Cementation

DOM 8
DRILLING Page 1 of 44
OPERATIONS CEMENTATION
MANUAL Issue 2
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000
CHAPTER 8
CEMENTATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3
8.2 RESPONSIBILITIES AND CO-ORDINATION .................................................................. 4
8.3 PREPARATION.................................................................................................................... 6
8.3.1 Supervision ............................................................................................................................ 6
8.3.2 Cementing Programme .......................................................................................................... 6
8.4 CEMENT, ADDITIVES AND SPACERS............................................................................ 7
8.4.1 Cements ................................................................................................................................. 7
8.4.2 Cement Additives .................................................................................................................. 8
8.4.3 Spacers ................................................................................................................................. 12
8.4.4 Testing Requirements........................................................................................................... 15
8.5 PRIMARY CEMENTATION ............................................................................................. 18
8.5.1 General Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 18
8.5.2 30” Casing Sub Sea Method With Stinger........................................................................... 20
8.5.3 Inner String (Stinger) Method.............................................................................................. 20
8.5.4 Single Stage Cementation Procedures ................................................................................. 23
8.5.5 Multiple Stage Cementation Procedure ............................................................................... 26
8.5.6 Liner Cementation Procedure .............................................................................................. 31
8.6 REMEDIAL CEMENTATION ........................................................................................... 35
8.6.1 Squeeze Cementing.............................................................................................................. 35
8.6.2 Cement Grouting.................................................................................................................. 37
8.7 CEMENT PLUGS (ISOLATION AND KICK-OFF).......................................................... 39
8.8 CEMENT EVALUATION .................................................................................................. 41

8.8.1 Temperature Survey............................................................................................................. 41
8.8.2 Cement Bond Logs .............................................................................................................. 41
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
PETRONAS CARIGALI SDN BHD
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
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DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.1 INTRODUCTION
No matter how good the cement slurry formulation, and no matter how well the cementing
programme is engineered, the success of the cementing operation will always be critically
dependent on how well the operation is performed on the drilling rig.
The cost of correcting a poor primary cementation can become a very large part of the
overall well cost and, even then, remedial cementing operations may not be entirely
effective. Communication between zones can ruin a well’s performance, reduce its
economic life, and result in a loss of ultimate recovery from the reservoir.
Many cementations have failed to achieve the necessary quality because the additional
effort, or care, was not taken during the job. Every cement job is worthy of the utmost
attention to detail. Jobs which are often regarded as simple, such as setting open hole
cement plugs for abandonment or side-tracking operations, should always be carefully
planned and executed. Whilst a cement plug can usually be reset if it fails, the time
required to repeat a deep set cement plug job (and waiting for it to cure), can run into days.
Cement can not form an effective seal if mud-filled channels are left. The geometry must
therefore allow the cement to adequately displace the previous fluid contents, rheological
properties must be correct, and the turbulence must be maximised during displacement.
This requires that preparation for a cementation should begin well in advance of the job.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.2 RESPONSIBILITIES AND CO-ORDINATION

The responsibilities for cementing operations are tabulated in Table 1.
Activity Party Responsible For Party Responsible For

Execution Quality Control
Prepare the detailed cement Cementing Contractor Drilling Supervisor
programme
Test samples & prepare recipe Cementing Contractor Drilling Engineer
Prepare well for cementing Drilling Contractor Drilling Supervisor
Mix, pump & displace cement Cementing Contractor Drilling Supervisor
Conduct rig floor operations Drilling Contractor Drilling Supervisor
Prepare Job Report Cementing Contractor/ Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisor
Table 1, Key Responsibilities For Cementing Operations
The check list in Table 2 is designed to assist in the preparation of cement jobs.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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MANUAL Issue 2
No Lead Description Drilling Drilling Cementing

Time Supervisor Contractor Contractor
1 3 – 5d Send sample of mixing water to the ✔
Cementing Contractor’s Laboratory
2 2d Send Cement Recipe Request fax to ✔
Drilling Engineer and Cementing
Contractor, confirming dispatch of
sample
3 1d Receive Cement Test Report Form with ✔
recipe for cement and spacer from
Drilling Engineer.
4 1d Prepare detailed procedures and work ✔ ✔
instructions based on final
specifications
5 1d Verify procedure and calculations ✔ ✔
6 1d Check materials hazard data sheets ✔
7 12 hr Check chemical quality and quantity, ✔
ensuring stocks are at least 120% of
requirements (200% for critical jobs, to
allow repeat)
8 12 hr Hold meeting to allocate tasks and ✔ ✔ ✔
agree step by step programme. Address
contingencies with key personnel
9 12 hr Review mix water and spacer checklist ✔
10 12 hr Check rig equipment (mud pumps, ✔
tanks and lines)
11 12 hr Check capacity of lines from cement ✔ ✔ ✔
unit to derrick floor (can be large for
platform tender rigs)
10 12 hr Check cementing equipment(cement ✔
unit, cement head & cement lines)
11 12 hr Pressure test unit to 1,000 psi above ✔
expected maximum job pressure
12 Install wiper plugs properly in the ✔ ✔
cement head
13 6 hr Check safety eqpt. (dusk masks, ✔ ✔ ✔
goggles, ear plugs, gloves, eye wash
stations etc.)
14 1hr Hold pre-job meeting ✔ ✔ ✔
15 1hr Review hole condition (clean, losses ✔ ✔
cured, overbalance)
16 1hr Check mud condition (rheology) ✔ ✔
17 1hr Check mud tanks lined up to the ✔ ✔
cement unit
18 1hr Pressure test lines ✔ ✔ ✔
Table 2, Pre-job Checklist
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MANUAL Issue 2
8.3 PREPARATION
8.3.1 Supervision
Attention shall be paid to all the details, particularly the following:

• Cementing operations must be carefully engineered to calculate the correct volumes
and critical flow regimes required for hole cleaning.
• The well bore must be circulated and the drilling fluid conditioned before starting
cementing operations, to remove cuttings and gas, and to ensure optimum rheology
for cement placement. Conditioning of mud properties is critical, even during
abandonment of the well to avoid contamination.
• Mixing and pumping operations must be monitored throughout to verify cement
slurries are homogeneous and volumes are correct.
• Spacers must be used where applicable to avoid contamination.
• Slurry and displacement volumes for balancing cement plugs must be carefully
calculated to avoid back-flow and incorrect placement.
• Displacement rates must be maximised to reduce the risk of channelling, but with
due consideration to equivalent circulating density (ECD).
8.3.2 Cementing Programme
Two to three days before the job, the cementing contractor shall prepare a cementation
programme at the well site, in consultation with the Drilling Supervisor. The programme
shall be sent to the Drilling Superintendent for verification and approval.
The Drilling Superintendent shall check the cement programme and confirm acceptance, or
request a revision if required. When the programme is finalised, the Drilling Supervisor
shall submit the programme to the Drilling Superintendent.
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MANUAL Issue 2
8.4 CEMENT, ADDITIVES AND SPACERS

