cement slurry with the fluid properties and weight
desired. On large critical jobs, where one particular service company does not have
the sufficient batch mixing capacity, employ the use of other service company batch
mixers. It is recommended that only one Service Company pump the cement job. The
Foreman should completely satisfy any question he might have regarding the
mechanical reliability of the equipment, cementing technique to be used, mix water
blend and mix water system reliability, ell conditions, etc. before mixing cement. Don't
hesitate to discuss any question with the Drilling Superintendent and eliminate as
many problem areas as possible.
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a. Tally the casing and total depth such that the casing can be landed within 1.5 m (5
ft.) of the bottom (floor).
b. Caliper log should be recorded to know the hole size at various depths and for the
calculation of cement slurry volume to be pumped to achieve desired cement rise.
c. Well is properly conditioned so that it is free from lost circulation, tight pull,
caving and activity prior to pulling out for casing lowering.
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a. Displacement volume is calculated as per casing string actually being run in the
well.
b. Displacement is to be done by :
Rig pumps
Cementing units.
c. Number of strokes were calculated with 100%, 98% or 95% rig pump efficiency.
d. The discharge of the rig pump is checked physically as well as theoretically.
e. The SPM of pump was calculated to achieve desired flow regime during
displacement.
f. Casing was reciprocated/ rotated during cementing operation.
g. Cycle of reciprocation ——————m/mins.
h. If rotated, the speed of rotation—————RPM.
i. Displace top plug out of cementing head with minimum down time.
j. Last 200 strokes are pumped at slower speed to bump the plug.
k. Check function of NRVs.
l. Pressure applied to be calculated in case of NRV failure.
m. If well was kept under pressure, necessary directions to be conveyed to shift in-
charge for monitoring of pressure during WOC.
n. Casing left open during WOC if NRV holds after plug hitting.
o. Continuous monitoring of mud returns during displacement.
18.6.13. Monitoring
a. Data comparisons with calculated predictions and post analysis of the job.
b. Calculate material balance for mix water, cement and cement additives and
compare with volume of each slurry pumped.
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18.6.14. Evaluation
a. Quality of CBL/VDL: Excellent / Satisfactory / Poor.
b. CBL/VDL was taken after 48 hrs. / 60 hrs.
c. Whether CBL/VDL is recorded under pressurized conditions.
d. CBL/VDL taken before or after hermatical test.
e. Interpretation of CBL/VDL in terms of Bond Index.
18.7.Primary Cementing
18.7.1. Cement slurry mixing and pumping
a. Pressurize bulk units to 15-25psi just prior to starting mixing slurry.
b. Start the pumping operation to break circulation to ensure that the casing shoe is
open and check the mud return.
c. Do not premix the cement additives in the water more than 5-6 hours 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.
d. 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.
e. Control slurry density with pressurized mud cup balance. Check calibration of
densometer as well as mud cup balance with fresh water to ensure the reliability
of density readings.
f. 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.
g. A bottom plug is not recommended with large amounts of lost circulation material
in the slurry or with badly rusted or scaled casing, as such material may collect on
the ruptured diaphragm and bridge the casing.
h. Displace top plug out of cementing head without shutting down operations. Do
not open cementing head to drop top plug and better to use a two plug container,
as it will allow the well to suck in air and cause honey combing of cement around
the shoe joints.
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i. Use pre-flush or spacer volume equal to 150-200 m annular height, Pump pre-
flush or spacer ahead of bottom plug. Better use two bottom plugs, one ahead of
pre-flush and one ahead of cement slurry. Be sure to conduct compatibility test
with pre-flush, mud and cement slurry.
j. 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
k. Recirculating Cement Mixer (RCM).
l. 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.
4. Check the cementing lines and connect the cementing manifold to the rig
mud pumps. All lines of the cementing manifold shall be flushed with water
and pressure tested to 5,000psi prior to cementing.
5. The Mud Engineer shall record initial pit levels. He shall be present at the
mud pits during the whole cementing and displacement operations
reporting any loss on returns, pertinent facts and data.
6. Pump the spacer. Unless the effective mud density required to control
formation pressure dictates otherwise, all cement jobs shall be flushed with
a water spacer. The spacer volume shall be equivalent to, circa three
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minutes of contact time. The use of other particular spacers, related to mud
weight and system in use, will be specified, in the drilling program (contact
time, compatibility with cement slurry, etc.).
