WELL CEMENTATION
BY
K. P. M O S C R I P *
Synopsis
The author sets forth the major lessons learned
from an investigation of cementing practices during
which a successful centralizer-scratcher-reciprocation
technique was developed.
Caliper, radioactivity and temperature surveys,
scratcher and centralizer equipment, and running
of casing are briefly discussed. Circulation, cemen-
tation and the movement of the casing during these
periods is more fully covered.
Use of this technique has resulted in a considerable
monetary saving by obtaining a greater percentage
of successful primary cementations and the conse-
quent elimination of many expensive squeeze jobs.
Even greater savings are anticipated during future
recompletions in higher zones believed to be ade-
quately protected. Precautionary squeezing as a
standard practice prior to completion has been elim-
nated.
Thorough advance planning of the casing job and
competent supervision of both the running and
cementation phases are essential to success. Under
normal conditions, with correct application of the
centralizer-scratcher-reciprocation technique, it is
reasonable to expect that satisfactory primary
cementation of zones 5,000 feet, or more, above
the casing shoe may be obtained.
Résumé
L’auteur donne un exposé des leçons importantes
apprises par l’investigation de la pratique de la
cimentation au cours de laquelle on a développé une
technique satisfaisante de l’alternance centraliseur-
grattoir.
O n discute brièvement les diagrammes de diamé-
treur de carottage radioactif et de thermométrie,
l’emploi des grattoirs et des centraliseurs ainsi que
de l’insertion des tubes de revêtement. On traite plus
amplement de la circulation, de la cimentation et du
* Mechanical Engineer Shell Oil Company, Houston,
Texas, U.S.A.
mouvement alterné des tubes de revêtement pendant
ces périodes.
L’application de cette technique a abouti à une
économie considérable, vu qu’on obtient un plus haut
pourcentage de cimentations initiales satisfaisantcc et,
par conséquent, l’élimination de beaucoup d’injections
de ciment bien coûteuses. On compte réaliser de plus
grandes économies encore en mettant au point les
remises en état dans des zones plus hautes qu’on
croyait suffisamment protégées. L‘injection de ciment
à, titre de précaution comme mesure standard avant
l’achèvement a été supprimée.
Une sérieuse préparation du revêtement et une
surveillance par des experts de l’insertion et de la
cimentation sont essentielles au succès. Dans des con-
ditions normales, en appliquant correctement la
technique de l’alternance centraíiseur-grattoir, on
peut logiquement s’attendre à obtenir une cimentation
initiale satisfaisante des zones de p o o pieds ou plus
au-dessus du sabot du tube.
I-Introduction
I n cementing casing in a drilled hole, the main
purpose has always been so to place the cement
throughout the length to be protected, that the casing
would be completely encircled by a solid sheath of
cement, free from channels, mud pockets, and weak,
contaminated sections. That this hope has many times
failed of fulfilment, has been evidenced by failure
to obtain complete shutoff both at the shoe and
adjacent to perforated sections.
The two factors which probably have contributed
most to these failures are first, the mud sheath on
the wall of the hole is only partially removed by the
passing cement, and second, the casing hangs eccen-
trically in the hole touching the side wall and prevent-
ing placement of cement between the two.
One method suggested for overcoming these troub-
les was to install bow-shaped springs on the casing
so as to “centralize” it, and spring wire scratchers
to remove wall cake by rotation or reciprocation of
the casing string.
 R. P. MOSCRIP-WELL
Objectives to be gained from successful use of
this technique were :
I-Elimination of leakage at the casing shoe.
a-Elimination of precautionary squeeze jobs be-
fore perforation, both at the time of original com-
pletion, and at a later date when a new producing
horizon is opened.
3-Elimination of remedial squeeze jobs, at the
time of completion, to reduce water production or
gas-oil ratios in producing zones, resulting from
channeling or poor bonding.
4-Simplification of squeezing off perforations a t
time of abandonment of a zone.
This paper sets forth as concisely as possible the
major lessons learned during the development of a
successful centralizer-scratcher-reciprocation tech-
nique. The discussion deals with the problems more
or less in the order in which they arise during the
actual planning and execution of the job. For the
most part, the terminology used is standard in the
oil industry, but it was found advisable to adopt and
define the four following terms:
Calculated Top: The calculated top is the height
to which it is expected the cement will fill the
annulus. I t may be a point arbitrarily selected, or it
may be established by a predetermined amount of
cement to be used. I n the first instance, the volume
of the hole to the selected point is determined from
the caliper survey, and the volume occupied by the
casing subtracted to give the annular volume. The
amount of cement required to fill this volume is then
calculated. In the second case, the set volume of the
predetermined amount of cement is calculated and
then from the caliper survey and the volume occupied
by the casing, the height is calculated at which the
annular volume is equal to the volume of cement to
be used. The annular volume from the shoe to this top
is used in calculating the effective volumetric ef f i-
ciency.
Full-Hole T o p : The full hole top is determined
from the temperature survey and is the point at which
the temperature curve veers noticeably and perma-
nently from a higher temperature, trending parallel
with the normal temperature gradient, to a lower
temperature much nearer the normal gradient. (The
same type of deviation occurs in a radio-activity
survey.)
Contaminated Top : The contaminated top is also
determined from the temperature survey and is the
point above the full-hole top where the rapid de-
crease in temperature halts and the temperature curve
again trends parallel to and practically coincides with,
the normal temperature gradient. I t is the point
generally selected by the service company as the
Proceedings 3rd W.P.C., Section II
CEMENTATION I45
“approximate top”. ( A similar change occurs in a
radioactivity survey curve.)
