SPE/IADC

SPEIIADC 21970
Keys to a Successful Cement Job for a Horizontal Liner on
Statfjord A Platform, Well A-37A: A Case History
A. TorsvoII , Statoil A/S, and S.A. Olaussen and S.W. Almond, Halliburton Services
SPE Members

Copyright 1991, SPE/IADC Drilling Conference.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1991 SPElIADC Drilling Conference held in Amsterdam, 11-14 March 1991This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE/IADC Program Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the
paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s).
The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of the SPE or IADC, its officers, or members. Papers presented at SPElIADC meetings are sUbject to publication
review by Editorial Committees of the SPE and IADC. Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should
contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper is presented. Write Publications Manager, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836. Telex, 730989 SPEDAL.

ABsmACT

These well are divided into producing wells (22), water

injection wells (10) and gas injection wells (3). The
well described in this paper, Well A-37A, is currently
a producing well from the Statfjord A platform.

This case study provides complete details of the steps

taken to cement a 700 meter horizontal section of 7in.
liner on the Statfjord A Platform, Well A-37A. By
properly addressing the four major problem areas
associated with horizontal well cementing
(displacement mechanics, cement slurry design,
cement job simulation, and on-site job execution), a
near perfect bond log and complete zonal isolation
were obtained.

As can be seen in Figure 4, prior to the drilling of Well

A-37A all the wells from Platform A were low deviation
wells 60 degrees) going through the producing
intervals in a normal fashion during the initial platform
production. This technique was proven to be qUite
satisfactory and was in fact standard practice of the
industry at that time. However, as the production time
increased a number of wells started to develop
increasing gas:oil ratio (GOR) and water:oil ratio
(WOR) which lowered their oil production rates.
Increasing gas and water production in a mature oil
field is a naturally occurring phenomenon and is
described in almost all textbooks on oil and gas
production. Well A-37 was a well drilled through the
Statfjord formation, the lowest of the three reservoirs
in the Statfjord Field. It developed an unacceptably
high GOR and a decision was made to redrill the well.

INTRODUCTION
The Statfjord A Platform is located approximately 170
kilometres from the coast of Norway in the southwest
corner of section 33/9 (Figure 1). Together with
Statfjord Platforms Band C, (Figure 2), it produces oil
and gas primarily from the Brent and Statfjord
formations of the Statfjord Field. The Statfjord Field
began its production in 1979 and currently produces
approximately 111,300 m3/d of oil and 26,000,000 sm 3/d
of gas. The reservoir and geological characteristics
have preViously been described by Haugen, et al.1

The grOWing acceptance and information available on

g
horizontal wells2 suggested that a horizontal
completion into the Statfjord formation wedge zone,
between the gas/oil and water/oil contact, would
ensure continued oil production from mature and
extensively depleted reservoirs. 712 The proposed
redrill well, Well A37A on Figure 4, contained over
700 meters of horizontal 7in. liner section completed
in the Statfjord formation. Detailed information on the
casing and liner for Well A-37A is given in Table 1 and
a view of the well is shown in Figure 5. The well was
drilled to a measured depth of 4051 meters with a true
vertical depth of 2869 meters. Complete zonal
isolation was required of the cemented 7in. liner so

A total of 35 wells have been drilled from the Statfjord

A platform within an approximate three kilometre
radius (Figure 3).

References and illustrations at end of paper.

619

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL CEMENT JOB FOR A

HORIZONTAL LINER ON THE SJATFJORD A
PLATFORM, WELL A-:rTA: A CASE HISTORY

each of several sections could be produced

Individually. The difficulties In obtaining a successful
horizontal cement job have appeared recently in the
literature and pointed out several specific areas
which needed to be addressed prior to the cement
job.13-24

SPEIIADC 21970

Cement Slurry Stability Test'6

The test was conducted by pouring a sample of the
cement slurry Into a vertical cylinder and curing it In
a HP-HT consistometer at 109 degrees C and 46 MPa.
The set cement was cut Into five equal size slices and
the specific graVity was measured. The results are
given In Table 6.

Some of these specific areas of concern were

obtaining the proper liner standoff, complete mud
displacement In the annulus, fluid compatibilities
(mud/spacer/cement), constant cement density, and
optimum cement slurry characteristics (proper
rheology, non-settling, low fluid loss, etc.).

Data and Results

Pre-Job Considerations

Two additional areas of concern for the Well A-37A

were possible gas channelling In the cement and an
old platform with restricted deck space which dictated
that the use of modern recirculating cement mixers
and a single deck mixing/pumping eqUipment layout
could not be used. A detailed description of the steps
taken to address the major areas of concern Is
presented In a fashion which can be followed by
others to obtain similar results. The success of the
cement job on the 7in. liner was verified through bond
log, pressure test, and production results.

