Cementation Technique Research Articles

Effect of Cement Type and Cementation Technique on the Retention of Implant-Supported Restorations.

This study aimed to assess the effect of cement type and cementation technique on the retention of cement-retained implant-supported restorations. In this in vitro study, 20 solid abutments were screwed onto the fixture analogs and were mounted in acrylic resin molds using a surveyor. Twenty computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) metal crowns with an occlusal loop were fabricated, divided into two groups (n = 10), and bonded with temporary dental cement (Temp-Bond™; group 1) or glass ionomer (GC; group 2). Each group was subcategorized based on its cementation method (half-filling or abutment replica technique). The cement was applied to the copings that were placed vertically on the abutment with applying a 5-kg load for 10 min. The samples were then incubated at 37°C for 24 h and subjected to 3000 thermal cycles. The samples underwent axial tensile load within a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. GC cement yielded significantly higher retention than Temp-Bond™ (P < 0.05). In the GC group, the half-filling subgroup showed significantly higher retention than the abutment replica subgroup (P < 0.05). The mean retention value in the Temp-Bond™ group revealed no significant difference between the two subgroups (P > 0.05). GC yielded higher retention than Temp-Bond™ while using the half-filling cementation technique (P = 0.00). However, this difference was not significant between GC and Temp-Bond™ with the abutment replica technique (P = 0.960). Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that permanent cementation with half-filling technique yielded significantly higher retention in implant restorations.

A case of ceramic bipolar hip arthroplasty using cementing technique in patient with severe metal allergy

A case of ceramic bipolar hip arthroplasty using cementing technique in patient with severe metal allergy

Técnica de mascaramento de substrato escurecido com lente de contato dental cimentada sobre faceta menos translúcida

Dental ceramics have an excellent ability to reproduce natural teeth appearance, but once the substrate has an altered coloration, it is necessary to mask this intercurrence, considering the characteristics of the ceramic and cement selected. This article aims to present a clinical case of rehabilitation with ceramic laminates to mask a darkened central incisor by planning a more opaque porcelain structure under a translucent contact lens. A female patient sought dental care complaining of dissatisfaction with smile aesthetics. It was clinically identified the presence of a Class IV darkened restoration in composite resin in element 11. In treatment planning harmony in the shape and color of elements 11 and 21 was aimed at through lithium disilicate lenses. An opaque intermediate structure was used to cover the darkening in tooth 11. The double molding technique was performed to obtain the working model. Prior to cementing, the surfaces were treated. In ceramics, conditioning with 10% hydrofluoric acid and 37% phosphoric acid, silane application and universal adhesive; in dental substrate, conditioning with 37% phosphoric acid and application of universal adhesive were performed. In laminates definitive cementation Allcem Venner cement was chosen. Patient reported satisfaction with treatment final aesthetics. Thus, cementation technique of a translucent laminate over an opaque facet is a good option for masking substrates with darkened coloration.

Weakening the bond strength of luting agents could be a goal in implant retained prosthetics

Aim of the study: The current study was conducted to provide a simple practical technique to relatively weaken the bond strength of E.max Press copings retained to zirconia implant abutment models. This technique should facilitate crown retrieval from onto implant abutments without affecting the integrity of the ceramic crowns, abutment or the implant’s integration, yet, the crown is still well retained during service.Materials and methods: Twenty four zirconia implant abutment models were specially fabricated for the current study, to which 24 e.max press copings were cemented. According to the cementation technique, the samples were divided into four groups, 6 samples each. In Gp A, copings were cemented with a temporary resin luting cement without any surface treatment to the abutment models or the intaglio surfaces of the copings. In Gp B, abutments’ surfaces as well as intaglio surfaces of the copings were treated according to manufacturers’ instructions before cementation with permanent resin luting cement. In Gp C, abutments’ surfaces were coated with a single coat of fresh whole saliva before cementing copings with the permanent resin luting cement. In Gp D, same as in Gp C with replacement of saliva with single coat of glycerin. All assemblies were then subjected to aging through thermocycling for 5000 cycles.All assemblies were then tested for retention of coping cemented to the zirconia implant abutment models and failure surfaces were then examined by stereomicroscope to detect the mode of failure.Results: All samples in Gp A failed before any mechanical testing. Gp C reviled insignificant bond strength results compared to Gps B and D. However, Gp D showed significant reduction in bond strength compared to Gp B.Conclusions: Glycerin coating of zirconia implant abutments before use of permanent resin luting cement would be a good technique to retain crown in place for longer time, yet still liable to easy retrieval.