Effective Voluwetric Efficiency : This is the ratio
of the volume of the annulus fully-filled with cement
to the annular volume expected to be filled. I t is
determined by dividing the annular volume between
the shoe and the full-hole top by the annular volume
between the shoe and the calculated top. (This latter
is the same as the set volume of the cement to be
placed outside the pipe.) Any “effective volumetric
efficiency” over 100 ”/o would indicate appreciable
channeling in the annulus below the full-hole top,
while an unusually low efficiency would indicate
either excessive channeling above the full-hole top
or loss of cement to the formations below that point.
II-Caliper surveys
Without definite knowledge as to the annular
volume to be filled, it is impossible to know how
much cement should be placed behind the casing. Rule
of thumb methods proved entirely unsatisfactory and
it was found essential to run caliper surveys in each
new field until an average pattern was obtained.
Besides making possible calculation of hole volumes,
caliper surveys also indicated under-gauge spots
where precaution should be taken when running
casing, and abnormally washed out sections to be
avoided in placing centralizers, and which should be
taken into account in planning a program for pro-
gressive circulation when running casing.
Caliper survey logs plot either average hole dia-
meter or areas as specified. They are not difficult
to interpret, but it should be borne in mind that,
because of the different scales used to indicate depth
and diameter, the relationship between these two is
badly distorted. Actually, the changes in hole dia-
meter are much more gradual than they appear to
be. This can be clearly illustrated by plotting a short
section of the log to true scale, i.e., using a horizontal
scale equal to the vertical scale.
III-Radioactivity surveys
Largely because of the costs involved, the radio-
activity survey has greater practical application in
determining distribution of cement in squeeze and
liner cementations than it has in locating the cement
top or indicating cement distribution in the regular
oil string job. Temperature surveys, as discussed
later, were found to be sufficiently accurate for
ordinary purposes, this accuracy being confirmed by
the use of the radioactivity survey.
IV-Scratchers
The primary function of the scratcher is to remove
mud cake from the sidewalls of the bore hole. At
10
146 PROCEEDINGS THIRD WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION If

the start of reciprocation or rotation, the desire is 2-NO annular restriction-leaves open path up side
to remove and replace the filter cake which has been of casing.
in place for some time and which may have become 3-Vertical movement need not exceed six feet and
thick and leathery o r waxy. Then during the cemen- may be less if blank spaces are covered as casing
tation period, it is again desired to remove the freshly goes in hole. Little danger of sticking casing above
placed filter cake so that the cement slurry, as it pro- casing point. No need for additional hole below
gresses up the hole, can make intimate and complete casing point.
contact with the actual wall of the well bore. 4-Only one’size required for all casing sizes and
A secondary, but nevertheless important, function no splitting necessary.
is to baffle and cause turbulence of the cement slurry
so that it does not channel but is distributed over theRotary Type Disadvantages
entire annular area, and even to some extent into I-Higher material and installation cost per foot.
those cavities which have been enlarged beyond the 2-Tendency of casing to stick not easily recog-
actual reach of the fully extended scratcher wires. nized. Torque applied to casing may be sufficient to
A third, but much less important function of the twist it o f f down the hole or damage threads and
scratcher, is its “centralizing” effect. This is not ofcause casing leaks.
much consequence up the hole where 15 foot spacing 3-If welding fails, may tear off and twist around
is more or less general, but does assume somewhat casing, sticking or damaging it.
greater importance on short liners or on the bottom 4-Greater danger of damage to heat treated casing
joint of a casing string where from five to seven as individual welds cover appreciable area and total
weld is in a line extending over a 5 foot interval
scratchers may be used on a thirty or forty foot joint.
There are two general types of scratchers availableparallel to longitudinal axis of casing.
-the reciprocating, or ring type, and the rotating, The spacing of ring type scratchers posed two
or strip type. Several different designs offered are questions ; how far apart should they be placed and
illustrated and described at length in the Composite should they be spaced equally over the entire interval
Catalog. Quite naturally, both types of scratchers to be cemented, or would it suffice to place them
have their good and bad features and many argu- opposite prospective producing zones only? With
ments may be advanced for and against the use of range two casing, the bottom joint spacing selected
either. Some of these are: was 2 , 4 and I I feet from the shoe and 7% feet from
the top collar, and on range three, 2, 4, I I , 22 feet
Ring Type Advantages from the shoe and 7% feet from the top collar. On
I-Lower material cost per foot of interval covered. other than shoe joints, the spacing generally was
2-Lower installation cost. 7% feet from each end of range two casing, and
3-Tendency of casing to stick is indicated by up 7% feet from each end and one in the middle of
and down weights on indicator. range three casing. I n a few instances where a large
+-Merely slides on casing if lug welding fails. amount of the casing on which scratchers were to
5-Less danger of damage to heat treated casing be installed averaged 34 to 38 feet in length, spacing
as area of individual welds und total area affected was actually measured off at 15 foot intervals, care
are small. being taken not to spot a scratcher closer than 4 feet
from the end of a joint to allow room for slips and
Ring Type Disadvantages tongs. This spacing proved to be wholly satisfactory
I-Greater tendency toward removing side wall where a 20 foot reciprocation stroke was used. Later
cake while lowering in. experimentation in a different locality with 20 foot
2-Extends into annulus all the way around pre- spacing above the shoe joint and 25 foot reciprocation
senting possible bridging hazard. has given equally satisfactory results.
