Cementing-A Systematic Approach
C.W. Sauer, SPE, Conoco Inc.
W.R. Landrum, * SPE, Conoco Inc.
Summary
We developed a step-by-step cementing process design
chart for Conoco Inc.'s operating divisions. It includes
information on selecting cement and additives and the
associated hardware for casing and liner cementing
operations. Each cementing operation is designed to en-
sure the compatibility of hardware and cement slurry
components. The chart is separated into two major
categories-primary and liner cementing. These
categories are separated further into design criteria for
cementing each casing string in a well, conductor pipe
through production string, and each type of liner that is
set.
Conoco has reduced primary cementing costs by as
much as $35,OOO/well and has had fewer remedial ce-
ment jobs because of adherence to practices in the design
chart. These cost savings can be attributed to proper
cementing practices consolidated from many geographic
regions that are included in this easy-to-use chart.
For example, cement costs can be reduced by limiting
the use of expensive synthetic cement additives in less
critical pipe strings. Less expensive natural cement ad-
ditives, which perform just as well, can be used to
reduce the cost per cubic foot of cement slurry.
Introduction
Because of economic "belt-tightening" caused by
depressed oil prices, all phases of drilling, completion,
and production operations are undergoing cost reviews.
When high-cost areas are identified, we must reduce
costs without compromising design specifications. One
such cost area is cement and cement additives that are
used in oil, gas, and injection well cementing.
During the drilling and completion phases of a well,
all casing strings must be cemented to effect a hydraulic
seal between the formation and pipe, to protect and to
support the casing, and to isolate production zones.
Failure to accomplish this can result in costly well
repairs and may endanger equipment, lives, or the en-
vironment. For this reason, primary cementing opera-
tions must be carried out in such a way as to attain these
cementing goals without resorting to expensive remedial
squeeze cementing. The engineer must optimize primary
cement slurry design and placement technigues.
Casing and liner cement design generally is a joint ef-
fort among drilling, engineering, and cement service
companies. The resulting design often is influenced by
such factors as personal experiences, total cost or bids,
profit margins, working-time safety factors, and equip-
ment availability, rather than by prudent engineering
• Now with Continental Netherlands Oil Co.
Copyright 1985 Society of Petroleum Engineers
2184
based on available data. This method contributes to in-
creased primary cementing costs, increased remedial
costs, and sometimes, lost production.
This paper describes how we have reduced cementing
costs without compromising design specifications. Fur-
thermore, in-house cementing schools and cementing
studies are conducted to improve cementing practices
and to reduce cementing costs. We will present case
histories and the cementing process design chart that in-
corporates this philosophy in a systematic approach for
cementing casing strings in a cost-effective manner.
The Process Design Chart
The process design chart in the Appendix will aid
engineers and operations personnel in designing and ex-
ecuting successful cementing operations. While the chart
is intended for general use, we realize that each well has
individual characteristics that must be examined
separately. Therefore, we do not specify how much ad-
ditive is needed for a particular case, but we do indicate
maximum amounts. When cementing recommendations
exceed the maximum limits, the slurry design should be
questioned and the reasons explained.
We also consider casing hardware. The design of the
chart generally proceeds from the well bottom to the top
and reflects what is considered the best technology to ob-
tain a uniform cement sheath around each casing string.
For example, float equipment that has a spring-loaded
dart valve generally is recommended over ball or flapper
valves. This recommendation is based on calculations of
the differential forces exerted on the seal during cement
placement vs. the seal's resistance to failure.
The chart does not necessarily recommend the use of
the least expensive cement slurry, but it does inform the
user about the available products and slurry design
choices. The choice of what slurry and casing hardware
to use will depend on well parameters and other design
considerations the user feels are most important during
the life of the well. The chart is designed so that the user
can read from the top to the bottom of a casing string or
liner column, and make decisions that are based on well
requirements. By the end of the column, the user should
be able to select an appropriate cementing procedure and
corresponding cement slurry design, as well as the com-
patible casing hardware.
Case Histories
Example wells from California, Oklahoma, and the Gulf
of Mexico illustrate the cost savings that resulted from
the logic in the process design chart. The examples also
show the changes in slurry designs and procedures. Note
that none of these wells have required remedial or
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
casing-shoe squeezes even though traditional cement ad-
ditives have been eliminated from slurry designs.
All three wells have been producing since Nov. 1982.
They reflect an improvement in cementing practices, but
additional improvements in day-to-day cement slurry
designs and placement techniques can be made.
Example I-Offshore Louisiana
Water depth: 36 ft [11 m].
Drive pipe: 24 in. [61 cm], plain end line pipe (PELP) at
287 ft [87.5 m] measured depth (MD).
Conductor: 16 in. [41 cm], 651bm/ft [96.7 kg/m], H-40,
buttress thread regular coupling (BTRC) at 1,000 ft
[305 m] MD.
Hole size: 20 in. [50.8 cm].
Surface: 10% in. [27 cm], 40.5/45.5 Ibm/ft [60/68
kg/m], K-55, BTRC at 5,100 ft [1554.5 m] MD.
Hole size: 13V2 in. [34 cm].
Production: 7% in. [19 cm], 39.0 Ibm/ft [58 kg/m]
SOO-95/N-80, Hydril Triple SeaI'M (HYTS) at 11,968
ft [3648 m] MD.
Hole Size: 9V2 in. [24 cm].
Kick-off point: 5,241 ft [1597.5 m] MD.
Hole angle: 34° [0.59 rad] from vertical.
Conductor Pipe
Casing hardware: Float shoe on bottom and float collar
with drillpipe stinger receptacle one joint off bottom.
Inner-string cement job.
Mud: 8.8 Ibm/gal [1054 kg/m3], (l.06 specific gravity
[SG]); gelled seawater.
Funnel viscosity: 42 sec/qt [44 383 s/m3].
Spacer: 50 bbl [7.95 m 3] fresh water plus 10 Ibm/bbl
[28.5 kg/m3] caustic soda.
Lead cement: 700 sacks Trinity Litewate"'+0.5% at-
tapulgite + 0.4 % defoamer+ seawater.
Density: 12.5 Ibm/gal [1498 kg/m3] (l.50 SG).
Yield: l.61 cu ft/sack [0.046 m 3/sack].
Tail cement: 215 sacks Class H +0.4 % defoamer+ 2.0%
CaCI 2 •
Density: 16.2 Ibm/gal [1941 kg/m3] (l.95 SG).
Yield: l.11 cu ft/sack [0.031 m 3/sack].
Bottomhole static temperature (BHST): 93°F [33.9°C].
Displacement rate: 6.5 bbl/min [0.0l7 m 3/s].
Centralizers: none.
Top-out job: 350 sacks Class H+2.0% CaCl 2 +0.4%
defoamer.
Density: 16.2 Ibm/gal [1941 kg/m3] (1.95 SG).
Yield: 1.11 cu ft/sack [0.031 m 3/sack].
Squeeze jobs: none.
Surface Casing
Casing hardware: Float shoe on bottom and float collar
two joints off bottom. Bottom five joints sandblasted
and allowed to rust. Top and bottom wiper plug.
Mud: 8.8 Ibm/gal [1054 kg/m3] (l.06 SG); gelled
seawater.
Funnel viscosity: 48 sec/qt [50 724 s/m3].
Spacer: 50 bbI [7.95 m 3] fresh water plus 10 Ibm/bbl
[28.5 kg/m3] caustic soda.
Lead cement: 1,850 sacks Trinity Litewate +0.5 % at-
tapulgite+0.3% defoamer+seawater.
Density: 12.5 Ibm/gal [1498 kg/m3] (l.50 SG).
Yield: l.61 cu ft/sack [0.046 m 3/sack].
DECEMBER 1985
Tail cement: 350 sacks Class H +0.3% defoamer+O.l %
lignin retarder.
Density: 16.2 Ibm/gal [1941 kg/m3] (l.95 SG).
Yield: 1.11 cu ft/sack [0.031 m 3/sack].
BHST: 149°F [65°C].
Displacement rate: 1l.0 bbl/min [0.029 m 3/s].
Centralizers: Two each on bottom four joints and one
every other joint up to 500 ft [152 m] MD (total of
64).
Pipe movement: 15-ft [4.57-m] stroke.
Top-out job: 300 sacks Class H+2.0% CaCI 2 .
Density: 16.2 Ibm/gal [1941 kg/m3] (l.95 SG).
Yield: l.11 cu ft/sack [0.031 m 3/sack].
Squeeze jobs: none.
