CEMENTING

Prepared By
Archana
Assistant Professor/PE
Indian School Of Mines, Dhanbad

CEMENTING

Methods
Tools & Techniques
Cementing calculations
Special Cement System

CEMENTING

Cement is used primarily as an impermeable seal material in

oil and gas well drilling.
It is most widely used as a seal between casing and the
borehole, bonding the casing to the formation and providing a
barrier to the flow of fluids from, or into, the formations behind
the casing and from, and into, the subsequent hole section
Cement is also used for remedial or repair work on producing
wells.
It is used for instance to seal off perforated casing when a
producing zone starts to produce large amounts of water
and/or to repair casing leaks.

Cementing
The placement of a liquid slurry of cement and water inside or outside of the casing.
Primary cementing is carried out immediately after the casing is run.
Secondary cementing is carried out when remedial work is required.
Oil well cementing is the process of mixing and placing cement slurry in the annular
space between a string of casing and the open hole.
The cement sets, bonding the pipe to the formation.
Five factors are important to a good cementing job:
1. Cleaning the annulus without gouging, enhancing cement bonding to the wellbore
2. Centering the casing in the hole in order to form a uniform sheath of cement around
the casing and minimize the chances of a channeling effect on the cement job
3. Strengthening the cement in the annular space to allow for proper perforation in the
producing zone;
4. Bonding the cement to the casing surface to eliminate the possibility of a microannulus
5. Providing the necessary pipe movement, either rotation or reciprocation, to increase
turbulence, improve circulation, and provide complete displacement of the drilling fluid
with cement

The most important functions of a cement sheath between the

casing and borehole are:
To prevent the movement of fluids from one formation to another
or from the formations to surface through the annulus between
the casing and borehole.
To support the casing string (specifically surface casing)
To protect the casing from corrosive fluids in the formations.
Cement is only required to support the casing in the case of the
surface casing where the axial loads on the casing, due to the
weight of the wellhead and BOP connected to the top of the
casing string, are extremely high.
The cement sheath in this case prevents the casing from
buckling.

Functions of Cement
In an oil/ gas well, the primary functions of cement are:
1. Provide zonal isolation
2. Support axial load of casing strings
3. Provide casing protection against corrosive fluids
4. Support the wellbore
5. Protect water zones

Cement Manufacture & Chemistry

Raw material from calcareous and argillaceous rocks
(limestone, clay, shale and slag)
Dry raw materials finely ground and mixed in correction
proportions (kiln feed)
Chemical compositions of dry mix determined and adjusted
Kiln feed fed at a uniform rate in a sloping rotary kiln
The mixture travels at the lower end
Powdered coal, fuel oil or gas, fired into the kiln
Temperature reached to 2600-2800 F (1427-1538 C), calcined

 Chemical reactions o raw materials took place and a new

material formed (clinker)
The clinker varies in size from dust to particles of several
inches in diameter
The clinkers sent to air cooler, quenched and put into storage
(storage time)
The clinker ground with a controlled amount of gypsum
(Portland cement)
Cement packed and transported for customers
Gypsum between 1 to 3% to control setting and hardening of
cement

ASTM Types
There are two major classification systems for cements. The first cement
classification was developed by the American Society for Testing Materials
(ASTM) and covered five types of portland cement, primarily for
construction usage:
Type I
for use in general concrete construction when special properties specified
for Types II, III, IV and V are not required.
Note: Type I is usually referred to as "common" cement.
Type II
for use in general concrete construction exposed to moderate sulfate
action, or when moderate heat of hydration is required.
Note: Type II is usually referred to as "high early."
Type III
for use when high early strength is require. Type III cement is not
commonly used in oil wells.

Type IV
for use when low heat of hydration is require. Type IV cement is not commonly
used in oil wells.
Type V
for use when high sulfate resistance is require. Type V cement is not commonly
used in oil wells.
API Specifications
With the advent of drilling of deeper oil wells it became apparent that the ASTM
classification for cement would not meet the conditions necessary for the
cementing of these deeper wells.
This necessitated the formulation of an API (American Petroleum Institute)
Specification for Oil-Well Cements.
The are classified in API Spec 10 as follows:
A well cement which has been manufactured and supplied according to this
specification may be mixed and placed in the field using water ratios or additives
at the user's discretion.
It is not intended that manufacturing compliance with this specification be based
on such field conditions

Classes and Grades.

Well cement shall be specified in the following Classes (A, B,
C, D, E, F, G and H) and Grades (O, MSR and HSR).
Oilwell cements are also available in either moderate sulfateresistant (MSR) or high sulfate-resistant (HSR) grades.
Sulfate-resistant grades are used to prevent
deterioration of set cement downhole caused by
sulfate attack by formation waters.

Classes Of cement
Oil well cement is manufactured to API Specification 10 and is divided into 8 classes (A-H) depending
upon its properties.
Class G and H are basic well cements which can be used with accelerators and retarders to cover a
wide range of depths and temperatures.
The principal difference between these two classes is that Class H is significantly coarser than Class G.
The difference in properties produced by the cement powders is caused by the differences in the
distribution of the four basic compounds which are used to make cement powder; C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF
The different cement classes are:
CLASS A
CLASS B
CLASS C
CLASS D
CLASS E
CLASS F
CLASS G
CLASS H

CLASS A: Intended for use from surface to a depth of 6,000 ft (1,830 m), when
special properties are not required. Similar to ASTM (American Society for Testing
Materials) Type I cement.
CLASS B: Intended for use from surface to a depth of 6,000 ft (1,830 m). Moderate
to high sulphate resistance. Similar to ASTM Type II, and has a lower C3A content
than Class A.
CLASS C: Intended for use from surface to a depth of 6,000 ft (1,830 m) when
conditions require early strength. Available in all three degrees of sulphate
resistance, and is roughly equivalent to ASTM Type III. To achieve high early
strength, the C3S content and the surface area are relatively high.
CLASS D: Intended for use from 6,000 ft (1,830 m) to 10,000 ft (3,050 m) under
conditions of moderately high temperatures and pressures. It is available in MSR
(moderate sulphate resistance) and HSR (high sulphate resistance) types.
CLASS E: Intended for use from 10,000 ft (3,050 m) to 14,000 ft (4,270 m) under
conditions of high temperatures and pressures. It is available in MSR and HSR types.
CLASS F: Intended for use from 10,000 ft (3,050 m) to 16,000 ft (4,880 m) depth
under conditions of extremely high temperatures and pressures. It is available in
MSR and HSR types.

