Cementing Practices - 1972

Abstract This paper presents a review of experience for successful cementing in oil and gas wells. Recommendations and considerations for use of various cements, flushes, control additives and placement techniques are given for best results in placement techniques are given for best results in zone isolation and support of pipe in wells. Recommendations for control of difficulties with gas migration, mud contamination, high temperature retrogression, small annular clearances, and displacement of drilling fluids are described. The purpose of this paper is to describe the latest advancements in oil and gas well cementing. Introduction As drilling operations become deeper and more costly, the significance of zonal isolation in cemented wells cannot be overemphasized. High temperature strength retrogression of cements and inefficient displacement of contaminants from small annular clearances has become more critical for economical exploration. Use of specially formulate cements, special control additives, and well planned programs for cementing have largely alleviated the programs for cementing have largely alleviated the basic problem of cementing failures, i. e., channeling. With basic cements, additives are used that control filtrate loss, control retardation of hardening, provide desired hydrostatic column weight, and assist placement of permanent bonding materials to help prevent fluid migration and communication. Other additives stabilize hardened cement strength and maintain low permeability in cement even under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure associated with deep drilling. The problems of cementing in complex geometries and narrow annuli have been combated by perfecting techniques of slurry placement through rheological design, use of effective washes and flushes, and improving the mechanical aspects by using pipe movement with centralizers and scratchers. The delayed set technique for cementing has also been introduced to overcome some of these complications. This paper describes these cements, additives and techniques as they are currently being used for successful cementing.