CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL

5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)

Page 1 of 36

Horizontal Well Cementing

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................4

HORIZONTAL WELL CLASSIFICATIONS.........................................................................4

LONG RADIUS ................................................................................................................... 5
Extended Reach .......................................................................................................... 6
MEDIUM RADIUS ................................................................................................................ 6
SHORT RADIUS .................................................................................................................. 6
ULTRASHORT-RADIUS SYSTEM ............................................................................................... 7

HORIZONTAL WELL APPLICATIONS ..............................................................................7

GAS AND WATER CONING ..................................................................................................... 8
TIGHT RESERVOIRS AND HEAVY OIL ........................................................................................ 8
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS ...................................................................................................... 9
EDGE-WATER OR GAS-DRIVE RESERVOIRS................................................................................. 9
INACCESSIBLE RESERVOIRS ................................................................................................... 9
ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY .................................................................................................... 9
OTHER APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................... 9

COMPLETION PROCEDURES ..........................................................................................9

NONCEMENTED COMPLETIONS .............................................................................................. 10
CEMENTED COMPLETIONS ................................................................................................... 10

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION .........................................13

BOREHOLE GEOMETRY ....................................................................................................... 13
DRILLING-FLUID SELECTION ................................................................................................ 14
Drilling-Fluid Properties .............................................................................................. 15
CONTROLLED DRILLING PARAMETERS ..................................................................................... 16

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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MUD REMOVAL .............................................................................................................17

DISPLACEMENT EFFICIENCY ................................................................................................. 17
PIPE MOVEMENT .............................................................................................................. 17
Torque and Drag ....................................................................................................... 17
CENTRALIZATION ............................................................................................................. 18
Centralizers............................................................................................................... 18
DISPLACEMENT TECHNIQUES................................................................................................ 19
WASHES AND SPACERS....................................................................................................... 19

SLURRY DESIGN...........................................................................................................20
STABILITY ...................................................................................................................... 20
FLUID-LOSS CONTROL ....................................................................................................... 20
OTHER SLURRY PROPERTIES ................................................................................................ 20
TEMPERATURE CALCULATIONS .............................................................................................. 21

CASING HARDWARE ....................................................................................................21

REMEDIAL CEMENTING................................................................................................21

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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APPENDIX A-1: CASE HISTORY---WEST GERMANY (PREUSSAG)................................23

7-IN. LINER WITH A 660-FT HORIZONTAL HOLE SECTION. ........................................................... 23

APPENDIX A-2: CASE HISTORY---ENGLAND (BP PETROLEUM)...................................24

5-1/2-IN. LINER WITH AN 1830-FT HORIZONTAL HOLE SECTION (82 TO 90) ................................... 24

APPENDIX A-3: CASE HISTORY---OFFSHORE MALAYSIA ............................................26

5-1/2-IN. LINER WITH A 2300-FT HORIZONTAL HOLE SECTION ..................................................... 26

APPENDIX A-4: CASE HISTORY---OKLAHOMA, USA ....................................................27

7-5/8-IN. LINER WITH A 125-FT HORIZONTAL HOLE SECTION ...................................................... 27

APPENDIX A-5: CASE HISTORY---ALASKA, USA (STANDARD OIL) .............................29

TWO WELLS: 5.5-IN. LINERS WITH 1500-FT HORIZONTAL HOLE SECTIONS ...................................... 29

APPENDIX A-6: CASE HISTORY---DENMARK (MAERSK) .............................................31

1ST WELL: 5-1/2-IN. LINER WITH A 1090-FT HORIZONTAL HOLE SECTION ...................................... 31

APPENDIX A-7: CASE HISTORY---DENMARK (MAERSK) .............................................33

2ND 3RD WELLS: 7-IN. 6-5/8-IN. LINERS IN 8-1/2-IN. OPENHOLE ............................................... 33

APPENDIX A-8: CASE HISTORY---GAS STORAGE WELL,..............................................35

4-1/2-IN. INTERMEDIATE CASING IN CURVATURE OF HORIZONTAL WELL .......................................... 35

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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INTRODUCTION
Horizontal boreholes have been drilled since the late 1920s. As late as the mid-1960s, although
technically feasible, such wells were not considered economically viable. In the late 1970s,
horizontal drilling technology began to make a comeback, when several wells were drilled in
Canada. To date, thousands of horizontal wells have been drilled, and their commercial viability is
no longer in doubt. The equivalent production from vertical wells would require almost six times
as many wells.

HORIZONTAL WELL CLASSIFICATIONS

Horizontal wells are those in which part of the wellbore is inclined 90 degrees with respect to
vertical, although less-than-horizontal, high-angle wells often receive this designation. A
horizontal producing well is generally considered to be a well having a producing section at an
angle over 85 degrees with respect to vertical and a producing length of at least ten times the
reservoir thickness (Conoco).
The horizontal portion of the well is often called a drainhole.Horizontal wells can be subdivided
into four categories, based on the angle build rate . These categories are
• long radius
• medium radius
• short radius
• ultrashort radius

Figure 1: Horizontal Well Classification

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Table 1: Comparison between Horizontal Well Types

Well Topic Short Radius Medium Radius Long Radius
Curvature (°/10 ft) 15 to 30 0.8 to 2.0 0.3 to 0.8
Maximum Drainhole 900 ft >3000 ft >4000 ft
Length
Normal Drainhole 4.5 to 6.5 in. 4.0 to 8.5 in. 8.5 in.
Diameter
Vertical Precision 5 ft 20 ft 20 ft
Azimuth Direction 20 1 1
Accuracy (degrees)
Coring Difficult, short Possible Yes
lengths only
Logging Possible Yes Yes
Completion Method Open hole; Slotted liner; cemented liner; Slotted liner; cemented liner;
slotted liner prepacked screen prepacked screen
Multiple Pay Zones Yes Yes Yes
Artificial Lift Vertical rod All types All types
pumps
Workover Yes Yes Yes
Cost (times vertical ~1.4 to 3 ~2 ~1.2 to 4
well cost)