 Class G: Intended for use as a basic cement from the surface to

8,000 feet. It may be used with accelerators and retarders to cover
a wide range of well depths and temperatures.
Class H: Intended for use as a basic cement from the surface to
8,000 feet. It may be used with accelerators and retarders to cover
a wide range of well depths and temperatures.
Class J: Intended for use from 12,000 to 16,000 feet under
conditions of extremely high temperatures and pressures or to be
used with accelerators and retarders to cover a range of well depths
and temperatures.
CLASS G + CLASS H: Intended for use as a basic well cement from
surface to 8,000 ft (2,440 m) as manufactured, or can be used with
accelerators and retarders to cover a wide range of well depths and
temperatures. No additions other than calcium sulphate or water, or
both, shall be interground or blended with the clinker during
manufacture of Class G and H well cements. They are available in
both MSR and HSR types.

There are other, non-API, terms used to classify cement. These include the
following:
Pozmix cement - This is formed by mixing Portland cement with
pozzolan
(ground volcanic ash) and 2% bentonite. This is a very lightweight but durable
cement. Pozmix cement is less expensive than most other types of cement and
due to its light weight is often used for shallow well casing cementation
operations.
Gypsum Cement - This type of cement is formed by mixing Portland
cement with gypsum. These cements develop a high early strength and can be
used for remedial work. They expand on setting and deteriorate in the presence
of water and are therefore useful for sealing off lost circulation zones.
Diesel oil cement - This is a mixture of one of the basic cement classes
(A, B, G,H), diesel oil or kerosene and a surfactant. These cements have
unlimited setting times and will only set in the presence of water. Consequently
they are often used to seal off water producing zones, where they absorb and
set to form a dense hard cement.

PROPERTIES OF CEMENT
The properties of a specific cement slurry will depend on the
particular reason for using the cement. However, there are
fundamental properties which must be considered when
designing any cement slurry.
Compressive strength
Thickening time (pumpability)
Slurry density
Water loss
Corrosion resistance
Permeability

Slurry density
Should be the same as mud to minimize the risk or blowouts
or lost circulation
Measured using mud balance
Low density are prepared with bentonite, pozzolan, gilsonite,
perlite, Diatomacous earth
Bentonite is used in concentration up to 35%, the rduction is
due to water added.
Each 1% of bentonite needs 4% of water.
One sack cement equals 94 lbs (50 kg) and measure 1 cu. ft
Density increases by adding barite, iron ores or galena
Each 1% of needs 0.2% increase in mixing water.

Thickening Time
Determine the length of time the slurry can be pumped
It is the time necessary for the slurry consistenecy to reach 100 poises
under stimulated bottom hole pressure and temperature
Measured using cement consistometer
Thickening time is affected by:
Pumping rate: eddies and currents resulting from turbulent flow increases
thickening time.
Fineness to which the clinker is ground
Additives: accelerators to decrease thickening time, retarders to increase it.
Accelerators are calcium chloride.
Retarders are calcium lignosulphonate and pozzolan
Accelarators are used to cement shallow wells and surface casings.
Retarders are used for cementing deep and hot wells.
In practice the thickening time should be at least 25% higher than the time
necessary to accomplish the

Cement Strength
Cement in oil wells is subjected to static and dynamic stresses
Static stress due to dead weight of pipe; compressive stresses due
to the action of fluid and formations
Dynamic stresses resulting from drilling operation, especially the
vibration of drill string
To withstand these stresses a compressive strength of 500 psi after
24 hours period is needed
High early strength possesses strength higher than ordinary
strength in the first 30 hours.
Density reduction materials always decreases cement strength
Retarders reduce both early and late strength
Fine sand increases final cement strength
Strength retrograte between 80 to 120 C
Silica flour is added to prevent temperature effect

Filtration
Water loss of neat cement is very high
Laboratory tests show that up to 50% of mixing water is lost
by filtration through rock or filter papers
Presence of small thickness mud cake reduces filtration
High density slurry results in higher filtration loss
Additives to reduce filtration are bentonite, organic colloids
(CMHEC)

Permeability
Naturally, permeability of set cement should be the lowest
possible.
Bentonite cements are known to be very permeable (values
up to 10 md are reported, while special cements (latex
cement) have permeabilities as low as one micodarcy.
The following factors influence the permeability of the set
cement:
Water/cemet ratios: High W/C ratio increases the
permeability
Downhole conditions: high pressure and confinement due to
their compacting effects decrease the permeability of set
cement

Perforating Qualities
Ordinary cements, when they are completely hardened,
fracture excessively when perforated.
Low strength cements are usually less brittle and have less
tendency to shatter upon perforating.
Additives such as bentonite, pozzolan and latex increase the
ductility of set cement.

Corrosion Resistance
Set cement could be penetrated by corrosive liquids
especially those containing CO3 or SO4 irons.
Cement corrosion decreases the final compressive strength
render the cement more permeable.
Reduction of the hardening time improves the cement
resistance to corrosion by corrosive fluids.
Bond Requirements
For clean surfaces (rock or metal) the bond increases with
time and moderate temperatures.
Mud cake and dirty casing surfaces reduce markedly the
bond between casing or rock and cement.
Additives such as salt and fine sand increases the bond
between casing and the set cement

Cementing Additives
Additional chemicals are used to control slurry density, rheology,
and fluid loss, or to provide more specialised slurry properties
Generally, additives are used to alter setting time, change slurry
density, lower the water-loss characteristic, improve flow
properties, or improve the strength of the bond with the pipe.
Why use Cement Additives
Additives modify the behaviour of the cement slurry allowing
cement placement under a wide range of downhole conditions.
There are many additives available for cement and these can be
classified under one of the following categories:
Accelerators: Retarders: Extenders: Weighting Agents:
Dispersants: Fluid-Loss Additives: Lost Circulation Control
Agents: Strength Retrogression: Miscellaneous Agents:

CEMENT ADDITIVE
Cement additive can be divided into two types:
1. Chemical additives
2. Non Chemical Additives
.Chemical Additives: Chemical additives are accelerators,
retarders, dispersants and fluid loss control additives etc.,
which affect the chemical process of hydration, Generally small
concentrations of these additives are required (exception is
chloride and silica) to get desired slurry properties.
.Non Chemical Additives: Non chemical additives are density
controlling additives and lost circulation additives, those do not
react with cement and are usually naturally occurring minerals
of ores which are chemically inert in the presence of cement.

Accelerators are added to the cement slurry to shorten the time taken for the
cement to set.
These are used when the setting time for the cement would be much longer
than that required to mix and place the slurry, and the drilling rig would incur
WOC time.
Accelerators are especially important in shallow wells where temperatures are
low and therefore the slurry may take a long time to set.
It is generally used in surface casing cementation to reduce WOC (Waiting On
Cement) time.
In deeper wells the higher temperatures promote the setting process, and
accelerators may not be necessary.
The most common types of accelerator are:
Calcium chloride (CaCl2) 1.5 - 2.0%
Sodium chloride (NaCl) 2.0 - 2.5%
Seawater
It should be noted that at higher concentrations these additives will act as
retarders.