Radiological evaluation of cementing quality in femoral stem arthroplasty, by free hand versus gun technique

Background: The objective of the study was evaluate radiologically the cementing quality of femoral stem in replacement of hip by free hand versus gun technique of cementing, using grading system of Barrack’s and to find out intra observer agreement and inter observer agreement of grades for femoral stem cementation in hip replacement.Methods: In the present experimental randomized study, 50 cases of hip arthroplasty were evaluated for cementing quality of femoral stem by free hand versus gun technique of cementing. Standard anterio-posterior radiographs of hip with thigh was taken in 15 degree internal rotation and lateral view was taken in shoot through lateral projections. The radiographic evaluation of same radiographs was done at post op day one and after 6 weeks. All the subjects included in the study were subjected to comparison of cementing quality of femoral stem by using Barrack’s cement grading system. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 24.0; SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA. Interpretation and analysis of obtained results was carried out by descriptive method and data presented as summary statistics. The Kappa coefficient was calculated by statistical analysis, which assessed the agreement among tests with categorical variables.Results: The most frequent gradings were grade A in the hip replacements done by Gun technique and grade B in the cases done by Hand technique. We verified the Kappa coefficient for intra observer agreement (0.40 to 0.52), which represented modest to moderate strength of agreement and Kappa coefficient for inter observer agreement (0.45 to 0.55) which reported modest to moderate strength of agreement. Conclusion: We conclude that the Gun technique of cementing is superior to the hand cementing technique. Simple radiographic evaluation is not suitable for the assessment of cementation quality, which support previous studies recommendation not to use radiographic grading systems alone as a marker for defining the longevity of the arthroplasty.

The porosity of the bone cement interface of 96 human femoral heads prepared for hip resurfacing.

The porosity of the femoral head prepared for hip resurfacing has not been previously described. This is important as greater pore size increases the penetration of bone cement and excessive cement penetration can cause osteonecrosis. 96 osteoarthritic femoral heads were harvested at total hip arthroplasty and prepared for hip resurfacing. The porosity of the bone cement interface in hip resurfacing was calculated from digitised black and white photographs using MatLab software. The mean porosity was 0.63. Increased porosity was associated with larger femoral heads in both the coronal and sagittal dimensions and cysts in the femoral head. It was not associated with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol or corticosteroid consumption. The porosity of the femoral head has been shown to be 0.63. Future studies of cementing techniques in hip resurfacing should include this porosity in their designs. The surgeon prior to hip resurfacing should consider altering his cementing technique when cysts are present on the preoperative radiographs.

Effect of pack cementation temperatures on component, microstructure and anti-oxidation performance of Al-modified SiC coatings on C/C composites

SiC coatings doped with Al were synthesized on the C/C composites using the pack cementation technique. We explored the microstructure, composition, as well as anti-oxidation performance of Al-doped SiC coatings with different preparation temperatures (1500–2100 °C). The results prove that the coatings prepared at 1500–1900 °C are discontinuous 3C–SiC/2H–SiC/C/Si/Al2O3 coatings with some holes and micro-cracks, while the coating prepared at 2100 °C is Al atoms dissolved 4H–SiC coating with inconspicuous cracks and a loose and porous surface structure. And the coating thickness and oxidation resistances are enhanced with increasing the pack cementation temperatures. Besides, the oxygen diffusion via the coating's invisible microdefects is the leading cause of the coating's oxidation produced at 2100 °C. The coating gained at 2100 °C shows the best anti-oxidation properties owing to the in situ formed Al2O3 as well as SiO2 oxide layer on their surface.