7. In all cementing operations, a top and bottom plug shall be utilized unless
otherwise specified in the Cementing Program, 30" and 20" casing will be
cemented through an inner string.
8. The use of non rotating PDC drillable plugs are recommended to enable
further drilling phases.
9. In advance to the cementing job, the water and cement shall be checked to
ascertain that the chemical characteristics are the same as the samples used
in the pilot tests.
10. Mix the cement to the required slurry weight and have the weight checked
regularly. A pressurized mud balance is recommended in order to reduce
any air entering the system to a negligible volume. The use of this tool
provides advantages:
A fluid density value that is virtually the same as that under actual
downhole conditions.
The correct water/cement ratio. It must be noted that changing the
W/C ratio, means the amount of additives in the slurry also change.
13. Leave the mixing tube full of the required weight slurry at the conclusion of
mixing to avoid the possibility of pumping diluted cement or possibly water
into the casing before the top plug is released.
14. Flush the cement from the lines prior to releasing the top plug.
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15. The Cementing Operator shall personally release the top plug and the
Company Drilling and Completion Supervisor shall personally witness the
process.
16. Switch over to the rig pumps. The cement pumping unit shall be ready,
waiting to take over in case of any malfunction or in the event pressure
becomes excessive for the rig.
17. Displace the cement with mud at the maximum permissible rate and surface
pressure, unless otherwise stated in the Cementing Program.
18. Slow the pumps, if there is a loss of returns during the displacement, to
regain circulation.
19. If returns cannot be regained, continue to displace the cement at the lowest
permissible rate (unless otherwise advised) record the returns.
20. Stop displacement only in the event the pressure exceeds 70% of the casing
burst pressure or 5,000psi, whichever is least.
21. Reduce the flow rate at the end of operation to avoid any sudden pressure
surge when bumping the plug.
22. Bump the plug, pressure up to conduct the casing pressure test. Release the
pressure gradually as soon as possible to avoid the micro annulus effect.
23. The bumping pressure values are always given in the Drilling Program.
24. Should the plug not bump, never over displace more than half the shoe
truck volume (between collar and shoe).
25. Check for back flow to ascertain if the float equipment is holding.
26. If the float equipment fails, shut-in the well by closing standpipe manifold a
period at least long enough for thickening. Monitor the pressure gauge so
that required pressure can be maintained by bleeding excessive pressure
periodically.
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27. In this case, the pressure remaining must not exceed the observed
differential pressure between the mud and cement.
28. The displacement procedure for 30" CP and 20" surface casing is as follows:
The displacement volume should be approximately 1 bbl less than the
theoretical volume.
Check for returns. If the floating equipment is holding back pressure,
pick up the stinger, circulate and retrieve inner string. If floating
equipment is not holding the back pressure, pump the volume bleed
back plus 1 bbl, fill up the annulus (required), hold the pressure on the
inner string and wait on cement.
Keep the annulus under control to be sure that seals are holding the
pressure.
At the end of this surface casing cementing job, carefully wash the
annulus between the CP and the surface casing to at least 5m below the
seabed, in order to allow well abandoning operations making the
seabed free from any obstructions.
30. Consider the option of reciprocating the casing during and after the
cementing job to maximize the bonding performance.
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2. Drop the bomb (opening plug) immediately after the first stage cement job
according with floating equipment. Record the opening time.
Note: In relation to the drift angle of a directional well, mud density and mud
rheological properties, heavier bombs may be selected.
3. Open the stage collar. Follow the manufacturer's procedure for the stage
tool opening pressure and approximate bomb landing time. If difficulty is
experienced in opening the stage collar occurs, re-check the pumping circuit
and relevant valves before a final decision is made to reduce the tension on
DV sleeves by slacking-off weight of the hook.
4. With the stage collar opened, start circulation with a low pump rate,
keeping the mud level under control. Increase the pump rate only when it is
certain that no cuttings or cement contamination will cause bridges and
compromise the circulation due to fracturing below the stage collar.
Circulate a volume equal to the total open hole capacity from the stage tool
to surface, checking the eventual excess cement slurry returns.
5. During circulation and after bottom's up, record the pressures at each
different flow rates. The bottoms up must be analyzed with a gas detector, if
the are gas-cut keep circulating until normal again. If necessary, wait on
cement for the first stage cement slurry.