Accelerators:
Chemicals which reduce the thickening time of a slurry and
increase the rate
of early strength development.
They are usually use in conductor and surface casing to
reduce waiting on cement time (WOC).
Commonly used as accelerators:
Calcium chloride (CaCl2)
Sodium chloride (NaCl) and sea water

Retarders:
Chemicals which retard the setting time (extend the thickening) of a slurry to aid
cement placement before it hardens.
These additives are usually added to counter the effects of high temperature.
They are used in cement slurries for intermediate and production casings,
squeeze and cement plugs and high temperature wells.
Cement retarders are generally not recommended for use in sea water, which
has an accelerating concentration of NaCI. The common practice is to replace sea
water by fresh water while using retarders. These additives can either be dry
blended with cement or be used in prehydrated form (dissolved in mix water).
Typical retarders include:
Sugar; lignosulphonates, hydroxycarboxylic acids, inorganic compounds and
cellulose derivatives.
Retarders work mainly by adsorption on the cement surface to inhibit contact
with water and elongate the hydration process;
Although there are other chemical mechanisms involved.

Extenders/Lightweight additives:
Materials which lower the slurry density and increase the yield to allow
weak formations to be cemented without being fractured by the cement
column.
Examples of extenders include: water, bentonite, sodium silicates,
pozzlans, gilsonite, expanded perlite, nitrogen and ceramic
microspheres.
Weighting Agents:
Materials which increase slurry density including barite and haematite.
The most common types of lightweight additives are:
Bentonite (2 - 16%) - This is by far the most common type of additive
used to lower slurry density. The bentonite material absorbs water, and
therefore allows more mixwater to be added.
Bentonite will also however reduce compressive strength and sulphate
resistance.

 Pozzolan - This may be used in a 50/50 mix with the Portland cement. The result
is a slight decrease in compressive strength, and increased sulphate resistance.
Diatomaceous earth (10 - 40%) - The large surface area of diatomaceous earth
allows more water absorption, and produces low density slurries (down to 11
ppg).
Heavyweight additives
Heavyweight additives are used when cementing through overpressured zones.
The most common types of additive are:
Barite (barium sulphate) - this can be used to attain slurry densities of up to
18ppg. It also causes a reduction in strength and pumpability.
Hematite (Fe2O3) - The high specific gravity of hematite can be used to raise
slurry densities to 22 ppg. Hematite significantly reduces the pumpability of
slurries and therefore friction reducing additives may be required when using
hematite.
Sand - graded sand (40 - 60 mesh) can give a 2 ppg increase in slurry density.

Friction reducing additives (Dispersants):

Dispersants are added to improve the flow properties of the
slurry. In particular they will lower the viscosity of the slurry so
that turbulence will occur at a lower circulating pressure,
thereby reducing the risk of breaking down formations.
Chemicals which lower the slurry viscosity and may also
increase free water by dispersing the solids in the cement
slurry.
Dispersants are solutions of negatively charged polymer
molecules that attach themselves to the positively charges
sites of the hydrating cement grains.
The result is an increased negative on the hydrating cement
grains resulting in greater repulsive forces and particle
dispersion.

The most commonly used are:

Polymers 0.3 - 0.5 lb/sx of cement
Salt 1 - 16 lb/sx
Calcium lignosulphanate 0.5 - 1.5 lb/sxg)

FLUID LOSS ADDITIVES:

Fluid loss additives are used to prevent dehydration of the cement
slurry and premature setting.
These are used primarily to maintain a constant water to solid
ratio in cement slurry, thereby improve primary cement jobs.
The principal mechanisms of fluid loss control are :
(1) To form film or micells (e.g. synthetic polymers) which control the
flow of water from cement slurry and prevent rapid dehydration.
(2) Improve particle size distribution (e.g dispersant) which
determines how liquid is held or trapped in the slurry .
(3) To increase the viscosity of interstitial water and also the slurry
itself (e.g. cellulose derivatives) thereby controlling the fluid loss
because as per Darcy's law the filtration rate will decrease wfth
increasing viscosity of filtering medium.

Advantages of using fluid loss additives

Minimise formation damage from slurry filtrate.
Prevent lost circulation and struck pipe by preventing cement
dehydration in the annulus.
Minimise gas channeling.
Prevent changes in slurry rheology.
Decrease free water of cement slurries.

Fluid-Loss Additives:
Excessive fluid losses from the cement slurry to the formation can affect the
correct setting of cement.
Fluid loss additives are used to prevent slurry dehydration and reduce fluid
loss to the formation.
Examples include: cationic polymer, non-ionic synthetic polymer, anionic
synthetic polymer and cellulose derivative
Lost Circulation Control Agents:
Materials which control the loss of cement slurry to weak or fractured
formations.
Strength Retrogression:
At temperatures above 230 F, normal cement develop high permeability and
reduction in strength.
The addition of 30-40% BWOC (by weight of cement) silica flour prevents
both strength reduction and development of permeability at high
temperatures.

cementing
equipment

Downhole
cementing
equipment

Floating
Equipment

In order to carry out a conventional primary cement job some

special equipment must be included in the casing string as it is
run.
Casing Guide Shoe OR Float shoe: A short cylindrical steel
component which is attached to the bottom of a casing string.
The float shoe has a check valve and functions in the same
manner as the float collar. In addition the float shoe has a
rounded bottom which acts as a guide shoe for the casing.
Float Collar : A special device inserted one or two joints
above the bottom of a casing string. The float collar contains a
check valve which permits fluid flow in a downward direction
only. The collar thus prevents the back flow of cement once it
has been displaced.
Centralizers: A device secured around the casing which is

Floating equipment is generally used in the lower section of the well to help:
Reduce strain on the derrick while guiding casing past ledges and slough zones in the hole;
Provide a landing point for bottom and top cementing plugs (pumped ahead of and behind the
slurry as part of cementing operations);
Provide a backpressure valve to prevent cement from flowing back into the inner diameter of the
casing after the cement has turned the corner into the annulus and the top plug has been bumped.
Basic floating equipment includes the float collar and either the guide shoe or float shoe:
The guide shoe runs on the first joint of casing to be run into the hole to help maneuver the casing
past annular irregularities. The guide shoe includes side ports and an open end to enable fluid
circulation for mud conditioning, hole cleaning, and cement placement.
The float shoe contains a backpressure valve that prevents fluids from entering the casing while
the pipe is lowered into the hole and prevents cement from flowing back into the casing after
placement, while enabling circulation down through the casing.
Float collars are placed one to three joints above the guide shoe or float shoe. They provide a seat
for the cement plugs, the bottom plug pumped ahead of the cement and the top plug behind the
full volume of slurry. Once seated, the top plug shuts off fluid flow and prevents over-displacement
of the cement. The space between the float shoe and the float collar provides a containment area
to entrap the likely-contaminated fluids from the wiping action of the top cementing plug, securing
the contaminated fluid away from the shoe where a strong cement bond is of primary importance.
Float collars include a backpressure valve and serve basically the same function as the float shoe.