8.4.1 Cements
8.4.1.1 API Class G
The standard cement used in Carigali drilling operations is API Class G oilwell cement.
This grade of cement is the most widely used in the industry, and it is compatible with a
variety of commonly available accelerators and/or retarders, to cover a wide range of well
depths and temperatures up to 230°F. For wells with static bottom hole temperature of
>230°F, silica flour is blended with the cement to prevent cement strength retrogression.
8.4.1.2 Slag Cement
Blast furnace slag is a by-product of the steel manufacturing industry, but has chemical
properties which allow it to be used as a cement. The raw “clinker” (blast furnace slag) is
simply prepared by grinding into a fine white powder.
The chemical reaction that causes the slag cement slurry to set, requires the addition of an
alkaline activator. Portland cement is a good activator, and the slag cement used in Carigali
operations, is therefore a blend containing 35% Portland cement and 65% blast furnace
slag.
Slag cement has advantages in wells where gas migration could be a problem, or when CO2
bearing formations are encountered.
8.4.1.3 Preventing Gas Migration with Slag Cement
Although cement slurry transmits the full hydrostatic pressure to the formation, gel strength
develops in the first phase of the setting process, and the cement enters a “transition state”,
where the cement solids start to form chemical and electrostatic bonds. For conventional
Portland cement, this occurs when the slurry has developed a shear strength of about
21 lbs/100ft2. The slurry becomes a porous, self supporting matrix, and the hydrostatic
head of the slurry reduces to that of the mix water.
As the curing process continues, the cement shrinks by about 5%, causing the pressure of
the mix water remaining in the pore spaces to reduce rapidly, which can allow formation
gas to enter the matrix. If this occurs, the gas will form channels in the semi-cured cement,
which can result in communication and flow to shallower sands.
In comparison to Portland cement, blast furnace slag cement has a much shorter “transition
state”, and rapidly changes from its liquid slurry from into the solid material. This greatly
reduces the time available for formation gas to enter the cement, and has been found to be
very effective in eliminating gas migration.
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8.4.1.4 Cementing CO2 Bearing Formations with Slag Cement

The presence of carbon dioxide in any formation can inhibit the proper setting of
conventional Portland oil well cement. The CO2 will dissolve in the cement slurry, and
produce carbonic acid, which reacts with the calcium hydroxide contained in Portland
cement. This interferes with the formation of the calcium compounds which provide the
cement with its strength. When set, Portland cement is still susceptible to attack by CO2,
and will continue to loose it strength over time. Slag cement is resistant to CO2 , owing to
its different chemistry, and should be used for all cementations where CO2 is present in the
producing zone.
8.4.2 Cement Additives
The additives to be used, and their concentration, shall be determined by the cementing
service contractor.
The same additives can be used in both conventional API Class G cement, and slag cement,
and they have the same action in both types of slurry. In general, the action of the additives
is slightly greater in slag cement than it is in API Class G cement.
The following information illustrates the function of the various classes of cement
additives, and highlights which chemicals are used for what purpose. It is provided as an
aid to understanding the formulation and preparation of the cement slurry, and should be
used by Carigali personnel to assist in the verification of the cementing service contractor’s
recommendations. No deviation from the agreed recipe shall be permitted, unless specific
written instructions have been issued by the Drilling Superintendent.
8.4.2.1 Accelerators
Accelerators may be added to the mix water to reduce the thickening and setting times of
the slurry, with the purpose of avoiding unnecessary time spent waiting on cement.
8.4.2.1.1 Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) is the most commonly used accelerator. It produces moderate
acceleration at concentrations between 10 lbs/bbl and 20 lbs/bbl, but causes slight
retardation at concentrations greater than about 25 lbs/bbl. Sea water contains sodium
chloride in the correct concentration range to act as an accelerator, and is often used as mix
water for shallow cementing operations offshore, particularly when large volumes are
required.
8.4.2.1.2 Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride produces a cement slurry with high early compressive strength. It
produces considerable acceleration, and heat output. Flash setting may occur at
concentrations above 3%, and it also increases the viscosity of the slurry.
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8.4.2.1.3 Calcium Sulphate

Calcium sulphate is gypsum, otherwise know as “Plaster of Paris”, but is commonly called
Gypseal or Calseal when used as a cementing additive. It is added to create a thixotropic
slurry for use in cementing lost circulation zones. Slurry thickening times can be very short
and unpredictable.
The following table lists the actions of the commonly used accelerators.
ADDITIVE FORMULA CONCENTRATION COMMENTS

Calcium CaCl2 1 - 2 % BWOC High gels may form at higher
Chloride concentrations. Flash setting may
occur at concentrations above 3%.
Sodium NaCl Up to 20 lbs/bbl of Acts as a retarder and adversely
Chloride mixwater affects other additives at
concentrations above 20 lbs/bbl.
Calcium CaSO3 Produces thixotropic slurries,
Sulphate useful for cementing lost
circulation zones, but action can be
unpredictable.
Table 3, List of Accelerators
Note: 1. In general, accelerators increase the viscosity of the cement slurry and
decrease the effectiveness of most other additives.
2. Calcium Chloride can cause skin burns and severe irritation to eyes,
nose and lungs. Gloves, goggles and respirator should be used during
mixing.
3. In the following sections, % BWOC it means percentage by weight of
dry cement.
8.4.2.2 Retarders
As temperature increases, the chemical reaction between cement and water is accelerated
which, in turn, reduces the time, for which the slurry remains pumpable. Increased depths
and formation temperatures may require the use of retarders in order to extend the
pumpable time of the cement. Thixotropic slurries may require retarders at shallow depths
and low temperatures.
Most retarders affect the viscosity of the cement as follows:
TYPE OF RETARDER EFFECT ON VISCOSITY
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Lignin Derivatives Reduction

Organic Acids Reduction
Cellulose Derivatives Increase
Table 4, Effect of Retarder on Viscosity

Note: In general, the combined use of retarders and accelerators in the same slurry
formulation should be avoided.
8.4.2.3 High Density Additives
There are two main methods of increasing the gradient of the cement slurry as outlined
below.
a. Reducing the water / cement ratio.
This is the preferred method for increasing cement gradient, particularly when cementing
across gas zones. A maximum gradient of approximately 15.7 ppg can be attained by this
method.
b. Addition of weighting material.
The preferred material is hematite (iron oxide) but barite may also be used. It is preferable
to batch mix the cement and the weighting material, rather than to use pre-blended cement,
since the weighting material in pre-blended high weight cement, may segregate (settle out)
during storage in the cement silos. Handling different blends of cement on the rig also
increases the risk of operational mistakes.
Note: If a well requires the use of a mud gradient above 15 ppg, a batch mixing
unit and sufficient sacks of weight material, should be kept on the rig as a
contingency.
8.4.2.4 Low Density Additives (Extenders)
Low gradient slurries are used for cementing weak formations or when there is a possibility
that the casing could collapse or float if a heavier slurry was used.
Generally, a low gradient slurry is prepared by adding extra mix water. Bentonite is usually
premixed at a concentration of 1 - 2% w/w of dry cement in the mix water to reduce free
water separation of the resultant slurry.
The bentonite must be fully hydrated before any other additives are added to the mix water.
To achieve this, the premix may be cut back using drill water, or dry bentonite may be
hydrated in drill water. In the latter case, the minimum hydration period is six hours, but
may need to be longer, depending on the quality of bentonite used. The addition of caustic
soda to the bentonite premix is also necessary.
Notes:
1. The bentonite content must be checked using the methylene blue test.
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MANUAL Issue 2
2. As a result of the decreased cement concentration of extended slurries, the

compressive strength of the hardened cement will be lower than that of neat
slurry.
8.4.2.5 Friction Reducers (Dispersants)
Friction reducers (or thinners) are dispersing agents which can be added to the slurry to
reduce its viscosity (and thus the frictional pressure losses in the system) while displacing
the cement. As a result, higher pumping rates are possible and higher displacement
efficiencies may be achieved.
8.4.2.6 Fluid Loss Control Additives
Fluid loss control additives are added to cement slurries for the following reasons:
• to reduce the possibility of dehydration, and consequently flash setting, opposite

porous zones.
• to reduce the loss of fluid from the slurry which would otherwise result in increasing
slurry viscosity and density, and higher circulating pressures.
• to prevent separation of slurry filtrate from cement at formation interface during
squeeze cementing.
Most fluid loss additives tend to viscosify the slurry and consequently, dispersants are often
added at the same time.
8.4.2.7 Additives for Thixotropic Slurries
The main application for thixotropic slurries is cementing lost circulation zones.
Thixotropic slurries behave like normal slurries whilst being pumped, but rapidly develop a
gel structure when static. The major disadvantage of thixotropic slurries however, is their
relatively high viscosities, which may adversely affect displacement efficiency.
8.4.2.8 Defoamers and Antifoams
While mixing cement, and/or when preparing mix water, containing retarders, salts, fluid
loss additives and/or Bentonite, foaming is often experienced. To control such problems
antifoams and defoamers are available.
• Antifoams should be used before adding any other chemicals.