Does negative pressure intrusion cementing technique improve the cement penetration under the tibial component? A comparative retrospective study

Intramedullary suction cementing technique of the tibial component has the theoretical advantage to allow a deeper cement penetration trough the cancellous bone. The aim of this study is to compare the cement penetration under the tibial component between patients that underwent tibial component cementation with or without the use of intramedullary suction. Two-hundred-twenty-four patients underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during the study period, One-hundred-twenty-two TKAs using intramedullary suction with negative pressure (55.4%), while one-hundred-two TKAs without intramedullary suction (44.6%). We found that the intra-operative suction during cement application increase the depth of cement penetration better than pulsed lavage alone.

Dual-space technique for creating cement space in a cementation device for implant dentistry: A predictable chairside approach

As residual excess cement in peri-implant tissues is a problem that can lead to implant failure, great care must be taken when delivering cement-retained crowns. Cement selection, prosthetic design, and cementation techniques can reduce the chances of having excess cement in peri-implant tissues. Multiple techniques have been described, but, in many, the cement space has been reproduced by unreliable means. The dual-space technique allows the clinician to fabricate an implant crown delivery device in which the cement space has been replicated in a predictable and straightforward manner. In this technique, light-body impression material is used to create the luting space before the fabrication of the device with bis-acryl resin.

Impact of a double-layer cementing technique on the homogeneity of cementation and the generation of loose bone cement fragments in tibial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a single- vs. double-layer cementing technique on morphological cementation and the generation of microscopic cement layers or loose cement fragments in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).MethodsUKAs were implanted in 12 cadaver knees. The specimens were divided into two groups of comparable bone mineral density. Six UKAs were implanted using a single-layer cementing technique (group A) and six UKAs were implanted using a double-layer cementing technique (group B). Morphological cementation was assessed on nine cuts through the implant–cement–bone interface in the frontal plane. Loose bone cement fragments and the microscopically quality of layer formation were evaluated.ResultsContact between bone and prosthesis was observed in 45.4% of interfaces in group A and 27.8% in group B (p = 0.126). The significant increase of areas without visible cement interlocking in the anteroposterior direction in group A (p = 0.005) was not evident in group B (p = 0.262). Penetration around the peg tended to occur more frequently in group B (67.5% vs. 90.6% p = 0.091). Scanning electron microscopy identified no evidence of fissure formations within the bilaminar cement mantle. Free bone cement fragments were documented in 66.7% in both groups with no difference concerning mass (p = 1.0).ConclusionsThis in-vitro study showed a tendency towards a more homogenous cementation of tibial UKAs using a double-layer cementing technique, although most of the differences did not reach the level of significance. However, theoretical downsides of the double-layer cementing technique such as an increased formation of free bone fragments or a microscopically fissure formation within the cement layer could not be detected either.

The effect of crown fabrication process on the fatigue life of the tooth-crown structure.