Floating Equipment: Cement planning involves evaluating and

selecting equipment to be used with the cementing process.
The down hole equipment include shoes and collars that are
run as integral sections of the casing string.
These floating equipment are commonly used to reduce
derrick stresses by allowing the casing to float.
Some basic types of floating and guiding equipment are :
1. Casing shoes
2. Float Collars

Guide shoe/Float Shoe - A guide shoe is run on the bottom

of the first joint of casing. It has a rounded nose to guide the
casing past any ledges or other irregularities in the hole .

Casing Shoe:
A casing shoe joint is a short heavy walled pipe run on the
bottom of the casing string. Casing shoes are generally of
following types :

(1)For shallow wells where it is not necessary to guide or float

the casing to bottom, a single guide shoe is used.
(2) A guide shoe with conical end with 4 to 5 holes are also
being used for shallow wells. lf the casing rests on bottom or is
plugged with cutting, circulation can be achieved through the
side ports.
(3) A guide shoe with cement and an orifice through the centre
that allows mud to pass freely.

(4) The combination guide or float shoe usually incorporates a baIlor

spring loaded back pressure valve. The outside body is made of steel, of
same strength as that of the casing. The back pressure valve is enclosed
in plastic and high strength concrete. This valve prevents mud from
flowing into the casing from the bottom yet allows fluid to be pumped
through the shoe. This mechanism can be used to float the casing into
the well in cases where the derrick capacity cannot safely support the
unbuoyed weight of the casing string. In addition, the float valve
prevents surface from casing pressure resulting from cement U-tubing.
5) A float shoe contains a differential automatic fill up valve. While
conventional floating equipment lessens the hookload, it also increases
down hole pressure surges and causes frequent delays in the casing job
for filiing the pipe. These disadvantages are overcome by use of
automatic fill up equipment which allows either partial or complete mud
entry still retaining the

FLOAT COLLARS:
Float collars have basically the same features as shoes.
They are commonly known as baffle collars (without valves), float
collars, and differential or automatic fill up collars, located one or
more joints above the shoe.
The float collar, in addition to float and fill up functions, acts as a
seat for pump down wiper plugs. It thus indicates when placement
of slurry is complete.
Since cement immediately below the wiper plug may be
contaminated, the collar should be positioned at least two joints
above the shoe to minimize the amount of contaminated cement
pumped out around the shoe.
A baffle collar arrangement instead of a float collar resembles a
float collar without a back pressure valve. it is used to stop the
wiper plug and leave one or more joints of casing filled with
cement.

Float collar - A float collar is positioned 1 or 2 joints above

the guide shoe. It acts as a seat for the cement plugs used in
the pumping and displacement of the cement slurry. This
means that at the end of the cement job there will be some
cement left in the casing between the float collar and the
guide shoe which must be drilled out.

 The float collar also contains a non-return valve so that the

cement slurry cannot flow back up the casing.
This is necessary because the cement slurry in the annulus
generally has a higher density than the displacing fluid in the
casing, therefore a U-tube effect is created when the cement
is in position and the pumps are stopped.
Sometimes the guide shoe also has a non-return valve as an
extra precaution. It is essential that the non-return valves are
effective in holding back the cement slurry.

Centralisers - These are hinged metal ribs which are installed

on the casing string as it is run . Their function is to keep the
casing away from the borehole so that there is some annular
clearance around the entire circumference of the casing
The proper use of centralisers will help to:
Improve displacement efficiency
(i.e. place cement all the way around the casing)
Prevent differential sticking

Casing centralizers
Casing centralizer is a mechanical device that keeps casing from contacting the
wellbore wall. A continuous 360-degree annular space around casing allows
cement to completely seal the casing to the borehole wall. There are two distinct
classes of centralizers.
(1) Bow spring design:-The older and more common is a simple, low-cost bowspring design. Since the bow springs are slightly larger than the wellbore, they can
provide complete centralization in vertical or slightly deviated wells. However, they
do not support the weight of the casing very well in deviated wellbores.
(2) Rigid blade design:-This type is rugged and works well even in deviated
wellbores, but since the centralizers are smaller than the wellbore, they will not
provide as good centralization as bow-spring type centralizers in vertical wells.
Rigid-blade casing centralizers are slightly more expensive and can cause trouble
downhole if the wellbore is not in excellent condition.

Bow spring centralizers

A metal strip shaped like a hunting bow and attached to a tool or to
the outside of casing. Bow-spring centralizers are used to keep casing
in the center of a wellbore or casing ("centralized") prior to and
during a cement job. Bow spring centralizers are also of two types:(1) Welded centralizers:-Integral hinges have eight sections and
seven shear points for maximum load capacity and hinges wrap to
the inside, against the casing, for optimum design strength. Bow
springs are of high quality spring steel which undergo special heat
treatment to achieve maximum centering power and minimum
running resistance.
(2) Non welded centralizers:- Non-weld centralizers have no
weak spots , so this make them more suitable to use. Moreover, they
can be used for both tubing and casing applications.

Welded centralizer

Non welded centralizer

Rigid centralizers
Rigid centralizers are rugged and they works well even in deviated
wellbores. The rigid centralizers are generally constructed in one piece
to add greater strength and are held in place by high load stop collars
or set screws. Rigid centralizers are of different types:(1) Spiral and short spiral rigid centralizers:- Spiral design provides
optimum
flow area and there extra length gives maximum
centralization. Blades overlap the entire 360 open hole circumference
and reduced flow area between the spiral provides a vortex motion for
increased fluid velocity.
(2) Spiraglider centralizers:- They are designed specifically for highly
deviated and horizontal wells. They are ideal for use with liner
hangers. There fins create vortex flow to optimize mud displacement

Spiral centralizer

Spiraglider centralizer

Roller centralizers

Roller centralizers is a mechanical friction

reduction system that performs independently of
drilling or completion mud film strength or
lubricity. The small contact area of the rollers with
the casing or borehole wall functions exceptionally
well in under-pressured conditions, where risk of
differential sticking is high. Roller centralizers
have been used primarily to run casing and sandcontrol screens into unconsolidated sandstone
reservoirs.

