Evaluation of common cementing practices affecting primary cementing quality

Abstract

The quality of cement placement in primary cementing depends on many facets of the cementing procedure. In this paper, we simulate the fluid displacement process of a typical horizontal well in Northern British Columbia. We analyze how variations in some of the common cementing practices may improve the displacement efficiency. By using excess cement volume, the residual mud can be gradually removed as long as there is a sufficient pressure gradient to yield the mud. Increasing the centralizer usage is demonstrably effective in removing residual mud in the deviated section, and the eccentricity is significantly improved. Performing staged cement allows improvement in displacement by allowing flexibility in frictional pressure loss management (often crucial in long horizontal wells). Targeting different strategies for vertical and deviated sections results in improved efficiencies. • Excess cement volume leads to better displacement efficiency. • Poor cementing quality identified through combination of CBL and simulation. • Increased centralization works, as we know! • Staged cementing allows reduced frictional pressures and focus on vertical and deviated sections separately. • Increased density difference in the vertical is effective; slow flow and slumping improves the horizontal.