To compare the fatigue strength of lithium disilicate ceramic crowns when cemented as a compound structure, as a function of the manufacturing process and the type of ceramic variation. A typodont maxillary first premolar was prepared for an all-ceramic crown in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines for monolithic ceramic crowns (IPS e. max®; Ivoclar-Vivadent, Liechtenstein). 60 dies were duplicated in a polymer with a Young's Modulus closely matched to dentine (Alpha die, Schütz GmbH). Three different crown fabrication techniques were used (n = 20): (i) Manually applied wax spacer and pressed-crown; (ii) digitally scanned preparation, CAD-printed wax-pattern (D76PLUS, Solidscape Inc.) and pressed-crown; (iii) digitally scanned preparation and machined-crown (CEREC-inLab® v3.6 Sirona GmbH). Resin-based cement (Variolink-II®, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Liechtenstein) was employed with a standardised mechanised cementation technique to apply a controlled axial cementation pressure [Universal testing machine (Lloyd LRX®, Lloyd Materials Testing Inc)]. The samples were subjected to fatigue life testing with a cyclic impact load of 453 N for 1.25 × 106cycles at 37C⁰ and 1 Hz frequency until the point of fracture. There was a significant difference in the resistance to fatigue loading between the three groups. Weibull probability analysis and the α and β Weibull parameters indicate that the teeth restored with a 'Manually-applied wax spacer and pressed-crown' are best able to resist cyclic fatigue loading. They also have the most uniform interface geometry. Teeth restored with IPS e. max® crowns constructed by manually applied wax spacer and pressing, have a more uniform interface and a greater structural integrity than wax CAD-printed patterns or CAD-CAM crowns.

Milled versus moulded mock-ups based on the superimposition of 3D meshes from digital oral impressions: a comparative in vitro study in the aesthetic area

BackgroundAesthetic porcelain veneers proved to be a long-term reliable prosthetic solution, ensuring minimal invasiveness. The use of veneers requires an adhesive cementation technique, so maintaining as much enamel as possible is to ensure lasting success. A diagnostic mock-up is a key tool that allows a preview of the outcome of the aesthetic restoration: it is obtainable both in an analog and digital way. With the recent developments in impression technology and the ever so fast growing use of CAD-CAM technologies it is useful to understand the pros and cons of either one of these techniques (analog and digital) in order to identify the easier and more convenient workflow in aesthetic dentistry.MethodsAfter taking pictures and impressions of the dental arcs of a patient in need of aesthetic rehabilitation, 52 resin models were produced and a digital drawing of the smile was outlined. Both an analog and a digital wax-up were obtained from two of the 52 models: the latter was obtained using digital impressions and a dedicated software. The analog wax-up was then used to produce 25 matrices that have later been used to mould 25 resin mock-ups using a traditional moulding protocol (Control Group - CG). The digital wax-up was used to mill 25 PMMA mock-ups. Each mock-up, both milled and moulded (total 50), was then laid on the other 50 resin models as a digital impression of it was taken. The STL. files of the milled mock-ups were compared with the 3D CAD wax-up made using a specific software. The STL. files of the analog printed mock-ups were compared with the traditional wax-up design. A statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the difference between the groups.ResultsThe statistical analysis showed a significant difference (P > 0.01) between the mean value of the distance between the points of the overlapping STL. meshes in GC (0.0468 mm) and in TG (Test Group - TG) (0,0109 mm).ConclusionsThe study showed a difference in accuracy between traditional moulded and milled mock-ups compared to their original wax-up. The data analysis reports that the digital method allows for greater accuracy. Within the limitations of this study, a fully digital workflow is to considered more reliable when it come to creating an esthetic mockup: the digital procedure has been shown to be more accurate than the one made manually which is much more operator dependent and it brings an increase to the chance of error, and that could ultimately affect the final result.

A potential need for surgeon consensus: Cementation techniques for total knee arthroplasty in orthopedic implant manufacturers' guidelines lack consistency.

Given recent concerns regarding the influence of different cements and implants on the rate of aseptic failures in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we wondered if cementation technique could play a role. The primary aim of this review was to collect and compare the surgeon education materials from eight orthopedic implant manufacturers to evaluate the manufacturers' recommended cementation technique in TKA and identify if there was any consistency in these readily available guides as to the best practices of cementation of their implants. We reviewed contemporary surgeon education guidelines for all TKA systems available from eight manufacturers. Variables included: cement type, batches prepared, surface preparation prior to application, cleaning and/or drying the bone surface, mixing the cement, the waiting phase after the cement has been mixed prior to application, pressurizing the cement, location of cement application, and the curing time. Data were recorded and organized for qualitative comparisons. We identified a total of 43 guides covering 38 implants from eight different manufacturers. There were 41 surgical technique guides and two general brochures regarding cementation techniques available from the manufacturers. Even within the manufacturers' own guidelines for the different implants, there was a wide variety of differing guidelines on many aspects of the cementation technique. There is clearly no consensus for a preferred cementation technique both within and among manufacturers' surgeon education materials regarding tibial baseplate cementation during TKA. Efforts may be needed to identify a best-practice cementation technique in an effort to reduce the number of TKA failures associated with aseptic loosening.