 Centralisers are particularly required in deviated wells where the

casing tends to lie on the low side of the hole.
The centraliser is prevented from moving up and down the casing
by positioning the centraliser across a casing coupling or a collar
known as a stop collar.
The spacing of centralisers will vary depending on the requirements
of each cement job.
In critical zones, and in highly deviated parts of the well, they are
closely spaced, while on other parts of the casing string they may
not be necessary at all.
A typical programme might be:
1 centraliser immediately above the shoe
1 every joint on the bottom 3 joints
1 every joint through the production zone
1 every 3 joints elsewhere

Wipers/scratcher
s
Scratchers remove excessive wall cake and improve the cement
bond between the casing and porous formations while reinforcing
the cement column. The scratchers feature large fluid-bypass slots
and coiled bristles for bending durability. There are two types of
scratchers:(1)Reciprocating scratchers:- These wipers remove excess wall
cake to improve cementto-formation bonding by producing a wiping
action during running and reciprocation.
(2)Rotating scratchers:- Rotating wellbore wipers can be used when
well conditions do not permit reciprocation of the casing string, but
do permit rotation.

Reciprocating scratchers

Rotating scratchers

SCRATCHERS

Cement baskets
Cement baskets are downhole device
or tool component designed to catch
debris or objects, such as balls, darts
or
plugs
dropped
to
actuate
downhole equipment or tools. The
cement baskets are to be run on
casing where there is a possibility of
losing returns due to porous or weak
formations.
They
also
aid
in
supporting the cement and mud
column, until the cement takes its
initial set.

Cementi
ng

Stop collars are used to

secure
centralizers,
Stop collars
wipers or scratchers to
the
pipe.
The
two
methods employed are
the positive grip and the
friction grip. In the
positive grip type the
stop collar is secured by
special carbonized pins
driven into slots placed
tangentially to the pipe.
The friction type is
secured to the pipe by
bolts.

Bridge plug and fracture plug

Bridge plug:- The bridge plugs are made of composite
materials and are employed similarly to conventional
permanent bridge plugs. The plugs can isolate a lower
zone during squeeze cementing operations on land or
offshore rigs in either vertical or deviated wells. The
plugs can be set using electric wireline or slickline
setting tools, or by using coiled tubing or mechanical
setting tools.
Fracture plug:- The plugs are employed to achieve
zonal isolation during multizone stimulation treatments
and operate by holding differential pressure from above
the plug while allowing flow back from below the plug.

Squeeze packer
The packer can function as a cement
retainer during squeeze cementing
operations on land or offshore rigs in
either vertical or deviated wells. The
packer's design reduces drillout time
which, in turn, results in shorter rig
times and less possibility of damaged
casing. During operation, the packer
operating mandrel (stinger) is inserted
into the packer bore where it seals the
work string and distributes weight to the
slips and packer rubbers.

SVB squeeze packer

The SVB (sliding valve brass) composite squeeze
packer is the only composite squeeze packer. It is
designed to control cement slurry used in remedial
cementsqueeze operations. SVCRs can be used
for :(1) slurry control on all types of cementsqueeze jobs,
(2) downhole well control,
(3) flow testing,
(4) primary cementing, and
(5) plugtoabandon workovers.

Plug back stingers

At one time or another, most wells require the
setting of down hole cement plugs, whether for
side tracking, directional drilling, abandonment,
running casing or plugging back to test.
Cementing experts agree that one of the most
effective procedures is the employment of a
small diameter pipe, equipped with abrading
devices to mechanically remove gelled mud
and filter cake. The centralizing and abrading
action that the Plug-Back Stingers provide
greatly improves the mud displacement
efficiency of the cement slurry.

STAGE CEMENTING
EQUIPMENT

STAGE CEMENTING EQUIPMENT

Stage collar: Stage collar is a casing joint with ports which can
be opened or closed or sealed off by pressure moved sleeves.
It has got the following components.
lower opening sleeve
Upper closing sleeve
First stage plug
Trip plug or opening plug or bomb plug
Closing plug

(a)lower opening sleeve: When the slide by the tripping plug, slides it
down, then the ports are opened for circulation. It is made of drillable
material.
(b)Upper closing sleeve: By the top plug the upper closing sleeve slides and
closes the ports. Along with this sleeve another outer sleeve moves and
it seals off the ports from outside even after drilling out of both the
sleeves. The sleeves slide with a pressure of 35 kg/cm2 by which shear
pins get sheared off .
(c) First stage plug: It is used to separate the slurry from drilling fluid and
gives a positive indication to the end of displacement after sitting over
the baffle rubber plate mounted over the float collar. This plug easily
passes through the stage collar without disturbing the sleeves.
(d)Trip plug or opening plug or bomb plug: It is dropped after the first stage
and is allowed to reach stage collar by gravity. Subsequent application of
pressure 70 to 105 kg/cm2 (1000 to 1500 psi) will move the lower sleeve
and the ports will open for circulation. The opening plug is made heavy
by Lead and is of drillable material.

(e) Closing plug: It is pushed by mud after pumping of cement

slurry of second stage. After complete displacement of cement
slurry it reaches at stage collar and sits on the upper sleeve and
by applying a pressure of 70 to 105 kg/cm2 the upper sleeve
moves down along with inner/outer sleeve which closes the
ports and seals the stage collar .

Stage cementing collar

The Stage Cementing Collars are used when it is
desirable to cement two or three separate sections in the
same casing string or to cement a long section in two or
three stages. The multiple stage cementing collar is
installed in the casing string at the specific points where
second and third stage cementing is required. In
operation a Pathfinder centralizer should be installed a
joint above and a joint below the stage collar. A landing
plate (Baffle) should be installed above the float
equipment used.

Multiple stage cementing collar

This tool is used to effectively cement upper
sections of the casing string after displacing
cement around the lower section. The tool
provides a means of opening and closing port
holes for cement displacement and positive
containment of the cement after displacement.
All internal parts are easily drilled, and are firmly
held from rotating during drilling. When running
the collar it is advisable to place a casing
centralizer above and below and to run a
cementing basket below the cementing ports.

Baffle inserts and baffle plates

The Baffle Inserts and Baffle Plates
are available for use when filling or
floating equipment isn't required.
Either the insert or the plate can be
used in a coupling for landing a
plug on completion of cementing.
They are available in either
aluminium or fibre. The desired
guiding equipment should be used
with the insert or plate.

Surface
cementing
equipment

Cement mixing equipments

Jet mixers making use of venturi effect are very popular.
Mixer of this type is simple in design reliable and rugged in
operation. Control mixing rate is dependent upon:(1) Regulation of the volume of water forced through the
jet, and
(2) Keeping the hopper full of dry cement.
(3) A by-pass line can supply extra water for lowering slurry
weight by increase of water cement ratio.