Production Casing
Casing hardware: Float shoe on bottom and float collar
two joints off bottom (75.5 ft [23 m]). Bottom five
joints sandblasted and allowed to rust. Top and bottom
wiper plugs.
Mud: 13.3 Ibm/gal [1594 kg/m3] (1.60 SG). Mineral oil
outside phase.
Funnel viscosity: 80 sec/qt [84 540 s/m3].
Plastic viscosity: 68 cp [68 mPa' s].
Yield point: 15 IbfllOO sq ft [7.18 Pal; 25% solids;
49% oil.
Spacer: 50 bbl [7.95 m 3], 13.8 Ibm/gal [1654 kg/m3]
(1.66 SG). Turbulent flow spacer, compatible with oil
mud, ahead of bottom plug and 10 bbl [l.59 m 3]
spacer behind top plug.
Lead cement: 1,063 sacks 50:50 Class H: Trinity
Litewate + l.5 % attapulgite +0.75 % fluid-loss ad-
ditive + 1.15 % lignin retarder +0.4 % defoamer+
seawater.
Density: 14.0 Ibm/gal [1678 kg/m3] (l.68 SG).
Yield: l.38 cu ftlsack [0.039 m 3/sack].
Tail Cement: 250 sacks Class H + 35.0% silica flour+
0.75% fluid-loss additive+0.55% lignin
retarder + 0.4 % defoamer.
Density: 16.2 Ibm/gal [1941 kg/m3] (l.95 SG).
Yield: l.46 cu ft/sack [0.041 m 3/sack].
BHST: 238°F [114°C].
Displacement rate: 5.0 bbl/min [0.013 m 3/s].
Centralizers: Two each on bottom two joints and one
every other joint to 3,000 ft [914 m] MD (total of
121 ).
Pipe movement: none, stuck pipe.
Squeeze jobs: none.
Until April 1982, wells in this area had been cemented
with cement slurries containing polymer fluid-loss ad-
ditives that provided 100 cm 3 fluid loss or less at bot-
tomhole circulating temperatures (BHCT's). This fluid-
loss criterion applied to all conductor and surface casing
cement jobs. An alternative system (Trinity
Litewate+0.5% attapulgite mixed at 12.5 Ibm/gal [1498
kg/m3] [1.50 SG] with seawater) has been used suc-
cessfully in all subsequent wells. The savings that
resulted from deleting the expensive polymer fluid-loss
additives were as much as $35,000 per well. The cost
reduction depended on the quantity of cement pumped.
Additional fluid-loss control can be achieved by adding a
small amount of polymer fluid-loss control additive. At-
tapulgite clay with a polymer fluid-loss control additive
has a synergistic effect that enhances filtrate retention.
2185
Thus a smaller amount of the expensive polymer fluid-
loss control agent is necessary.
Example 2-0klahoma
Drive pipe: 16 in. [40.6 cm] PELP at 90 ft, [27.4 m]
MD.
Surface: 9% in. [24.4 cm], 36.0 Ibm/ft [53.6 kg/m],
J-55, short thread and coupling (ST&C) 8-round
thread (8rd) at 3,035 ft [925 m] MD.
Hole size: 121A in. [31 cm].
Production: 7% in. [19.4 cm], 33.7 to 39.0 lbm/ft [50.2
to 58 kg/m], S-95, Atlas Bradford Quadraseal™, at
12,360 ft [3767 m] MD.
Hole size: Under-reamed to 9 112 in. [24 cm].
Hole angle: 10.5° from vertical [0.18 rad].
Surface Pipe:
Casing Hardware: Float shoe on bottom and float collar
one joint up (37 ft [11.3 m]). Top plug only.
Mud: 9.3 Ibm/gal [1114 kg/m3] (1.12 SG) gel.
Funnel viscosity: 38 sec/qt [40 152 s/m3].
Plastic viscosity: 6 cp [6 mPa' s].
Yield point: 8 Ibf/100 sq ft [3.83 Pal.
Solids: 8%.
Spacer: 10 bbl [1.59 m 3] fresh water.
Lead cement: 1,325 sacks, 35:65 pozzolan:Class H
+ IA Ibm/sack [0.113 kg/sack] CelloflakeM •
Density: 15.2 Ibm/gal [1821 kg/m3] (1.83 SG).
Yield: 1.11 cu ft/sack [0.031 m 3/sack].
Tail cement: 200 sacks Class H+2.0% CaCI2.
Density: 16.6 Ibm/gal [1989 kg/m3] (1.99 SG).
Yield: 1.04 cu ft/sack [0.029 m 3/sack].
BHST: 95°F [35°C].
Displacement rate: 6.0 bbllmin [0.016 m 3/s].
Centralizers: One on bottom three joints and one every
other joint to 2,200 ft [670.6 m] (total 10 centralizers).
Pipe movement: I5-ft [4.6-m] stroke.
Squeeze jobs: none.
Production Casing
Casing Hardware: float shoe on bottom and float collar
one joint up (44 ft [13.4 m]). Top and bottom wiper
, plug.
Mud: 9.2 Ibm/gal [1102 kg/m3] (1.10 SG) low lime.
Funnel viscosity: 61 sec/qt [64 455 s/m3].
Plastic viscosity: 37 cp [37 mPa' s].
Yield point: 18 Ibf/100 sq ft [8.62 Pal.
Solids: 8%,
Spacer: 20 bbl [3.18 m 3] fresh water.
Lead cement: 513 sacks foamed Class H + 5 gall 100
sacks retarder+ IAlbm/sack [0.11 kg/sack] Celloflake
+ 28 % nitrogen.
Density: 12.0 Ibm/gal [1438 kg/m3] (1.44 SG).
Yield: 1.5 cu ft/sack [0.043 m 3/sack].
Tail cement: 605 sacks Class H + 2 % bentonite + 6
gall 100 sacks [0.023 cm 3/sack] retarder.
Density: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3] (1.90 SG).
Yield: 1.17 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack].
BHST: 160°F [71°C].
Displacement rate: 3.5 bbllmin [0.009 m3/s].
Centralizers: Two on bottom joint and one every other
joint to 11,300 ft [3444 m] (total 13 centralizers).
Pipe movement: 15-ft [4.57-m] stroke.
Squeeze jobs: none.
2186
Before January 1983, 18% sodium chloride (NaCl)
was added to production casing cement jobs in
Oklahoma; no salt sections, however, were drilled. In
addition to the salt, most of these cement systems con-
tained a dispersant (sodium sulfonate) and a fluid-loss
additive. Salt in this concentration negates the effect of
both the dispersant and the fluid-loss additive. Omitting
the salt has resulted in cost savings of $2,000/well. Of
greater importance, omitting the salt allows the other ad-
ditives to perform their job. In addition, Beach 10 has
reported that a stronger cement will result if salt is not
added to non salt-bearing formations owing to elimina-
tion of possible osmotic stresses.
Example 3-California
Drive pipe: 24 in. [61 cm] PELP, at 60 ft [18.3 m] MD.
Surface pipe: 13% in. [34 cm], 61 lbm/ft [90.8 kg/m],
K-55, ST&C-8rd at 517 ft [157.6 m] MD.
Hole size: 17'h in. [44 cm].
Intermediate casing: 9% in. [24.4 cm], 36 lbm/ft [53.6
kg/m], K-55, ST&C-8rd at 2,543 ft [775 m] MD.
Hole size: 121A in. [31 cm] washed to 14 in. [35.6 cm].
Production: 7 in. [17.8 cm], 26 lbm/ft [38.7 kg/m],
K-55/N-80, long thread and coupling (LT&C)-8rd at
6,720 ft [2048 m] MD.
Hole size: ~IA in. [21 cm] washed to 11 in. [28 cm],
average.
Liner: 5V2 in. [14 cm], 17 lbm/ft [25.3 kg/m], N-80,
LT&C with collars turned to 5Ys in. [14.9 cm] OD,
8rd at 7,149 ft [2179 m] MD.
Top of liner: 6,620 ft [2018 m] MD.
Hole size: 7 in. [17.8 cm], under-reamed.
Kick-off point: 2,600 ft [792.5 m] true vertical depth.
Hole angle: 18° [0.31 rad] from vertical.
Surface Casing
Casing hardware: Guide shoe on bottom and float collar
one joint off bottom. Top and bottom wiper plug.
Mud: 9 Ibm/gal [1078 kg/m3] (1.08 SG) bentonite.
Funnel viscosity: 40 sec/qt [42 265 s/m3].