• Defoamers remain effective when added after foam-causing chemicals.
In practice, such distinction may be difficult to ensure and therefore both antifoams as well
as defoamers should be added in advance.
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8.4.2.9 Gas Blocking Additives
The use of blast furnace slag cement in Carigali operations has largely superseded the use
of gas blocking additives in combination with conventional (Portland) oil well cement. The
following types of additives have been developed for cements used across gas bearing
formations:
• Surfactants added to the slurry will form a stable foam with the gas bubbles
preventing their transport through the cement slurry.
• Additives may be incorporated into the slurry which act to block the gelled cement
pore structure, preventing gas migration.
8.4.2.10 Silica Flour
Fine silica, or silica flour is commonly blended with cement to help prevent loss of strength
at high temperatures. When temperatures exceed 230o F, all common cements lose much of
their strength. This strength retrogression is accompanied by an increase in permeability
from 0.02 mD for typical neat retarded cement at 230o F, to a maximum of about 8 mD
after 8 days at 320o F.
The optimum amount of silica for controlling strength loss is 30 – 40%, and this will not
only control the problem, but reduce permeability to less than 0.001 mD, and produce a
cement with a compressive strength far in excess of that of neat cement.
8.4.2.11 Fibre
Synthetic fibrous materials have been used successfully for many years to improve the
shear, impact and tensile strength of cement. Nylon or polypropylene fibres up to 1” long
are normally used, but must be added carefully to batch mixed slurry to avoid local
concentrations that could plug tools and equipment.
The fibres transmit localised stresses more evenly throughout the cement, and are
particularly effective at reducing the effects of impact loads from drilling assemblies, and
can also act as a bridging material when lost circulation zones are to be shut off with
cement.
8.4.3 Spacers
Spacers are defined as any fluids other than cement slurry or mud, pumped ahead
(pre-flush) or behind the cement slurry (after-flush). After-flush should, in general have the
same formulation as the pre-flush.
Spacers can fulfil a number of different roles, but must be individually designed for each
specific cementation.
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8.4.3.1 General Guidelines for Spacers
a. Reduction in hydrostatic head due to spacers must be carefully calculated. If at any

stage of the cementation, the overbalance is calculated to be less than the minimum
required overbalance, a weighted pre-flush must be used instead of the water spacer.
b. When drill water is used as a spacer, and comes into contact with productive
intervals, it should be treated with 2% KCl w/w of mix water for formation
inhibition.
c. In general, plug flow and plug flow spacers are only used for stinger cementations
when a turbulent flow regime cannot be achieved.
d. If neither turbulent nor plug flow can be achieved, the cement viscosity should be
higher than the mud viscosity, and the yield point and density of the spacer should be
intermediate between that of the mud and cement.
e. For oil-based mud, use both base oil and water spacers.
8.4.3.2 Scavenger Slurry
Scavenger slurries are dilute mixes of cement and water which are used to remove gelled
mud and filter cakes. Their gradient should be mid-way between mud gradient and the
main cement slurry gradient. To prevent fast setting of the scavenger slurry, a cement
retarder is added to the mix water at a concentration of 0.2% by weight of cement.
8.4.3.3 Spacers for Use With Water Based Drilling Fluids
8.4.3.3.1 High Annular Velocity Displacements
Application Pumping Spacer Size Spacer Type

Order
20” or 18 5/8" 250 ft3 Volume seawater/drill water
Casing
Intermediate Casings 1 500 ft (annular length) seawater/drill water
2 500 ft (annular length) scavenger slurry
Production Casings 1 500 ft (annular length) seawater/drill water
2 500 ft (annular length) mud flush
3 500 ft (annular length) scavenger slurry
Table 5, For WBM - High Annular Velocity Displacements
8.4.3.3.2 Low Annular Velocity (Plug Flow) Displacements
Only one spacer should be used as detailed below:
Type Barytes/Natrosol/Xanflood
Size 500 ft (annular length)
Viscosity Intermediate between mud and cement
Gradient Intermediate between mud and cement
Table 6, For WBM - Low Annular Velocity Displacements
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8.4.3.3.3 Spacers for Use With Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids
Since cement will only bond to water-wet surfaces, spacers containing appropriate
surfactants must be used to separate the cement slurry from the synthetic based drilling
fluids.
8.4.3.3.4 For High Annular Velocity Displacements
Pumping Spacer Size Spacer Type

Order
1 500 ft (annular length) Base oil
2 500 ft (annular length) Seawater / industrial water + 2% v/v surfactant
3 500 ft (annular length) Scavenger slurry
Table 7, For SBM – High Annular Velocity Displacements
8.4.3.3.5 For Low Annular Velocity (Plug Flow)Displacements
Pumping Spacer Type Spacer Size Gradient and Viscosity

Order
1 Barite / HEC-10 / Xanvis 500 ft (annular Intermediate between mud
+ 2% v/v surfactant length) and spacer 2
2 Barite / HEC-10 / Xanvis 500 ft (annular Intermediate between spacer
length) 1 and cement slurry
Table 8, For SBM - Low Annular Velocity Displacements

8.4.3.3.6 Cement Plugs and Squeezes
Pumping Order Spacer Type Length in Annulus

1 Base oil 300 ft
2 Sea / drill Water + 2% v/v Surfactant 300 ft
Table 9, For Cement Plugs and Squeezes
8.4.3.3.7 Spacers for Cement Plugs and Squeezes
Mud Type Spacer Type Spacer Length In Annulus
Water Based Mud Sea/drill water 100 ft
Table 10, Cement Plugs and Squeezes
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8.4.3.3.8 After-flush Formulations
The after-flushes listed in the table below should be used in all cementations.
Standard Cementations Cementations Using Stinger

Number Wbm Size Number Wbm Size
1 Cement 30 ft 1 Water 60 ft
2 Water 500 ft 2 60 ft
Table 11, After-flush Formulations
8.4.4 Testing Requirements
This section highlights the general guidelines to be followed for cement testing
requirements.
8.4.4.1 Samples for Laboratory Testing
8.4.4.1.1 Cement QC
The common oil well cements, such as API Class G, are manufactured at the same factories
that produce cement for the civil construction industry. By far the greatest volume of
cement is made for the construction industry, and since oil well cement only represents a
very small proportion of the total factory production, the “clinker” is usually made in
batches. Starting and stopping the process can lead to quality problems, and variations
between batches.
It is therefore essential that the cement supplier (often the cementing service contractor)
maintains full details of factory batch numbers and API certificates, and that consignments
are kept segregated. If unexpected results are obtained either during testing, or the actual
job, cement quality should always be checked by performing a detailed analysis of the
compounds it contains. This should always be conducted in an independent laboratory,
using the appropriate equipment.
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Some of the symptoms which have been found to be associated with inconsistent cement
quality are unexpectedly poor bond quality, and excessive requirement for slurry additives
to obtain suitable rheological properties. Cement quality problems are often readily blamed
on hole condition, casing centraliser programmes or the execution of the job, and it is
important that potential cement quality problems are not neglected as a possible cause.
8.4.4.1.2 Sampling Requirements
The formulation, testing and mixing of the slurry must be very closely controlled if it is to
have the precise rheological properties required, and the slurry is to remain pumpable
throughout the time period required for the job. Small differences in cement, chemicals and
mix water can cause large differences in the slurry properties, and it is essential that truly
representative samples are used for testing the formulations.
All sampling shall be carried out by the cementing contractor. The following general
guidelines shall be followed.
a. Whilst offloading cement, take a sample directly from the supply line or the silo. It is
essential that the cement sampled is representative of the cement to be used in the
forthcoming cementing operation.
b. Additives shall only be sampled when specifically requested by the laboratory.
Samples must be from the batch to be used in the forthcoming cementing operation.
c. A portion of all samples must be retained for use in the standard bench tests. The
remainder (along with separate samples of the mix water) shall be despatched by the
Drilling Supervisor to the Contractor's laboratory in air-tight containers as detailed
below. Containers must be clean.
Material Quantity Container