Cement storage and transport equipment

Depending on requirements
various types and sizes of bulk
storage
and
transport
equipment can be used. This
may range from single silo
arrangements to complete bulk
plants. Auxiliary bulk equipment
such as compressors, blending
tanks, dust collectors and rock
catchers can also be used.

Mixing and pumping facilities:

The water is added to the cement in a jet mixer . The mixer
consists of a funnel shaped hopper, a mixing bowl, a water supply
line and an outlet for the slurry.
As the mix water is pumped across the lower end of the hopper a
venture effect is created and cement powder is drawn down into
the flow of mix water and a slurry is created.
The slurry flows into a slurry tub where its density is measured.
The density of the slurry should be regularly checked during the
cement job since this is the primary means by which the quality
of the slurry is determined.
If the density of the slurry is correct then the correct amount of
mix water has been mixed with the cement powder. Samples can
be taken directly from the mixer and weighed in a standard mud
balance or automatic devices (densometers) can also be used.

 Various types of cement pumping units are available. For land based jobs
they can be mounted on a truck, while skid mounted units are used
offshore.
The unit normally has twin pumps (triplex, positive displacement) which
may be diesel powered or driven by electric motors.
These units can operate at high pressures (up to 20,000 psi) but are
generally limited to low pumping rates.
Most units are capable of mixing and displacing 50 - 70 cubic feet of
slurry per minute.
In order to minimise contamination by the mud in the annulus a preflush
or spacer fluid is pumped ahead of the cement slurry.
The actual composition of the spacer depends on the type of mud being
used. For water based muds the spacer fluid is often just water, but
specially designed fluids are available.
The volume of spacer is based on the need to provide sufficient
separation of mud and cement in the annulus (20 50 bbls of spacer is
common).

Cementing heads:

 The cement head provides the connection between the

discharge line from the cement unit and the top of the
casing.
This piece of equipment is designed to hold the cement plugs
used in the conventional primary cement job.
The cement head makes it possible to release the bottom
plug, mix and pump down the cement slurry, release the top
plug and displace the cement without making or breaking the
connection to the top of the casing.
For ease of operation the cement head should be installed as
close to rig floor level as possible.
The cement jobs will be unsuccessful if the cement plugs are
not installed in the correct sequence or are not released from
the cementing head.

 Mud is normally used to displace the cement slurry.

The cement pumps or the rig pumps may be used for the
displacement.
It is recommended that the cement slurry is displaced at as
high a rate as possible.
High rate displacement will aid efficient mud displacement. It
is highly unlikely that it will be possible to achieve turbulence
in the cement slurry since it is so viscous and has such a high
density.
However, it may be possible to generate turbulence in the
spacer and this will result in a more efficient displacement of
the mud

Cementing Head
Cementing Head is a special tool for pumping slurry and
releasing plug, and cementing Head is used as wellhead unit in
all kinds of cementing operation. The types of cementing head
are various as single-plugs, double-plugs, multi-plugs, drill pipe
cementing head and so on.
Single plug Cementing Head : Double Plug Cementing Head:
Drill Pipe Cementing Head

Casing cementing heads

and Plug Container
Cementing heads or plug containers provide
the union for connecting the cementing
lines from the service unit to the casing. It is
used to provide continuous cementing
operations. They are of two types:Plug containers:-Plug containers are used
to hold cementing in casing string until
released. They are of two types- Quick
opening and Continuous cementing heads.

CEMENTING PLUGS

CEMENTING PLUGS
Cementing plugs:-A rubber plug used to separate the
cement slurry from other fluids, reducing contamination
and maintaining predictable slurry performance. There
are two types of plugs. The top plug has a solid body that
provides positive indication of contact with the landing
collar and bottom plug through an increase in pump
pressure.

Cementing
Process

There are two types of cementing process :

(1) Primary Cementation.
(2) Secondary Cementation.
The cementation that takes place soon after the lowering of
casing is called the primary cementation and any
cementation job after primary cementation is known as
secondary cementation.

FUNCTIONS OF PRIMARY CEMENTATION

Oil well cementing is the process of mixing a slurry of cement
and water and pumping it down through steel casing to the
critical points in the annulus between casing and open hole.
The main functions of primary cementation are :
(1) to bond and support the casing.
(2) protecting the casing from corrosion.
(3) to restrict fluid movement between formations.
(4) preventing blowout by quickly forming a seal.
(5) protecting the casing from shock loads during drilling deeper.
(6) sealing-off zones of lost circulation.

TECHNIQUES OF PRIMARY CEMENTATION

Following different techniques are used for primary
cementation.
(1) Single stage cementation
(2) Double stage cementation
(3) Multistage cementation
(4) LINER CEMENTATION

PRIMARY CEMENTING:
The objective of a primary cement job is to place the cement slurry in the annulus behind
the casing. In most cases this can be done in a single operation, by pumping cement down
the casing, through the casing shoe and up into the annulus.
However, in longer casing strings and in particular where the formations are weak and may
not be able to support the hydrostatic pressure generated by a very long column of cement
slurry, the cement job may be carried out in two stages.
The first stage is completed in the manner described above, with the exception that the
cement slurry does not fill the entire annulus, but reaches only a pre-determined height
above the shoe.
The second stage is carried out by including a special tool in the casing string which can be
opened, allowing cement to be pumped from the casing and into the annulus.
This tool is called a multi stage cementing tool and is placed in the casing string at the
point at which the bottom of the second stage is required.
When the second stage slurry is ready to be pumped the multi stage tool is opened and the
second stage slurry is pumped down the casing, through the stage cementing tool and into
the annulus, as in the first stage. When the required amount of slurry has been pumped,
the multi stage tool is closed. This is known as a two stage cementing operation.

The height of the cement sheath, above the casing shoe, in the
annulus depends on the particular objectives of the cementing
operations.
In the case of conductor and surface casing the whole annulus is
generally cemented so that the casing is prevented from buckling
under the very high axial loads produced by the weight of the
wellhead and BOP.
In the case of the intermediate and production casing the top of the
cement sheath (Top of Cement - TOC) is generally selected to
be approximately 300-500 ft. above any formation that could cause
problems in the annulus of the casing string being cemented.
For instance, formations that contain gas which could migrate to
surface in the annulus would be covered by the cement.
Liners are generally cemented over their entire length, all the way
from the liner shoe to the liner hanger.