Plastic viscosity: 22 cp [22 mPa' s].
Yield point: 12 Ibf/100 sq ft [5.75 Pal.
Spacer: 15 bbl [2.38 m 3] fresh water.
Lead Cement: 184 sacks Class G+ 12.0% bentonite
+2.0% CaCl2 +0.3% defoamer.
Density: 12.6 Ibm/gal [1510 kg/m3] (1.51 SG).
Yield: 2.26 cu ft/sack [0.064 m 3/sack].
Tail cement: 90 sacks Class G+2.0% CaCl 2 +0.3%
defoamer.
Density: 13 Ibm/gal [1558 kg/m3] (1.56 SG).
Yield: ?
The density was designed to be 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893
kg/m3] (1.90 SG) but because of contaminated ce-
ment, we could not mix any heavier than 13 Ibm/gal
[1558 kg/m 3] in a recirculating slurry mixer.
BHST: 80°F [26.7°C].
Displacement rate: 5.0 bbllmin [0.013 m 3 /s].
Centralizers: Two each on bottom two joints and one
each on top two joints.
Pipe movement: none.
Squeeze jobs: none.
Intermediate Casing
Casing hardware: guide shoe on bottom and float collar
one joint off bottom. Top and bottom wiper plug.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
Mud: 10.1 Ibm/gal [1210 kg/m3] (1.21 SG) bentonite-
barite, organic thinner.
Funnel viscosity: 44 sec/qt [46492 s/m3].
Plastic viscosity: 15 cp [15 mPa' s].
• Yield point: 10 Ibf/100 sq ft [4.79 Pal.
Spacer: 40 bbl [6.4 m 3] fresh water.
Lead cement: 478 sacks Class G+ 12.0% ben-
tonite+ 1.0% CaCl 2 +0.3% defoamer.
Density: 12.6 Ibm/gal [1510 kg/m3] (1.51 SG).
Yield: 2.26 cu ft/sack [0.064 m 3/sack].
Tail cement: 82 sacks Class G+2.0% CaCl 2 +0.3%
defoamer.
Density: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3] (1.90 SG).
Yield: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack].
BHST: 102°F [39°C].
Displacement rate: 8.0 bbl/min [0.02 m 3/s].
Centralizers: Two each on bottom two joints and one
each on top two joints.
Pipe movement: none.
Squeeze jobs: none.
Production Casing
Casing hardware: Float shoe on bottom and float collar
two joints up. Top and bottom wiper plug.
Mud: 10.5 Ibm/gal [1258 kg/m3] (1.26 SG) ben-
tonite/barite, 20,000 ppm NaCl, organic thinner.
Funnel viscosity: 39 sec/qt.
Plastic viscosity: 18 cp [18 kPa' s].
Yield point: 10 Ibf/100 sq ft [4.78 Pal.
Spacer: 30 bbl [4.77 m 3] 11 Ibm/gal [1318 kg/m3] (1.32
SG), turbulent flow spacer-batch mixed.
Cap cement: 69 sacks Class G+ 16.0% silica flour+
1.0% bentonite.
Density: 15.0 Ibm/gal [1797 kg/m3] (1.80 SG).
Yield: 1.48 cu ft/sack [0.042 m 3/sack].
Lead cement: 512 sacks Class G+ 16.0% silica flour
+ 1.0% bentonite + foaming agent + foam stabilizer
+35% nitrogen.
Density: 10.5 Ibm/gal [1258 kg/m3] (1.26 SG).
Yield: 2 cu ft/sack [0.057 m 3/sack].
Tail cement: 467 sacks Class G.
Density: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 ~g/m3] (1.90 SG).
Yield: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack].
BHST: 148°F [64°C].
Displacement rate: 3.1 bbl/min [0.008 m 3/s].
Centralizers: Two each on bottom two joints and one
every other joint to 2,500 ft [762 m] (total of 60
centralizers) .
Pipe movement: none.
Squeeze jobs: none.
Liner
Liner hardware: Float shoe on bottom and float collar
two joints (75 ft [22.9 m]) off bottom. Landing collar
made up on float collar.
Liner hanger: 5Vz in. [14 cm], 171bm/ft [25.3 kg/m] x7
in. [17.8 cm], 26 Ibm/ft [38.7 kg/m] modified
mechanical set hanger. Running tool equipped with
swab cups.
Mud: 8.7 Ibm/gal [1042 kg/m3] (1.04 SG) bentonite,
19,500 ppm NaCl, organic thinner, lignite, 9% oil,
6% solids.
Funnel viscosity: 40 sec/qt [42 265 s/m3]
Plastic viscosity: 22 cp [22 mPa' s].
Yield point: 12 Ibf/100 sq ft [5.75 Pal.
DECEMBER 1985
Spacer: 20 bbl [32 m 3], 9 Ibm/gal [1078 kg/m3] (1.08
SG), turbulent flow spacer, compatible with oil mud,
ahead of cement-5 bbl [0.8 m 3] behind drillpipe
wiper dart-batch mixed.
Liner cement: 115 sacks Class G+0.5 % disper-
sant +0.1 % lignin retarder-batch mixed.
Density: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3] (1.90 SG).
Yield: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack].
BHST: 152°F [67°C].
Displacement rate: 5.0 bbl/min [0.013 m 3/s].
Centralizers: Two close-tolerance centralizers each on
bottom two joints.
Pipe movement: none.
Squeeze jobs: none.
Before February 1983, 0.75% by weight of cement
(BWOC) dispersant was added to lead and tail cement
systems for production casing and liners in the California
wells. This was done regardless of slurry composition or
density . We thought that the cement slurry was in tur-
bulent flow during displacement, thus providing superior
mud removal characteristics to other flow regimes. 3
Bannister and Benge 9 investigated cement slurry
rheologies in both rotational viscometers and pipe-flow
rheometers. Their investigation found that the turbulent
flow pump rate for cement slurries generally is greater
than calculated with rotational viscometer data for most
pipe/hole configurations.
Because it is not certain whether cement slurry can be
pumped in a turbulent flow regime and because most
cements are incompatible with drilling muds,
mud/cement-compatible weighted spacers that can be
pumped in turbulent flow should be used. Primary ce-
ment costs have been reduced by 15% by eliminating
dispersant from cement compositions in pipe/hole
geometries without high-friction pressures. Instead, 750
to 1,000 annular ft [229 to 305 m] 12,13,16 (or 10 minutes
contact time 3) of turbulent flow spacer were pumped in-
to the wells. In the same wells, the average potential sav-
ings were $43,000 per well in reduced remedial cement-
ing costs.
Conclusions
1. More emphasis was placed on solving cementing
problems with chemical additives than on good place-
ment techniques during the increased drilling activity of
the late 1970's to the early 1980's.
2. More importance is placed on lowering drilling and
completion costs now because of depressed oil prices.
3. The costs of cementing operations were lowered by
eliminating additives that are not necessary to the in-
dividual well and by improving placement technique.
4. The logic of the process design chart has been used
successfully to combine new cementing technology with
that of the late 1940's and early 1950's. This has resulted
in lower costs and squeeze-free cement jobs in three dif-
ferent geographic areas.
5. We have made progress in conducting more suc-
cessful cement jobs, but the industry cannot claim suc-
cess in everyday cementing operations yet.
Acknowledgments
We thank our associates Dave Deom of Lake Charles,
LA (now with Production Engineering Services, Drilling
Div., Houston), Mark McWatters of Oklahoma City,
2187
and Paul Schulz (now with North American Production,
Casper Div.) and Joe Turk of Ventura, CA, for their help
in this study. We also thank Conoco Inc. for granting
permission to publish this information.
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15. Brouse, M.: "Lest You Forget: How to Run Casing and Drill
Out," World Oil (Feb. 1, 1983) 35-40.
16: Landrum, W.R., Porter, J.E., and Turner, R.D.: "Rotating
Liners During Cementing in the Grand Isle and West Delta Areas,
Louisiana," 1. Pet. Tech. (July 1985) 1263-66.
17. "Specifications for Materials and Testing for Well Cements,"
API SPEC 10, first edition, API, Dallas (Jan. 1982).
18. "Specifications for Casing Centralizers," API Spec IOD, second
edition, API, Dallas (Feb. 1973).
19. "Running and Cementing Liners in the Delaware Basin, Texas,"
Bull., API, Dallas (March 1983) D17.
APPENDIX
Cement Process Design Chart
Conductor Casing
Mud/Cement Contact. If shallow gas sands that require
mud weight are not present, attempt to flush mud from
the hole with fresh water before cementing at the highest
pump rate possible without enlarging the hole or losing
returns.
