Cement: How Tough is Tough Enough? A Laboratory and Field Study

Mack, David J.; Dillenbeck, Robert

doi:10.2118/78712-ms

Cited by 16 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 9 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…One study suggests that a 100-psi compressive strength is sufficient to hold many casings in place (Mack and Dillenbeck 2002). Another study reported that a compressive strength of 500 psi is adequate for casing support (Stiles 1997).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Evaluation and Optimization of Low-Density Cement: Laboratory Studies and Field Application

Al-Yami

Nasr‐El‐Din

Al-Humaidi

et al. 2009

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cementing a string in one stage is a challenging task, especially in the presence of weak formations. Cement-slurry losses during placement are highly possible if the equivalent-circulating density (ECD) exceeds 11.0 lbm/gal during placement. A conventional method to overcome this challenge is to use multistage cementing by setting the stage tool above the lost-circulation zone. However, field data indicate that the tool can fail, thus causing serious delay and economic losses. In addition, stage tools are considered weak points and are not good for a long-term seal. A second method for zonal isolation is to use low-density cement (LDC). In this study, we considered cementing the intermediate and production casings in the S-1 (sandstone) and S-2 (carbonate) shallow formations and the BJD (dolomite) deep formation in a single stage using lowerdensity cement based on hollow microspheres, at 9.4 lbm/gal. The shallow conditions simulated in the laboratory tests were 150°F curing temperature, 2,400-psi conditioning pressure, and 1,800-psi confining pressure for 3 months. The deep conditions were 260°F curing temperature, 5,000-psi conditioning pressure, and 3,000-psi confining pressure, also for 3 months.Hollow-microspheres cement was used in oil and gas wells without encountering any operational problems. However, the high cost of microspheres cement was a limitation for potential field application. In this study, we present extensive laboratory work to optimize hollow-microspheres LDC by the elimination of microfine cement from the blend. Experimental studies (shrinkage, compressive strength, porosity, gas and brine permeability, and chemical analysis of cement) were conducted to determine the effect of this optimization on the properties of cement.Data generated during the 3 months supported the use of the optimized system to cement casings at the shallow conditions tested. The removal of microfine cement did not reduce the compressive strength, with an average of 2,013 psi; no shrinkage was observed, and no increase in permeability was noted during the three months of testing. The use of the optimized system did help in bringing cement to the surface in one stage. The cost of the optimized blend was 40% less than conventional hollow-microspheres LDC.This paper presents case histories that include job design, job execution, and evaluation of the LDC. Field treatments were successful and maintained isolation for more than 3 years.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One way is to prepare a mixture of coarse-and fine-cement particles, fly ash, fumed silica, hollow glass spheres, and water (Lea 1970). Another method is to add hollow glass or ceramic microspheres to plasticizer, cement, and a strengthening agent such as aluminum metal powder and sodium sulfate (Mack and Dillenbeck 2002).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation and Optimization of Low-Density Cement: Laboratory Studies and Field Application

Al-Yami

Nasr‐El‐Din

Al-Humaidi

et al. 2009

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…One study indicates that a 100 psi compressive strength is enough for casings support (Mack, 2002). A compressive strength of 500 psi is enough for casing support according to another study (Stiles, 1997).…”

Section: Evaluation Of Hollow Glass Microspheres In Low Density Cemenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Stability of Hollow Glass Spheres in Fluids and Cement Slurries for Potential Field Applications in Saudi Arabia

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Hollow glass spheres (HGS) provide an attractive method to reduce densities of drilling fluids and cement slurries for different objectives. There are several pressure ratings of HGS and selecting and testing the right type for the suitable application is important.The objective of this paper is to evaluate performance and stability of HGS by formulating HGS based fluids in different pH conditions, formulating low density water based drilling fluids with HGS as density reducing additive, and formulating low density cement with HGS as density reducing additiveThe evaluation of the stability of low-density inhibited water-based fluids formulated with HGS in diverse pH environments was for their potential application in Wasia formations in Saudi Arabia. Intensive testing of the fluids included rheological properties, pH and density measurement before hot rolling (BHR) and after hot rolling (AHR) in different pH environments at high pressure and high temperature for long time (up to 4 days).The evaluation of the stability of low density cement utilizing HGS was for their potential to cement shallow casings in gas wells and oil wells in Saudi Arabia. In this study, we present extensive lab work that included rheology measurements, thickening time tests, free water and sedimentation tests, fluid loss test and compressive strength test.Data generated supported the use of low density fluids formulated with HSG in Wasia Formation when applicable. Also, this study supported the use of the cement examined in shallow conditions in gas wells and oil wells. The shallow conditions simulated in the lab tests were 158ºF static temperature and 2500 psi.

show abstract

“…One study suggests that a 100 psi compressive strength is sufficient to hold many casings in place, Mack et al (2002). Another study reported that a compressive strength 500 psi is adequate for casing support, Stiles (1997).…”

Section: Compressive Strength Testmentioning

confidence: 99%

Failure Probability with Time under Different Operational Conditions for Low-Density System Based on Hollow Microspheres Supported By Long Term Lab Studies and Field Cases

Al-Yami

Yuan

Schubert

2012

SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cementing a string in one stage is a challenging task, especially in the presence of weak formations. Cement slurry losses during placement is highly possible if the equivalent circulating density (ECD) exceeds 82 pcf during placement. A conventional method to overcome this challenge is to use multi-stage cementing by setting the stage tool above the loss circulation zone. However, field data indicate that the tool can fail, thus causing serious delay and economic loss. In addition, stage tools are considered weak point and not good for long term seal. A second method for zonal isolation is to use low density cement.In this study, we present extensive lab evaluation of a low density system based on the use of hollow microspheres for one year at field conditions. The tests included one year mechanical properties measurement such as compressive strength development, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. The low-density system (70 pcf) was tested at 300 ºF. An earlier study has shown the suitability of using low density cement in the field, Al-Yami et al. (2007). However, there is no available Investigation in the literature about the durability of low density cement at higher temperature and at different operational scenarios.The finite element method was used to analyze the failure probability of HPHT wells over with time. At the variation of bottom whole pressure, the casing, cement, and formation system failure probability was studied for this type of cement. This paper introduces the operational envelope for this type of cement in order to achieve successful operations. Field cases were discussed to validate the results of this investigation.

show abstract

Cement: How Tough is Tough Enough? A Laboratory and Field Study

Cited by 16 publications

References 9 publications

Evaluation and Optimization of Low-Density Cement: Laboratory Studies and Field Application

Evaluation and Optimization of Low-Density Cement: Laboratory Studies and Field Application

Investigation of Stability of Hollow Glass Spheres in Fluids and Cement Slurries for Potential Field Applications in Saudi Arabia

Failure Probability with Time under Different Operational Conditions for Low-Density System Based on Hollow Microspheres Supported By Long Term Lab Studies and Field Cases

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About