Setting Cement Plugs - Best Practices
1) Pre - Job Process.
a) Use the balanced plug technique, centralize the workstring, if possible choose a location with gauge hole.
b) Determine accurate hole size and/or excess factor, accurate hole size is important to place a balance plug.
c) Optimize mud properties prior to cementing, condition the hole and mud to maximize mud removal.
d) Determine accurate BHST, so that accurate BHCT can be determined using API tables.
e) Consider all limiting factors to the plug setting process, such as well loses, stable base, deviated hole ect.
2) Run in Hole With Plug Setting Assembly.
a) Tail pipe of sufficient length and appropriate size to set the plug, tail pipe OD will vary with the hole size.
b) Diverter/wash tool should always be used to clean the well bore and helps to place the slurry.
c) Indicating ball catcher which permits cement to fall is recommended.
3) Pre- Condition Plug Interval
a) Wash entire plug interval at maximum annular velocity (240+ ft./min.). This will help the plug develop a bond
between cement and formation.
b) Guarantee a sufficient and stable plug bottom. A viscous pill should be used to hold the plug at the required
plug setting depth. This will prevent the plug from falling.
4) Properly Condition Mud and Hole.
a) Circulate for as long as required to condition the mud. All drill cuttings should be removed from the hole and
mud system. Make sure density of mud going in is the same as coming out of the hole.
b) Circulate at maximum annular velocity, the well can withstand, this helps remove solids and filter cake.
c) Maintain shutdown times near zero after the above step.
5) Job Procedure (Perform at Maximum Annular Velocity).
a) Pump sufficient volumes of thin spacers to separate the slurry from the mud. In open hole use about 1000
annular feet and in casing hole used 500 annular feet.
b) Run indicating bottom wiper ball, if ball catcher is used.
c) Mix and pump sufficient volume of plug cement. In most cases 750 feet of cement is recommended.
d) Run indicating top wiper ball, if ball catcher is used.
e) Pump sufficient volume of spacer behind, to balance the volume of spacer ahead of the cement slurry.
f) Displace the cement slurry as fast as possible. DO NOT over-displace.
6) Pull Tail Pipe out of Cement Plug .
a) Pull the pipe at 30 to 50 ft./min. through the whole plug interval. Pulling too fast may core the plug, and cause
severe cement contamination.
b) Do not attempt to circulate out, reverse out or squeeze cement out. This can disturb the cement column and
cause cement contamination.
c) If plug is for wellbore kick-off ,wait 24 hours or until compressive strength of 2500 to 3000 psi (@ BHCT) is
reached. Attempting to kick-off too soon may destroy plug integrity.
7) Balance Plug Calculations
N
Equalization Point formula H = ------------- where
C + T
H= Height of balanced cement column (ft)
N= Cubic feet of cement slurry used
C= Cubic feet per linear feet of space between drill pipe (stinger) and hole / casing ( V&H Tables) in Red Book
T= Cubic feet per linear feet of space inside drill pipe (stinger) ( Capacity Tables) in Red Book
C
Spacer or water balance ratio formula R = ---------- where
T
R = Ratio of spacer ahead (bbls) to spacer behind (bbls)
C = Linear feet per bbl of space between drill pipe (stinger) and hole / casing
T = Linear feet per bbl of space inside drill pipe (stinger)