Lead System
Available Cements
Class A (Type I)
Class C
Class G
2188
Class H
Commercial lightweight
Lightweight Extenders
Pozzolans: 12.3 to 15.6 Ibm/gal [1474 to 1869 kg/m3]
(l.48 to 1.87 SG)
Bentonite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
(1.38 to 1.78 SG)
Attapulgite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
(1.38 to 1.78 SG)
Perlite: 10.9 to 12.8 Ibm/gal [1306 to 1534 kg/m3]
(1.31 to 1.54 SG)
Glass bubbles: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438 kg/m3]
(0.72 to 1.44 SG)
Ceramic spheres: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438
kg/m3] (0.72 to 1.44 SG)
Sodium silicate: 11.4 to 14.2 Ibm/gal [1366 to 1702
kg/m3] (1.37 to 1.71 SG)
Lightweight: 11.0 to 13.7 Ibm/gal [1318 to 1642 kg/m3]
(1.32 to 1.65 SG) .
Control free water to < 1 % .
Select density that will permit cement to return to
surface.
High Early Strength. Use Class A (Type I), Class C, or
lightweight.
Sulfate Corrosion. Use Class C cement with C 3 A con-
tent :5 2.5% for sulfate-containing formation :5 140°F
[61°C]. If Class C is not available, add a low-lime
pozzolan-CaOxide ( < 15 %), or add 8 to 10% gypsum to
the cement.
Thermal Conductivity. The lighter the slurry is, the
lower the conductivity. If sand must be added for ther-
mal degradation, consider ceramic or glass bubbles; if
not, use Litewate, bentonite, or attapulgite.
Slurry dehydration during placement. Control fluid loss
to 30.5 cu in./30 min [500 cm 3/30 min] at 1,000-psi
[6395-kPa] differential pressure at BHCT with ben-
tonite, attapulgite, or bubbles to prevent annular bridg-
ing if it is expected to present problems.
Lost circulation. If possible, solve the problem before
cementing. Use solid bridging material in low concentra-
tions-3 to 12.5 Ibm/sack [1.36 to 5.67 kg/sack]
gilsonite in moderate cases. Use thixotropic cements
with solid lost-circulation materials in extreme cases.
High Temperatures (>230°F [J10°CJ). If the cement
will be exposed to high temperatures from 230 to 400°F
[110 to 204 0c], add 35 % silica flour; 400 to 700°F [204
to 371°C], add 40% silica flour BWOC to prevent
strength retrogression.
Low temperatures (80 to J10°F [27 to 43°C] BHCT).
Use 1 to 2 % CaCl 2 BWOC to accelerate the set time. If
the mix-water temperature is lower than 60°F [15.5°C],
the CaCl 2 can be dissolved in it to provide a better mix
and set time. Design working time for 1 hour more than
the anticipated pumping time.
Foaming. Add 0.30% BWOC (dry) or 1.0 gall250 sacks
[1.5 x 10 -5 m 3/sack] (liquid) anti foaming agent to con-
trol foam.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
 Tail System
Available Cements.
Class A (Type I)
Class C
.class G
Class H
Density-API. 17
Class A (Type I): 15.6 Ibm/gal [1869 kg/m3] (1.87 SG)
Class C: 14.8 Ibm/gal [1773 kg/m3] (1.78 SG)
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3] (1.90 SG)
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3] (1.98 SG)
Yield At API Densities.
Class A (Type I): 1.18 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class C: 1.32 cu ft/sack [0.037 m 3/sack]
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. A minimum compressive
strength of 500 psi [3447 kPa] should develop in 12
hours. Adjust the CaCl 2 content to achieve a working
time of 1 hour over pumping time at BHCT.
High Temperatures (>230°F [l/O°C]). If the cement
will be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F [110 to
204 °CJ, add 35 % silica flour; 400 to 700°F [204 to
371 °CJ, add 40 % silica flour BWOC to prevent strength
retrogression.
Casing Hardware.
Float Shoe. Use inner-string cementing equipment for
casing sizes of 13Ys in. [34 cm] or larger to minimize ce-
ment/mud contamination, displacement time, and
volume. Use a "dart" check valve in float.
Centralizers. Use correctly sized API centralizers. 18
Use positive-standoff centralizers inside the drive pipe.
Use API or equivalent method for determining the
number and placement of centralizers. Straddle stop
rings or collars to guarantee that the centralizers move
under tension.
Displacement. Calculate and monitor displacement so
that the cement is not overdisplaced from around the
shoe (consider latch-in wiper plug). Pump as fast as
possible without losing returns.
Thread Lock. Thread lock should be applied to all pieces
of casing hardware. 15 It should never be spread on the
threads in the box end of a piece of hardware because
any excess may be extruded into the casing and possibly
stick a float, seal an entry port, etc.
False Floor. If running an inner-string job, a "false
floor" must be constructed to facilitate the running of the
drillpipe.
Casing/Drillpipe Packoff. If casing collapse is under
design specifications. a casing/drillpipe packoff can be
used to hold and monitor pressure on the casing/drillpipe
annulus. This will serve to counteract the collapse and
provide a means of monitoring if the drillpipe "stinger"
is still in the receptacle.
DECEMBER 1985
Casing Float. Before pumping job, calculate all
hydraulic forces to which the casing will be subjected
and chain down casing with "boomers" if "float" is a
possibility.
Surface Casing
Mud/Cement Contact. If reduced hydrostatic head can
be withstood, use enough water ahead of the cement to
provide a contact time of 10 min. If a reduced
hydrostatic head cannot be withstood, a mud/cement-
compatible spacer that can be pumped in turbulent flow
at obtainable pump rates is necessary. Weight the spacer
0.5 Ibm/gal [60 kg/m3] heavier than mud. Use enough
spacer for 10 minutes contact time-750 to 1,000 an-
nular ft [229 to 305 m]. If possible, weight lead slurry to
at least 1.0 Ibm/gal [120 kg/m 3] heavier than mud.
Displace at the highest rate possible without losing
returns.
Lead System
Available Cements.
Class A
Class C
Class G
Class H
Commercial lightweight
Lightweight Extenders.
Pozzolans: 12.3 to 15.6 Ibm/gal [1474 to 1869 kg/m3]
Bentonite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
Attapulgite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 k~/m3]
Perlite: 10.9 to 12.8 Ibm/gal [1306 to 1534 kg/m ]
Glass bubbles: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438 kg/m3]
Ceramic spheres: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438
kg/m3]
Foam: 7.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [839 to 1438 kg/m3]
Sodium silicate: 11.4 to 14.2 Ibm/gal [1366 to 1702
kg/m3]
Lightweight: 11.0 to 13.7 Ibm/gal [1318 to 1642 kg/m3]
Control free water to < 1 % .
Select density based on desired cement height and
equivalent circulating density during placement.
High Early Strength. Use Class A (Type I), Class C, or
lightweight.
Sulfate Corrosion. Use Class C cement with C 3A con-
tent :-:;2.5% for sulfate-containing formations :-:;140°F
[61°C]. If Class C is not available, add a low-lime
pozzolan-CaOxide ( < 15 %), or add 8 to 10% gypsum to
the cement.
Thermal Conductivity. If a low-thermal-conductivity ce-
ment sheath is desired, the lower the cement density is,
the lower the conductivity, unless silica is added. When
silica is added, low conductivity values can be obtained
by addition of glass bubbles, ceramic spheres, or foamed
cement. Be cautious with bubbles and spheres because
they will be crushed at hydrostatic pressures of 4,000 psi
[27 .58 MPa] or higher.
Slurry Dehydration During Placement. Control fluid
loss to :-:; 30.5 cu in./30 min [500 cm 3130 min] at 1,000
psi [6895 kPa] and BHCT. If possible, use either ben-
2189
tonite in fresh water or attapulgite in salt water to ac-
complish this. If clays cannot be used, use a small
amount (0.5% BWOq of fluid-loss additive.
Water-Sensitive Shales or Salt Sections. If salt sections
are present, use saturated (37.2 % salt by weight of water
[BWOW]) slurry. 6 If sensitive shales are present, see
"Slurry Dehydration During Placement."
Lost Circulation. If possible, solve the problem before
cementing. If the problem is slight, reduce cement densi-
ty with bubbles, spheres, perlites, or foams without in-
creasing free water. If the problem is moderate to severe,
add 3.0 to 12.5 Ibm/sack [1.36 to 5.67 kg/sack]
gilsonite.