Cement 10 lb Airtight plastic bag inside metal can with tight fitting lid
Bentonite 2 lb Plastic bag
Powdered additives 1 lb Plastic bag
Mix water 1 gall Plastic bottle
Liquid additives 500 ml Plastic bottle
Table 12, Sampling Requirements
d. Samples of all products, including a one gallon sample of the actual mix water, must
also be taken during the course of the cementing operation and retained until the
cement job quality has been verified.
8.4.4.2 Tests at the Well Site (Bench Tests)
Bench testing of samples shall also be carried out at the well site by the Cementing
Contractor.
a. Bench testing must be carried out at the well site for quality control on the mix water
before adding the chemicals. It provides a comparison with the onshore laboratory
results to confirm that the mix water is not contaminated and properly prepared.
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b. Testing should be completed well in advance of the job, so that time is left to make
new mix water and to repeat the bench tests if necessary.
c. Bench tests must also be carried out with samples of the mixed slurry (“surface
samples”) to give an indication of when the cement downhole has hardened
sufficiently to proceed with operations.
8.4.4.2.1 Procedures for Bench Tests
a. Testing of drill water for contamination
To test drill water for chloride contamination, the same procedure used to test mud
shall be applied, ie, titration method with silver nitrate solution. The chlorides should
be less than 500 ppm.
b. Testing of Mix Water
1. Mix 500 grams of properly sampled cement with enough mix water to achieve
the planned water/cement ratio, using the bench mixer for 5 minutes at high
speed.
2. Place the slurry in a plastic bag in a water bath controlled at the expected static
bottom hole temperature (SBHT). Check every 15 minutes for thickening time
and hardening time.
Note:
i. Make sure that the mix water/additive mixture is homogeneous before
sampling.
ii. If the cement job is delayed by a substantial amount of time after the mix
water has been prepared, check carefully that the additives have neither
settled out nor deteriorated.
c. Testing of Pumped Cement Slurry
The procedure for this test is identical to the above with samples of the pumped
slurry taken during the cement job.
8.4.4.2.2 Interpretation of Bench Tests
a. The chloride content in drill water must not exceed 500 ppm.
b. Thickening and hardening times obtained from well site bench tests on mix water
should coincide with the laboratory data, to within ± 30 minutes. Minor differences
can be attributed to differences in cement and additives concentration, temperature
differences and other test conditions. The bench test times should not be related to
pumpable and thickening times determined under dynamic conditions.
c. If the results differ by more than 30 minutes, the concentration of additives is
questionable and the cementing contractor’s laboratory shall be consulted.
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8.5 PRIMARY CEMENTATION

Procedures for various types of casing cementing techniques given in this section should be
used to formulate and check the cementing contractor’s procedures. The application of
these techniques normally depend on a number of factors including the specific objectives,
the casing size and the formation strengths.
8.5.1 General Guidelines
8.5.1.1 Hole and Mud Conditioning
A pre-cementing, hole and mud conditioning programme should be prepared by the

Drilling Supervisor, which should include the following standard practices:
a. Before pulling out of hole to run casing, the hole shall be circulated clean until there
are no further cuttings in the returns. The circulation should be a minimum of 120%
of the casing contents to ensure that there are no potential obstructions in the casing
which could plug the float equipment during the actual job.
b. To improve displacement efficiency for casing cementation, the mud should be
conditioned to reduce the rheology during circulation by the following actions:
1. Remove drilled solids from the mud to reduce PV to the lowest practical level.
2. Use chemical treatment or dilution to reduce the YP and 10 min. gel strength to
< 10 lbs/100 ft2 .
8.5.1.2 Optimising Mud Displacement
The quality of the cementation critically depends on the effectiveness of mud displacement,
and its replacement by cement slurry. Cement is a non-Newtonian fluid which, in either
turbulent or plug flow, has a flatter velocity profile across the area of flow than when it is
in lamina flow. In lamina flow, the cement has a parabolic velocity profile across the area
of flow, and it is likely to “telescope” through the mud, leaving by-passed channels.
Cement slurry requires impractically high displacement rates to achieve the fully-developed
turbulent flow that would ensure good mud removal, even in gauge hole with well
centralised casing. Experience has shown however, that the following rates can be achieved
in practice, and that they produce sufficient turbulence in the cement slurry to allow good
cementation:
• 13-3/8” casing : 920 gpm
• 9-5/8” casing : 840 gpm.
• 7” casing : 500 gpm.
Displacement of the mud by cement during primary cementation, critically depends on the
geometry of the hole and casing. If there are washouts, or the casing is eccentric in the hole,
there will be places where the cement slurry will by-pass the mud, leaving channels. These
problems can be reduced by utilising an adequate centraliser programme, and moving the
casing by reciprocation or rotation during the job.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
If reciprocation is used, care is required to ensure that both the cement and the casing are in
the correct place and condition when the job is completed. Hook load must be carefully
monitored throughout the job. The effect of increasing buoyancy on string weight (as the
cement fills the annulus) should be pre-calculated so that it can be continuously accounted
for. Reciprocation should be stopped, and the casing string returned to the correct shoe
depth, if casing string drag or resistance increase.
If casing string rotation is used, torque must be carefully and continuously monitored.
rotation should be stopped if torque exceeds 70% of the minimum connection make up
torque.
8.5.1.3 Circulating Test
Displacing cement slurry at the high rates required to achieve turbulent flow, demands that
particular care is taken to avoid exceeding the maximum ECD that the formation will
allow. The Cementing Contractor should calculate the estimated ECD for a range of
circulating rates for the cement job, and advise any potential losses due to formation
strength limitations. The following procedure is recommended:
1. Ensure the tank level indicators are properly working and physically check the
level in the active tank.
2. Commence circulation at a low rate (50 gpm).
3. Increase circulating rate in increments of 10 gpm. After each increase, wait at
least five minutes to observe for losses and to allow pressures to stabilise.
4. Reduce the pump rate as soon as losses are observed or as soon as the ECD is
reached.
5. Record circulating pressure at the rate that will be used to bump the plug, in
order to allow determination of the final static differential pressure for
estimation of the TOC.
If losses are observed at a rate which is substantially below the optimum displacement rate
(as indicated in item 4 above) consideration should be given to circulating around a lost
circulation material (LCM) pill. This should be carried out at a circulating rate where slight
losses are induced. Once the losses have stopped, the rate may be carefully increased.
8.5.1.4 The Need for Job Continuity
From the commencement of pumping the cement slurry, until the completion of the cement
displacement, the operation must be continued without any interruptions if a high quality
job is to be achieved. Stopping, pausing, then re-starting slurry movement in the casing-
hole annulus can significantly aggravate mud displacement problems which will result in a
poor job. It is particularly important however, not to allow any interruption of the operation
from the commencement of pumping the slurry into the casing, until the mud used for
displacement has “caught up” with the slurry.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
During this phase of the operation, the top of the slurry inside the casing will continue to
move downwards even if the pump is stopped, since the heavy cement slurry will keep
moving until it balances the lighter mud in the annulus. This action (commonly called “U-
tubing”) can be very rapid, and a partial vacuum will be created in the casing above the
slurry if the pumping operation is halted.
The partial vacuum can be sufficient to cause the liquids to boil off from the slurry, which
will lead to de-hydration of the slurry, and may result in localised flash-setting. Whilst this
is not sufficient plug the casing, it is possible that it could be the cause of the cement
stringers that are sometimes found in the casing after the cement job, and poor quality
slurry left around the casing shoe.
8.5.2 30” Casing Sub Sea Method With Stinger
The following procedure is used when the 30” sub sea housing has been run on the housing
running tool, and a drill pipe stinger run below the running tool, with the end
approximately 10 ft above the float shoe.
1. Perform the circulation test (see Section 8.5.1.3).
2. Mix and pump the required volume of cement. Observe for returns using an ROV or
guideline-deployed TV camera.
3. Displace cement using the cement pump to leave 6 ft of cement inside the casing.
4. Check for back flow.
5. If back flow is observed, displace the cement from the stinger, then hold pressure
until surface the samples are set.
6. If there is no back flow, release the running tool and POOH.
7. If no returns are noted, a top up job should be performed by running a stinger though
the funnel on the guide base, and into the top of the annulus.
8.5.3 Inner String (Stinger) Method
This method is used in areas or on wells where the presence of shallow gas has been
established or interpreted. Hole volume in surface hole sections is not accurately known,
owing to hole enlargement of the unconsolidated formations. In order to ensure a good
cementation across all sands, the 20” or 18 5/8” surface casing string is usually cemented
using this method since it allows:
• Cementing with actual required, rather than estimated slurry volume.
• Back pressure to be held on drill pipe should the float shoe fail.
• Better control of displacement (by reducing the risk of over displacement past the
shoe, or under displacement with consequent excessive drill-out time).
A schematic of the procedure is illustrated in Figure 1.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
1. Make up stab-in adaptor, and run on drill pipe. Install two centralisers on the first
joint of drill pipe above the stab-in adaptor.
Note: i) The use of a float shoe with a conical entry guide for the stab-in adaptor is
recommended, but always ensure that the stab-in adaptor is the same make
as the float shoe.
ii) HWDP may be run above the stab-in tool to provide sufficient weight to
resist pump-out force.
1. Stab stinger into the float shoe. Circulate and check for leakage at the stab-in adaptor
(by filling annulus if necessary).
Note: If seals are leaking POOH and inspect/re-dress stab-in tool. If seals still leak,
cement using a circulating head.
3. Perform circulation test (see Section 8.5.1.3). Circulate 150% of hole contents.
Closely monitor for losses and adjust flowrate as necessary.
4. Rig up the cementing line and flush surface lines. Pressure test lines to 1500 psi.
5. Pump pre-flush ahead. Mix and pump main slurry until returns are observed at
seafloor, then follow with programmed volume of tail slurry.
6. If the well is not to be cemented to surface, pump the calculated volume.
7. If the well is to be cemented back to surface, continue pumping until returns are
observed at the wellhead/mudline. If returns have not been observed after all the
cement is pumped, carry out top-up cementation after the primary cement is set.
8. Displace cement with mud, using cement pump. Pump drill pipe volume to stab-in
adaptor allowing sufficient under-displacement to leave 10 ft of cement inside
casing. Monitor for losses during displacement and adjust displacement rate as
required.
9. Disconnect cement line. Bleed off pressure and check for back-flow. If there is no
back-flow, pull stinger back one stand, circulate clean and POOH. If back-flow is
observed, displace cement from the drill pipe and maintain pressure. Check for back
flow again after surface samples are set, before pulling stinger.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
INNERSTRING CEMENTATION PROCEDURE
Start
RIH With Stab-In-Assy
Stab Stinger Into Shoe
Test Seals
POH Casing, Check