Obtaining a successful cement job was believed to be

one of the most Important factors for the optimization
of production performance on Well A-37A. For this
reason, close scrutiny was given to every phase of the
cementing operation by both the operator and service
company. The four main areas considered to be of
critical importance to cementing this well were cement
slurry design, displacement mechanics, cement job
simulation and on-site job execution (eqUipment
layout, etc.)~ Failure to address any of these areas
could easily have resulted in an unsuccessful cement
job.

Experimental Apparatus and Procedure

Cement Slurry Design

Cement Slurry Properties

The cement slurry used to cement Well A-37A and the

resultant cement slurry properties are shown in Tables
2 and 3. The slurry design was kept simple for ease of
field application yet the desired properties of
extremely low rheology, low fluid loss, rapid
compressive strength development, zero free water,
and excellent downhole slurry stability were achieved.
Low cement slurry rheology was required to obtain a
low equivalent circulating density (ECD) for the
prevention of formation breakdown and to keep the
slurry in turbulent flow. The n' value of 0.86 and K'
value of 0.0014 Ib,sec"'fr2 prOVided turbulence at a
rate of only 0.989 m3/min in the 8.5in. by 7in. annulus.

All testing to determine the cement slurry properties

was performed In accordance with API SPEC 10
speclflcations.25 The standard tests run on the
proposed 7in. liner slurry (Table 2) were thickening
time, rheology, fluid loss, free water, and compressive
strengths. These tests were performed in the service
company field laboratory in Tanager, Norway. Further
testing was conducted at the operator company's
laboratory to reconfirm the results. Cement and
additive samples from the Statfjord A platform were
used for testing in an effort to more closely simulate
the actual slurry properties which would be used on
location. The results of the pre-job laboratory testing
of the proposed cement slurry are given in Table 3.

A low fluid loss value (24 cc/30 min at 6.89 MPa) was
used for two reasons. The first reason was to ensure
that the slurry did not increase in viscosity and build
a thick filtercake upon dehydration. The second and
perhaps most important reason for having a low fluid
loss was concern about the chances that gas would
migrate through the cement on Well A-37A. It has
been shown that a volume reduction in a cement
column caused by fluid loss can cause a loss in
protective overbalance pressure which results in gas
migration.27o:zg A gas channel in Well A-37Awould have
prevented achieving the desired zonal isolation
capabilities on this well.

. Compatibility Tests
Compatibility testing was performed between both
spacer/mud and spacer/cement fluid systems. Specific
portions of the procedure described in Appendix P of
API SPEC 10 were used. The test results obtained for
the spacer/mud and spacer/cement compatibilities are
shown In Table 4 and 5, respectively.

620

SPElIADC 21970

ARNE TORSVOLL, STEIN R. OLAUSSEN, STEPHEN W. ALMOND

To ensure that these problems were minimized for the

71n. liner on Well A-37A, these areas were Investigated
extensively. Tables 4 and 5 show the results of
compatibility tests between spacer/mud and
spacer/cement, respectively. The results show the 1.70
g/cm3water based spacer containing a surfactant and
mutual solvent was compatible with both the
submitted oil based mud and the proposed cement
slurry. This particular spacer formulation has been
used with several oil based muds in the North Sea
area and has consistently shown excellent
compatibilities. It was believed the low rheology also
aided In mud filtercake and mud displacement (hole
cleaning) as described In previous literature by Crook,
et al.15

When cementing under horizontal conditions the

significance of having free water or an unstable
(settling) cement slurry Increases.23 Free water on top
of the annulus and solid settling on the bottom of the
annulus can form a channel through the cemented
Interval, allowing communication of stimulation fluids,
reservoir fluids or gas.30 To determine the free water
for horizontal cementing applications It Is
recommended that a 45 degrees-to-horizontal deviated
cylinder Is used.22 Table 3 shows a 0% free water for
both 0 degree and 45 degree deviation free water tests
with the recommended cement slurry.
In addition to the standard cement tests mentioned
previously, a relatively new test to determine the
actual cement stability was performed. This new test
recently described by Greaves and Hibberf6 was used
to Indicate whether the cement slurry showed settling
or particle stratification tendencies under static
downhole temperature and pressure conditions. A
common .name for the test which has become
Increa$ingly popUlar In the industry Is the "BP Settling
Test."The results of this test (Table 6) show the
stability of the recommended slurry. The unique
characteristics of the stabilizing additive used In the
slurry are primarily responsible for obtaining a stable
slurry plus a slurry with an extremely low rheology.

Centralization was considered to be an important

factor In obtaining the best possible cement coverage
around the plpe.22 A total of 119 bow type centralizers
were run, equating to a spacing of two centralizers per
liner joint. This equated to a calculated standoff of
75% In the open hole section.
In the liner lap section a total of 34 positive type
centralizers were Installed. Again equating to a
spacing of two centralizers per Joint. All centralizers
were mounted with limit clamps on top and bottom
thus leaving the pipe free to rotate.