3-Casing must be reciprocated vertically and may A few jobs have been performed where a direct
stick above casing point unless sufficient additional comparison could be made between results obtained
hole and casing have been provided below. by using scratchers over the entire interval to be
+-Different size required for each casing OD cemented rather than in groups. The number is not
and must be split for installation on externally upset suf ficient to allow definite conclusions to be drawn,
casing. but indications are that scratchers should be equally
spaced over the entire section and this practice has
Rotary Type Advantages been adopted. The most important reasons for this
I-Less tendency to remove sidewall cake going in are: I ) Some channeling would be almost certain in
hole. the interval between the scratchers, resulting in un-
 R. P. MOSCRIP-WELL
satisfactory protection at these points ; and 2), which
is by far the more important, there is the danger that
the cement which eventually comes to rest opposite
the productive zones, would be badly contaminated by
mud cake picked up by and mixed with the slurry as it
passed the unscratched intervals, resulting in a poorly
consolidated, porous sheath opposite those zones it
is desired to protect.
The distance the highest scratcher was placed above
the top of the highest zone to be protected was 250-
300 feet at the start of the work, was reduced to 100
feet by the time the study was concluded and, in all
probability, future experience will indicate that this
can be reduced to 50 feet or less.
As it was standard practice to space scratchers over
the entire interval to be cemented, the cost advantage
of ring type scratchers became important. This was
because, except on the bottom joint, one ring type
scratcher is used approximately each 15 feet while
the strip type must be installed continuously. There-
fore, at a cost of about $ 6.60 each for the 5%” ring
type and $ 11.00 each for a 5 foot section of the
strip type, the material cost alone to cover a 500 foot
section of casing would approximate $ 250 for the
ring type and $ 925 for the rotary type.
V-Centralizers
The centralizer actually does not need to center
the casing in the hole, but it should hold the casing
away from the sidewall and out of contact with it a t
all points. This accomplishes two things. First, it
allows good circulation and the placement of a solid
cement sheath around the entire circumference of the
casing (and the hold-off distance should be great
enough to make this possible); and, second, by
reducing the area of the casing string in contact with
the side wall, it lessens friction and the danger of
sticking casing.
Roth of the main types of centralizers-straight
and spiral-were used in this work with the result
that the straight type was adopted as standard. While
the spiral type may have some theoretical advantages,
it has an inherent structural weakness which quite
often results in fatigue failure of the springs at the
weld point. Several designs of straight type centrali-
Zers are available, and detailed information on them
may be found in the Composite Catalog.
In selecting a centralizer and considering the
method used to attach it to the casing string, the fol-
lowing points should be kept in mind:
a ) Is the casing free to rotate without turning the
centralizer ?
b) Is centralizer always pulled through tight places
(either direction) and are both ends free to move
along casing?
CEMENTATION I47
c) Do spring ends transmit forces directly to
casing or through butt or transverse welds or rivets ?
d ) Is there danger of fatigue damage to springs
resulting from their bending over sharp corners ?
e ) Is spring material and its temper such as to
keep permanent set to a minimum?
f ) Has centralizer sufficient hold-off power?
The amount of hold-off power required of central-
izers and the distance apart they should be placed
have long been moot questions, and it is not within
the scope of this paper to outline the involved
mathematics utilized in the theoretical solution of the
problems. The following conclusions were reached,
however, after considering both the theoretical and
practical aspects of the matter:
a ) Except in special cases, spacing centralizers one
just above the shoe, one at the bottom of the second
joint above the shoe, and one each 90’ thereafter,
should give satisfactory results.
b) Centralizers should be used over the entire
section to be cemented, that is, from the shoe to
approximately 100 feet above the highest zone to
be protected.
c) Because tension, bending and compression
forces of unknown magnitude may be present
throughout the length of casing to be cemented, and
because the blades may cut into the sidewall to an
unknown extent, only centralizers with maximum
hold-off power should be used so as to assure suffi-
cient standoff at all points.
VI-Running casing
Only slight additional care is required in handling
scratcher and centralizer equipped casing on the rack
and while running it in the hole. Precaution should
be taken to prevent excessive bending of the scratcher
wires and centralizer springs when rolling the casing
and picking it up into the “V”. The driller should
be careful in lowering through the rotary table as the
OD of the centralizer springs often is greater than
the opening in the master bushing or spider, and the
scratchers, particularly if they are of the ring type,
may catch on the edge of the opening. T h e floorman
handling the spinning rope must be alert to see that
the coils do not catch on the scratcher wires.
I n general, it is possible to lower scratcher-cen-
tralizer equipped casing into the hole as fast or
faster than would be done if the equipment were not
used. The fear that the centralizers and scratchers
increase the friction and might tend to stick the
casing has proved to be entirely unfounded. In fact,
it has been our experience that with scratchers and
centralizers, the casing actually seems to be more free
and to move into the hole more smoothly. This is
probably due to the fact that an appreciable length
148 PROCEEDINGS THIRD WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION
of the casing is being held off the sidewalls, reducing
the area in actual contact with the walls and thereby
reducing the friction.