6. Prepare for the second stage cement job as per the Cementing Programme.
7. Perform the second stage operation as soon as the cement setting time of
the first stage is complete (at least twice the thickening time). A Lab only
test is recommended.
8. Arrange the by-pass manifold at the rig floor with double lines (pumping
and reversing-out).
9. Keep the casing in tension with the slip elevator as required by casing
hanging calculations (Refer to the Drilling Programme).
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10. Prepare the wellhead (with partially made up bolts) and BOP lifting system
to quickly hang the casing string after the second stage cement job.
11. With the mud well balanced, insert the closing plug into the cementing
head. Check the stop pin, indicating flag and the circulation manifold.
12. Pump the first cushion and pump the cement slurry.
14. Displace the slurry with a pump rate in accordance with the Cementing
Programme and previous circulation tests. Make sure that the hydraulics of
annulus are correctly considered to avoid fracturing (if a stage tool-packer is
not provided).
15. Configure the surface mud system to recover the excess cement slurry,
spacer, contaminated mud.
16. Close the stage collar with the pressure advised by the manufacturer's
instructions. After pressure testing, gradually bleed off the pressure.
17. Wash through all the inlets in the wellhead and BOP stack with water.
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18.7.3. Waiting-On-Cement
1. Sufficient WOC time must be observed for the cement to develop adequate
strength before operations are resumed. For a period of hours after the plug is
bumped, the cement is rigid but has very little strength, and any damage
sustained by the cement sheath during this period does not “reheal”.
2. The required period of WOC time varies depending on the cement and down hole
condition of temperature and pressure.
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4. Completion interval cement should have compressive strength of at least 2000 psi
before the well is perforated.
2. Compare data with calculated predictions and carry out post analysis of the job.
3. Calculate material balance for mix water, cement and cement additives and
compare with volume of each slurry pumped.
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 and bottom
hole conditions.
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. The bond index method is most commonly used for interpretation of amplitude
curve in CBLVDL towards achievement of zonal isolation. This method is
essentially a graphical solution, which allows determination of amplitude value
corresponding to a particular bond index.
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2. With the casing set, fix the stringer equipped with a centralizer at the end of drill
pipe string and run in the assembly until it is approximately 3 ft (1 m) above the
float shoe/collar. When running in, the pipes are filled with the same fluid as the
one placed in the well.
3. Establish circulation with the drilling fluid and see the returns coming from the
annulus between the drill pipe and the casing.
4. Stop circulation and lower drill pipe so as to enabling the stinger to stab into and
seal in the stab-in float shoe/collar in the casing. As much as possible, the stringer
is engaged only once into the collar or shoe. Test the surface lines and hermeticity
of the inner string.
5. Again establish circulation and observed for returns flowing between the
conductor pipe and the casing.
6. Mixed cement and pumped through the drill pipe and up the annulus until it
reaches the surface. As soon as mud contamination is no longer evident in the
cement returns, mixing can be stopped and the drill pipe volume displaced.
Continuously monitor the weight on string during displacement to ensure proper
engagement of stringer all the time
7. If lost circulation is noticed before the cement reaches the surface, mixing should
be stopped and the cement displaced, avoiding the pumping of large quantities of
cement into the fractured zone. Care must be taken to avoid collapsing the casing
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because of excessive differential pressure between the outer annulus and the drill
pipe/casing annular space.
2. A four arm caliper should be run prior to the liner operation to ascertain the
hole size for calculation of cement slurry volume which is very critical for
liner cementation.
4. Centralizing the liner in the hole is very critical, because annular clearance
are so small that the liner must be kept clear of borehole wall for effective
cement placement. This is particularly true in case of deviated wells. Bow
spring centralizers may be used in the open hole if there is sufficient annular
clearance. Rigid centralizers are used in the casing/liner lap region, and also
in the open hole in cases of very narrow annular clearance. Centralizers or
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positive standoff devices also reduce the likely hood of differential pressure
sticking of the liner in the open hole.
5. The length of the liner overlap can be as little as 50ft for a drilling liner or as
much as 500 ft for a production liner.
8. Preferably use liner hanger with integral packer or with top seal in case of
loss prone areas to avoid hanger top squeeze job.