One last comment on the cement slurry design relates

to the use of a non-lignosulfonate retarder in the
slurry composition. The non-Iignosulfonate retarder
used provided a predictable retarder response, nondispersing characteristics, and a rapid compressive
strength development. The advantages of and
additional data on the non-lignosulfonate retarder
have been previously reported In the Iiterature.31

Pipe movement was recognized as a major driving

force In obtaining the best possible mud removal and
thus maximizing the displacement efficiency.15,30 The
liner hanger selected for the job allowed the hanger to
be hung off Inside the 9 5/8In. casing, then rotated
during the job. This was done to prevent extended
static periods, which In turn, allow the mud systems
to gel up thereby possibly reducing displacement
efficiency. The effect from the rotation of the liner on
mud removal and getting the cement all around the
liner was very good.

Displacement Mechanics
The displacement mechanics of removing drilling mud
from both vertical and deviated wells have been
described extensively In the Iiterature.13-21,32-35 Recently,
a number of papers have appeared which specifically
address the topic as It relates to horizontal
wells.22,23,36,37 The Important factors responsible for
successful drilling mud removal are mentioned In
almost all the papers In one form or another. Some of
these factors are proper fluid compatibilities, low
rheology spacers and flushes, pipe centralization, pipe
movement, and maximizing the flow rate during the
cement job.

Cement Job Simulation.

Computer based pump simulation programs from both
the operator and service company were used
extensively during the pre-job design phase. These
tools allow for several different job designs to be run
and evaluated within a relatively short time frame.38
Used with due caution and allowing for adequate
margins of safety, the pump schedule can be
.optimized between the need for displacement rate and
formation break down considerations.

The drilling mud used for the 8.5in. hole was a low
.
toxicity
1.57 glcm3 oil based mUd. The fluid compatibility and
displacement problems associated with oil based mud
are well known to the Industry.22 .

621

The design criterion for this job was to arrive at a

schedule that allowed pumping and displacement of
spacer and cement slurry at rates yielding turbulent
flow In the open hole annulus. The limiting factor was
defined as the equivalent circulating density (ECD) at
total depth (TO) and was limited to maximum 1730
Kg/cu m (1.73 g/cm3).

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL CEMENT JOB FOR A

HORIZONTAL UNER ON THE STATFJORD A
PLATFORM, WELL A-37A: A CASE HISTORY

SPEJIA['C 21970

mixing and transferring to the batch, tank the finished

slurry would be checked for the correct density in the
batch mixer. Adjustments could then be accomplished
by adding dry cement from sacks (to increase density)
or mix water (to decrease density). A separate high
pressure single pumping skid was Installed and
hooked up to the batch mixing skid on the suction
side, and to the cement mixing line on the high
pressure side. Then with density checking and
adjustments completed, the pipe deck mounted skid
would be used to pump the cement slurry into the
well. This method had been used on smaller jobs
previously and found to work very satisfactorily
(Figure 9).

Friction pressures caused by mud were relatively high

as was seen by predicted ECD during the first part of
the job with only mud circulating past the zone of
Interest. The ECD variations corresponded directly to
the predicted return rate Indicating the correlation with
friction pressure.
A reduction In ECD was, as expected, predicted
following displacement of the string volume (44.4 m3)
and the entry of the spacer fluids into the annulus.
The first spacer was 2.5 m3 of the low toxic base oil
used to prepare to mud. This low density and thin
fluid was chosen to initiate the removal of mud
because it was easily pumped in the turbulent flow
regime. In addition the low density translated into
lower ECD as this stage moved from the horizontal
section Into the liner lap.

Job Execution
The hole was in excellent shape, backreamed and
circulated clean of cuttings before running the liner.
Rheological properties of the oil based mud were kept
Just above the minimum rheology required to prevent
the barite particles from settling. The cement slurry
was optimized in the lab and the best results from the
simulation program were used.

Further reduction in ECD was predicted when the

weighted spacer pumped through the horizontal
annulus section. The increase in predicted ECD seen
toward the end corresponded with the cement
rounding the shoe being pumped into the annulus.
The initial designs were all started with a relatively
"high" rate (1.3 m3/min), then slowing down some
when pumping the cement slurry and commencing
displacement at the same 1.3 m3/min. To reduce the
chance of exceeding the maximum pressure gradient
early on, it was decided to start pumping at a fairly
low rate and stepping up the rate toward the end of
the displacement. Figures 6 to 8 show the revised
pumping schedule, corresponding circulating
pressures (ECD), and the well schematic as the plug
lands, respectively.

The weighted spacer was prepared in the rig mud

system using the slugging pit and associated mixer.
The mixing and handling of the spacer was
straightforward and did not cause any problems.
The spacer was designed to be compatible with oil
based mud and thus contained both mutual solvent
and surfactant. To prevent viscosity increases during
placement due to dehydration the spacer design
incorporated a fluid loss additive. This resulted in a
spacer with moderate degree of fluid loss control (350
cc/30 min) which was considered adequate.