Long Radius
Long-radius drilling uses standard oilfield directional drilling technology. The build angle ranges
from 0.3 to 0.8°/10 ft and, depending on the reach, requires the build to be performed in two or
three sections.
The horizontal drainhole of long-radius wells can be relatively long, with a maximum length in
excess of 4000 feet. Highly deviated wells drilled conventionally may or may not be "extended
reach" wells.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Extended Reach
Extended reach wells generally have an initial build after the kickoff point (KOP) to 40 to 60°
deviation, followed by a long ramp displacement section. A horizontal displacement in excess of
10,000 ft is not uncommon (the maximum horizontal displacement is currently over 15,000 ft).
Extended reach wells enable a formation to be penetrated at multiple locations from a central
point or a formation to be penetrated which, due to surface conditions, would not be possible for
a vertical well (e.g., beneath the center of a lake).
For extended reach horizontal wells, the end of the long ramp displacement section builds to
horizontal in the reservoir (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Extended Reach Horizontal Well

Medium Radius
Medium-radius drilling employs modified conventional drilling equipment, and produces build
rates ranging from 0.8 to 2.0°/10 ft, although build rates as high as 50°/100 ft are theoretically
possible. The horizontal section can be 3000 ft or more in length, and have the same diameter as
long radius wells.

Short Radius
The short-radius lateral drilling method produces build rates between 15 and 30°/10 ft, allowing
the well to deviate from vertical to horizontal in less than 100 ft. Lateral penetrations up to 900 ft
are typical. Specialized equipment is required, combining hydraulic motors with nonrotating pipe,
an internal drive shaft and a drill bit. Multiple drainholes are often drilled from the same vertical
hole with this technique.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Ultrashort-Radius System
A fourth category, referred to as the ultrashort-radius method, utilizes computer controlled high-
pressure (10,000 psi) water jets to control the direction of a 2-in. drilling assembly. Angle build
rates as high as 90°/ft are possible. However, the length and diameter of such holes are
generally limited from 100 to 200 ft and 2 in., respectively. More than 10 small drainholes,
referred to as star-jet holes, can be drilled in the same plane at right angles from the vertical
hole. No cementing is involved with these small drainholes.

HORIZONTAL WELL APPLICATIONS

In general, long-radius wells are used when an extended reach from an existing surface location
is required. Medium-radius wells are used to develop reservoirs whose depth and thickness
require accurate well placement. The limited hole size of short-radius wells makes them
applicable mainly to low permeability, naturally fractured reservoirs.
The usual objective of a horizontal well is to provide improved production relative to that
obtained with a less deviated well. Horizontal wells produce, on average, approximately six times
more than vertical wells, primarily because of the greater productive formation surface area
exposed to the wellbore; thus, not only the productivity but also the total production is increased.
As shown in Figure 3, vertical wells have a radial-flow geometry and a concentrated pressure
drop, while horizontal wells have a parallel-flow geometry and a uniform pressure drop.

Figure 3: Comparison of flow geometries of vertical and horizontal wells

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Many applications exist where horizontal wells can achieve production more economically than
vertical wells. These applications include
• gas and water coning
• tight reservoirs and heavy oil
• fractured reservoirs
• edge-water or gas-drive reservoirs
• inaccessible reservoirs
• enhanced oil recovery.

Gas and Water Coning

Gas and water coning is a major application for horizontal wells. The longer horizontal drainhole
increases the exposure of the pay zone and allows a higher production rate at a lower drawdown
pressure. In addition, the water "cresting" or "cylindering" of a horizontal well as opposed to the
"coning" of a vertical well (Figure 4) ensures increased total oil recovery prior to breakthrough.
Horizontal wells drilled to address coning problems have realized production increases of 4 to 8
fold over adjacent vertical wells.

Figure 4: Comparison of water coning in vertical and horizontal wells

Tight Reservoirs and Heavy Oil

In tight and heavy oil reservoirs, the increased exposure from drilling the drainhole horizontally
significantly increases production. In tight reservoirs, further production increases can be
attained by inducing multiple vertical fractures at right angles to the wellbore, knowing that the
orientation of the horizontal section is parallel to the least (horizontal) principal stress of the rock.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Fractured Reservoirs
Compared to a horizontal well, a vertical well has less chance of intersecting sparsely distributed
vertical fractures in a formation, where very significant production increases can be achieved.
Vertical wells making a few barrels of oil per day (BOPD) in the Austin chalk (Texas) are being
plugged, horizontally sidetracked, and converted to horizontal producers of 300 BOPD.

Edge-Water or Gas-Drive Reservoirs

Depleted vertical wells are converted to horizontal wells to produce oil from the edge of the
reservoir. Similarly, this technique of horizontal wells on the reservoir edge could easily be
applied in the initial development to exploit reservoirs more effectively.

Inaccessible Reservoirs
Horizontal wells can be used to develop inaccessible oil and gas reservoirs (e.g., under cities,
water and rugged terrain). Environmental considerations are also an issue that horizontal drilling
could address (e.g., remote access to an environmentally protected area).

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Horizontal wells can improve the injectivity and the areal sweep efficiency of oil fields initially
produced by vertical wells. The horizontal line drives can be more efficient than the conventional
five-spot vertical patterns. Combining horizontal and vertical well production in existing vertical
well fields can also be used to further enhance production and ultimate recovery.

Other Applications
Other possible applications include
• reducing the number of offshore platforms and wells needed to develop a field
• infill drilling from existing platforms to provide better coverage of the reservoir
• evaluation wells, after initial discovery, to provide better information concerning the
reservoir before the final development decision is made.

COMPLETION PROCEDURES
At present, most horizontal wells are completed without cementing. The formation rock must
have sufficient integrity to prevent collapse or sloughing, particularly when approaching well
depletion. To provide the required integrity, the drainhole is often lined with a slotted liner,
preperforated liner or, in some cases, wire-wrapped sand-control liner or prepacked screen.
Horizontal wells can seldomly be completed as an openhole without some method of lining. For
openhole completions, the previous intermediate casing, which is frequently highly deviated,
must be well cemented to protect it from produced fluids and provide isolation between the
upper cased off zones and the lower producing intervals. Horizontal well completion and
production circumstances often dictate that casing must be run, and some form of isolation
initiated.