Cementing technique for primary knee arthroplasty: a scoping review

Background and purpose — The optimal cementing technique for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unclear. We therefore performed a scoping review based on available studies regarding cementation technique in primary TKA and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA).Patients and methods — A search in 3 databases identified 1,554 studies. The inclusion criteria were literature that studied cementing technique in primary TKA or UKA. This included cement application methods, full or surface cementing, applying cement to the bone and/or prosthesis, stabilization of the implant during curing phase, bone irrigation technique, drilling holes in the bone, use of suction, and the timing of cementation. 57 studies met the inclusion criteria.Results — The evidence was unanimously in favor of pulsatile lavage irrigation, drying the bone, and drilling holes into the tibia during a TKA. All studies concerning suction recommended it during TKA cementation. 7 out of 11 studies favored the use of a cement gun and no studies showed that finger packing was statistically significantly better than using a cement gun. There is evidence that full cementation should be used if metal-backed tibial components are used. Applying the cement to both implant and bone seems to give better cement penetration.Interpretation — There are still many knowledge gaps regarding cementing technique in primary TKA. There seems to be sufficient evidence to recommend pulsatile lavage irrigation of the bone, drilling multiple holes, and drying the bone before cementing and implant insertion, and applying cement to both implant and on the bone.

Clinical evaluation of chairside Computer Assisted Design/Computer Assisted Machining nano-ceramic restorations: Five-year status.

This investigation was a longitudinal, randomized clinical trial to measure the clinical performance of a nano-ceramic material (Lava Ultimate/3M) for chairside Computer Assisted Design/Computer Assisted Machining (CAD/CAM) fabricated restorations. One hundred and twenty chairside CAD/CAM onlays were restored with a CEREC system randomly assigned to 60 leucite-reinforced ceramic (IPS EmpressCAD/Ivoclar Vivadent AGBendererstrasse 2FL-9494 SchaanLiechtenstein) onlays and 60 nano-ceramic (Lava Ultimate/3M) onlays. Equal groups of onlays were cemented using a self-etch and a total etch adhesive resin cement. The onlays were recalled for a period of 5 years. At 1 week postoperatively, 10% of the onlays cemented with both the self-etch and total etch adhesive resin cements were reported as slightly sensitive. However, all patients were asymptomatic by the 4th week without treatment. Four leucite-reinforced onlays and one nano-ceramic onlay fractured and required replacement. Adhesive retention with a self-etch or total etch cementation technique resulted in a similar clinical outcome with no reported debonds. The nano-ceramic onlays had a lower incidence of fracture compared to the leucite-reinforced ceramic onlays with both having a very low risk of fracture. Nano-ceramic onlays performed equally as well as glass ceramic onlays over 5 years of clinical service. Ceramic materials have been a mainstay for chairside CAD/CAM restorations for the past 30 years and a new category of resilient ceramics with a resin matrix has been introduced reported to offer ceramic-like durability and esthetics with resin-like efficiency in handling. There are no long-term clinical studies on the performance of these materials. This is a 5-year randomized clinical trial on the performance of nano-ceramic onlays.