Where there is any danger of loss of circulation,
care must be taken to see that an excessive lowering
speed is not reached. The scratchers, particularly,
may remove enough material from the side walls, to
allow circulation loss. Also, this material can ball up
to some extent underneath the scratchers and cen-
tralizers and greatly increase the piston effect
normally present in some degree when casing is run
in the hole. Under these conditions, close watch must
be kept on the level of the pits, and the speed of
running reduced if excessive loss of fluid is evi-
denced.
As the last five to ten joints are run in the hole,
the indicated weight of the casing string should be
observed and the variations in weight watched to
see how smoothly the casing picks up and lowers. The
maximum and minimum weights on both pick up and
lowering should be noted so that they may be com-
pared with the corresponding weights at the start of
reciprocation.
VI I-Circdation
The first decision which must be made relative to
circulation is whether the casing string shall be
lowered to the casing point before any circulating is
done, or whether running should be interrupted at
intervals and circulation established so as to remove
from the hole the drilling fluid and material above
that point. No hard and fast rules have yet been
established as to when progressive circulation should
be decided upon, or as to what intervals should be
allowed between circulation points. One scratcher
manufacturer who has had considerable experience
in cementing casing s t r i n e , recommends stage circu-
lation every 1000 feet as practically standard proce-
dure for all holes. Our limited experience has in-
dicated that stage circulation is not always necessary
and that intervals exceeding 1000 feet may be used.
Further work along this line must be done before
definite rules can be laid down.
The most important reason for the use of stage
circulation is to keep to a minimum the pump pres-
sure required to “break” circulation off bottom or
at any other point higher in the hole. This is accom-
plished by removing in small increments (a) the wall
cake, cuttings and weighting material that may have
been dislodged from the side wall3 by the scratchers
and centralizers and (b) the drilling fluid which has
thickened and increased in viscosity during the period
since the drill pipe was laid down. A further reason
is that, because of the higher annular velocities
attained in comparison with drill pipe, a large amount
11
of hitherto undisturbed cuttings and thickened filter
cake may be removed from cavities. With stage
circulation, this material is not all removed at the
same time and tendency to bridge the hole is reduced.
It follows then that progressive circulation is in-
dicated when :
a ) Returns have been lost while drilling, or when
it is expected that returns may be .lost during circu-
lation if too high pump pressure is required.
b) Any section, during drilling produced excessive
cuttings or cavings, o r it is expected that excessive
.
amounts of wall cake, cuttings or shale will be
removed from the side walls by the scratchers and
centralizers while casing is being run.
c) Numerous washed out places or cavities exist
from which excessive material may be removed
during circulation.
d) The weight indicator shows an unexpected
dragging or tendency to stick, even though the next
circulation point has not been reached, or it had been
decided at the start that progressive circulation was
not to be employed.
An exception to (a) may occur when a well has
“kicked” fluid from the hole at some depths and lost
circulation at others. After a proper balance has been
attained before running casing, it may be advisable
to forego progressive circulation and combat possible
loss into the formation by using some circulation loss
material such as Cellophane.
The conditions which prompted the decision to
circulate by stages will also dictate the points at which
circulation should take piace, final selection taking
place after study has been made of the caliper log.
Care must be taken not to include too many washed
out spots, or sections which are expected to produce
large quantities of material. Generally speaking, the
first point of progressive circulation should be a
short distance above the shoe of the last string pre-
viously run, that is the surface casing or an inter-
mediate string. The purpose of this is three fold.
First, it allows a check to be made of the equipment
to be used for circulating; second, it determines that
the annulus between the two strings is clear; and,
third, it gives the crew practice so that, at later points,
there will be a minimum of delay in getting circu-
lation started.
Procedure in breaking circulation is the same at
both the casing point and progressive circulation
points. The first and most important rule is to start
slowly. Pump pressure is built up gradually to be-
tween 200 and 300 psi and kept there until returns
are established. The pump is then gradually speeded
up to full throttle or to whatever lower speed is
necessary to avoid loss of mud into the formation.
Constant close watch should be kept of the pits
 R.' P. MOSCRIP-WELL
during this period so that any loss of fluid may be
detected and the pump speed reduced accordingly.
This gradual build up of pump pressure and
circulation rate is important for several reasons. The
scratchers and centralizers remove appreciable quan-
tities of wall cake while going in the hole. Therefore,
the least possible pressure needed should be used so
as to avoid starting circulation losses at points where
the filter cake may be quite thin. Also, in many cases,
there may be a zone below the casing point which
has not been plugged off and into which circulation
might be lost at excessive pressure. Furthermore, too
high a pressure or too rapid a circulation rate before
pipe movement has started may cause wall cake and
cuttings to bridge around or below the scratchers and
centralizers causing lost circulation, or worse still,
stuck casing. After circulation has been built up to
full speed, the danger of lost circulation is consider-
ably lessened, but frequent check should be made of
the pits throughout the circulation period so that any
loss which does occur may be detected and corrected
before it becomes serious.
There is no set rule governing the length of time
circulation should be maintained either at progressive
vj
m
-I
O
O
0
I
t
u
O
I-
Q
2
n
" Z
CIRCULATING
Fig. I. Mud conditions during stage circulations.
CEMENTATION 149
points or a t the casing point. In general, circulation
should continue at least until all of the fluid which
has been standing in the hole above the circulation
point has been replaced with fresh. The length of
time required therefore is dependent not only on the
amount of material to be removed from the hole, but
also on the size of the hole, size of the casing, circu-
lating depth, condition of the fluid in the hole, and
pump capacity and speed.