Single stage cementation

Single stage cementation is the most commonly used technique for
primary cementation.
The single stage primary cementing is normally accomplished by
pumping one batch of cement down the casing between two rubber
plugs.
The plugs are equipped with wiping fins to help prevent contamination of
the cement by mud and also help in cleaning the interior of the pipe.
The plugs are introduced into the primary cementing system at the
proper time by the plug container located on the top of the casing at
the surface.
The bottom plug is placed in the casing and followed by cement slurry .
When the bottom plug reaches at the float collar, it stops. Pressure is
built up, rupturing the diaphragm of bottom plug and allowing the cement
slurry to proceed down the casing through the plug, floating equipment,
guide shoes into the annulus between the casing and the open hole.

 When the batch of cement has been pumped into the casing"
a top plug is released from the plug container to follow the
cement down the casing and also helps prevent contamination
with the displacing fluid.
The top plug is pumped down until it lands on the top of float
collar. Thus completing the cement job.

 In the case of the single stage operation, the casing with all of the
required cementing accessories such as the float collar, centralisers
etc. is run in the hole until the shoe is just a few feet off the bottom
of the hole and the casing head is connected to the top of the casing
The casing is then circulated clean before the cementing operation
begins
The first cement bottom plug (wiper plug) , is pumped down ahead
of the cement to wipe the inside of the casing clean.
The spacer is then pumped into the casing. The spacer is followed by
the cement slurry and this is followed by the second top plug (shutoff plug)
When the wiper plug/bottom plug reaches the float collar its rubber
diaphragm is ruptured, allowing the cement slurry to flow through
the plug, around the shoe, and up into the annulus
At this stage the spacer is providing a barrier to mixing of the
cement and mud.

 When the solid, shut-off plug/Top plug reaches the float

collar it lands on the wiper plug/bottom plug and stops the
displacement process.
The pumping rate should be slowed down as the shut-off
plug/Top plug approaches the float collar and the shut-off
plug should be gently bumped into the bottom, wiper plug.
Throughout the cement job the mud returns from the
annulus should be monitored to ensure that the formation
has not been broken down.
If formation breakdown does occur then mud returns would
slow down or stop during the displacement operation

The single stage procedure can be summarised as follows:

1. Circulate the casing and annulus clean with mud (one
casing volume pumped)
2. Release wiper plug
3. Pump spacer
4. Pump cement
5. Release shut-off plug
6. Displace with displacing fluid (generally mud) until the
shut-off plug lands on the float collar
. Pressure test the casing

Double stage cementation

It is the conventional placement of cement slurry around the
lower portion of a casing string followed by placement of
successive upper stage through ports of stage collar.
Cementation can be done in more than two stages also.

Multi stage cementation

Cementation is required to be done in two or more stages because of following
reasons.
(1) When a long column of cement cannot be handled with the limited cementing
equipment.
(2) When hydrostatic head of long column of cement cannot be supported by
down hole formation.
(3) Stage cementation is economical as it reduces the quantity of cement needed
to cement widely separated intervals.
(4) In case of deep wells, the long column of cement may have wide difference of
temperature at the top and bottom which cannot be covered with one type of
slurry and the two slurries have to be designed with two different temperatures
and to be pumped in two stages, one may be retarded cement and other may be
normal or accelerated cement with adequate thickening time.
(5) Stage cementation is also required when different density cement is pumped
to cover different intervals.

The procedure for conducting a multi-stage operation is as follows:

First stage
The procedure for the first stage of the operation is similar, except that a
wiper plug/Bottom Plug is not used and only a liquid spacer is pumped ahead
of the cement slurry. The conventional shut-off plug/Top plug is replaced by a
plug with flexible blades.
*** A spacer is a fluid used to separate drilling fluids andcementing slurries. A
spacer can be designed for use with either water-based or oil-based drilling
fluids, and prepares both pipe and formation for the cementing operation.
Spacers are typically densified with insoluble-solid weighting agents******
This type of shut-off plug is used because it has to pass through the stage
cementing collar
It is worth noting that a smaller volume of cement slurry is used, since only
the lower part of the annulus is to be cemented.
The height of this cemented part of the annulus will depend on the fracture
gradient of the formations which are exposed in the annulus (a height of
3000' - 4000' above the shoe is common).

Second stage
The second stage of the operation involves the use of a special tool
known as a stage collar, which is made up into the casing string at a
pre-determined position.
The position often corresponds to the depth of the previous casing
shoe.
The ports in the stage collar are initially sealed off by the inner
sleeve. This sleeve is held in place by retaining pins.
After the first stage is complete a special dart is released from
surface which lands in the inner sleeve of the stage collar.
When a pressure of 1000 - 1500 psi is applied to the casing above
the dart, and therefore to the dart, the retaining pins on the inner
sleeve are sheared and the sleeve moves down, uncovering the ports
in the outer mandrel.
Circulation is established through the stage collar before the second
stage slurry is pumped.

The normal procedure for the second stage of a two stage

operation is as follows:
1. Drop opening dart
2. Pressure up to shear pins
3. Circulate though stage collar whilst the first stage cement is
setting
4. Pump spacer
5. Pump second stage slurry
6. Release closing plug
7. Displace plug and cement with mud
8. Pressure up on plug to close ports in stage collar and
pressure test the casing.

 To prevent cement falling down the annulus a cement basket

or packer may be run on the casing below the stage collar.
If necessary, more than one stage collar can be run on the
casing so that various sections of the annulus can be
cemented.
One disadvantage of stage cementing is that the casing
cannot be moved after the first stage cement has set in the
lower part of the annulus.
This increases the risk of channelling and a poor cement
bond.

LINER CEMENTATION
A liner is a standard casing string which does not extend all
the way to the surface upto the well mouth but is hanged from
inside the previous casing.
A special care is to be taken while designing the cement slurry
for liner cementation.
Each liner cementation has to be defined as per hole condition
and specific cement slurry properties are to be developed for
each job as per depth, temperature and pressure to be
encountered during the job.
Designing a slurry for liner cementation job includes following
specific considerations.
(a) Thickening time (b) Slurry design (c) Fluid loss (d) Cement
volume (e) Spacers

 Liners are run on drillpipe and therefore the conventional

cementing techniques cannot be used for cementing a liner.
Special equipment must be used for cementing these liners.
As with a full string of casing the liner has a float collar and shoe
installed. In addition there is a landing collar, positioned about two
joints above the float collar.
A wiper plug/Bottom Plug is held on the end of the tailpipe of the
running string by shear pins
The liner is run on drillpipe and the hanger is set at the correct
point inside the previous casing string.
Mud is circulated to ensure that the liner and the annulus is free
from debris.
Before the cementing operation begins the liner setting tool is
backed off to ensure that it can be recovered at the end of the
cement job.