RETAINED EXCESS RESIN CEMENT AROUND TISSUE LEVEL IMPLANTS USING TWO DIFFERENT CEMENTATION TECHNIQUES (AN IN VITRO STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: The main disadvantage of a resin cement-retained implant fixed prosthesis is the entrapment of residual excess cement in the peri-implant tissues. Remaining cement has been shown to be associated with peri-implant inflammation and bleeding. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to detect the retained excess resin cement around tissue level dental implants, and to determine which method of cementation will show less amount of retained excess cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen tissue level implants (OCO Biomedical, Inc. Albuquerque, U.S.A.) were embedded in drilling models (Salvin Dental Specialties, Inc. Charlotte, U.S.A.) having rubber surface covering simulating the gingiva. Fourteen metal copings were fabricated (Realloy e.k, Sliemsdyk 50, Krefeld, Germany). RelyX U200 (TM3M, ESPE Dental Products. St. Paul, U.S.A.) dual cure resin cement was used for cementation of the metal copings to the implants. The implants were divided into two main groups according to cementation technique (n=7): Group (A): non vented tack curing of the excess cement for three seconds then the excess resin cement was carefully removed. Group (B): occlusal vent was performed on the occlusal surface of the metal copings to allow excess cement to be extruded through the vent hole; then all the excess cement from the vent and margins was removed. The rubber coverage was removed and the retained cement was collected and the net weight of the retained cement was determined. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U test revealed a statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the non-vented tack cure and the occlusal vent groups in the amount of retained excess cement, with the occlusal vent group (B) had more excess cement percentage than the non vented tack cure group (A). CONCLUSIONS: Tack curing of the excess resin cement during the cementation of implant-supported restorations might reduce the cement residue, but still couldn’t remove the problem of excess resin cement around dental implants.

Efeito da vibração sônica na película de cimento para união de pinos de fibra de vidro à dentina radicular – avaliação por MEV Effect of sonic vibration on cement film for bonding fiberglass posts to root dentin – SEM evaluation

Introduction: The loss of retention of prefabricated fiber pins is a relatively frequent clinical complication. Different techniques for cementation have been studied and developed in order to reduce the chances of failure. In this context, the technique that uses a sonic vibration for cementing fiber pins appears. Objective: To evaluate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the sonic vibration effect on the cementation line between fiberglass pins and root dentin in bovine roots. Material and methods: Roots of bovine incisors wereendodontically treated and randomly distributed into four groups: SVS (conventional application of the system and cement), VSA (sonic application of adhesive system + conventional application of cement), VSP (conventional application of the information system + sonic application of cement) and VSAP (sonic application of the information system + sonic application of cement). Subsequently, slices of each root were obtained, corresponding to the cervical,middle and apical thirds. The slices were submitted to SEM analysis to evaluate the cementation line, verifying distribution and size of defects, considering three different locations: cement/pine interface (CP); internal layer of cement (LC); cement/dentin interface (CD). Results: An analysis of the results allowed to verify the incidence of minor faults in the apical region and suffered a gradual increase from apical to cervical in all the studied groups. Regardless of theused technique the greatest absolute number of defects was in the cement/dentin interface. Conclusion: The application and assembly technique can influence the characteristics of the cementation line between the fiberglass pin and dentine walls of the root canal.

Cementation technique for elbow arthroplasty; an international survey

BackgroundModern cementation techniques have markedly improved survivorship in lower limb arthroplasty, which have been heavily researched in the hip and knee but less so for upper limb procedures. Aseptic loosening is a leading cause of failure in total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) which could be related to the quality of cementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the cementation techniques used for TEA among practicing elbow surgeons. MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was emailed to members of the British elbow and shoulder society (BESS) and PubMed identified experts. Questions focused on the type of prosthesis, operative rates for elective and trauma cases, nature of cement used, canal preparation and cement insertion. Opinions regarding satisfaction with current techniques and mantle quality were also collected. ResultsA total of 26 surgeons completed the questionnaire. The Coonrad-Moorey was the most popular device amongst respondents. Most cemented both components, used antibiotic loaded cement, washed the canal with saline and inserted the cement retrograde. There was wide variation in cementation techniques used for the humerus and ulna, particularly regarding cement preparation, insertion, and use of a restrictor and pressurisation. ConclusionModern cementation techniques are not being utilised in TEA which could be contributing to implant loosening rates and longevity.