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Some of these circumstances are

• when subsequent multi-interval stimulation treatments of the reservoir are planned
• when "gas-coning" or "water-coning" control problems are foreseen due to the borehole
penetrating or being too close to the gas cap or water table; this may result from the
loss of directional control causing the borehole to drift, the penetration of the gas cap
prior to entering the oil producing zone or the variations in permeability along the
borehole length
• when the borehole traverses out of the targeted reservoir due to the loss of directional
control or insufficient knowledge of the boundary planes within the reservoir
• when the current producing intervals may require remedial cementing to prevent
unwanted water or gas breakthrough
• when the borehole traverses several different formations or zones.

Noncemented Completions
Besides an openhole with no lining, a drainhole lined with a slotted liner, preperforated liner or
wire-wrapped sand-control liner is the simplest well completion when well workovers in the future
are not anticipated. Slotted or preperforated liners by themselves do not allow desired portions of
the horizontal section to be stimulated. Slotted liners should not be used in situations where sand
production may occur, because sand may plug the slots or produce through them. Slotted (or
preperforated) liners equipped with blank pipe, external casing packers (ECP) or inflatable
formation packers, and full-opening valves can provide some control over production from
different portions of the drainhole. However, with these liner systems, remedial treatments may
not be possible and stimulation treatments will be problematic, especially with respect to the
correct placement of the stimulation fluids.

Cemented Completions
Some typical cementing techniques for completing horizontal wells are
• completely cemented
• cemented off-bottom
• partially cemented.
The liner should be completely cemented in the drainhole and up to a point above the previous
casing (Figure 5) if:
• the formation is very unstable
• a gravel-pack or sand-control treatment is planned
• a stimulation treatment is anticipated
• remedial work will be required to control water or gas breakthrough
A liner cemented off-bottom serves the same purpose as an intermediate casing. It protects and
isolates the formations and possibly the gas cap above the drainhole (see Figure 6).

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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This allows a larger diameter drainhole to be drilled and completed openhole (with no lining) if
conditions permit. This cementing method requires the lower portion of the drainhole to be
isolated from the section being cemented (e.g., the placement of a crosslinked polymer plug).
Because the overall length of the liner to be cemented, reciprocated and rotated is minimized,
this technique offers advantages under difficult hole conditions.
When cementing a liner off-bottom, a port collar (or stage collar) and an external casing packer
can be used in place of a crosslinked polymer to isolate the lower portion of the drainhole, but
casing reciprocation is then not possible.
Once the cement has cured and the polymer plug has been cleaned out of the openhole, a
partially slotted liner can be run through the liner cemented off-bottom (Figure 7).
A partially slotted liner can be used as an alternative to the off-bottom completion (Figure 8). By
using an external casing packer and a swivel with a port collar (or stage collar), the blank portion
of the liner is isolated and cemented.
This technique allows the stimulation and production of the far end of the drainhole. If desired,
the near end can be perforated, isolated from the far end and stimulated at any time during the
life of the well.

Figure 5: Cemented and perforated liner

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Figure 6: Liner cemented off-bottom to isolate gas cap

Figure 7: Partially slotted liner placed inside a liner cemented off-bottom

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Figure 8: Unslotted portion of a partially slotted liner cemented

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION

Dowell can make every effort to design and execute a successful cement job on a horizontal well,
but there are factors, beyond direct control by Dowell, that contribute to the job's success. These
include
• borehole geometry
• drilling-fluid selection
• controlled drilling parameters.

Borehole Geometry
The borehole geometry has a significant effect on the cementing operation. The openhole
diameter of the deviated and horizontal sections should be as close to gauge as possible because
solids and gases can easily collect in washouts. Doglegs, keyseats (keyseat: a groove created at
the bottom of the horizontal openhole where immobile mud can accumulate), spiraling and
zigzagging should be minimized. A spiraling or zigzagging borehole has an effect similar to
washouts in a vertical well, namely:
• If the annular velocity is insufficient, then the transport of cuttings and hole cleaning will
be poor, resulting in a bed of cuttings forming on the lower side of the borehole.
• The critical flow rate increases as the deviation angle increases (e.g., the critical flow rate
for 5-in. pipe in 8-1/2-in. openhole may increase by 50% when the deviation angle is
increased from 20 to 90).
• Eccentered casing will almost invariably result, even when centralizers are used. As the
casing standoff decreases, annular mud removal becomes more difficult.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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• The failure of external casing packers may result because they require a hole section as
close to gauge as possible to correctly set and then maintain an effective seal.
• Log interpretation may be difficult when production logging in a slotted liner.
Improvements in the borehole geometry can be achieved by using oil-base muds, avoiding
corrections for small deviations from the drilling program, optimizing drilling-fluid properties and
controlling the drilling parameters.

Drilling-Fluid Selection
Drilling-fluid properties play a significant role in determining the condition of the borehole and the
drilling fluid itself. Those properties required for effective drilling and high pump rates must be
optimized with respect to the requirements of well control and solids transport.
The choice of drilling fluid is primarily a compromise between the cost per foot/meter drilled, the
compatibility with the formation rocks and fluids, experience and environmental considerations.
In all cases, the producing/injection interval must not be damaged and the borehole stability
must be maintained.
The borehole stability is influenced by the fluid density and the deviation angle (e.g., if the well is
underbalanced in the drainhole section, then a partial collapse may occur resulting in hole
enlargement and a bed of cuttings forming on the low side of the hole). To ensure the best
cement job, the solids settling during the drilling operations must be prevented by optimizing the
carrying capacity of the drilling fluid. To satisfy these drilling and cementing requirements, oil-
base drilling muds are often used.
The most serious potential problem affecting the cementation of deviated wells is the deposition
of the solids from the drilling fluids on the low side of the borehole, which are very difficult to
remove. With highly deviated or horizontal holes, the cuttings have only a short distance to fall
and, at deviations between 30 and 60°, they tend to accumulate and slide down the hole. The
settling and accumulation of cuttings which are not removed prior to cementing can cause a
continuous mud channel in the cement sheath along the low side of the borehole. Settled
cuttings also increase the torque and drag while running pipe or reciprocating/rotating pipe
during cementing operations and increase the chance of sticking. The displacement efficiency
depends on the mud rheological properties and the wellbore inclination. The yield point and
viscosity of the mud must be sufficient to effectively transport cuttings out of the hole, prevent
settling during static periods, and allow designed flow rates to be achieved. Viscous pills are
commonly used to optimize hole-cleaning efficiency.