Seals OK? No
Seals
Yes
Circulate as per
Section 8.3.2.
Pump Spacer
Pre-Mix/ Recirculate
No
Pump Cement
Pumped > 200%

Cement Returns? No Yes
Cement?
Yes
Leave 6 m Cement
Inside Casing
Displace Cement from

Backflow? Yes
DP & Maintain Pressure
Stop Pumping, Annular
No Fill Up Required. Check
For Losses. Contact
Pull Back 1 Stand & Circ Drilling Supt.
Install Wellhead
Clean. POH
Figure 1, Inner String (Stinger) Method
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.5.4 Single Stage Cementation Procedures
A schematic of the procedure is illustrated in Table 13.

1. Rig up cementing lines, flush surface lines and pressure test.
Note:
i. Rig up lines so that no changes will be required during the job
ii. Check capacity of lines between cement unit and derrick floor, and consider in
displacement calculations.
2. Perform circulation test (see Section 8.5.1.3). Continue circulating until circulated
volume is at least equivalent to casing contents + 20%. Pump pre-flush.
3. Drop the bottom plug if using a two plug system.
4. Mix and pump the lead slurry followed by the tail slurry. If a problem occurs before
the programmed cement volume has been pumped, determine the optimum course of
action based on Table 13.
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Length of cement column is Length of cement column is insufficient to satisfy all
enough to satisfy all objectives of the cementation
objectives
of the cementation There is enough time The length of time
available to circulate the available is insufficient
slurry out to circulate the slurry
out
Continue with next step in Circulate the slurry out. Continue with next
process. step in process.
Table 13, Course of Action
5. Line up plug container manifold for top plug. Drop top plug, and confirm that plug
has been released. Open all valves into plug container (to reduce back pressure) after
top plug has gone.
6. Pump after-flush.
7. Displace using the mud pumps at the maximum determined rate. During
displacement, monitor the returns closely to ensure there are no losses. If
unacceptable losses are encountered, reduce the pump rate in 50 gpm increments.
8. Shortly before bumping the plug, stop one pump and slow down to the circulating
rate used in Section 8.5.1.3 (e.g. 30 SPM). Record this pressure.
Notes:
i. Determine static overbalance between mud and cement by subtracting
circulation pressure recorded during circulation test (see Section 8.5.1.3) from
pressure recorded prior to bump.
ii. Calculate TOC from this static overbalance.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
9. Bump plug and record bump pressure. If the plug does not bump at the calculated
total pump strokes continue displacing until either the plug is bumped, or the
calculated volume, based on 93% pump efficiency, has been pumped.
10. Pressure test casing.
11. Release pressure and check for back-flow. If back-flow is observed hold pressure
until the surface cement samples have set.
Note: Do not re-displace any volume of mud that was bled off during back flow
check, since this may result in mud contaminated cement being pumped
around the shoe.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Asses displacement Circulate 120% casing

rates contents
Drop Bottom plug.

Pump spacer
Pump scavenger
Yes
Pump cement Solve Problem
Yes
Circulate Out
Cement
Solvable in
Problem? Yes
time?
No
No
Enough cement Time to circ out

Drop Top plug Yes No
column? cement?
Pump spacer
No
Chase cement with

mud pumps
Severe loss
Yes Lower pump rate
returns?
No
Continue displacing
with mud pumps
Reduce pump rate and

Pressure test casing Backflow? Yes Apply pressure
bump plug
No
Continue with
WOC
programme
Figure 2, Single Stage Cementation Procedures
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.5.5 Multiple Stage Cementation Procedures
There are two widely used multi-stage cementing techniques, the free fall and the
continuous displacement type. A comparison of the two techniques is tabulated below:
Free Fall Continuous Displacement

Application When time not critical, i.e. first When time critical, i.e. for deep and
stage cement must be allowed to set high-angle holes when plug dropping
before second stage commences time would be excessive.
Advantage Positive shut-off on the first stage. No plug dropping time.
Clear indications at each stage.
Casing can be tested prior opening
the stage collar.
Disadvantage Plug dropping time can be up to 45 First stage bump cannot be tested.
minutes or longer. Complexity of various plugs and
different fluids/volumes to be
displaced.
Table 14, Comparison of Free-Fall and Continuous Displacement Methods
The procedure below applies to the use of a stage cementing collar with a free-fall opening
plug which is the Carigali preferred method. A schematic of the procedure is illustrated in
Figure 3.
1. Hook up cement lines and pressure test. Perform circulation test (see Section
8.5.1.3). Continue circulating for a minimum volume equivalent to 120% casing
contents.
2. Pump pre-flush.
3. Drop first stage bottom plug (if applicable). Pre-mix and recirculate slurry until
gradient is within specification tolerance.
4. Mix and pump cement. If a problem occurs before programmed volume of cement
has been pumped, determine the optimum course of action based on Table 15.