As a rule, compared with the weight and viscosity
of the drilling fluid at the time drill pipe was laid
down, the fluid to be circulated from the hole will
be heavier and of higher viscosity. The time then
when circulation should be stopped is when the
returns are reasonably free of heavy wall cake and
large quantities of wall cuttings and shale, and the
fluid weight and viscosity have approached normal,
or at least have started to show a decided downward
trend. Picking the precise moment, however, is a
matter of experience and judgment.
Some idea as to how mud viscosities and weights,
as well as indicated casing weights, change during
stage circulation periods may be gained from study
of the curves in Figure I , which present data taken
1 THIRD STAGE 4000'
TIME - MINUTES
 as
1.50 PROCEEDINGS THIRD WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION
during an actual job on a 6300 foot well in South
Texas. The times shown are typical for this field. I n
other fields, stage circulation time at 4000 feet has
run as much as 35 minutes, while at 6ooo to 7000
feet it has varied from 35 to as long as 45 minutes.
Considerable variation in time may also be expected
when circulating at the casing point. At that time, the
casing is being reciprocated, or rotated, as discussed
later, and the purpose is to clear the bore hole tho-
roughly of loose shale, well cuttings and the old
thickened mud cake, and the amount of the material
removed varies widely from field to field and well
to well.
Casing point circulation time for 44 typical wells
of various depths and distributed throughout Eastern
Texas is shown in the following tabulation :
Minutes Circulating at Casing
___ Point
Well Depth No. of Wells Minimum Maxitniim Average
3000-4000 4 50 56 53
4000-5000 I4 45 76 62
6000-7000 9 60 123 89
7000-8000 2 60 80 70
8000-9000 I2 60 I IO 78
9000-11,000 3 80 90 85
Ordinarily, the amount of wall cake and cuttings
removed increases gradually to a peak and then
tapers o f f , though occasionally rapid increase and
decrease is noted. Mud weight and viscosity generally
rise rapidly, stay high throughout most of the scrat-
ching period, and then decline almost as rapidly as
they rose. Ordinarily mud weight will not increase
much over one half pound per gallon though it may
reach one pound. Peak mud viscosity (Marsh funnel,
1 5 0 0 ccs. in, I quart out) will often reach 120
seconds and occasionally will go so high as to prevent
accurate measurement.
VIII-Movement of casing
Movement of the casing string during circulation
and cementation is one of the most important factors
in obtaining a satisfactory cementation. This idea,
however, is often times directly contrary to the esta-
blished practices of a drilling department, and it is
therefore necessary to explain carefully to all con-
cerned what is to be accomplished by pipe move-
ments, and what takes place while it is going on.
In progressive circulation, it is desired to remove
from the hole the well cuttings and thick wall cake
which have been dislodged by the downward passage
of scratchers and centralizers, but it is not the idea
at this time to clean the side wall of the filter cake
and cuttings in place. Recause of this, casing is never
rotated or reciprocated at a stage circulation point.
Occasional movement of the casing is desirable and
often essential, however, to overcome a tendency to
stick. As mentioned before, stage circulation, which
II
is started with the full length of the circulation joint
in the derrick, generally requires 30 minutes or less,
and rarely, if ever, need exceed 45 minutes. The joint
of casing usually being between 30 and 45 feet in
length, customary practice is to lower the casing a
foot or two every two or three minutes. This drop
will clean out any material which may have collected
underneath the scratchers or centralizers.
Reciprocation of the casing is commenced as soon
as the rig pump has been started for circulation at
the casing point. If returns are not immediately forth-
coming, it is best to move the casing up and down
only four or five feet until returns have been esta-
blished. As soon as returns are observed, full reci-
procation stroke and speed may be attained. The
length of full stroke depends on scratcher spacing
and whether it is desired to pass scratchers once
or twice during the stroke. I n this work, scratcher
spacing was 15 feet or less and reciprocation stroke
was 20 feet. In later work, a spacing of 20 feet with
movement of 25 feet has been used with equal suc-
cess. This phase of the problem requires additional
study. Whatever stroke is decided upon should be
maintained until the casing is landed.
No work was done to determine if there is an op-
timum speed at which the casing should be raised
and lowered during the time it is being reciprocated.
It is doubtful that it makes much difference so long
as a reasonable speed is maintained. In this work, a
cycle of approximately two minutes was used, that
is, one minute to raise the casing and one minute to
lower it. The important thing about the speed of the
cycle is that it should remain the same during the
entire time the casing is reciprocated. The reason f o r
this, as will appear more clearly later, is that the in-
dicated weight, both on the upstroke and downstroke,
will vary with the speed of reciprocation. Inasmuch
as it is desired to compare these weights, and how
they vary, as nearly a constant speed as possible is
required. Once reciprocation of the casing has com-
menced, every effort should be made to continue reci-
procation at the same speed and stroke, until the plug
has bumpzd and cementation is complete. This is ,
not always possible, as will be brought out later, but
the times when it cannot be done should be few.