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Drilling-Fluid Properties
Once the drilling fluid has been selected, its yield point and plastic viscosity must be optimized to
control solids settling and to ensure complete mud removal during the cementing operation.
Therefore, the drilling- fluid properties under static and dynamic conditions must be considered.
Various studies on cuttings transport in highly deviated or horizontal wells show the following:
• There is a threshold yield-point value below which a continuous solids channel will form
on the low side of the borehole. The yield point required to prevent channel formation
increases with an increase in the deviation angle. Under static conditions over extended
periods (e.g., prior to logging or running casing), the settling of a weighting agent is
minimized by maintaining this threshold yield value. The minimum threshold yield point
for different deviation angles is presented in
• For a given flow rate, the ability of a mud to prevent solids settling is related to its yield
point and gel strength. To enable turbulent flow at low rates, the yield point and gel
strength should be low. However, they should also be high enough to prevent solids
settling during static periods and to ensure cuttings transport if turbulent flow cannot be
achieved. Gel strength should be controlled to prevent the formation of immobile fluid
layers on the low side of the hole or in washouts. It is reduced by good solids control
(<10%) and, most importantly, by maintaining the ratio of the 10-sec and 10-min gel
strengths as close as possible to 1.
• Turbulent flow is promoted by drilling with a low-rheology, thin mud while maintaining a
high circulation rate of up to 500 gal/min (8-1/2-in. hole) and a ratio of yield point to
plastic viscosity greater than 1. Oil-base muds, which exhibit plastic viscosities ranging
from 12 to 16 cp and yield points ranging from 14 to 18 lbf/100 ft2, are generally
preferred. During mud conditioning, the yield point is lowered to about 12 to 15 lbf/100
ft2 to facilitate turbulent flow at a lower rate. If turbulent flow is not possible, then the
yield point and gel strength should be raised sufficiently to prevent solids settling.
• The flow regime for optimum hole cleaning depends on the borehole inclination (see
Table 2). Laminar flow cleans the hole better for deviation angles less than 45° and
turbulent flow is more efficient when the deviation angle exceeds 55°. Between 45 and
55°, turbulent and laminar flow appear to be equally effective.

Table 2: Minimum Threshold Yield Point for Different Deviation Angles

Threshold Angle (degrees) Yield Point (lbf/100 ft2)
45 >15
60 >20
85 >28
90 >30

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Table 3: Flow Regime for Different Deviation Angles

Threshold Angle (degrees) Flow Regime
<45 Laminar flow
45 to 55 Laminar or turbulent flow
>55 Turbulent flow (with pipe movement)

Controlled Drilling Parameters

The efficiency of cuttings removal during drilling can be improved by
• increasing rotary speed
• frequent wiper trips and reciprocation
• viscous pills
• drilling gauge hole
• controlling the flow regime and rheology of the mud.
To provide adequate hole cleaning in highly deviated and horizontal wells, the use of a top-drive
drilling system (TDS) is almost mandatory. This system provides several advantages over a
conventional rotary-table/kelly-drive system. These advantages are
• the ability to reciprocate and rotate the drillpipe during circulation to improve hole
cleaning when conditioning prior to pulling out of the hole (backreaming)
• the ability, when making connections, to backream each stand with the top drive at least
once in gauge hole and at least three times over washed out sections
• the ability to make frequent wiper trips back to the casing shoe with circulation for at
least the first 10 drillpipe stands off bottom.
Rotation, reciprocation and frequent wiper trips will assist the hole cleaning by mechanically
agitating the settled cuttings. The advantages of moving the pipe increase as the mud viscosity
increases or the flow rate decreases.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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MUD REMOVAL
Like in conventional cementing, mud displacement is absolutely essential to obtain a good
primary cement job. The normal (vertical well) principles of effective mud removal apply to
horizontal wellbores; however, there are some additional important factors.

Displacement Efficiency
Mud circulation prior to cementing is as important in horizontal wellbores as it is in conventional
wells. Mud circulation at the highest appropriate rate to establish flow is necessary to break the
gel strength of the mud and facilitate its removal by the displacing fluid. Circulation should be at
least one full hole volume, and should be continued until a minimum of 95% of the circulatable
mud is moving. Mud removal: Wellclean technology describes the procedure for determining
mud-circulation efficiency.
Turbulent flow is essential for cuttings removal from highly deviated wellbores. In turbulent flow,
the mud's ability to transport cuttings only depends on the fluid momentum and the density
differential between the fluid and cuttings, and is independent of the mud rheological properties.
Turbulent flow should be maintained provided formation breakdown pressures are not exceeded
(this can verified with CemCADE).
Additional wiper trips may be required if settling, evident by a cuttings bed being built up, is a
problem. Annular velocities greater than 100 ft/min will remove gas accumulations in high spots
(gas pockets). At 90 to 92° deviation, the gas moves with the fluid in the wellbore. At 100°
deviation, the gas moves at 10% of the fluid velocity, making long circulation times necessary.

Pipe Movement
Pipe movement helps break the mud gel strength and allows the displacing fluids to sweep away
the mud. It also disturbs cuttings which have settled, improving the chances of their removal
during hole conditioning.
Rotation is the preferred pipe movement because the rotational forces exerted on the fluid will
cause it to be completely swept around the annulus. Pipe reciprocation is an acceptable
alternative. Pipe rotation should be at 10 to 20 rpm, and reciprocation should be in 10- to 20-ft
strokes, with one stroke every 1 to 2 minutes.
Pipe movement should begin with the initial mud circulation and continue until the plug is
bumped. Combinations of rotation and reciprocation have been used in horizontal wells and can
be used with either casing strings or liners. Pipe movement is much easier with an oil-base mud
than with a water-base mud, because the wall friction is about one-half. Pipe reciprocation must
be carefully executed to avoid fracturing or surging the formation. Acceptable rates are
determined by the Casing Reciprocation calculator in the CemCADE program. Cable wipers can be
an aid in breaking the gel strength of the mud. They will not be effective in removing hard filter
cake or settled solids which have compacted.