objectives
of the cementation There is enough time The length of time
available to circulate the available is insufficient
out
5. Drop the first stage top plug.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
6. Displace at pre-determined maximum loss-free rate using the rig pumps. Reduce the
circulating rate to that used in Section 8.5.1.3 (e.g. 30 SPM).
7. Bump plug and record bump pressure. If the plug does not bump, do not
over-displace by more than ½ of the shoetrack volume. If the plug bumps, pressure
test casing.
8. Release pressure and check for back-flow.
9. If back-flow is observed, shut the well in, wait for 30 minutes and check again. If
back-flow continues, shut the well in and wait on cement.
10. Release free-fall stage cementing collar opening plug and wait 2 minutes/1000ft
depth.
11. Increase pressure to open multi-stage cementing collar as per manufacturer's
instructions. If collar fails to open, release pressure and wait for another
5-10 minutes.
Note: If further attempts at opening the cementing collar fail, consider running
drill pipe, and opening collar by applying weight on the plug.
12. Establish circulation and circulate minimum of 120% of annular contents. Check for
spacer-cement and for losses.
13. Switch over to the cement line, pressure test line.
14. Pump pre-flush.
15. Pre-mix and re-circulate slurry until gradient is within specification tolerance.
16. Mix and pump cement. If a problem occurs before programmed volume of cement
has been pumped, determine the optimum course of action based on Table 16.

objectives There is enough time The length of time
of the cementation available to circulate the available is insufficient
out
17. Drop the stage cementing collar closing plug.
18. Displace at maximum loss-free rate using the rig pumps. During displacement,
monitor the pressure; if it is low, continue displacing while monitoring the returns
closely to ensure there are no losses.
19. Bump closing plug onto the multiple stage collar. Hold pressure for 5 minutes.
Release pressure, then pressure test casing. Release pressure and check for
back-flow. In case of back-flow, pressure up and wait on cement.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Asses displacement Circulate 120% casing

rates contents
Drop 1st Bottom plug.

Pump preflush
Pump scavenger
Drop 2nd Bottom plug
Pre-mix/Re-circ. Circ. Out

Cement
Yes
S.G. within
No Re-circ./Dump
tolerance?
Yes
Yes
Time To Solve
Problem? Yes
Problem?
No
No
Drop 1st Stage Enough cement Time To Circ

Yes No
Top Plug column? Out Cement?
Pump spacer
No
Reduce pump rate and Hold Pressure for 15 Continue with

Chase cement Part 2
bump plug minutes
Figure 3, Multiple Stage Cementation Procedure (Part 1 of 3)
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Continued Shut in and wait

Backflow? Yes
from Part 1 for 30 minutes
No
Backflow? Yes Apply pressure Yes
Drop stage WOC Backflow?

No
cementing
No
collar opening
plug
Wait 30 minutes
Apply pressure to
open collar
Circulate 120%
contents of
annulus
Pump preflush Yes
Circulate
Fixed in < 20
Problem? Yes No out
mins?
preflush
No
Pre-mix /
Re-circulate
S.G. within
Re-circulate
safe No
/ Dump
tolerance? Circulate out
cement
Yes
Yes
Yes
Enough Enough time

Enough time
Problem? Yes No cement No to circulate out
for solution?
column? cement?
No
Yes
Continue
No
with Part 3
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Continued
from Part 2
Drop Closing Plug
Pump spacer
Chase cement
Reduce pump rate and

bump plug
No Bump?
Yes
Hold pressure
Pressure test casing

WOC for 15 minutes
Bleed Off
Continue with
programme
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.5.6 Liner Cementation Procedure
Because the capacities involved are generally smaller than those used in casing
cementations, close control is critical to the success of liner cementations. Job continuity
(see Section 8.5.1.4) must be assured. Surface lines must be rigged up so that no changes
are required which could interrupt pumping or displacing the cement. All personnel
involved must be fully briefed on the sequence of operations, and the details of their duties
before the job commences.
A schematic of the procedure is illustrated in Figure 4. Guidelines are as follows:
1. Circulate and perform circulation test (see Section 8.5.1.3). Rig up cementing lines,
flush and pressure test surface lines.
2. Batch-mix slurry to ensure correct density and homogeneity.
3. Pump spacer and cement. If a problem occurs before the programmed volume of
cement has been pumped, determine the optimum course of action to be taken using
the guide lines provided in Table 17.
Case 1 Case 2
There is enough time to solve the problem There is insufficient time to solve the
problem
Solve problem and continue pumping Circulate out the slurry and preflush.
slurry
4. Drop drill pipe wiper plug and displace at pre-determined maximum loss free rate
using the cement unit. Look for pressure indication of shearing liner wiper plug.
5. Before bumping the plugs, reduce the pump rate to that used is Section 8.5.1.3 (e.g.
30 SPM).
Note:
i. Keep pumping until bump is observed, or until a maximum excess of 50% of
the shoe track volume has been pumped.
ii. Rotate the liner at approximately 20 - 40 RPM during displacement to improve
the cement bond. Do not exceed liner make-up torque.
6. After bump, pressurise liner to 500 psi over differential. Immediately bleed off and
check for back-flow. If back-flow is observed, pull out the stinger and circulate the
hole clean using the mud pumps until there are no further cement returns. A remedial
cement job will then be necessary using a packer set above the shoe.
7. Pick up liner running string sufficiently to activate tie-back packer setting dogs, and
set the integral tie-back packer.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8. Apply 200 psi to liner running string, and pull stinger free of the cementing pack-off
bushing. As soon as pressure drop indicates that stinger is free, circulate out excess
cement at high rate. Rotate and reciprocate the liner running string whilst circulating,
to assist cement removal from casing. Continue circulation until returns are clear of
all cement indications.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
RIH liner
Circulate Bottom up Consider not launching dart
Condition mud
Set liner hanger
Establish Circulation Rates

and Perform Rev. Circ.Test
Pump spacer(s)
Pre-mix/Re-circulate Re-circ/Dump
No
Correct Within safe

No
Density? tolerance?
Yes
Yes
Pump cement
Yes
Circulate out
Solvable in
Problems? Yes No cement &
time?
spacer(s)
No
Drop dart. Pump

spacer(s)
Continued with
Part 2
Figure 6, Liner Cementation Procedures (Part 1 of 2)
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Continued
From Part 1
Displace cement with

mud
Plug sheared?
Yes
No Bump? Yes
No
Pull out stinger &
Overdisplace by a
circulate hole
maximum of 50% of Backflow? Yes
the shoe track volume clean using
mudpumps
No
Pull stinger
100m above liner Yes Losses? Contac
hanger t base
No
Pull stinger just out

of hanger
Circulate clean while

moving string using
mudpumps
Continue With
Programme
Figure 7, Liner Cementation Procedure (Part 2 of 2)
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.6 REMEDIAL CEMENTATION