Modular bipolar hemiarthroplasty for fracture neck of femur using contemporary cementing technique: Long-term results of a single design

Introduction: The use of bipolar prosthesis in the management of displaced fracture neck of femur has remained controversial. There has been a lack of long-term studies in its results and survivorship, especially in acetabular erosion. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 108 single design bipolar hemiarthroplasties (105 patients) performed in a single centre between 1999 and 2008, with a mean follow-up of 7.4 years (range: 2.2–18.3 years). General indications of surgery include displaced fracture with age less than 75, narrow femoral canals not permitting the use of a monoblock implant or as salvage procedure for failed internal fixation. Results: Six hips (5%) required further surgery – two patients had debridement for infection and four patients required revision to total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to infection or aseptic loosening. There was no dislocation. No revision was required for acetabulum erosion. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a 15-year survival free of revision due to any reason to be 93.1% and due to aseptic loosening to be 97.1%. Discussion: Our centre has shown excellent clinical results and low revision rate with the cemented bipolar system. In the context of displaced fracture neck of femur, the long-term results can be compared with THA which is associated with higher perioperative morbidity.

Technology Focus: Cementing and Zonal Isolation (May 2019)

Technology Focus Cementing and zonal isolation are critical through the life cycle of the well. As I read through the cementing papers that were presented this year, I observed discussions on cementing and zonal isolation during drilling, completion, and abandonment activities. I am encouraged that we, as an industry, continue to refine and tweak our practices to solve zonal-isolation and cementing challenges in every well environment in which we work. Numerous papers not included here target improving cementing applications. Discussions about the mitigation of losses, low-density slurries, foam-cement slurries, spacer design, centralizer programs, expanding agents, flexible cement, and the management of narrow pressure margins are spread throughout SPE conferences. As cementing techniques are improved, so, too, are the cement-evaluation methods and work flows. The proof of zonal isolation is important to many, including resource owners, operators, regulators, land owners, and other stakeholders. As we drill longer extended-reach and horizontal wells, we continue the quest for zonal isolation using new technologies. Paper SPE 191561 discusses the mitigation of mud channels in horizontal wells drilled with nonaqueous drilling fluids. Academia has been experimenting and investigating placement practices. Recommended additional reading paper SPE 191989 explores the balance of buoyancy and eccentricity in both regular and irregular geometries. Another technology that is becoming more prevalent is the use of managed-pressure drilling, which leads to the need to understand managed-pressure cementing (MPC). Recommended additional reading paper SPE 191344 provides a case study for the use of MPC in both riserless mud recovery and con-trolled mud level applications. Abandonment is the final zonal-isolation activity in the well life cycle. The application of alternate materials continues to be discussed in all of our conferences. Paper SPE 193118 demonstrates the use of bismuth and thermite as an abandonment material. Paper SPE 191607 discusses the activation (and proof) of shales for zonal isolation. And finally, recommended additional reading paper SPE 191335 provides insight into the ultimate objective of cement-plug integrity. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org . SPE 191989 Displacement Efficiency for Primary Cementing of Washout Sections in Highly Deviated Wells by Alondra Renteria, University of British Columbia, et al. SPE 191335 Cement Plug Hydraulic Integrity—The Ultimate Objective of Cement Plug Integrity by Axel-Pierre Bois, CURISTEC, et al. SPE 191344 Experience Using Managed-Pressure Cementing Techniques With Riserless Mud Recovery and Controlled Mud Level in the Barents Sea by E. Claudey, Enhanced Drilling, et al. SPE 193965 Caprock Restoration in Well Abandonment: Fit-for-Purpose Well-Abandonment Design Through Work Flow Optimization and Integrated Assessment by Jing Zhi Kueh, Petronas, et al.