ABSTRACT
This paper presents field evaluation results of several key variables which affect liner cementing performance in deviated and horizontal wells. The investigated variables are: displacement flowrate, cement slurry rheology, turbulators placement, and back pressure. These variables were identified based on several years of database development and analysis in the Prudhoe Bay field (PBU) in Alaska. The development of successful liner cementing practices has increased liner cementing success to 90% based on well log evaluation and production history. The results of the comprehensive field experimentation along with laboratory testing are presented.
An efficient centralization program with turbulators has evolved based on field data and experimental results derived from a flow loop model. The flow loop allowed visual observations of turbolator's effectiveness under different flow conditions. The emerging turbulator placement program was field tested and evaluated. Operational considerations and hole condition prior to cementing are discussed. Caliper logs and cement bond logs were correlated and showed the detrimental effect of hole washout on cement bonding.
Back pressure application immediately after cement slurry placement was evaluated experimentally. The experimental results supported field data, which concluded that back pressure helped prevent gas migration and obtain a better cement bonding.