High Temperatures (>230°F [lJ00C]). If the cement
will ever be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F
[110 to 204 0c], add 35 % silica flour; 400 to 700° [204
to 371°C], add 40% silica flour BWOC to prevent
strength retrogression.
Low Temperatures (80 to 110°F [27 to 43°C] BHCT).
Use 1 to 2% CaCI 2 BWOC to accelerate the set time. If
mix-water temperature is low, the CaCI 2 can be dissolv-
ed in it to add heat from the reaction of the CaCI 2 going
into solution. Design working time for I hour more than
anticipated pumping time. For BHCT's greater than
110°F [43°C], adjust the retarder content to achieve a
working time of I hour more than anticipated pump
time.
Foaming. Add 0.30% BWOC (dry) or 1.0 gal/250 sacks
[1.5 X 10 -5 m 3/sack] (liquid) anti foaming agent to con-
trol foam. Do not use in foamed cement slurries.
Tail System.
Available Cements.
Class A
Class G
Class H
Density-API.
Class A: 15.6 Ibm/gal [1869 kg/m3]
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Control free water to < 1 % .
Yield at API Density.
Class A (Type I): 1.18 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class C: 1.32 cu ft/sack [0.037 m 3/sack]
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3 /sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. A minimum compressive
strength of 500 psi [3448 kPa] should develop in 8 hours.
Adjust the retarder concentration to achieve a working
time of 1 hour over pump time at BHCT.
High Temperatures (> 230°F [l J00C]). If the cement
will be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F [110 to
104°C], add 35% silica; 400 to 700°F [204 to 371°C],
add 40% silica BWOC to prevent strength retrogression.
2190
Casing Hardware
Float Shoe and Float Collar. Run float shoe on bottom
and float collar one or two joints up. Use a "dart" check
valves over ball or flapper types. (See "Float Shoe"
under "Conductor Casing" for inner-string design con-
siderations for casing sizes 13% in. [34 cm] and larger.)
Centralizers. Use correctly sized API centralizers. Use
positive-standoff centralizers in casing overlap-one per
three joints. Use API or equivalent method for determin-
ing placement and number. Straddle stop rings or collars
to guarantee that the centralizers move under tension.
Scratchers- Wiper Rings. Do not use scratchers because
they plug the hole with junk. 4 If they stay attached, they
may cause a cement bridging problem because they
remove the hard filter cake across a permeable zone. Use
only cable wiper rings placed across washouts to aid in
removing mud. 1
Bottom Wiper Plug. A bottom wiper plug should be run
because mud film on casing ID might be scraped off
ahead of the top plug and cause an overdisplacement of
the tail cement. 2 Rupture disk should not be cut.
Top Wiper Plug. Load into the cement head after kicking
out the bottom plug with preflush. 8 Minimize downtime
when dropping plug after the cement is pumped. Bump
plug if possible. Consider compression of mud in
displacement volume.
Thread Lock. Thread lock should be applied to all pieces
of casing hardware. It should never be spread on the
threads in the box end of a piece of hardware as any ex-
cess may extrude into the casing and possibly stick a
float, seal an entry port, etc.
Pipe Movement. If possible, reciprocate pipe before and
during the cement placement. Use a 15-ft [4.6-m] stroke
at a speed so that the calculated surge pressures will not
fracture the well. Monitor casing weight and drag during
running-in and pipe reciprocation.
Casing Fill Line. Rig up casing fill line before running
casing. This should consist of a flexible line connected to
a high-volume centrifugal mud pump. A ball valve
should be used on the end of the line. Fill the casing at
least at every other joint.
Intermediate Casing
Mud/Cement Contact. If reduced hydrostatic head can
be withstood, use enough water ahead of the cement to
provide a contact time of 10 minutes. If reduced
hydrostatic head cannot be withstood, a mud/cement-
compatible spacer is necessary. Design spacer volume to
provide 10 minutes contact time (700 to 1,000 annular ft
[213 to 305 m]). Weight the spacer 0.5 Ibm/gal [59.9
kg/m3] heavier than mud and batch mix. If possible,
weight slurry 1.0 Ibm/gal [120 kg/m3] heavier than
mud. Design the spacer for turbulent flow at realistic
pump rates. Displace at the highest pump rate possible
without losing returns. Determine spacer density with
pressurized mud cup.5,6
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
Lead System.
Available Cements.
Class C
Class G
Class H
Commercial lightweight
Lightweight Extenders.
Pozzolans: 12.3 to 15.6 Ibm/gal [1474 to 1869 kg/m3]
Bentonite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
Attapulgite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
Sodium silicate: 11.4 to 14.2 Ibm/gal [1366 to 1702
kg/m3]
Perlite: 10.9 to 12.8 Ibm/gal [1306 to 1534 kg/m3]
Glass bubbles: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438 kg/m3]
Ceramic spheres: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438
kg/m3]
Foam: 7.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [839 to 1438 kg/m3]
Lightweight: 11.0 to 13.7 Ibm/gal [1318 to 1642 kg/m 3]
Control free water to < 1 % .
Select density based on desired cement column height
and equivalent circulating density during placement to
prevent fracturing.
High Early Strength. Use Litewate system or Class C to
achieve higher compressive strengths in less time.
Sulfate Corrosion. Use Class C cement with C 3A con-
tent :5 2.5% for sulfate-containing formation :5140°F
[61°C]. If Class C is not available, add a low-lime
pozzolan-CaOxide ( < 15 %), or add 8 to 10% gypsum to
the cement.
Thermal Conductivity. If a low thermal conductivity is
desired, the lower the slurry density is, the lower the
conductivity, unless silica is added. When silica is add-
ed, lower conductivity can be obtained by addition of
glass bubbles, ceramic spheres, or foam. Be cautious
with bubbles and spheres because they will be crushed at
hydrostatic pressures of 4,000 psi [27 .58 MPa] or
higher.
Slurry Dehydration During Placement. Control fluid
loss to :5 18.3 cu in./30 min. [300 cm 3/30 min] at
1,0OO-psi [6895-kPa] differential pressure at BHCT. Use
clays and small amounts (0.5% BWOC) of fluid-loss
polymers to achieve this value. A fluid-loss control
spacer will aid in this (see "Mud/Cement Contact").
Water-Sensitive Shales or Salt Sections. If I'alt sections
are present, use saturated (37.2 % BWOW) NaCI ce-
ment. If sensitive shales are present, see "Slurry
Dehydration During Placement." 7
Lost Circulation. If possible, solve the problem before
cementing. If the problem is slight, reduce cement densi-
ty (see "Lightweight Extenders"). If the problem is
moderate, add 3 to 12.5 Ibm/sack [1.36 to 5.67 kg/sack]
gilsonite. If the problem is severe, add bubbles, spheres,
foams, or stage collars (see "Casing Hardware"). Be
cautious because excess gilsonite or ground coal may
plug the float equipment or bottom wiper plug rupture
disk.
DECEMBER 1985
High Temperature (>230°F [IlO°Cl). If the cement
will ever be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F
[110 to 204 0c], add 35% silica flour; 400 to 700°F [204
to 371°C], add 40% silica flour BWOC to prevent
strength retrogression.
Setting Time. Adjust retarder concentration to achieve a
working time 1 hour greater than the anticipated pump-
ing time at BHCT.
Foaming. Add 0.30% BWOC (dry) or 1.0 gal/250 sacks
[1.5 X 10 -5 m 3/sack] (liquid) anti foaming agent to con-
trol foam. Do not add to foam cement slurries.
Tail System.
Available Cements.
Class G
Class H
Density.
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Control free water to < 1 % .
Yield at API Densities.
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. A minimum compressive
strength of 500 psi [3447 kPa] should develop in 8 hours.
Adjust the retarder concentration to achieve a working
time 1 hour over pumping time at BHCT.
High Temperatures (> 230°F [1 JOoCl). If the cement
will be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F [110 to
204°C], add 35% silica; 400 to 700°F [204 to 371°C],
add 40% silica BWOC to prevent strength retrogression.
Casing Hardware
Float Shoe and Float Collar. Run float shoe on bottom
and float collar one or two joints up. Use "dart" check
valves over ball or flapper types.
Differential Fill Shoe and Differential Fill Collar. For
long intermediate strings, it may be desirable to consider
differential float equipment. A maximum differential
pressure across floats based on 81 or 90% fill should be
considered depending on whether one or both floats are
differential type. Check supplier's performance
specifications to avoid failure.
