Cementing High-Angle Wells Using Cement-Expanded Formation Packers and/or Casing Rotation

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes an ongoing program to improve primary cementing results for casing in high angle or deviated wells. Thums Long Beach Company, acting as Contractor for the City of Long Beach, Operator of the Long Beach Unit, has drilled and completed over 1100 wells from four man-made islands and four land filled pier locations. The average well exceeds 55° hole angle with some wells exceeding 80° from vertical. Two techniques have been recently utilized to provide a competent shut-off between the completion interval and the surface. The first technique employs the installation of a twenty foot (20′) Cement Expanded Formation Packer usually set in a competent shale immediately above the completion interval. The CEFP is expanded with cement at the completion of the primary cement job. This method employing specifically approved equipment has proven so successful that the State of California will accept a successful installation as a substitute for the normally required water shut-off test. The second technique involves the rotation of a selected length of casing at the bottom of the casing string. A specially designed casing swivel is integral to the casing string and is rotated by a spline drive installed on drill pipe. The casing segment is rotated during a conditioning period and while the cement is being placed. Up to 600′ of centralized casing has been rotated with excellent results in high angle wells.