8.6.1 Squeeze Cementing
The following methods may be used in performing a squeeze cementation:
a. The Block Squeeze is the term used when cement is spotted over the required
interval, the stinger pulled clear of the cement, the BOP closed, and pressure applied
to squeeze the cement slurry into the formation. The squeeze pressure is usually
limited to <1000 psi, to prevent damage to the primary casing cementation.
b. The Straight Squeeze is the term used where the cement is pumped into the string
and squeezed through a cement retainer (or retrievable squeeze packer), directly into
the formation.
c. A Circulation Squeeze is used to improve zonal isolation, where the cement behind
casing is sufficiently poor (or absent) to allow cement slurry to be circulated. The
technique involves perforating the casing in two places, setting a cement retainer
between the perforations and circulating cement through the annular space between
casing and the formation.
8.6.1.1 Block Squeeze
1. RIH with approximately 500 ft of tubing stinger on drill pipe to the bridge plug. If no
bridge plug has been set, the stinger should be run to approximately 200 ft below the
bottom perforations and a weighted, high-viscosity pill spotted to hold the slurry in
place during the job.
2. Set a balanced cement plug.
3. Pull back to 3 stands above theoretical TOC and circulate drill pipe clean. Pull up 10
stands and circulate bottoms up.
4. Pull back one single, close the annular BOP and apply maximum allowable surface
pressure until the cement surface samples are hard or until all of the cement has been
displaced.
Note: A minimum of 50ft of cement should be left above the perforations. Spot
more cement, if required.
5. Pull out of hole with the stinger.
8.6.1.2 Straight Squeeze
1. Set a cement retainer on drill pipe approximately 20ft above the perforations to be
squeezed off.
2. Pull out of cement retainer.
3. Pump the pre-flush, followed by the required volume of cement, and displace until
pre-flush reaches the end of the stinger.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Note: Back pressure may be applied on the annulus to minimise U-tubing by

closing the annular preventer (set closing pressure to minimum “stripping”
pressure).
4. Stab back into cement retainer immediately.
5. Squeeze the cement away at a constant bottom hole pressure (BHP). The BHP should
not exceed 75% of the formation fracture pressure whilst maintaining the flow rate at
easily managed levels.
6. Note the flow rate and establish the trend. If the flow rate remains constant, squeeze
50% of the available slurry and commence a hesitation squeeze.
7. Hesitate and pump for 1 to approximately 10 minute steps until all the cement is
displaced or injection stops.
8. Pull out of cement retainer and reverse circulate clean.
9. Pull out of the hole and WOC.
Note that the following additional tests may be required:
i. An inflow test may be required to evaluate the quality of the job. This will
usually be dependent on the magnitude of the differential pressures imposed
during production. Draw-down pressure and test duration shall be clearly
stipulated.
ii. A cement bond log may be run before and after the job, and the logs compared
to help evaluate the improvement, and make decisions on further remedial
work.
iii. To avoid cracking the cement bond and damaging the isolation achieved, the
casing should not be pressure tested
8.6.1.3 Circulation Squeeze
1. Perforate the casing at the top and bottom of the required interval.
2. Set a retrievable packer between the perforations.
3. RIH with drill pipe and establish circulation carefully, preferably using a solids-free
fluid. Circulate at increasing rates until the pressure at the perforations is equal to the
leak-off pressure. If circulation is very restricted, or not possible, follow the course of
action below.
i. Spot 10 bbls of 15% HCl and allow to soak for 10 mins.
ii. Attempt to circulate the acid through the perforations.
iii. If it is not possible to circulate, re-perforate at a point between the two sets of
perforations.
iv. If circulation is not improved, POOH with retrievable packer and carry out
block squeeze.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
4. POOH with the retrievable packer.

5. RIH with the cement retainer stinger on drillpipe and set 5 ft above the bottom
perforations. Pull out of retainer and circulate 120% of the drill pipe contents and
stab stinger into the cement retainer.
6. Re-establish circulation rates versus pressures.
7. Pull out of cement retainer. Pump pre-flush followed by the cement slurry to about
100ft above the cement retainer.
Notes: i. Back pressure may be applied on the annulus to minimise U-tubing by
closing the annular preventer (set closing pressure to minimum “stripping”
pressure). Check differential pressure on formation (through perforations).
ii. The cement slurry volume should be enough to give a theoretical TOC
inside the casing of 150 ft above the top perforations after displacement.
8. Stab back into the cement retainer and displace cement until balance point.
9. Pull back to approximately 3 stands above theoretical TOC and circulate drill pipe
clean. Pull up 10 stands and circulate bottoms up. POOH.
10. RIH with a bit and slick assembly and drill out the cement and cement
retainer/bridge plug.
11. Run cement bond log after a minimum of 24 hours to evaluate the repair job.
8.6.2 Cement Grouting
8.6.2.1 Procedure With Full Returns
If good returns were obtained at surface during the primary cement job, the casing to the
drive pipe annulus should be topped up as follows:
1. Run a 2 3/8” tubing stringer down to the annulus as far as possible.
2. Slowly pump the cement slurry (Class G cement mixed with 3% CaCl2 mix water)
until the annulus until good cement returns are obtained at surface.
Note: Stop pumping if there are no returns after pumping 50 bbl of grout cement.
3. Wait on cement for 2 hours.
4. Repeat the above procedure as required.
8.6.2.2 Procedure With Lost Returns
If good returns were not obtained at surface during the primary cement job, the casing to
the drive pipe annulus should be topped up as follows:
1. Run a 2 3/8” tubing stringer down the annulus.
2. Mix and pump the 300 sacks of extended cement slurry (Class G cement with no
retarder) down the annulus.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
3. Wait on cement for 2 hours.

4. Repeat the above procedure as required, until good cement returns are obtained at
surface.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.7 CEMENT PLUGS (ISOLATION AND KICK-OFF)

The following procedure shall be used for setting a balanced plug for isolation and kick-off
purposes.
1. Run drill pipe with a tubing stinger to the planned depth of the bottom of the plug.
Notes:
i. The stinger should be at least 100 ft longer than the planned cement plug.
ii. Twelve ½” diameter holes may be drilled in the bottom joint of stinger in a
helical pattern, and the end formed into a bull nose (or mule shoe if entering a
packer bore) with a 1” diameter hole, to assist mud displacement and reduce
the plugging tendency.
iii. Use 3½” or smaller tubing in hole diameter of 12¼” or less.
2. Spot 200 ft of high viscosity mud below the intended bottom of the cement plug. Pull
back the stinger (very slowly) to the required depth for the cement plug.
3. Circulate 120% of the drill pipe/stinger contents prior to setting the cement plug. The
mud must have a constant gradient prior to commencement of the job.
4. Pump pre-flush and cement slurry.
Notes:
i. The slurry for cement plugs should be batch mixed. When this is not
possible, the slurry shall be recirculated until a consistent density is
achieved. Density must be checked using a pressurised mud balance.
ii. Consider as high a cement weight as possible for kick-off plugs,
especially deeper plugs where kicking off on the high side is required.
iii. The maximum length of any single cement plug shall be 300 ft.
4. Pump after-flush to balance the pre-flush pumped ahead of the slurry.
5. Chase with mud and under-displace cement by 100 ft to avoid back-flow.
6. If the excess cement is to be circulated out conventionally, pull back the stinger (very
slowly) to the required TOC and circulate out excess cement immediately after
placing the plug.
Note:
Reverse circulation may be used in cased hole where applicable, but shall
only be used in open hole if approved by the Drilling Superintendent. The
possible consequences of applying additional pressure on any exposed
formation shall always be fully evaluated, including:
i. Fluid losses and differential sticking for permeable zones.
ii. Fracturing for weak zones.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
iii. Hole stability, caving and string plugging for shale zones.
7. If excess cement does not have to be circulated out, pull back to 3 stands above
theoretical TOC and circulate drill pipe clean. Pull up 10 stands and circulate
bottoms up.
8. If the plug is to be tagged after the cement has set, keep the stinger moving while
WOC (reciprocate and rotate). Commence circulating before tagging the cement
plug.
9. Set the next plug or POOH.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.8 CEMENT EVALUATION