9. The small clearance also makes it difficult to run liners. Swab/ surge
pressure can be extremely severe and running speed should be slow to
avoid pressure that could break down formations to cause lost circulation. It
is frequently necessary to restrict running speed to one stand of drill pipe
every 2 – 3 min.
10. Circulation should be carried out before setting the liner to clean the mud
system of any cutting or debris. Cutting will come during circulation and at
the restricted area of liner hanger it may accumulates causing the rise in
pressure.
11. The plug arrangement for liner cementing eliminates the opportunities to
run a bottom plug a head of the cement. Normally a spacer fluid which is
compatible with mud and cement is pump between mud and cement to
provide a buffer to avoid serious contamination.
12. The amount of cement excess for liner cementing must be carefully
calculated by taking into accounts the well conditions and displacement
efficiency. Displacement efficiency is a key variable in determining cement
slurry volumes as it is not uncommon to have 60% to 80% displacement
efficiency in liner cementing. Excess volume increase the likelihood for good
cement placement but it is also increases the possibility of operating
problems.
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13. The volume of cement used on most deep liners is usually rather small.
Since slurry design parameters are critical for liner cementation batch
mixing should be done to promote uniformity.
14. 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.
15. Release the liner setting tool after completion of displacement and if packer
type liner hanger is used then set the packer.
16. Pull the setting tool free from the liner and reverse out any excess cement
above the liner top. If no packer is incorporated into the liner hanger then
reverse out keeping excess cement over the top of the liner so that 8 to 10
joints of the intermediate casing will contain cement to be drilled out after
setting.
17. Reverse circulation places an extra pressure on the annulus and this
additional pressure should be pre-calculated and controlled where
necessary to avoid formation break down. A liner packer keeps reverse
circulation pressure off the formation.
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top when the maximum anticipated mud weight has been attained in
subsequent drilling operations. To complete the testing of the pressure
integrity of a liner top, the fracture gradient of the zone at the shoe of the
intermediate casing must also be considered. Until the testing pressure is
high enough to be above the fracturing pressure of the zone, the cement
job on the liner top has not been tested.
2. Differential testing
A Negative pressure test should be run on liner tops because of the
possibility of mud solids plugging up a small channel or the existence of
“honeycombed” cement or micro-annulus. These type environment often
cannot be pumped into and give a false sense of security. A negative
pressure test should be equal to any differential pressure that the well may
encounter later in drilling or completion. Differential testing of a liner top
requires the use of a packer normally set at 100 to 300 ft above the top of
the liner. This testing is accomplished by lowering the pressure above the
liner to a point lower than
The highest pore pressure behind the liner. This may even require partial
evacuation of the fluid from the drill pipe by adding nitrogen or some
combination of nitrogen and fluid to lighten the column. Differential
pressure testing requires close scrutiny of the collapse rating of the liner
itself.
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Prior to placement of cement slurry, conduct injectivity test against the squeeze
interval to determine if and at what rate below the fracture gradient fluid can
be placed against the formation. A rate sufficient to allow adequate time for
cement placement must be reached before actually mixing the cement. When
the fracture gradient must be exceeded to obtain sufficient rate for cement
placement, it should be done without excess.
A minimum of ten barrels volumes should be used when obtaining an injection
rate. Deep perforations require more volume than shallow ones because of the
additional hole volumes. Consider spotting a clear fluid such as water across the
perforations when obtaining an injection rate.
The injection test is performed for several reasons:
To ensure that the perforations are open and ready to accept fluids.
To obtain an estimate of the proper cement slurry injection rate.
To estimate the pressure at which the squeeze job will be performed, and
To estimate the amount of slurry to be used.
If suitable injection rate could not be established at the desired injection
pressure, it may be necessary to use acid to clean up the perforations, channel
etc. Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids are commonly used. While taking
injectivity test, raise the pressure very slowly up to the point of injection
without fracturing the exposed formation.
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2. Thickening Time
The temperatures encountered in squeezing can be higher than those of
primary jobs, because fluid circulation before the job is usually less. For this
reason, special API testing schedules exist for squeeze cement slurry design
and must be followed to prevent premature setting. The added stringency in
the API testing schedules for squeeze cementing simulates the actual
temperature the slurry is subjected to when hold near bottom for extended
periods.
Thickening time must be sufficient to assure slurry placement and reversing
out of the excess. 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.