The cementing procedure is as follows:

1 Pump spacer ahead of cement slurry
2 Pump slurry
3 Release pump down plug
4 Displace cement down the running string and out of the liner into
the annulus
5 Continue pumping until the pump down plug lands on the wiper
plug.
6 Apply pressure to the pump down plug and shear out the pins on
the wiper plug. This releases the wiper plug
7 Both plugs move down the liner until they latch onto landing collar
8 Bump the plugs with 1000 psi pressure
9 Bleed off pressure and check for back flow

SECONDARY CEMENTATION
Secondary cementation is the cementing operation performed
after the primary cementation, to repair some segments in
bore hole having poor cement in annulus. This is also known
as remedial cementing.
The cement squeezing and cement plugging are the main two
types of secondary cementing processes.
SQUEEZE CEMENTING: It is the process of forcing a cement
slurry under
pressure against a formation.

SECONDARY CEMENTING: PLUG BACK

CEMENTING
Plugging is the special method of cementing. In plugging a little
amount of cement slurry is pumped in the well and allowed to
set in the bottom. The cement is set and cease the flow of the
well. The basic objectives of the plugging are as follows In the abandoned wells: to cease the flow.
For zone isolation: To isolate producing zones from which the
production is not required.
For side tracking the wells: to provide the base for deflection
tools.

SECONDARY CEMENTING:
PLUG BACK CEMENTING
To isolate lost circulating zones: A plug should be put at lost
circulating zone and is drilled, in this way the zone is isolated. It
is not possible to lower intermediate casing for every interval of
lost circulating zone, so the plugging is the most suitable
technique to face the problem.
For formation testing: To test the formation fracture pressure
capacity etc, a plug is placed and the whole column is filled with
fluid and pressure is noted at the surface and capacity of
pressure to breaking the formation is noted down.

SQUEEZE CEMENTING
Squeeze cementing is an operation whereby a cement slurry is forced (squeezed)
under pressure
(1) in to a formation (via an open hole),
(2) in to a channel behind the casing, or
(3) through holes purposely placed in the casing.
Squeeze cementing operations are performed either during drilling and completion
or in work over operations.
This may be low pressure squeezing where the squeeze pressure is less than
fracture pressure of the rocks
or the high pressure squeezing where the squeeze pressure is more than fracture
pressure of the rocks.

CLASSIFICATION OF SQUEEZE JOBS

The squeeze job can be classified by pressure requirements.
High pressure squeezing
Low pressure squeezing
High Pressure Squeezing: It involves breaking down the
formation and pumping down the cement slurry into the
formation until a specific surface pressure can be maintained
without bleed off
Low pressure squeezing: It involves placing of a cement over
the interval to be squeezed by applying a pressure sufficient to
form a filter cake of dehydrated cement in perforations,
channels or fractures.

OBJECTIVES OF SQUEEZE CEMENTING

To stop lost circulation in the open hole.
To supplement a faulty primary cementing.
To reduce WOR & GOR.
To abandon non- producing / depleted zone.
To isolate a zone before perforation job.
To repair casing leaks through joints, corroded pits,
casing splits or parted casings etc.

OBJECTIVES OF SQUEEZE CEMENTING

To place cement slurry behind the casing liners.
To seal the channels or fingers behind the casing.
To isolate the zone in permanent completion.
To segregate a hydrocarbon- producing zone from those
producing other fluids.
To prevent fluid migration from abandoned zones.

SQUEEZE TECHNIQUES
Bradenhead squeeze method
Squeeze packer method
Building squeeze pressure

CEMENTING CALCULATIONS

PRE-JOB CALCULATIONS
The following calculations are required prior to a cement job:
(a)Lead and Tail slurry volumes mix water and additive volumes
(b)Total quantity of cement
(c)Displacement volume
(d)Hydrostatic pressure for various cement positions
(e)Differential pressure at the end of cement displacement
(f) Collapse pressure at the casing shoe at the end of
displacement.
(g) The expected total volume of returns during the cement job,
and the expected overall increase in pit volume.

The following equations are useful for carrying out cement

calculations.
1. Thickening time:
Thickening time = mixing time + surface time + displacement
time + plug release time + safety time

2. Displacement time:

3. Slurry density:

4. Cement strength:
Support capability or fracture load (1b)
F = 0.969 x Sc x d x H
where Sc = compressive strength of cement (psi)
d = outside diameter of casing (in)
H = height of cement column

5. Plugging Back Operations:

Volume of cement V = H x (A + C)
where H = height of cement plug, ft
A = annular capacity between drillpipe (or tubing) and open
hole
C = capacity of drillpipe or tubing
VOLUMES :
The normal unit volume for cement is 1 sack which
corresponds to 94 lbs of weight occupying a packed volume of
1 cubic foot

SLURRY DENSITY AND YIELD:

The density of a cement slurry is calculated by adding the
weights of the separate constituents and dividing by their
absolute volumes.
The density of a cement slurry is described in terms of
lbm/gal. To determine the density, divide the total pounds
weight by the total volume in gallons.

WOC (WAIT ON CEMENT):

In early days of operation waited as long as 7 days for
cement to attain strength and for many years it was 3
days. But now a days 24 hours is the most popular
waiting period that is known as wait on cement (WOC)
time.
WOC for surface/ intermediate and Protection casing
cementing starts when wiper plug is down and ends
when drilling out of plug is started. On production
casing WOC starts when cement is placed and ends

WCR (WATER CEMENT RATIO):

MINIMUM WCR:
Minimum water cement ratio is defined as per minimum
requirement of water to make homogeneous slurry.
Minimum amount of water for any class cement is that
amount which can be used without producing a slurry of
consistency greater than 30 poise.

WCR (WATER CEMENT RATIO):

If less than minimum amount of water used, the friction in the
annulus plus the hydrostatic pressure may be high enough to
break the formation.
The loss of minimum amount of water from slurry may cause
premature setting and stoppage of slurry during placement.
On other hand minimum amount of water is useful in Plugging
jobs.
The thickening or pumping time of these slurry is considerably
shorter than that of slurries mixed with usual amount of water.

MAXIMUM WCR:
The maximum amount of water is defined as that quantity
of water that can be mixed with cement without causing the
separation of not more than 2.5 ml of supernatant water
when 250 ml slurry is allowed to stand in a graduated
cylinder for 2 hours at room temperature and pressure.
Class
cement

of

Maximum Water
Water
Gal/sac

Weight
lb/gal

Minimum Water

Volume
ft 3/sac

Water
Gal/sac

Weight
lb/gal

Volume
ft 3/sac

5.5

15.39

1.22

3.90

16.89

1.00

7.9

13.92

1.54

6.32

14.80

1.33

4.4

16.36

1.07

3.15

17.84

0.90

References
https://youtu.be/mYaXeAXCv3E

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