Centralizers. Use correctly sized API centralizers. Use
positive-standoff centralizers in casing overlap-one per
three joints. Use API or equivalent method to determine
placement and number. Straddle stop rings or collars to
guarantee that the centralizers move under tension.
Scratchers- Wiper Rings. Do not use scratchers because
they plug the hole with junk. If they stay attached, they
may also cause a cement bridging problem because they
could remove the hard filter cake across a permeable
zone. Use only cable wiper rings placed across washouts
to aid in gelled mud removal.
2191
Stage Collars. For long cement lifts, it may be necessary
to place the cement in stages. One or more stage collars
should be run if the hydrostatic head exerted by the ce-
ment column is so great that it might fracture a forma-
tion. It is advisable to run a flexible bottom bypass plug
and baffle ahead of the bottom cement stage. Care
should be taken to caliper all plugs, bombs, and seats to
guarantee that the correct plugs run in the correct order.
The supplier's pressure and running procedures should
be reviewed before the pumping job. Before including
stage collars in the procedure, review "Lightweight Ex-
tenders" for a possible alternative. II Never place tongs
on the stage collar while making it up in the string.
Bottom Wiper Plug. A bottom wiper plug should be run
because mud film on the casing ID might be scraped off
ahead of the top plug and cause an overdisplacement of
the tail cement. Rupture disk should not be cut.
Top Wiper Plug. Load into the cement head after kicking
out the bottom plug with preflush. Minimize downtime
when dropping the plug after the cement is pumped.
Bump the plug if possible. Consider the compression of
mud in the displacement volume.
Thread Lock. Thread lock should be applied to all pieces
of casing hardware. It should never be spread on the
threads in the box end of a piece of hardware because
any excess may extrude into the casing and possibly stick
a float, seal an entry port, etc.
Pipe Movement. If possible, reciprocate and/or rotate the
pipe before and during the cement placement. Use a
15-ft [4.6-m] stroke at a speed at which the calculated
surge and swab pressures will not fracture or bring in the
well. Monitor casing weight and drag during running-in
and pipe reciprocation.
Casing Fill Line. Rig up a casing fill line before running
casing, unless differential fill equipment is used. This
should consist of a flexible line connected to a high-
volume centrifugal mud pump. A ball valve should be at-
tached to the end of the line. Fill the casing at least at
every third joint.
Production Casing (Long String)
Mud/Cement Contact. If a reduced hydrostatic head can
be withstood, use enough water ahead of the cement to
provide 10 minutes of contact time. If a reduced
hydrostatic head cannot be withstood, a mud/cement-
compatible weighted spacer is necessary. Design spacer
volume to provide 10 minutes contact time (700 to 1,000
annular ft [213 to 305 mD. Weight the spacer 0.5
Ibm/gal [59.9 kg/m3] heavier than the mud. If possible,
batch mix the spacer. Design the spacer for turbulent
flow across the zone of interest. Design lead slurry den-
sity 1.0 Ibm/gal [120 kg/m3] heavier than the mud den-
sity, if possible. Displace at the highest rate possible
without losing returns.
Lead System.
Available Cements.
Class C
Class G
2192
Class H
Commercial lightweight
Lightweight Extenders.
Pozzolans: 12.3 to 15.6 Ibm/gal [1474 to 1869 kg/m3]
Bentonite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
Attapulgite: 11.5 to 14.8 Ibm/gal [1378 to 1773 kg/m3]
Sodium silicate: 11.4 to 14.2 Ibm/gal [1366 to 1702
kg/m3]
Perlite: 10.9 to 12.8 Ibm/gal [1306 to 1534 kg/m3]
Glass bubbles: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438 kg/m3]
Ceramic spheres: 6.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [719 to 1438
kg/m3]
Foam: 7.0 to 12.0 Ibm/gal [839 to 1438 kg/m3]
Lightweight: 11.0 to 13.7 Ibm/gal [1318 to 1642 kg/m3]
Control free water to < 1 % .
Select density on cement column height and equivalent
circulating density during placement.
High Early Strength. Use lightweight system or Class C
to achieve higher strengths in less time.
Sulfate Corrosion. Use Class C cement with C 3A con-
tent < 2.5 % for formation containing sulfate (~5,000
ppm, :5 140°F [61 °CD. If Class C is not available, add a
low-lime pozzolan-CaOxide (15%), or add 8 to 10%
gypsum to the cement.
Thermal Conductivity. If a low-thermal-conductivity ce-
ment sheath is desired, the lower the cement density is,
the lower the conductivity, unless silica is added. When
silica is added, low conductivity values can be obtained
by addition of glass bubbles, ceramic spheres, or foamed
cement. Be cautious because bubbles and spheres will be
crushed at hydrostatic pressures of 4,000 psi [27.58
MPa] or higher.
Slurry Dehydration During Placement. Control fluid
loss to 15.3 cu in.l30 min [250 cm 3/30 min.] at
I,OOO-psi [6895-kPa] differential pressure at BHCT. Use
clays, foams, and/or small amounts of polymer fluid-
loss additive (:50.75% BWOC) to achieve this value. A
fluid-loss-controlled spacer ahead of the cement will aid
in this (see "Mud/Cement Contact").
Lost Circulation. If possible, solve the problem before
cementing. Do not cement until 95 % of the hole is being
circulated-this can be determined by use of carbide
pills, oats, etc.-and correlating this to a caliper log.
Reduce the mud and/or lead system density if necessary
(see "Lightweight Extenders"). If this is not possible,
see "Stage Collars" under "Casing Hardware."
High Temperature (>230°F [l100C]). If the cement
will be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F [110 to
204°C], add 35% silica flour; 400 to 700°F [204 to
371°C], add 40% silica flour BWOC to prevent strength
retrogression.
Setting Time. Adjust retarder concentration to achieve a
working time 1 hour greater than the anticipated pump-
ing time at BHCT.
Foaming. Add 0.30% BWOC (dry) or 1.0 gal/250 sacks
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
[1.5XI0- 5 m 3/sack] (liquid) anti foaming agent to pre-
vent foam. Do not add to foamed cement slurries.
Tail System.
A.vailable Cements.
Class G
Class H
Density-API.
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Yields at API Densities.
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. A minimum compressive
strength of 500 psi [3447 kPa] should develop in 8 hours.
Adjust the retarder concentration and type to achieve a
working time of 1 hour longer than pump time, based on
BHCT.
High Temperature (> 230°F [I/O o C]). If the cement
will be exposed to temperatures of 230 to 400°F [110 to
204 0c], add 35 % silica flour BWOC; 400 to 700°F [204
to 371°C], add 40% silica flour to prevent strength
retrogression.
High Density. Cements can be mixed to densities of 17.5
Ibm/gal [2097 kg/m3] through the use of dispersants up
to 1.0% BWOC. For densities higher than 17.5 Ibm/gal
[2097 kg/m3], an inert weighting agent must be added.
These include barite, hematite, ilmenite, and galena.
High-density slurries generally are more difficult to mix,
and reduced mix rates of 2 to 3 bbl/min [0.005 to 0.008
m 3 Is] usually are required. Batch mixing should be con-
sidered if there is a time problem because of slow rates.
Weighting agents sometimes are used in conjunction
with reduced water. Special slurry design and testing
will result.
Annular Gas Flow. To prevent annular gas flow, the ce-
ment must have 1.22 cu in. [20 cm 3] 13 or less fluid loss
at BHCT and 1,000 psi [6895 kPa] differential pressure,
0% free water, and a threshold-type retarder. Set occurs
as soon as the retarder bums out. A compressible cement
that includes either hydrogen or nitrogen gas or a cement
incorporating a permeability blocker can be used if field
experience has proved it useful. If there is an extreme
problem, see "External Casing Packers" (ECP's) under
"Casing Hardware."
Casing Hardware.
Float Shoe and Float Collar. Run float shoe on bottom
and float collar one or two joints up. Use "dart" check
valves over ball or flapper types.
Differential Fill Shoe and Differential Fill Collar. For
long production strings, it may be desirable to consider
differential float equipment. Consider a maximum dif-
ferential pressure across floats based on 81 or 90 % fill,
depending on whether one or both floats are differential
type. Check supplier's performance specifications to
avoid failure. Avoid lost circulation material when these
are used.
DECEMBER 1985
Centralizers. Use correctly sized API centralizers. Use
positive-standoff centralizers in casing overlap-one per
three joints. Use API or equivalent method to determine
placement and number. Straddle stop rings or collars to
guarantee that the centralizers move under tension.