It is exceedingly important that a careful and con-
tinuous watch be kept of the indicated weight of the
casing string, both on the up and down strokes, from
the time reciprocation starts until it is finished. Not
only should these weights be observed, but they
should be recorded at intervals of five minutes or less
or whenever a significant change takes place. It is
true that the weight indicator pointer will swing and
jump considerably, particularly at the start' of the
reciprocation period. Ordinarily, the downstroke
_ _ _ _ ~ ~~ ~ ~

R , P. MOSCRIP-WELL CEMENTATION

nioveinent is less smooth than the up, and the weight
indicator pointer moves so rapidly over such a large
range that it is somewhat more difficult to estimate
this down weight average. I t takes only a small
amount of practice and experience, however, to be
able to estimate both weights with a minimum of
difficulty. These weights give an indication of the
progress of the job. and are the only means of
knowing whether the casing is showing a tendency
to stick.
Curves similar to the one shown in F‘g ‘ 1 ure 2 were
found very helpful in explaining to drilling crews
the casing string weight changes which take place
during circulation and cementation, and in over-
coming their fears relative to sticking the casing. The
curve in Figure 2 approaches the ideal, but was never-
theless plotted from actual data tabulated during
ceinentation of a well.
At A on the curve is shown the indicated weight
of the casing string as it hung in the derrick just be-
fore the start of reciprocation, and this weight is
projected across the graph as a reference line. The
average up and down weight curves follow each other
quite well, the differences in the two being caused
100
mainly by friction which adds to the up weight and
subtracts from the down weight. It is the difference
in weight between the up and down strokes that is
impoitant. As long as this difference remains fairly
constant, or decreases somewhat, there is little danger
of sticking the casing, even though the weights them-
selves may increase or decrease appreciably and
rapidly. I t is when the difference in up and down
weights increases to any great extent, that danger is
present. When the up weight is increasing as the
down weight is decreasing, it indicates that greater
friction forces are acting on the casing, tending to
hold it still. When these friction forces become too
great, the casing “sticks”. Consequently, when the
difference in weights increases appreciably, it is
necessary immediately to make a decision as to
whether reciprocation should be continued, or stopped
and the casing landed. In general, this situation is not
as apt to arise during the circulation period as it is
during cementation, particularly after the cement has
left the shoe and is being placed in the annulus.
Continuing with Figure 2, the upstroke weight in-
creased at the start due to the force exerted by the
centralizers and scratchers in removing the old

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152 PROCEEDINGS T H I R D WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION
thickened wall cake and cuttings. These frictional
forces soon started to decrease, as new wall cake
replaced the old, the effect being shown more by the
increase in down weight than in a decrease in up
weight, until the point B was reached, when up weight
started to decrease.
There was a short delay between the time the rig
pump shut down and the time the cementing company
started mixing cement and pumping into the casing.
During this period, reciprocation ceased. Note that,
when it was again started a t C, the up weight had
increased and the down weight had decreased, in-
dicating that the danger of sticking is always present
when the casing is not kept moving.
Between points C and D, the up and down weights
both steadily increased because the heavier cement
slurry was replacing the mud in the casing. D is the
point at which the cement started to leave the shoe,
and in this case, it practically corresponded with the
point at which all cement had been mixed and dis-
placement with drilling fluid had commenced. From
then on, the indicated weight fell off very rapidly due
to the lightening of the load inside the casing and
the increasing bouyancy effect of the cement on the
outside. It should then follow that when the equali-
zation point was reached, the hanging weight of the
casing (assumed to be half way between the up and
down weights) should have returned to where it was
at the start of reciprocation. E on the curve repre-
sents the calculated time at which the equalization
point would be reached and it will be noted that a
point at E, half way between the up and down
weights, falls on the “hanging weight” line.
A further interesting calculation checks the dif-
ference in the original hanging weight and the final
indicated weight. From the curve the former is
78,000 ibs. and the latter 63,000 lbs., a difference of
15,000 lbs. I n this well, the height of the cement
column placed behind the casing was 2300 feet above
the shoe. The mud weighed 10.9 lbs. per gallon near
the end of the job an,d the cement slurry weighed
16.4 lbs. per gallon. The casing was 5%” OD. The
additional bouyancy effect of the 2300 foot cement
column can therefore be calculated to be 15,630 lbs.,
which varies only about 600 Ibs. from the indicator
reading difference.
In one portion of the curves between C and D,
it will be seen that the up weight continued to in-
crease while the down weight remained constant,
in other words, the difference between the two
weights increased. Such a condition must be viewed
with suspicion, and in this case, it was. Reciprocation
was continued, however, as it was felt that the con-
dition was due largely to difficulty in accurately
II
reading the average down weight because of wide
oscillation of the indicator pointer.
A somewhat less perfect job is represented by
the curve in Figure 3. The large increases in up
weight required to start the casing moving again
after reciprocation had ceased for a short time il-
lustrate the tendency of the casing to stick in the
locality in which this well was drilled. Illustrated
also is a situation in which the difference in up
and down weights increased considerably and it
almost became necessary to land the casing to avoid
sticking it. Due to an accident, there was a 25 minute
period in which circulation ceased and there were
no returns. I t was possible to continue reciprocation
of the casing although the difference in weights in-
creased from 2000 to 9000 lbs. Just as it was feared
that the casing would h a w to be landed, the weight
difference decreased for some unknown reason and
a completely successful cementation was eventually
obtained.
When casing is to be reciprocated, a check should
be made to see that the hoisting equipment is of
ample size and in good repair. Clutches and brakes
must go through a cycle every two minutes during
a period of from two and one half to as much as
four hours. Stringing up an increased number of
lines lightens the load.
IX-Cementation
Cements, themselves, were not studied during this
work. Regular Portland cement was employed to
cement two strings of surface casing, while the “slow
set” type was used for all oil strings. The cements
were the products of several manufacturers and were
furnished from the regular stocks of the cementing
service companies. Sacked cement was used in only
a few instances when there was a shortage of the
bulk product.
Cellophane flakes were used in the cement when
it was felt that there was danger of excessive loss
of cement slurry to the formation and on several jobs
2 % by weight of dry bentonite was added to the
dry cement. The four main reasons for the use of
bentonite are :
I-To obtain a lighter weight slurry and thus
displace the cement to its final height with minimum
pump preCsure.
2-To increase pumpability, lubricating value and
flow characteristics of the slurry, thereby reducing
friction in the annulus thus further decreasing the
pressure required.
3-To reduce the amount of water separation and
settling, and filtration loss to the formation and con-
sequent tendency of the slurry to thicken o r “flash
set”,
 ~-

R. P. RIOSCRIP-WELL CEMENTATIOF I53

4-To obtain increased set volume of the slurry
and reduce the amount of cement required and the
cost.
One of the most important things about mixing
cement is to be ready to do so when the time comes.
Preparations should be completed well before the end
of the circulation period so that mixing may be
started immediately and the whole operation carried
on continuously according to a previous thoroughly
thought-out plan. After mixing of cement is started,
every effort should be made to keep the cement
column moving until cementation is completed.
Probably one of the most frequent causes of
slowing down, and sometimes stopping cement
‘mixing is lack of sufficient water at the cementing
wagons. Therefore, before mixing starts, it should
be determined not only that an ample supply of water
is available, but also that the pumps which are to
deliver it have sufficient capacity, are in good
working condition, can be started without delay, and
that all valves in the lines are open or can be opened
immediately when the need arises. A short amount
of time spent checking these things pays big divi-
dends later. If there is any question about delivering
water rapidly enough, or if the capacity of steam
boilers for instance, is not great enough to keep the
cementing wagons running at full speed and still have
enough steam left to pump the displacing plug down
at maximum speed, it is better to recognize these facts
at the start and run the wagons at a reduced speed
that can be maintained.
Arrangements should be made to weigh the cement
slurry continually during the mixing period. This is
necessary to obtain a uniform slurry. The average
cementer is quite adept at estimating slurry weight,
but he cannot watch the mixing tub continuously and,
in any event, accurate weighing is better than good
estimating. Maintenance of the correct slurry weight
during mixing is likewise necessary if it is desired
later to check the efficiency of the cementation, that
is, compare the height to which the column actually
was placed with the predicted or calculated height.
Slurry volume obtained from a certain amount of
dry cement varies with weight and only by weighing
can the set volume be determined, and the calculated
top be figured. Control of slurry weight is also a
“must” when circulation losses have been experienced
and weight must not exceed the previously set maxi-

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Fig. 3. Variation of casing string weight during cementation (well L 5).
I54 PK0CEEr)INGC T H I R D WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION
inum for fear of formation breakdown and loss of
cement into incompetent zones.
As was brought out previously, constant watch
should be kept of the indicated weight of the casing
string during the mixing operation. Unless the cement
slurry leaves the shoe before mixing is completed, the
danger of sticking the casing at this time is not too
great. There is, however, the increase in weight which
takes place due to filling the casing with cement, and
the driller is apt to overlook the fact that both up and
down weights are increasing and become nervous
through fear that the casing may stick. It is well to
have someone standing by the driller to assure him.
The actual displacement of the cement slurry from
within the casing into the annulus, is the most
hazardous of all of the cementing operations. It,
therefore, is extremely important to have this phase
well organized and to have an approximate knowledge
at all times of the locations of the front and rear
ends of the column of cement. This can be accom-
plished by calculating the amount of time and the
number of rig pump strokes which should elapse
between start of displacement and the time:
(a) The cement slurry starts to leave the casing
at the shoe.
(b) The top of the cement column in the annulus
passes the highest scratcher.
(c) The two cement columns, in the annulus and
in the casing, reach the equalization point.
(d) The plug displacing the cement bumps the
float collar.
Since it is believed that the cement and fluid
columns should be kept moving, if possible, plans
should be made ahead of time to drop the displacing
plug immediately upon completion of cement mixing
and to follow it without interruption with drilling
fluid supplied from the pits by the rig slush pump.
To do this, it is necessary to use a cementing head in
which at least one plug may be held out of the flow
stream during mixing, but which will allow the plug
to be instantly released ahead of the displacing fluid
as soon as mixing is completed. The use of such a
head is strongly recommended in preference to a
swage or the type head which has a removable cap
through which the plug is inserted after mixing is
complete.
A constant check should be kept on the progress
of cement mixing in its final stages, and the rig
pump should be started up and be idling before the
last of the slurry has been placed in the casing. As
soon as the last of the cement has been pumped from
the mixing tub, the displacing plug should be released,
the by-pass valve on the mud line closed, and dis-
placement of the cement begun immediately. I t
II
should not be necessary to stop reciprocation during
this change over.
If the cementing head used is not the plug con-
taining type and reciprocation must be stopped and
displacement discontinued during the period re-
quired to insert the displacing plug in the head, the
operation should be planned with especial care so that
the time the casing is standing still is kept to a mini-
mum. This is a most critical period, particularly if
a portion of the cement slurry has left the shoe. Of
the four strings of casing which became stuck during
the course of this investigation, two of them stuck
during the time reciprocation was shut down to drop
the displacing plug. These two jobs, incidentally, were
the only ones where squeize cementing was indicated
as being necessary to overcome failure of the primary
cementation.