3. Compressive Strength
High compressive strength although desirable but is not a primary concern
for squeeze slurry design as a partially dehydrated cement cake of any
normal cement slurry will develop sufficient compressive strength.
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The volume should not exceed the capacity of the running string.
Two sacks of cement should be used per foot of perforated intervals
restricted to minimum of 50-sacks.
The minimum volume should be 100 sacks if an injection rate of 2bbl/min
can be achieved after breakdown: otherwise it should be 50 sacks.
The volume should not be so great as to form a column that cannot be
reversed out.
The volume of the void to be filled behind the cement or in the zone plus
the volume to be left in casing but not less than 50 sacks.
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plugged perforation which did not accept the cement slurry during the
squeeze job.
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8. 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.
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2. After initial warm up of engine, check engine oil pressure, water temperature,
air pressure, brake application, auto electrical light indications etc.
3. Fire extinguisher, spark arrestor in engine’s exhaust pipes and a first-aid kit
should be there in all cementing vehicles.
4. Accessories like high pressure lines, valves, swivels, jet mixers, rubber hoses etc.
should be clamped and fastened to avoid any loss and third party injury while
plying the cementing vehicle on road.
5. While lifting the cab of cementing vehicle for chassis engine check-up/ repair, no
person should be allowed to stand underneath the charging pump till the cabin
is locked and properly clamped in position.
3. While reversing a cementing vehicle, one should be certain that the sides and
backing area is clear. One should not reverse a vehicle at the facility or on the
work location without a guide.
4. One should use the prescribed personal protective safety kits like overhaul,
hardhats, safety glasses, hard-toed shoes, hand gloves etc. Wearing of rings,
bracelets or neck chains should be avoided while on oil field duty and in repair/
maintenance garage.
5. A pre-job planning meeting should be held to ensure proper job layout and
placement of cementing equipment following all safety procedures.
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7. Place cementing pump / bunkers / mobile silos at least 1.5 - 2 m apart from
other cementing vehicles and at least 25 m 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 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.
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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.
18.10.3. 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.
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.
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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.
11. Fluid loss, retarder and dispersant, additives for cement do not contain
hazardous ingredients.
12. 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. 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.
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.
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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.
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 etc.
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3. Scratchers
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Scratchers is cleaning equipment wellbore wall of mud cake so that cement can be
attached directly to the wall and avoid channeling formation (hole between cement
and formation channel). There are several kinds to use this tool, by twisting
(rotating) or by pulling down (reciprocating).
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5. Landing collar
Serves to insulate and capture the liner wiper plug, preventing it from rising back to
the top of the hole, to insulate the pressure from below and to prevent it from
spinning out while drilling (drill-out).
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7. Pack-off Bushing
Usually inserted between the setting tool and liner hanger as the top of the
insulation between the liner setting tool. Pack-off bushing there is drillable and
retrievable. Drillable type must be drilled back to the bit or mill. Retrievable
commonly used in the drilling, can be part of the setting tool and taken back to the
time setting of the tool is moved from the liner, which saves time drilling out.
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9. Liner Swivel
Is a tool used for the liner stuck in the open hole or in the hole where the hanger is
not straight barrel spinning difficult. By using this tool rotates liner will not, just the
liner hanger and setting tool are rotating. (Figure 18-11)
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1. Mixer
This tool, in principle, is to bring the slurry of cement and water with very high
speed (jet system) through a venturi flow causing turbulence which makes the
mixing process to be perfect.
Figure 18.15 Jet-Mixer For Mixing Cement and Cement Water Being
Suspension
2. Cement Pump
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Cement pump used for pumping a cement slurry down the well. Commonly
used pumps are double-acting piston pumps duplex or triplex single acting
plunger pump. Plunger pump is commonly used as the exit rate is more
uniform slurry with considerable pressure. Sometimes pumping the
recirculating mixer put together in a single place that is easily moveable. This
is referred to as a mobile cementing equipment.
3. Plug Containers
Plug container as the top and bottom cementing plug placed above and below
the cement slurry.
Figure 18.17 Cementing Head To Store Before Cement Wiper Plug Removable
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This tool serves as a media liaison between the pipe cementing of casing and
pump cement into a place to put the plug (top and bottom plug). With the
casing cementing head is then mud can be circulated by the insistence of the
bottom plug to the bottom of the casing and the cement slurry loaded on it
before pendesakan by top plug begins.
18.7.
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