Scratchers- Wiper Rings. Do not use scratchers because
they plug the hole with junk. If they stay attached, they
may also cause a cement bridging problem because they
could remove the hard filter cake across a permeable
zone. Use only cable wiper rings placed across washouts
and production zones to aid in mud removal.
Stage Collars. For long cement lifts, it may be necessary
to place the cement in stages. One or more stage collars
should be run if the hydrostatic head exerted by the ce-
ment column is so great that it might fracture a forma-
tion. It is advisable to run a flexible bottom bypass plug
and baffle ahead of the bottom cement stage. Care
should be taken to caliper all plugs, bombs, and seats to
guarantee the correct plugs run in the correct order. The
supplier's pressure and running procedures should" be
reviewed before the p.umpingjob. Before including stage
collars in the procedure, review "Lightweight Ex-
tenders" for a possible alternative. Never place tongs on
the stage collar.
External Casing Packers (ECP's). ECP's may be useful
in the prevention of annular gas flow and casing cen-
tralization. One or more may be run, and they should be
placed in an in-gauge part of the hole or in a casing
overlap. Care should be exercised in running the ECP's
to avoid damage. If more than one is used, the setting
pressures must be adjusted according to depth to com-
pensate for variations in hydrostatic head. Extreme care
must be exercised if a bottom wiper plug is run.
Bottom Wiper Plug. A bottom wiper plug should be run
because mud film on the casing ID might be scraped off
ahead of top plug and cause an overdisplacement of the
tail cement. The rupture disk should not be cut.
Top Wiper Plug. Load the top wiper plug into the cement
head after kicking out the bottom plug with preflush.
Minimize downtime when dropping the plug after the ce-
ment is pumped. Bump the plug if possible. Consider the
compression of mud in the displacement volume.
Thread Lock. Thread lock should be applied to all pieces
of casing hardware. It should never be spread on the
threads in the box end of a piece of hardware because
any excess will extrude into the casing and possibly stick
a float, seal an entry port, etc.
Pipe Movement. If possible, reciprocate and/or rotate the
pipe before and during the cement placement. Use a
15-ft [4.6-m] stroke at a speed so that the calculated
surge and swab pressures will not fracture or bring in the
well. Monitor casing weight and drag during running-in
and pipe reciprocation.
Casing Fill Line. Rig up a casing fill line before running
the casing unless differential equipment is used. This
should consist of a flexible line connected to a high-
2193
volume centrifugal mud pump. A ball valve should be
used on the end. Fill the casing at least at every third
joint.
Liners
Production Liners.
Mud/Cement Contact. Once the hole is drilled to total
depth, all cuttings should be circulated out of the hole
before pulling out with the bit. When the liner is landed
on bottom, the mud should be conditioned until 95 % -of
the calculated hole volume is circulating. This is deter-
mined by the use of carbide pills, oats, etc. A weighted
spacer that has a density equivalent to or above the mud
density should be pumped ahead of the cement. Spacer-
mud and spacer-cement compatibilities must be checked
when mixed with the on-site mix water. The spacer
should be designed not to exceed fracture pressure when
circulating at turbulent flow rates. Volume should be
based on a lO-minute contact time at the planned
displacement rate.
Available Cements.
Class G
Class H
Density-API.
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Control free water to < 1 % at BHCT.
Yield When Mixed At API Density.
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
CLass H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. The cement thickening time must
be based on the BHCT. The BHCT is often hard to deter-
mine because it often is derived from log temperatures
that depend on the static period that has elapsed when the
log is run. It is important that the cement set at the liner
top in a reasonable time period. If a long interval is to be
covered by the liner, a considerable difference in the
BHCT and the liner top temperature may be seen. Ac-
curate circulating temperatures are required to specify
the cement's required working time. It is imperative that
only enough retarder be placed in the slurry to obtain the
required working time. Testing should be performed
with the on-site water and the cement-mill run that is to
be pumped. Compressive strength should exceed 500 psi
[3447 kPa] in 18 hours at the liner top and 1,000 psi
[6895 kPa] in 8 hours at the liner shoe.
High-Density Cement. Cement can be mixed to 17.5
Ibm/gal [2097 kg/m3] with dispersants and still be
pumpable. Normal dispersant concentration is 1.0%
BWOC. For densities higher than 17.5 Ibm/gal [2097
kg/m3], an inert weighting agent must be used. These
include barite (SG=4.23), hematite (SG=4.95), il-
menite (SG=4.45), and galena (SG=7.5). High-density
slurries generally are more difficult to mix and result in
reduced mix and pump rates (i.e., 1 to 3 bbl/min [2.6 to
7.9x 10- 3 m 3/s). For this reason, batch mixing is
suggested.
Viscosity. Rheologies of both the spacer and the cement
slurry must be considered to guarantee that excessive
2194
friction pressures are not experienced during pumping.
Rheologies should be available at both surface and
downhole temperatures. Viscosity can be reduced with
dispersants, but caution must be exercised not to increase
the free water in the slurry.
Freshwater-Sensitive Shales or Salt Sections. If salt sec-
tions are present, use 37.2% BWOW concentration of
NaCl in cement. If shale swelling is a problem, see
"Fluid Loss."
Fluid Loss. To prevent bridging in reduced annular
clearances, control fluid loss to < 3 cu in./30 min. [50
cm 3/30 min] at 1,000 psi [6895 kPa] differential
pressure 12. If annular gas flow is a problem, control
fluid loss to < 1.2 cu in./30 min [20 cm 3/30 min].
Fluid-loss control tests should be run at BHCT.
Annular Gas Flow. To prevent annular gas flow, the ce-
ment must have 1.22 cu in. [20 cm 3] or less fluid loss
per 30 minutes at 1,000 psi [6895 kPa] differential
pressure, and 0% free water at BHCT. A "threshold"
retarder should be used. The retarder will retard the ce-
ment set until it bums out and then a very rapid set will
occur. If field experience is favorable, an expandable
system with either nitrogen or hydrogen gas or a system
with a permeability blocker can also be used. In extreme
cases an ECP or high-differential-pressure-resistant liner
hanger packer may be useful (see "Liner Hardware").
Strength Retrogression. For bottomhole static
temperatures (BHST's) exceeding 230°F [110°C], silica
must be added to the cement to prevent strength
retrogression. The two forms of silica available are silica
flour and 100-mesh sand. For temperatures of 230 to
400°F [110 to 204°C], add 35%; for 400 to 700°F [204
to 371°C], add 40% silica BWOC.
Volume. The volume of cement slurry should be deter-
mined from local experience. Usually, the volume of ce-
ment to be run above the liner is determined, and that
volume plus 25 to 100% excess is added to the calipered
liner. The openhole annular volume is used to determine
a total volume. 16 The use of four-armed calipers is
recommended for determining hole volume.
Foaming. Add 0.30% BWOC (dry) or 1.0 gal/250 sacks
[1.5 x 10 -5 m 3/sack] (liquid) antifoaming agent to pre-
vent foaming.
Drilling Liners.
Mud/Cement Contact. Once the hole is drilled to total
depth, all cuttings should be circulated out of the hole
before pulling out with the bit. When the liner is landed
on bottom, the mud should be conditioned until 95 % of
the calculated hole volume is circulating. This can be
determined by use of carbide pills, oats, etc. A weighted
spacer that has a density equivalent to or above the mud
density should be pumped ahead of the cement. Spacer-
mud and spacer-cement compatibilities mnst be checked
when mixed with the on-site mix water. The spacer
should be designed not to exceed fracture pressure when
circulating at turbulent flow rates.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
 Available Cements.
Class G
Class H
Density-API.
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Control free water to 1 % at BHCT.
Yield When Mixed at API Density.
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. The cement thickening time must
be based on the BHCT. The BHCT is often hard to deter-
mine because it is often derived from log temperatures
that depend on the static period that has elapsed when the
log is run. The cement must be set at the liner top in a
reasonable time period. If a long interval is to be covered
by the liner, a considerable difference in the BHCT and
the liner top temperature may be seen. Accurate cir-
culating temperatures are required to determine the ce-
ment's required working time. It is imperative that only
enough retarder is placed in the slurry to obtain the re-
quired working time. Testing should be performed with
the on-site water and the cement-mill run that is to be
pumped. Compressive strength should exceed 500 psi
[3447 kPa] in 18 hours at the liner top and 1,000 psi
[6895 kPa], in 8 hours at the liner shoe.