Torque and Drag

The additional torque experienced while rotating a liner in a horizontal or highly deviated hole
section is a result of the pipe dragging on the low side of the hole. The amount of drag is
affected by the buoyancy of the pipe.

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The drag increases when the denser cement is inside the pipe and, in some cases, may become
so high that pipe movement has to be stopped. The drag decreases as the slurry is displaced into
the annulus.Torque and drag computer models---LDRAG and DDRAG---have been developed to
monitor the drillstring torque and drag in high-angle wells. DDRAG is commonly used to monitor
the drillstring performance. It can also be used to calculate and monitor the drag forces while
running casing and to compute the load on the drillpipe while running a liner to determine if it
will buckle. LDRAG is used to determine the torque and axial loads on the liner while it is being
rotated or reciprocated or both during the cementing operation. These programs are run on an
IBM-PC and a copy of the programs can be obtained from SDT in Montrouge. The Running Force
calculator in the CemCADE program can be used to calculate the drag forces and hook loads
while running a casing or liner string complete with centralizers.

Centralization
Centralization is essential for providing an annulus with open flow paths. If the casing is not
centralized, then the pipe will trap mud against the low side of the borehole wall and no flow
regime or practical flow rate can remove it.
The degree of pipe standoff affects the flow regime, sometimes causing turbulence to occur in
one part of the annulus and laminar flow in the other. In some cases, the frictional forces of the
displacing fluid are not adequate to overcome the yield point of the mud, leaving static mud in
the narrow part of the annulus. The CemCADE program calculates the minimum required flow
rate for complete flow in the annulus for a set of standoff conditions. As the deviation angle
increases, casing centralization becomes more difficult because of the increasing load on the
centralizers. The optimum number and spacing of centralizers must be determined using the
CemCADE program.
Buoyancy effects and density differentials should also be considered. The placement of a high-
density cement when a low-density mud is in the wellbore can result in poor centralization,
because the heavier cement can cause the pipe to collapse the centralizers.
Because of the importance of centralization, a minimum annular clearance of 0.75 to 1.00 in. is
recommended and larger clearances are preferred to achieve proper mud removal and proper
cement placement. For an 8-1/2-in. openhole, 5-1/2-in. casing is preferred from a cementing
standpoint, but often this is not practical because production considerations may dictate the
larger 6-5/8- or 7-in. casing size.

Centralizers
Rigid centralizers should be used across sections of near-gauge hole and previous casing. They
ensure positive standoff, can be allowed to float on the casing because they cannot be damaged,
and cannot trap cuttings under them. Rigid centralizers provide no centering force in out-of-
gauge hole sections, are hard to run through under-gauge sections, and are only designed for
specific casing and hole sizes.
Bow-spring centralizers are used in out-of-gauge hole sections. They are normally placed over
casing or stop collars to prevent them from floating and to ensure that that they will be pulled
into the hole rather than pushed. If bow-spring centralizers are allowed to float between collars
then they can easily be damaged. To minimize the annular restrictions with bow-spring
centralizers or to centralize pipe in close-tolerance holes, slim hole centralizers should be used:
when fully collapsed, their bow springs are flush with the end collar of the centralizer.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Positive standoff with bow-spring centralizers cannot be achieved if lateral forces exceed the bow
strength. They also tend to increase drag and may not be very effective if buoyancy effects are
significant.

Displacement Techniques
For optimum mud-removal efficiency, all fluids should be in turbulent flow completely around the
pipe, including the mud. However, the high flow rates which may be required to achieve
turbulent flow can induce placement pressures that exceed the formation fracture pressure.
Effective mud removal using the turbulent-flow technique requires that
• the mud system exhibits low rheology and density without compromising well control and
solids transport
• the cement system has low rheology with good fluid-loss control to maintain its slurry
properties during placement.
For low-rheology fluids (turbulent flow), stoppages or rate reductions during the cement job will
aggravate the solids-settling problems. If turbulent flow is not possible, then mud removal using
the effective laminar-flow technique is the next best alternative. For the four criteria of the
effective laminar-flow technique, the density hierarchy has little effect except in the build and
vertical sections of the well, while the other hierarchies achieve the same objectives as in vertical
wells.
The method for the effective displacement of the drilling mud from the wellbore can only be
correctly determined using the CemCADE program.

Washes and Spacers

Chemical washes and spacers (preferably turbulent-flow spacers) should always be
recommended ahead of the cement slurry. If the cement slurry cannot be displaced in turbulent
flow, then it must be preceded by a turbulent-flow spacer (e.g., MUDPUSH XT); otherwise, a
chemical wash should be recommended whenever acceptable pore pressure conditions exist. If a
spacer is to be pumped but a turbulent-flow spacer cannot be used (e.g., MUDPUSH XL instead),
then a chemical wash should always be pumped ahead of the spacer to dilute and thin the mud
first. For the volume of spacers and chemical washes, the recommendations for vertical wells
applies to highly deviated and horizontal wells.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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SLURRY DESIGN
For all cement-job types, several cement slurry properties need to be considered for successful
cementing to be achieved. Some of these properties are more critical for horizontal wells than
less deviated wells. For horizontal wells, slurry stability and fluid loss are the two most critical
properties.

Stability
Slurry stability is determined by two slurry properties - free water and sedimentation. Free water
should be zero because it can migrate to the high side of the hole and create an open channel
through which fluids can flow. Sedimentation can result in a low-strength, highly porous cement
in the upper part of the wellbore, which may result in minimal pipe protection and loss of zonal
isolation. Although free water and sedimentation can occur together, they are not necessary
connected; one can easily exist without the other. Laboratory testing should be performed at the
anticipated maximum deviation angle and the BHCT to ensure that neither occurs. To overcome
slurry instability problems, Antisettling Agent D153 can be used for BHCTs up to 300°F (149°C).

Fluid-Loss Control
Fluid-loss control is particularly important in horizontal wells because the slurry exposure to long,
permeable sections is more extensive than in vertical wells. Low fluid-loss rates are necessary to
preserve the slurry properties (primarily rheology) and therefore should always be less than 50
mL/30 min.

Other Slurry Properties

Slurry-density control and uniform additive concentrations are particularly important. They ensure
that the cement properties will be consistent throughout the cemented interval. Whenever
possible, the slurry should be batch mixed or, as a second best alternative, continuously mixed
using a VIP Mixer unit.
If low density slurries are required, then the use of foamed cement or hollow microspheres can
be used without severely sacrificing the set-cement properties. The cement system must be
compatible with the formation (e.g., salt or gas zones).
For turbulent flow, the yield point should be as low as possible while maintaining slurry stability.
For effective-laminar flow, the friction-pressure gradient of the displacing fluid should be 20%
greater than the friction-pressure gradient of the displaced fluid. To enable an optimum spacer to
be designed, it is recommended that the Fann 35 reading at 100 rpm (at BHCT) of the slurry be
50% greater than the same reading for the drilling mud.
To ensure that the hydrostatic pressure of the vertical cement column is continuously transmitted
to the cement in the horizontal section during the setting process, the gel-strength development
must be minimized and the slurry should exhibit a short transition time from 30 to 100 Bc
consistency (right-angle set characteristic).

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Temperature Calculations
The BHCT of a deviated well will be higher than the BHCT of a vertical well having the same TVD.
Furthermore, the difference between the BHCT of these two wells increases as the magnitude of
inclination for the deviated well increases. In the extreme case of deviated wells with very long
horizontal sections, the estimated BHCT using the API methods could be considerably in error
because the BHCT actually approaches the BHST. The Temperature simulator in the CemCADE
program is capable of simulating such wells, resulting in a more accurate BHCT prediction.

CASING HARDWARE
Typical casing hardware specific to horizontal well cementing are
• hydraulically set liner hangers which can be rotated or reciprocated, or both in some
cases
• float equipment with poppet valves
• external casing packers
• packer shoes
• inflate stage collars (work on same principle as a packer shoe but allow a slotted liner or
prepacked screen to be run below it)
• casing string rotation tools (allow only the rotation of a selected length of casing at the
bottom of the string)
• downhole activated centralizers
• centralizers with low running force and high restoring force.
Further information on these and other related casing hardware can be found in Equipment
Requirements and the Well Cementing textbook, or obtained from the downhole tool service
companies who distribute specialized casing hardware.

REMEDIAL CEMENTING
In highly deviated or horizontal wellbores, three variables are critical to the success of a squeeze
cementing operation. They are
• pressure isolation of the target interval
• cement placement
• squeeze pressures.
Positive pressure isolation of the target interval is required to accurately place cement into the
desired interval. Straddle packers with cup-type sealing elements, drillable cement retainers and
bridge plugs, or combinations of retrievable packers and bridge plugs may be used to isolate the
interval. Chemical plugs (e.g., crosslinked polymers, viscous pills) may be used for coiled-tubing
squeeze operations (see SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING for procedure
details). When combinations of conventional packers/retainers and bridge plugs are used, the
slurry is spotted across the entire interval before squeezing to prevent cement channeling during
the squeeze (this is probably not possible with straddle packers).

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Using coiled tubing or tailpipe below a retrievable packer, the slurry is spotted starting at the
bottom (end) and moving upward until the entire interval is covered with cement. Before the
squeeze commences, the coiled tubing or tailpipe is pulled well out of the slurry and any residual
cement on it is circulated out. The slurry is squeezed using the low-pressure squeeze technique
(below formation fracture pressure).

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Appendix A-1: Case History---West Germany (Preussag)

7-in. Liner with a 660-ft Horizontal Hole Section.

Well Data
TVD: 6275 ft
MD: 8200 ft
KOP: 1500 ft
Liner length: 4200 ft
Openhole size: 8-1/2 in.
Mud type: Salt saturated @ 12.5 lbm/gal
Formation: Oedesse massive salt dome

Well Problems:
• complete mud losses (to Muschekkalk claystone formation)
• massive plastic salt zones

Cementing Details
Centralization : 1 centralizer per joint
Pipe movement: None
Preflush: 38 bbl brine
31.5 bbl viscous spacer @ 15.8 lbm/gal
Lead slurry: 88 bbl of SALTBOND slurry @ 15.8 lbm/gal
Tail slurry: 50 bbl of high-sulfate-resistant slurry @ 15.0 lbm/gal
Displacement Rate: 8 bbl/min (turbulent flow)
Results: CBL-VDL/CET logs showed good bonding over centralized sections and poor
bonding with channels over noncentralized sections.

Comments
Centralizers were placed on the casing where the deviations were 75 or less. The bond logs
correlated quite well with the centralization. Where there was good centralization, the bond log
indicated good cement quality. Where there was no centralization, cement quality was poor with
obvious mud channels.
Cement slurries should be designed not only to optimize those properties which are required to
ensure good cement placement in highly deviated or horizontal holes, but also to conform with
the formation characteristics in which they are to be placed. For this case, a SALTBOND system
was used to cope with the salt environment.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Appendix A-2: Case History---England (BP Petroleum)

5-1/2-in. Liner with an 1830-ft Horizontal Hole Section (82 to 90)

Well Data
TVD: 3235 ft
MD: 5135 ft
KOP: 390 ft (at 25 deviation)
Liner length: 1827 ft
Openhole size: 8-1/2 in.
Mud type: KCl polymer @ 9.6 lbm/gal
Formation: Eagle sandstone (49-ft thickness)

Cementing Details
Centralization: 3 centralizers per 2 joints
Preflush: 60 bbl Chemical Wash
Cement slurry: 111 bbl of Class G + 0.4 gal/sk of D603 @ 16.4 lbm/gal (batch mixed)
Laboratory data: Thickening time: 6 hr
Free water: nil
Fluid loss: 27 mL/30 min
Plastic viscosity: 168 cp
Yield Point: 3.0 lbf/100 ft2
Compressive strength: 2390 psi (24 hr)
Displacement Rate: 3.0, 0.8, 0.4 bbl/min (1.0 bbl/min average)
Results: CBL very good.
CET excellent.
No evidence of channeling.

Comments
The liner was run on heavyweight drillpipe to push it through the horizontal section. The liner
hanger was a Brown Hughes Hydraulic Set MC. Centralization was 3 spiral bow-spring centralizers
per 2 joints in the openhole section and 1 positive-type centralizer per joint inside the 9-5/8-in.
casing up to the liner hanger.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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A chemical wash was pumped ahead of the D603 batch-mixed slurry. Displacement started at 3.0
bbl/min but was reduced to 0.8 and then 0.5 bbl/min for the last 27 minutes, with an average
displacement rate of 1.0 bbl/min. (A low displacement rate was chosen to accurately control
small displacement volumes and to observe pressure changes). Displacement was briefly stopped
when the wiper dart became stuck in the drillpipe and 4000 psi was required to release it. This
was thought to be due to pipe scale.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Appendix A-3: Case History---Offshore Malaysia

5-1/2-in. Liner with a 2300-ft Horizontal Hole Section

Well Data
TVD: 7,015 ft
MD: 11,050 ft
KOP: 2,012 ft
Liner length: 2,980 ft
Openhole size: 8-1/2 in.
Mud type: Oil base,
µP = 34 cp, τy = 13 lbf/100 ft2

Cementing Details
Centralization: 2 centralizers per joint
Pipe movement: Rotation @ 10 to 20 rpm
Preflush: 20 bbl of oil spacer @ 7.0 lbm/gal
20 bbl of wash @ 8.32 lbm/gal
50 bbl of scavenger slurry @ 13.5 lbm/gal
Cement slurry: 192 bbl of GASBLOK slurry @ 15.8 lbm/gal
Laboratory data: Thickening time: 3:22 hr:min
Free water: nil
Fluid loss: 18 mL/30 min
Plastic viscosity: 34 cp
Yield Point: 4.0 lbf/100 ft2
Displacement Rate: 16 to 12 bbl/min (slowing to 4 bbl/min to observe wiper plug shear and plug bump)
Results: CBL excellent (<2.5 mV over 80%)

Comments
The GASBLOK slurry was batch mixed and pumped downhole through a shear manifold. A 45-
minute shutdown occurred (HALCO pump valve failure) while pumping the slurry. Using oil-base
mud, the rig pumps displaced the slurry. The displacement rate was 16 bbl/min until the mud
caught up to the slurry and then reduced to 12 bbl/min. It was slowed to 4 bbl/min to observe
the liner wiper plug shearing and plug bumping. Two centralizers (Weatherford ST-II Slip-On
Type Bow Spring) per joint with stop collars 10 ft apart were used. The maximum torque
observed during liner rotation was 16,000 to 17,000 ft-lbf at 20 rpm.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Appendix A-4: Case History---Oklahoma, USA

7-5/8-in. Liner with a 125-ft Horizontal Hole Section

Well Data
TVD: 1600 ft
MD: 1872 ft
KOP: 1300 ft
Radius: 290 ft
Curvature: 19.6 (smooth)
(in Mississippi Lime)
Openhole size: 9-7/8 in.
Drilling: 120 to 150 ft/min annular velocity
Mechanical agitation to remove cuttings
Formation: Woodford shale

Cementing Details
Centralization: 30-ft spacing below 1540 ft
Pipe movement: Rotation (and circulation) while running casing in hole
Reciprocation @ 10- to 15-ft strokes (cementing)
Could not move pipe after plug bumped
Preflush: Fresh water
SAPP water
Scavenger slurry
Laboratory data: Thickening time: 3:16 hr:min
Free water (45): 1.3 mL/250 mL (45)
Free water (vertical): 0.5 mL/250 mL
Fluid loss: 57 mL/30 min
Compressive strength: 1120 psi (24 hr)
Displacement Rate: 5 bbl/min (water)

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Comments
1. Mechanical agitation (short trips) aided cuttings removal when drilling the inclined and
horizontal sections.
2. Rigid centralizers were run at a 30-ft spacing.
3. Rotation and circulation were necessary to get the pipe to bottom.
4. The pipe was reciprocated during mud conditioning and cementing. It could not be
moved once the plug was bumped.
5. Problems were encountered getting the tools past the curvature.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Appendix A-5: Case History---Alaska, USA (Standard Oil)

Two Wells: 5.5-in. Liners with 1500-ft Horizontal Hole Sections

Well Data
TVD: 9,050 ft
MD: 12,360 & 10,000 ft
Openhole size: 9.9 in.
Mud type: Oil base @ 9.0 lbm/gal
Circulation: 2 hr (1.5 x bottoms up)
Formation: Sadlerochit (~450-ft thickness)

Cementing Details
Centralization: free-floating rigid centralizers
Pipe movement: 1st job: rotation and reciprocation
2nd job: reciprocation only
Preflush: 60 bbl of diesel oil
100 bbl of Chemical Wash
40 bbl of turbulent-flow spacer @ 12.5 lbm/gal
Cement slurry: 1st job: Class G + 1.1% D60 + 5% KCl
2nd job: Class G + 1.75 gal/sk D600 + 0.25% D65
Laboratory data: Thickening time: 3:16 hr:min
Free water (45): 1.3 mL/250 mL
Free water (vertical): 0.5 mL/250 mL
Fluid loss: 57 mL/30 min
Rheology (Fann rdgs.): 46, 41, 35, 29, 27
Compressive strength: 1120 psi (24 hr)
Displacement Rate: 5 bbl/min (water)

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Comments
Both wells (see SPE 16682) were drilled in the Prudhoe Bay field, which produces from the
Sadlerochit sandstone reservoir. This formation is about 450 ft thick and is bounded by an
expanding gas cap and a water leg. After cementing ten to twenty horizontal wells, the following
procedure was adopted to effectively displace the mud.
1. Free-floating centralizers with near-gauge bodies (resembles a drilling stabilizer sleeve).
2. Minimum 2-hr mud circulation while reciprocating and rotating liner.
3. Mud-thinning preflushes.
4. Simultaneous rotation and reciprocation while cementing.
5. Preflush volumes for 10-min contact time and displacement rates of 8 to 10 bbl/min.
Cement slurries are designed to contain zero free water and to have an API fluid loss less than 40
mL/30 min.
Simultaneous rotation and reciprocation is favored by Standard Oil, rotation because it
mechanically ensures that cement is placed under the low side of the pipe, and reciprocation
because it provides the fluid with velocity and pressure surges necessary to break up gelled mud
in washouts.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Appendix A-6: Case History---Denmark (Maersk)

