MODELLING OF DEEP WELL CEMENTING PROCESS

Abstract

The research aims to simulate Managed Pressure Cementing (MPC) for a deepwater field, focusing on optimizing the cementing process to ensure structural integrity and wellbore stability. The study addresses the challenges associated with conventional cementing methods, providing insights into the pressure dynamics, fluid properties, and pump performance crucial for deep well cementing operations. The methodology involves conducting a simulation to model the cementing process for a deep well with a total length of 9144 meters, where the previous casing's shoe is located at a depth of 6096 meters. Real data is utilized to obtain profiles of reservoir pressure, hydraulic fracturing pressure, and viscosities of essential fluids, including cement, drilling fluid, and buffer fluid. The simulation considers factors such as annular pressure loss, Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) calculation, and pump performance under varying conditions. Additionally, the density of the cement slurry in the annulus during pumping is established. The study reveals that pump performance under the given conditions is 57 m³/h for drilling and buffer fluids, while for cement solutions, it can vary from 19 m³/h to 38 m³/h. These results offer actionable insights for operational planning and optimization of the cementing process in deep wells. The simulation successfully models the cementing process for a deep well, providing valuable data on equivalent circulation density and cement slurry density in the annulus. The determined pump performance under different conditions is critical for understanding the dynamics of fluid circulation during cementing operations. Practical implications of the research include the optimization of cementing processes, contributing to enhanced structural integrity, reduced wellbore instability, and improved efficiency in deepwater field operations. In conclusion, the study not only contributes to theoretical understanding but also provides practical data for optimizing the cementing process in deep wells, reflecting the industry's commitment to continuous improvement in drilling technologies and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wellbore operations in challenging environments. Keywords: managed pressure drilling (MPD), wellbore stability, downhole conditions, real-time monitoring, managed pressure cementing (MPC), zonal isolation.