8.8.1 Temperature Survey
The setting of cement involves an exothermic (heat producing) reaction, which can be
detected by a temperature which is higher that that of the formation temperature gradient.
A temperature survey can therefore be used to indicate both the presence of cement and its
TOC during setting.
8.8.1.1 Application
a. The temperature survey can be used to determine TOC when a CBL is not planned,
or unreliable due to size of casing.
b. The optimum time to run the survey is between 6 - 12 hours after cementation.
c. For best results, the fluid inside the casing must be left undisturbed following
completion of the cementation until the survey is made.
d. The log should be recorded while running in the hole.
8.8.1.2 Interpretation
a. The log should follow the formation temperature gradient until an increase in
temperature indicates the TOC.
b. Below the TOC, the temperature is dependent upon the mass of cement in the
annulus; the greater the mass of cement, the greater the temperature.
c. The log should correlate with the calliper. If there is no correlation, it is probably an
indication of channelling.
d. Temperature anomalies can also be related to fluid movement behind the casing,
resulting from poor zonal isolation.
8.8.2 Cement Bond Logs
8.8.2.1 CBL
The CBL gives a continuous measurement of the amplitude of the first casing arrival at a
receiver spaced 3 ft from an acoustic transmitter. The absolute reading is a function of
various elements (e.g. casing size and wall thickness, cement bond quality, wellbore fluid,
tool type and tool centralisation). Because most of these parameters are constant, only
cement bond quality can be directly related to the amplitude measured. The amplitude is at
a maximum in unsupported pipe and at a minimum for well cemented casing.
Comparing log readings when run in pressurised and unpressurised casing may give
indications of the existence of a microannulus, as the readings will show an improved
casing to cement bond under pressure if a microannulus is present.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
The CBL is correlated to the open hole logs, and is usually run in combination with a
gamma ray (GR) and casing collar locator (CCL), to provide a correlation for any
subsequent operations.
8.8.2.2 VDL
The variable density log (VDL) provides a graphical representation of the actual sonic
waveform recorded at a 5 ft transmitter/receiver spacing. The extra spacing gives more
time for transit time differences to develop. In addition, information from the sonic
waveform beyond the first arrival is provided.
In VDL, a poor bond is noted by strong parallel black and white vertical stripes, while a
good one is noted by a dull grey featureless response where the casing signal is expected.
8.8.2.3 CET
The CET generally provides better cement bond evaluation than CBL/VDL and is largely
unaffected by micro-annuli. The determination of the cement quality can however be
unclear, and the tool is therefore usually run in combination with the CBL, to provide
additional cement quality information.
8.8.2.4 CBL/VDL Quality Control
The following guidelines shall be followed to ensure quality of the CBL/VDL log:
a. The log is normally run in casing sizes of 9 5/8” or less.
b. The tool shall be well centralised using at least 3 centralisers. It is essential that the
transmitter and receiver are within 1/8” of the pipe centre for results to be
meaningful.
Transit time measurements can give an indication of tool eccentricity. Table 18 lists the
expected transit times for a 3ft transmitter/receiver spacing in various casing sizes.
Casing OD Casing Id Casing Weight Travel Time

(inches) (inches) (lb/ft) (µs)
5 4.276 18.00 263
5½ 4.778 20.00 271
7 6.214 28.00 294
9 5/8 8.835 40.00 336
Table 18, Expected Transit Time for a 3’ Transmitter/Receiver Spacing
Variation from the listed values indicates eccentering of the tool. However, the values must
not be taken as absolute, since variation in mud parameters and tool type can also result in
quite large variation in transit time. Fast formations may also account for shorter transit
times. If possible the tool should be calibrated downhole in un-bonded pipe.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
8.8.2.5 CET Quality Control
The following guidelines shall be followed to ensure quality of the CET log.
a. The CET tool shall be calibrated downhole in free pipe to determine tool constants in
the specific environment of the well to be logged. The calibration plot produced shall
be presented on the log.
b. The tool eccentricity shall be less than 1/4”.
c. In general, the cement quality should agree with the CBL.
d. The 4 callipers should read within 1/8” of each other, and the ovality shall be less
than 1/8”.
e. There shall be no more than one black flag (indicating unreliable results) per foot.
f. Free pipe will show as white.
g. This tool should be run at least 36 hours after the cement has been displaced.
8.8.2.6 Cement Bond Log Interpretation
Table 19 lists the characteristics of free pipe.
CBL/VDL CET
High CBL readings White on map
Parallel lines on VDL versus Depth CSMX* & CSMN* are zero
Weak formation signals
VDL shows clear “w” pattern at collars
No change in transit time with depth
White
*CSMX & CSMN are the Maximum and Minimum Cement Strength respectively.
Table 79, Free Pipe Characteristics
Table 20 lists the characteristics of a good bond.
CBL/VDL CET
Low CBL readings Black on map
Casing signals very weak High CSMX & CSMN
Strong formation arrivals on VDL provided formation
attenuation is not too high
Formation arrivals change pattern with depth.
Casing arrivals show as parallel lines
May be a correlation between GR and VDL in shales
Table 20, The Characteristics of a Good Bond
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
DOM 8
MANUAL Issue 2
Table 21 lists the characteristics of hard formations (anhydrite/dense limestone) behind the
casing.
CBL/VDL CET
Formation arrivals precede the casing May show as free pipe but they may be
arrivals flagged
Can be identified on the VDL
Table 21, Characteristics of Hard Formations
In the following two cases, the CBL/VDL shows up as poor cement. The CET shall be used
to differentiate between the cases. This is important since channelling would be considered
a failure whereas the existence of a micro-annulus is unlikely to cause problems.
Table 22 lists the characteristics of a micro-annulus, which shall not be considered a failure
in the primary cement job.
CBL/VDL CET
Shown as poor cement Shown as good cement
Decrease in formation signal and increase in casing signal
Apply pressure to casing and re-run log. A micro-annulus
should now show up as good cement-unless hydraulic seal
prevents closing of the gap
Table 22, Characteristics of a Micro-annulus
Table 23 lists the characteristics of cement channelling.
CBL/VDL CET
Shown as poor cement Channels are easily seen
Decrease in formation signal and increase in casing signal since whole
circumference is scanned
Table 23, Characteristics of Cement Channelling
DRILLING DEPARTMENT

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DOM 8

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3

8.2 RESPONSIBILITIES AND CO-ORDINATION .................................................................. 4

8.8 CEMENT EVALUATION .................................................................................................. 41

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

This page is intentionally blank.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.2 RESPONSIBILITIES AND CO-ORDINATION

Activity Party Responsible For Party Responsible For

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

No Lead Description Drilling Drilling Cementing

Table 2, Pre-job Checklist

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

Attention shall be paid to all the details, particularly the following:

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4 CEMENT, ADDITIVES AND SPACERS

8.4.1.1 API Class G

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4.1.4 Cementing CO2 Bearing Formations with Slag Cement

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4.2.1.3 Calcium Sulphate

ADDITIVE FORMULA CONCENTRATION COMMENTS

TYPE OF RETARDER EFFECT ON VISCOSITY

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

Lignin Derivatives Reduction

Table 4, Effect of Retarder on Viscosity

8.4.2.4 Low Density Additives (Extenders)

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

2. As a result of the decreased cement concentration of extended slurries, the

8.4.2.5 Friction Reducers (Dispersants)

8.4.2.6 Fluid Loss Control Additives

• to reduce the possibility of dehydration, and consequently flash setting, opposite

• Antifoams should be used before adding any other chemicals.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4.2.9 Gas Blocking Additives

8.4.2.10 Silica Flour

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4.3.1 General Guidelines for Spacers

a. Reduction in hydrostatic head due to spacers must be carefully calculated. If at any

Application Pumping Spacer Size Spacer Type

Table 6, For WBM - Low Annular Velocity Displacements

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4.3.3.3 Spacers for Use With Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids

Pumping Spacer Size Spacer Type

Table 7, For SBM – High Annular Velocity Displacements

8.4.3.3.5 For Low Annular Velocity (Plug Flow)Displacements

Pumping Spacer Type Spacer Size Gradient and Viscosity

Table 8, For SBM - Low Annular Velocity Displacements

Pumping Order Spacer Type Length in Annulus

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

8.4.3.3.8 After-flush Formulations

Standard Cementations Cementations Using Stinger

8.4.4 Testing Requirements

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000

Material Quantity Container

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION - For Authorised Company Use Only July 2000