EqUipment Lavout
The cementing equipment on the Statfjord A platform
was installed when the rig was constructed some 14
years ago. The mixing equipment available was a
standard low pressure jet mixer. The size of the
cement room was not sufficient to allow installation of
the more modern circulation mixer when these units
became available. On-the-fly mixing using this
equipment was not considered to give the necessary
level of control required for the upcoming critical
cement job. It was therefore decided to batch mix the
slurry and check it for correct density prior to
pumping downhole.

The total volume of spacer ahead of the cement was

3
2.5 m of base oil mud and 10.5 m3 of weighted spacer
equal to approximately 8 minutes contact time with
the interval to be cemented.
The mixing and pumping of the cement slurry from the
rig cement unit to the batch mixer was completed in
22 minutes using mix water, with all additives,
prepared beforehand in a mud pit. The accepted
density difference was +/- 0.2 g/cm3 from the 1.90
3
g/cm design value. No adjustments were reqUired,
however, since the density in the batch mixer was
measured at 1.90 g/cm3 using a pressurized mud
balance, following 10 minutes circulation in the mixer.

The location of the cement room near the shafts at the

lowest deck offered no room to place a batch mixing
unit. The only space available for the 2 x 10m3 batch
mixer was on the pipe deck itself. Since there is no
convenient way of adding bulk cement in the
quantities required for the job, the batch mixer was
hooked up to receive cement slurry mixed by the
existing cement equipment. Following this initial

622

SPElIAPC 21970

ARNE TORSVOll, STEIN R. OlAUSSEN, STEPHEN W. ALMOND

Time

The following is a summary of the events for the

cement job
Running liner
Rate
m3/min
07:05

Volume
m3

09:40

Ball landed. Activate

liner hanger
Continue to circulate
at 0.67 m 3 /min,
rotating liner at 20
rpm. Circulate liner
volume.

11:23

11:470.50

13:10

Tag TD, pick up to

setting depth.
Circulate at 0.67
Start
m3/min.
rotating at 3035 rpm.
Drop ball.

11:250.95

13:05

Operation

09:10

Start batch mixer.

20

0.5

11:52

Cement density in
batch mixer = 1.91
S.G.

11:55

2.5

Pump base oil spacer

from cement unit.

12:170.70

10.5

Pump spacer with rig

pumps.

12:420.90

20.0

Start pipe deck skid

and pump cement
slurry.

13:13 1.10

1.0

Pump Spacer E with

rig pumps.

13:25 1.30

17.0

Displace mud with rig

pumps.

13:38 1.50

27.3

Displace mud with rig

pumps.
Full returns
during all
stages of the
job.

The logging company rigged up and ran the

CBLlVDUGRlCCl logs on 3 1/2In. drill pipe. The logs
were run at three to five days after the cement job
(Figure 10). The liner, liner lap, and 9 5/8in. casing
were pressure tested to 345 bar for 15 minutes. The
tieback packer was then run into the hole and set.

Cement density in
batch mixer = 1.90
S.G.

12:000.70

Drop bottom and top

dart (bottom plug
released prematurely
during pre-cementing
circulation)

After completion of the cement job, they ran back Into

the hole with a 8.5in. bit and scrapers. A weight
reading was taken at 2820 m MD. The well was
washed/drilled from 2820 m MD to the top of the 7in.
liner at 3153 m MD. The well was circulated until
bottoms up at which time the 71n. liner lap was
pressure tested to 70 bar for 10 minutes. The liner lap
was tested approximately 27 hours after the cement
job. A tapered cleanout assembly was run Into the
hole and the 7in. liner was cleaned out. The liner was
successfully tested to 70 bar for 10 minutes.

Displace cement
slurry to batch mixer
with mix water.
Test lines to
cementing head, 355
bar in 5 minutes.

Volume
Operation
m3
Stop pipe deck skid
and batch mixer.

Post Job Evaluation

Mix and pump cement

slurry from cement
unit to batch mixer.

11 :51

Rate
m3/mln

CBLlVDl
The CBl results were reasonably good. Over the 7in.
liner lap 60% of the results showed between 2-10mV
while the remaining 400k showed less than 23mV
values. Below the liner lap, 95% of the results showed .
a value of 2-5mV while the remaining 5% was below
10mV. The established criterion was 62mV for free
pipe and 1-10mV for a good cement bond.
The transit time on the VDl varied between 292 and to
300 microsecond to Indicate that the centralization
was good. Good repeatability of the results below the
9 5/8in. shoe was obtained.