High-Density Cement. Cement can be mixed to 17.5
Ibm/gal [2097 kg/m3] with dispersants and still be
pumpable. Normal dispersant concentration is 1.0%
BWOC. For densities higher than 17.5 Ibm/gal [2097
kg/m3], an inert weighting agent must be used. These
include barite (SG=4.23), hematite (SG=4.95), il-
menite (SG=4.45), and galena (SG=7.5). High-density
slurries generally are more difficult to mix and result in
reduced mix and pump rates (i.e. 1 to 3 bbl/min) [2.6 to
7.9xlO- 3 m 3/s]). For this reason, batch mixing is
suggested.
Viscosity. Rheologies of both the spacer and the cement
slurry must be considered to guarantee that excessive
friction pressures are not experienced during pumping.
Rheologies should be available at both surface and
downhole temperatures. Viscosity can be reduced with
dispersants, but caution must be exercised not to increase
the free water in the slurry.
Freshwater-Sensitive Shales or Salt Sections. If salt sec-
tions are present, use 37.2 % BWOW concentration of
NaCI in cement. If shale swelling is a problem, see
"Fluid Loss."
Fluid Loss. To prevent bridging in reduced annular
clearances control fluid loss to < 3 cu in.!30 min [50
cm 3/30 min] at 1,000 psi [6895 kPa] differential
pressure. 12 If annular gas flow is a problem, control
fluid loss to < 20 cm 3/30 min. Fluid-loss control tests
should be run at BHCT.
. Annular Gas Flow. To prevent annular gas flow, the ce-
ment must have 1.22 cu in. [20 cm 3] or less fluid loss
DECEMBER 1985
per 30 minutes at 1,000 psi [6895 kPa] differential
pressure and 0% free water at BHCT. A "threshold"
retarder should be used. It will retard the cement set until
it bums out and then a very rapid set will occur. If field
experience is favorable, an expandable system with
either nitrogen or hydrogen gas or a system with a
permeability filler can be used. In extreme cases an ECP
may be useful (see "Liner Hardware").
Strength Retrogression. For BHST's in excess of 230°F
[110°C], silica must be added to the cement to prevent
strength retrogression. The two forms of silica available
are silica flour and 100-mesh sand. For temperatures of
230 to 400°F [110 to 204°C], add 35%; for 400 to
700°F [204 to 371°C], add 40% silica BWOC.
Volume. The volume of cement slurry should be deter-
mined from local experience. Usually the volume of ce-
ment to be run above the liner is determined, and that
volume plus 25 to 100% excess is added to the calipered
liner. The openhole annular volume is used to determine
a total volume. 16 The use of four-armed calipers is
recommended for determining hole volume.
Foaming. Add 0.30% BWOC (dry) or 1.0 gal/250 sacks
[1.5 x 10 - 5 m 3/ sack] (liquid) anti foaming agent to pre-
vent foaming.
Tieback Liner.
Mud/Cement Contact. The drilling fluid in the liner cas-
ing annulus can be flushed with water or brine before
cementing if (1) the production liner top is not leaking
gas, (2) a negative differential test has been performed
on the liner and it passed, and (3) the production string
collapse rating permits. If the annulus can't be flushed
entirely, a large-volume water preflush can be circulated
ahead of the cement to minimize mud contamination.
Available Cements.
Class G
Class H
Cement Densities-API.
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Limit free water to < 1 %
Cement Yields When Mixed At API Densities.
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. Only enough retarder should be
placed in the slurry to enable the cement to be placed.
The compressive strength should exceed 1,000 psi [6895
kPa] in 12 hours at BHCT.
Strength Retrogression.
For temperatures exceeding 230°F [110°C], silica
should be added to the cement to prevent strength
retrogression. From 230 to 400°F [110 to 204°C], add
35% silica; from 400 to 700°F [204 to 371°C], use 40%
silica BWOC in the form of 100-mesh silica sand or
silica flour.
2195
Scab Liner.
Mud/Cement Contact. A freshwater preflush should be
run ahead of the cement to minimize mud/cement
contamination.
Available Cements.
Class A
Class C
Class G
Class H
Limit free water to < 1 %.
Density-API.
Class A: 15.6 Ibm/gal [1869 kg/m3]
Class C: 14.8 Ibm/gal [1773 kg/m 3]
Class G: 15.8 Ibm/gal [1893 kg/m3]
Class H: 16.46 Ibm/gal [1972 kg/m3]
Cement Yield When Mixed at API Density.
Class A: 1.18 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3 /sack]
Class C: 1.32 cu ft/sack [0.037 m 3/sack]
Class G: 1.15 cu ft/sack [0.033 m 3/sack]
Class H: 1.05 cu ft/sack [0.03 m 3/sack]
Strength Development. Depending on the BHCT at
which the scab liner is set, the retarder or accelerator
content should be adjusted to provide 1,000-psi
[6895-kPa] compressive strength in 12 hours at BHCT,
and to allow a working time 1 hour longer than an-
ticipated pumping time.
Sulfate Corrosion. Use a highly sulfate-resistant cement
if sulfate corrosion is expected to be a problem. Class C
cement with a C3A content < 2.5% will protect against
sulfate attack. This is only a problem in formations <
140°F [61°C].
Strength Retrogression. For temperatures exceeding
230°F [110°C], silica should be added to prevent ce-
ment strength retrogression. For temperatures of 230 to
400°F [110 to 204°C], add 35% silica; for 400 to 700°F
[204 to 371°C], add 40% silica BWOC. Silica is
available in the form of 100-mesh sand or silica flour.
Liner Hardware.
Float Shoe-Float Collar. Run float shoe on bottom and
run the float collar two joints up. Use dart check valves
in floats.
Landing Collar. Run landing collar one joint up from
float collar. Caliper the ID of latch-in receptacle and the
OD of the latch-in nose of the liner wiper plug before
making up the landing collar in the liner string.
Centralizers. Run API centralizers with an API or
equivalent number and placement. Use centralizers
designed for liner or slim-hole applications. Caliper cen-
tralizer OD to see that the standoff band's collar/contact
points do not increase the collar OD. If rotating the liner,
check that the centralizers rotate freely on the pipe.
2196
Scratchers. Use cable-type wipers. Use a reciprocating
or rotating type, depending on the planned pipe
movement.
ECP's. ECP's may be useful in the prevention of annular
gas flow. They can be run as a substitute for or in con-
junction with liner hanger packers, as experience dic-
tates. ECP's should be run in an in-gauge portion of the
hole or in the liner lap.
Thread Lock. Thread lock should be applied to all pieces
of liner hardware. It should never be spread on the
threads in the box end of a piece of hardware because
any excess may extrude into the liner, and possibly stick
a float, seal an entry port, etc.
Pipe Movement. The liner should be rotated and/or
reciprocated before and during cement placement.
Torque caused by rotation should be closely monitored
and should not exceed the liner makeup torque plus the
torque seen when rotating the drill string in the casing
before running the liner. Rotate the liner at 6 to 10 rpm's
and reciprocate a 15-ft [4.6-m] stroke every 5 minutes.
Swab Cups. Swab cups are designed to seal from the bot-
tom up. It is possible for mud to bypass the cups from
above and contaminate the cement as it goes down the
liner. The use of either retrievable or drillable two-way
seal assemblies will eliminate the possibility of con-
tamination. If using drillable seals, a mill (not a bit) must
be run to achieve a full bore opening through the hanger.
Safety Sub. A safety sub (drill pipe thread by liner thread)
should be on location in case an emergency arises that re-
quires running to bottom before the liner hanger is at-
tached to the top of the liner.
Drillpipe Rabbit. A drillpipe rabbit with the same or
larger OD than the drillpipe wiper dart should be
available. Rabbit all drillpipe while going in the hole
with the liner. 19
Casing Fill Line. Rig up a high-volume casing fill line
before running the liner. This should be a flexible line
connected to a high-volume centrifugal mud pump.
Place a ball valve on the end of the line. Fill the liner at
least at every three joints and the drill pipe at least every
100 ft [30.5 m].
Reversing Out. Never reverse out excess slurry because
that pressure may break down formations, resulting in a
liner lap squeeze. Pull straight out of the hole with a set-
ting tool and note on the drilling report when the pipe
started pulling dry.
JPT
Original manuscript received in the SOCiety of Petroleum Engineers office Oct. 5,
1983. Paper accepted for publication Aprit 23, 1984. Revised manuscript received
Oct. 4,1985. Paper (SPE 11981) first presented at the 1983 SPE Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition held in San Francisco Oct. 5-8.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY