This paper will give an overview of a laboratory gas flow model and testing procedure that allow real time measurement of gas migration during the transitional period of setting cement. Key parameters are continuously monitored and plotted on a Personal Computer such as: fluid loss, column hydraulics, matrix stability and set time. Repeatable results indicate potential gas migration even when proper slurry parameters are met which include low gelation, low fluid loss, minimal free water and short transition period. Three case studies from different West Coast fields, each of which showed improved bond logs, are reviewed to support the new testing procedure.

Keywords:
gas migration, slurry, predict gas migration, cement property, drilling fluids and materials, control additive, drilling fluid chemistry, upstream oil & gas, fluid description, drilling fluid selection and formulation
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, Casing and Cementing, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties), Cement formulation (chemistry, properties)
Copyright 1992, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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