623

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL CEMENT JOB FOR A

HORIZONTAL UNER ON THE STATFJORD A
PLATFORM, WELL A-37A: A CASE HISTORY

Well Production

Metric Conversions

The perforation was done with a 5in. perforation gun

mounted on 3 1/2in. drill pipe (TCP). A total of 143
meters was perforated in two intervals from 3812.0 to
3877.5 m MD and from 3902.5 to 3980 m MD (Figure
11). After the 7in. production tubing ~as r~n, the ~ell
was displaced with diesel using. a 1.51~. cOlled.tubmg
string. Due to a high GOR obtamed with the first set
of perforations, an Isolation packer was .set above
3812 m MD and four new sets of perforations made
above 3790 m MD. The well is currently producing
about 1000 sm3 011 per day.

(English to SI)
inches x 25.4 = mm
feet x 0.3048 = m
3
Ib/gal x 0.119 = g/cm3 (sp.gr.)
bbl/min x 42 gal/bbl x 0.06309 = dm /s
cp x 0.0001 = Pa.s
psi x 0.00689 = MPa

References

1.

Haugen, S.A., Hoyland, L.A. and Lund, 0.:

"Statfjord Field, Development Strategy and
Reservoir Management," SPE 16961 presented
at the Annual Technical Conference, Dallas,
Texas, September 1987.

2.

Geiger, F.M. et.al: "The Reservoir Engineering

Aspects of Horizontal Drilling," SPE 13024
presented at the 59th Annual Technical
Conference, Houston, Texas, September 1984.

3.

Grau, R.H. III and Baker, E.: "Economic

Evaluation of Horizontal Borehole Drilling for
Methane Drainage from Coalbeds," Symposium
Proceeding, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa,
AL, November 1987.

4.

Salamy, S.P., Saradji, B.S., Okoye, C.O., et al.:

"Recovery Efficiency Aspect of Horizontal Well
Drilling in Devonian Shale," SPE/DOE 16411
presented at the Joint Symposium on Low
Permeability Reservoirs, Denver, CO, May 1987.

5.

Wilkinson, J. P., et al.: "Horizontal Drilling

Techniques at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, " SPE
15372 presented at the 61st Annual Technical
Conference, New Orleans, LA, October 1986.

6.

Ertekin, T., et al.: "Production Performance

Analysis of Horizontal Drainage Well for the
Degasificatlon of Coal Seams," SPE 15453
presented at the 61st Annual Technical
Conference, New Orleans, LA, October 1986.

7.

Joshi, S.D.: "Augmentation of Well Productivity

Using Slant and Horizontal Wells," SPE 15375
presented at the 61st Annual 8. Kancher, B.J.,
et al.: "Some Practical Formulas to Predict
SPE 15376
Horizontal Well Behaviour,"
presented at the 61st Annual Technical
Conference New Orleans, LA, October 1986.

Conclusions

1.

The horizontal liner on Well A-37A was

successfully cemented on June 21, 1990.

2.

The liner cementation success was based on

pressure test, bond log and production results.

3.

Four main areas considered to be of critical

Importance to the success of this project were
specifically addressed. They were as follows:
-

4.

SPEIIADC 21970

Cement Slurry Design

Displacement Mechanics
Cement Job Simulation
On-site Job Execution

Proper well design, pre-job planning, and job

execution by an operator/service company team
were essential to this project and can not be
emphasized enough for future work.

Acknowledgement
The authors wish to express their appreciation to the
management of Statoll and Halliburton Services for
permission to publish this work. Appreciation and
credit are extended to the team. of personnel from
both companies who are actually responsible for the
success of this project.
Nomenclature
n'= flow behavior Index, demensionless
K'= conslstancy index, Ib,sec"'fr2

624

SPElIADC 21970

ARNE TORSVOLL, STEIN R. OLAUSSEN, STEPHEN W. ALMOND

8.

Sherrard, D.W., et at: "Application of Horizontal

Wells at Pnldhoe Bay," SPE 15376 presented at
the 61 st Annual Technical Conference, New
Orleans, LA, October 1986.

18.

Martin, M., Georges, C., Brisson, P., and

Konlrsch, 0.: "Transport of Cuttings In
Directional Wells," paper SPEIAIDC 16083
presented at SPElIADC Drilling Conference, New
Orleans, Louisiana, March 15-18, 1987.

9.

Kossack, C.A., Kleppe, J. and Aasen, T.: "Oil

Production from the Troll field: A Comparison
of Horizontal and Vertical Wells," SPE 15084
presented at the 62nd Annual Technical
Conference, Dallas, Texas, September 1987.

19.

Zurdo, C., Georges, C. and Martin, M.: "Mud an

Cement for Horizontal Wells," paper SPE 15464
presented at SPE-AIME 61st Annual Fall
Technical Conference and Exhibition, New
Orleans, Louisiana, October 5-8, 1986.

10.

Reizo, L.H.: "Horizontal Well Production, After

Five years," SPE 14330 presented at the SPE
International Meeting on Pietrokum Engineering,
Las Vegas, Nevada, 1985.

20.

Simon, D.E., Coulter, G.R., King, G., and

Holman, G.: "North Sea Chalk Completions - A
Laboratory Study," J. Pet. Tech. (November,
1982) 2531-2536.

11.

Stramp, R.L.: ''The use of Horizontal Drainholes

In the Empire ABO Unit," SPE 9221 presented at
the 55th Annual Technical Conference, Dallas,
Texas, September 1980.

21.

Wilson, M.A. and sabins, F.L.: "A Laboratory

Investigation of Cementing Horizontal Wells,"
SPE 16928 presented at the 62nd Annual
Technical Conference, Dallas, Texas, September
1987.

12.

Hsiao, C.: "A Study of Horizontal Wellbore

Failure," paper SPE 16927 presented at SPEAIME 62nd Annual Fall Technical conference
and Exhibition, Dallas, Texas, September 27-30,
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22.

Sabins, F.L.: "Problems In Cementing Horizontal

Wells," JPT, April 1990.

23.

Moran, L.K. and Lindstrom, K.O.: "Cement

Spacer Fluids Solid settling," IADC/SPE 19936
presented at the IADC/SPE Drilling Conference,
Houston, Texas, February, 1990.

24.

"Specifications for Materials and Testing for

Well Cements,"API Specification 10, Dallas,
Texas, July 1990.

25.

Greaves, C. and Hibbert, A.: "Test Improves

Measurement of Cement Slurry Stability," 011
and Gas Journal (February 12, 1990), 35-40.

26.

Sutton, D.L., Sabins, F.L. and Faul, R.:

"Preventing Annuala Gas Flow - Two Parts," 011
and Gas Journal, December 1984.

27.

Harris, K.M., Ravi, K.M., King, D.S., Wilkinson,

J.G. and Faul, R.R.: "Verification of Slurry
Response Number Evaluation Method for Gas
Migration Control, SPE 20450 presented at the
65th Annual Technical Conference, New
Orleans, L.A., September 1990.

28.

Sukes, R.L. and Logan, J.L.: "New Technology

In Gas Migration Control," SPE 16653 presented
at the 62nd Annual Technical Conference,
Dallas, Texas, September 1987.

29.

Keller, . S.R., Crook, R.J., Haunt, R.C. and

Kulakofsky, D.S.: "Problems Associated with
Deviated - Wellbore Cementing," SPE 11979
presented at the 58th Annual Technical
Conference, san Francisco, October 1983.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Keller, S.R., Crook, R.J., Haut, R.C. and

Kulakofsky, D.S.: "Problems Associated with
Devlated-Wellbore Cementing," paper SPE
11979 presented at SPE-AIME 58th Annual Fall
Technical Conference and Exhibition, San
Francisco, California, October 5-8, 1983.
Crook, R.J., Keller, S.R. and Wilson, M.A.:
"Solutions to Problems Associated with
Deviated-Wellbore Cementing," paper SPE
14198 presented at SPE-AIME 60th Annual Fall
Technical Conference and Exhibition, Las
Vegas, Nevada, september 22-25, 1985.
Okrajnl, S.S. and Azau, J~J.: "Mud Cuttings
Transport In Directional Well Drilling," paper
SPE 14178 presented at SPE-AIME 60th Annual
Fall Technical Conference and Exhibition, Las
Vegas, Nevada, september 22-25, 1985.
Tomren, P.H., Iyoho, S.W., and Azar, J.J.:
"Experimental StUdy of Cuttings Transport in
Directional Wells," SPE Drilling Engineering.
(February, 1986) 43-56.
Gavignet, A.A., and Sobey, I.J.: "A Model for the
Transport of Cuttings in Highly Deviated Wells,"
paper SPE 15417 presented at SPE-AIME 61st
annual Fall Technical Conference and
Exhibition, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 5-8,
1986.

625

n.1;.~

I V ft

\"I;Ml;rtl "VD r v n ft

~u\"\,,I;~ru...

HORIZONTAL UNER ON THE STATFJORD A

PLATFORM, WELL A-37A: A CASE HISTORY
30.

Brother, L.E. and DeBlanc, F.X.: "New Cement

Formulation Helps Solve Deep Cementing
Problems," J. Pet. Tech. (June 1989) 611-614.

31.

McLean, R.H., Manry, C.W. and Whitaker, W.W.:

"Displacement Mechanic In Primary
Cementing," J. Pet. Tech. (Feb. 1967) 251-60.

32.

Clark, C.R. and Carter, L.G.: "Mud Displacement

with Cement Slurries," J. Pet. Tech. (July 1973)
775-83.

33.

Haut, R.C. and Crook, R.J.: "Laboratory

Investigation of Lightweight, Low-Viscosity
Cementing Spacer Fluids," J. Pet. Tech. (Aug.
1982) 1828-34.

34.

Smith, D.K.: "Cementing, Monograph Series,

SPE, Dallas (1976) 69.

35.