1st Well: 5-1/2-in. Liner with a 1090-ft Horizontal Hole Section

Well Data
TVD: 6490 ft
MD: 9500 ft
KOP: 1000 ft
Displacement: 5700 ft
Openhole size: 8-1/2 in.
Mud type: Oil base @ 11.3 lbm/gal,
µP = 16 cp, τy = 12 lbf/100 ft2

Cementing Details
Centralization: 2 centralizers (Weatherford Bow Type ST3M) per joint (standoff 67%)
Pipe Movement: Rotation @ 20 rpm
Preflush: 10 bbl of oil
40 bbl of water
Cement slurry: GASBLOK slurry @ 16.0 lbm/gal
Laboratory data: Thickening time: +4:20 hr:min
Free water: nil
Fluid loss: 30 mL/30 min
Plastic viscosity: 28 cp
Yield Point: 8.0 lbf/100 ft2
Compressive strength: 5200 psi at 170°F (24 hr)
Displacement Rate: 10 to 11 bbl/min
Results: CBL/CET average.
Pressure response during acid fracture treatment of 5 separate intervals indicated
good isolation

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Comments
The drilling and completion details of this horizontal well drilled by Maersk in the Dan Field in
Denmark are presented in SPE 18349. The displacement was intended to be in turbulent flow but
the rate was not achieved due to friction pressures. Due to poor sonde centralization, the CEL
appeared poor. Nevertheless, the well was acid fractured in five separate stages and the pressure
behavior indicated good isolation between intervals.

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Appendix A-7: Case History---Denmark (Maersk)

2nd 3rd Wells: 7-in. 6-5/8-in. Liners in 8-1/2-in. Openhole

Well Data:
Similar to well data presented in Case History---Denmark (Maersk), 1st Well: 5-1/2-in. Liner with
a 1090-ft Horizontal Hole Section.
For 2nd 3rd wells, liner size increased to 7 and 6-5/8 in., respectively.

Cementing Details
Centralization: 2 centralizers per joint (standoff 67%)
Pipe Movement: Rotation @ 20 rpm
2nd well: rotation stopped near end of job due to drag
3rd well: rotation stopped due to mechanical problems while pumping cement
Preflush: 10 bbl of clean oil
30 bbl of Chemical Wash CW8
45 bbl of turbulent-flow spacer
Cement slurry: 160 bbl of GASBLOK slurry @ 15.8 lbm/gal
Laboratory data: Thickening time: +4:20 hr:min
Free water: nil
Fluid loss: 30 mL/30 min
Plastic viscosity: 28 cp
Yield Point: 8.0 lbf/100 ft2
Compressive strength: 5200 psi at 170°F (24 hr)
Displacement Rate: 11.5 bbl/min (turbulent flow)
Results: CBLs poor.
Pressure response during acid fracture treatment of 7 separate intervals indicated
no zonal isolation problems.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Comments
The drilling and completion details of these two horizontal wells drilled by Maersk in the Dan Field
in Denmark are presented in SPE 18349. The cementing of these two wells involved a few
changes in comparison to the first well (see Case History---Denmark (Maersk), 1st Well: 5-1/2-in.
Liner with a 1090-ft Horizontal Hole Section). To help achieve turbulent flow, the liner size was
increased to 7 in. for the second well, but reduced to 6-5/8 in. for the third well.
The CBLs for both wells were poor. However, they were acid fractured in seven stages with good
results and no zonal isolation problems being observed.

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Appendix A-8: Case History---Gas Storage Well,

4-1/2-in. Intermediate Casing in Curvature of Horizontal Well

Well Data
TVD: 6340 ft
MD: 6560 ft
KOP: 5400 ft
Radius: 14/100 ft (10 to 15/100 ft actual)
Openhole size: 8 in. average (6-1/8-in. bit size)
BHST: 140°F (60°C)
BHCT: 115°F (46°C)
Mud type: Oil base @ 6.7 lbm/gal, µP= 16 cp,τy = 12 lbf/100 ft2

Cementing Details
Centralization: 40 ST1S centralizers - two per casing joint in openhole
- 6-7/8 in. maximum outside diameter
- 1270 lbf restoring force at 6-1/8-in. diameter
- 213 lbf starting force, 134 lbf moving force
Preflush: 50 bbl CW100
Cement slurry: SELFSTRESS I with 10% D44 (BWOW) + 1.5% D112 + 0.5% D65
+ 3%CaCl2 @ 14.2 lbm/gal
Laboratory data: Thickening time: 3:23 hr:min (short transition time)
Free water: nil
Fluid loss: 31 mL/30 min
Compressive strength: 825 psi (12 hr)
1225 psi (24 hr)
Displacement Rate: Turbulent flow
Results: After 26 hours, CBL amplitude matched prediction.

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5.C.1 Horizontal Well Cementing (Revised Sept. 1999)
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Comments
Although not cemented through the horizontal section, this case history presents a critical
cementing environment which has the same characteristics as a horizontal section.
The intermediate casing had to be cemented in such a way that the storage reservoir was
isolated. The end of the intermediate casing was close to horizontal section with the additional
constraint that the casing was still in the curved section. With the casing penetrating the storage
reservoir, the cement-job design had to maintain continuous control of the gas and effectively
remove the mud to achieve a hydraulic seal. An additional constraint was the desire by the Client
to evaluate the cement job using a CBL, before drilling the horizontal section. Because of the cost
of directional drilling personnel and equipment on location, the CBL had to be run shortly after
cementing.
A dispersed, low-fluid-loss slurry with a short transition time to control annular gas flow was
selected. In order to be able to run the CBL, strength development had to be rapid.
The centralizer density necessary to provide adequate standoff to achieve effective mud removal
in turbulent flow was calculated. Forty bow-spring centralizers (two per joint) and 50 bbl CW100
enabled effective mud removal to be realized.
The CBL Adviser calculator determined the expected CBL amplitude. After 26-hr WOC time, the
CBL was run and the measured amplitude matched the predicted amplitude (3.5 to 4.0 mV
versus 2.5 to 4.5 mV).
The Client drilled and completed the horizontal section with excellent results.

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