Zurds, C. Georges, C. And Martin, M.: "Mud and

Cement for Horizontal Holes," SPE 15464
presented at the 61 st Annual Technical
Conference, New Orleans, L.A., October 1986.

36.

Sabins, F.L., Smith, R.C., Broussard, M.D.,

Talbort, K.J. and Olaussen, S.R.: "An
Investigation of factors Contributing to the
Deposition of Cement Sheaths in Casing under
Highly Deviated Well Conditions," IADC/SPE
19934 presented at the 1990 IADC/SPE Drilling
Conference, Houston, Texas, February 1990.

37.

Kulakofsky, D.S., Creel, P.G. and Kellum, D.L.:

"Techniques for Planning and Execution to
Improve foam Cement job Performance," SPE
15519 presented at the 61 st Annual Technical
Conference, New Orleans, LA, October 1986.

TABLE 1

CASING ABD LIHER DATA POR WELL A-37A

----- Casing/Liner Size --------- Casing/Liner Data -----

Weight (lb/ft) Grade

B
Depth
m MDRKB
303
m TVDRKB
303

20"

13 3/8"

9 5/8"

K-55

72.0
N-80

53.50
C-95

525
524.2

1806
1804.2

3360
2842.0

7" Liner
32.0
L-80
4051
2869

Notes :
1.
2.

The PBTD is 4011 m MDRKB (2864.7 m TVDRKB)

The TOL is 3155.7 m MDRKB (2842 m TVDRKB)
TABLE 2
PROPOSED CEgNT SLURRy COKPQSITIOIf

Slurry Composition
Class G Cement
0.40% BWOC Dispersant
0.30% BWOC Retarder
(non-lignosulfonate)
8.00 L/100 Kg Stabilizer
4.50 L/100 Kg Fluid Loss Additive
Water Ratio
:
Slurry Yield
:
Slurry Density :

35.15 L/100 Kg Drill Water

79.93 L/100 Kg
1.90 g/cm3
626

1,2

SPE

TABLB 3

COMPATIBILITY TBSTS OF MUD/SEACBR

LABORATORY TBST RESULTS ON TUB PROPOSBD CBHBNT SLURRY

Test Conditions

Fluid Description

Depth:

4051 m MDRKB (2869m TVDRKB)

Mud

oilbased from statfjord A at 1.58 sp.gr.

BHST

109 Deg C

Spacer

Weighted water based *

BHCT

78 Deg C
Mud/Spacer
Mixtures (t V/Vl

Viscometer Dial Readings @ RPM

600

300

200

100

88

54

41

26

15

95/5

103

61

46

29

19

75/25

155

93

70

44

25

11

50/50

50

27

20

12

25/75

27

14

1.0

5/95

24

12

20

10

Test Results
Thickening time" at 78 Deg C:

100/0

7:36 hrs:min ( 30 Bc)

7:57 hrs:min ( 70 Bc)
8:15 hrs:min (100 Bc)

Rheology:
Fann Readings: RPM 300 200 180 100 90 60 30 6 3
Ua

n'
K'

29

20

18

11 10

4 1 1

0.86
0.0014 Ibfsecn'ft- Z

Turbulent Rate

0.989 m3/min in a 8.5" by 7" annulus

0/100

Fluid Loss

24 cc/30 min at 6.89 MPa (1000 psi)

*Spacer composition (per m3 ):590 L

122 L

Free Water

Fresh Water
Fluid Loss Additive

0% at vertical

110 Kg Spacer Blend

0% at 45 Deg

836 Kg Barite

UCA compressive strength at 109 Deg C: hrs:min

MEg

(Psi)

5:03

0.345

5:28

3.45

( 500)

50)

6:38

10.2

(1481)

13:10

14.9

(2160)

" Includes 90 minutes simulated batch mixing time.

24 L

Mutual Solvent

12 L

Surfactant

Spacer Weight Sp. Gr.)

: 1. 70 g/cm3

Spacer Fluid Loss

:351 cc/min at 78 Deg C and 6.89 MPa

(1000 psi)

21970

SfE 21970

DIIlLl

DIIIL..I

CQXrATIBILI'U US," or spACD/CBJII1f1'

Br CBHB1f1' SLURRY SB'l'TLIHQ US," RlSllLTS

Section No.

Specific Gravity *

Fluid Description
.spacer

Weighted water based (see Table 4)

Cement

7" Liner slurry (see Table 2)

Spacer/Cement
Mixtures (% V/Vl

1 (top)
2
3
4
5 (bottom)

Viscometer Dial Readings @ RPM

600
300
200
100
6
3

100/0

20

10

95/5

32

16

11

75/25

32

16

11

50/50

44

23

16

25/75

54

30

21

12

5/95

58

32

23

13

0/100

51*

29

20

11

1.951
1.954
1.952
1.954
1.955

This specific gravity (g/cm3) was measured on a sample of water

saturated set cement and will not be equal to slurry density.

*The 100% Cement slurry 600 rpm reading was based on a calculated value.

Fig. 1-Locatlon of the Statfjord field.

SPE

A2t

.,.u~.

~\
A1"t
.....UB

211/19
211/24

Al

-;res

~11~'3
us A2

i ~ Ai~ ATI.1
us

Al5

~;

i""

....); +________ ~2f}JI.

\

La

~LS
,

A8b
A8a

s ".AS

AJ2

U ...., .....

i US A'S!
'WI
:
f'ui""""' es

Ur/\

t: A7

A.6

La'S

A\\

~ AS iI,

S ".S <>

f{f A2f ~ ~---------I

iA3~

La

[o1l' ' ";i

La

\ ~1.s

~u.

S A2SI

A:J8

/s

33/9
33/12

iii
Fig. 3-Statfjord field well locations from Platform A.

.
211/25
;

.'

Fig. 2-Dlagram of the StatfJord field with platform locations.

PROPOSED AU
3319.1

AU.

10

lC... L[

SOD
I

Fig. 4-Structural cross section through proposed redrill Well A37A.

21970

SfE 2197 0
CEMENT JOB SIMULATOR
Comparison of Rates In & Out
1.6 I

~llII'1<LfwIIIP.Bi1IJll.

Iota! flow 8m Oyt

~TIY,~:[;,Jl:~1I33(.

A37A

I
flUIDS PUMPED

.!,;;

e Ba OIl

1.2

20"

Spacer
Slurry

Spacer
DJ.p1acement Mud

0.8

I
I

n:::

/3318"

0.4

I
i
i TIi

20

40

60

jI'

80

100

VOLUME IN -- cu m
Fig. 6-Total annular return fate and the corresponding pump rate vs.llquld volume
pumped Into the well.

9518"

l!l

7"

-TO

paTO

CEMENT JOB SIMULATOR

Fig. 5-Schematlc of Well A-37A on Platform A In the StatfJord field.

Well Schematic
o

CEMENT JOB SIMULATOR

\5

Circulating Pressure and Density at 2875 m

.J

~g:
"j

1700
47000

ElBa..

G
""""

'

011
Spacer
Slurry

Spacer
Displacement Mud

I
I

1600 W

45000

FLUIDS PUMPED

S!l

~ Mud in Hole
~ Base Oil

~ Slurry

!iSS! Spacer

flUIDS PUMPED

JI
I
~

~T~~:':;'Jl:~'33(!-A37A

49000

Eg
J<'l

iZ] Spacer
B8llI Displacement Mud

I
~g
a...~
w

00
wo
0:::10

::)

~
u

l/l

GSo
Lg
43000

I'
20

~
40

60

I
80

'"

I
100

VOLUME IN -- cu m
Fig. 7-Downhole annular pressure and equivalent Cl'fculattng density va. liquid pumped Into
the well.

IX)

I'f)
Fig. a-Calculated slurry position as the plug lands.

seE 21970

GR(GPI'I)
0.0000
iC~.vE'I;"I.vG:

:::;I{~

(GPI'I)

,::::!....cOP

100.0000

',A'.}Q

',I.O.. NlrQLO I,VA,VlF0L:J

I
i
I

CCl
-19.0000

(V)

1.0000

C8l (MY)

(MS)

400.-0000-------iusi----2Q0:OOOO

0.00

~-

~~:f:!J~~g %~~~~~~;M

RETURNS

HANGER

3200

-~

Fig. 9-Equipment layout on Statfjord Platform A to cement the liner on Well A-37A.

3400

~_

3600

~~

-.

~~, _______________

'-i
...
~

r
,

-""'-

3800

-s--=

:i

...

C8l (MY)

(MS)
0.00

(MV)

CCl
-19.0000

2775
2785
2795

____,:==<:;;z:'c;Cii;iC;,;';''d;;::.

'._ . " .__ " p ..

2605

3300

3400

3500

3600

'

:_~;;;,- ~-:,"'
d

3700

3800

'

:.:.~,;;~~
3900

4000 MO. RKB

~~
~

--, "''',0

....... 10....

..::.:--- . .

~';

Fig. 11-Horlzontal displacement plot for Well A37A.

(V)

1.0000

GR (GPI'I)
I 0.0000

(GPI'I)

~
~

C8l (MY)
50.00

1---------TVDSS

~~

rg~==I=L~E~
:

400'-0000-- ----iusi-------2QOOOOO

~'\Et==+=;~
~
Jo

10.00

~=-----+-----------I
rll~~;:=~~~~I----~~..=~~S

}-

~~

~
~

(MV)

I~

r~-

LINER

0.00

.:

J.

C8l (MY)
50.00

'
.
~j

~t
BOP

(MV)

100.OO

Fig. 10-Cement bond logs from Well A-37A.

0.00

(MV)

10.00