I n any event, after the displacing plug has been
dropped, and just as the by-pass valve on the mud
line is closed and the rig pump starts discharging
fluid into the casing, a stop watch should be started
to measure elapsed time and a count of the pump
strokes should be begun.
Howard and Clark in their A.P.I. paper a t Chicago
in November 1948 stated that their tests indicated
that the flow rate of the cement slurry in the casing-
hole annulus should never be less than five and one
half feet per second, and, if possible, should exceed
seven feet per second. Such high flow rates are, a t
present, impractical in actual field operations but
further study should be given to finding ways and
means of more nearly approaching them. In the
meantime, it is necessary to compromise by using the
rig pump or combination of rig pumps which will
discharge the greatest volume at the pressures to be
encountered. The pump is then operated at maximum
possible speed until necessary to slow it down just
before the plug bumps. Pressures should, of course,
be watched closely at all times and a man should be
stationed a t the pump prime mover controls ready
to shut the pump down instantly if necessary.
A n attempt should be made to continue reci-
procation of the casing until the plug bumps. It may,
however, be necessary to stop reciprocation and to
land the casing very rapidly to prevent sticking the
string above the casing point. When this necessity
arises, the decision must be made without delay.
Therefore, it is important to have the man responsible
for the job, or his thoroughly experienced delegate,
stationed at the driller’s side, not only to give him
specific instructions relative to landing the casing,
but also to explain to him what is taking place and
to reassure him.
During this period, it is necessary that close ob-
servation be made of the indicated casing weight and
 R. P, MOSCRIP-WELL
that a constant check be kept on the elapsed time and
number of pump strokes, the latter by a stroke
counter on the pump or by someone assigned to count
them.
All who have been assigned any responsibilities
should have a copy of the time stroke calculations.
The man at the throttle of the pump prime mover is
especially interested in the time and strokes at which
the plug should bump, but he must be constantly on
the alert to shut the pump down should the pressure
rise too high. The man watching pump pressures is
more interested in the equalization point, when the
pressure should start to increase steadily, anti in th6
time the plug is to bump so that he can watch for
the exact moment the pressure starts to rise pre-
cipitously. (A pressure gauge connected directly into
the cementing head gives a much better indication of
true pressure in the casing than does the gauge on the
rig floor.)
The observer with the driller is interested first in
the time at which the cement slurry leaves the shoe.
This is considered a dangerous point as far as
sticking the casing is concerned, and it is the point a t
which the indicated casing weight should start to
decrease. (This decrease in weight gives a good check
on the accuracy of the calculated time schedule.) The
next point of interest may be either the equalization
point, or the point at which the top of the cement
slurry passes the last scratcher (which one comes
first is determined by the height of the scratchers irt
relation to hole volume and amount of cement used).
At the equalization point, the indicated weight begins
to fall off very rapidly and the driller may become
quite worried because the casing appears to be
sticking on the down stroke due to the much lighter
weight. IIis attention should be called to the fact that
the up weight is decreasing just as rapidly.
WJhen the top of the cement slurry has passed the
last scratcher, one of the main functions of the
scratchers-that of cleaning the mud from the walls
and placing cement next to the formation-has been
accomplished. Consequently, should the casing be
showing any tendency to stick, the length of the
reciprocation stroke can be reduced so that the chance
of landing the casing at the proper point is greatly
increased. Ordinarily, this reduction in stroke length
is not necescary.
The final point-the one in which every one is
most interested-is when the plug finally bumps and
the casing comes to rest at the designated casing point.
X-Temperature surveys
The temperature survey instrument is a device
which measures and records graphically the tempe-
rature of the fluid in the well at the time the instru-
CEMENTATION . I55
ment passes through it. The survey is run from the
top of the hole to bottom, rather than from bottom to
top, so as to record the temperature of the fluid
before the strata of different temperatures have been
disturbed.
As the cement slurry behind the casing sets, it
gives off a certain amount of heat which is trans-
mitted through the casing to the fluid inside the
casing. Rroadly speaking, the greater the amount of
cernent around the casing at any one point, the greater
the total amount of heat given off and the greater the
temperature rise in the fluid inside the casing. Thus,
if no cement is present behind the casinx, the tem-
perature of the fluid at that point should approach
the normal earth temperature at that point, while if
there is cement behind the casing, the temperature of
the fluid should be increased somewhat in proportion
to the mass of the cement at that point.
I n most of this work, temperature surveys were run
eight to ten hours after the plug was bumped, and
entirely satisfactory curves were obtained. In some.
cases, delays as much as 15 and 20 hours were ex-
perienced without serious loss of detail in the curves.
There seems to be no reason, however, to wait beyond
the eight hour period, and a standard waiting period
should be established so as to allow more accurate
comparison of the curves from different wells.
The temperature survey will generally show a
readily 'distinguishable top of the cement column and
will give some indication of where appreciable
amounts of cement have been lost to the formation.
The survey is of very little value, however, as an
aid in attempting to estimate cross sectional distri-
bution of the cement, but occasionally gives good in-
dication of any channeling which may have occurred.
Upon completion of this work, it was decided that
temperature surveys should be run in all wells in
which caliper surveys have been run so as to check
the cement top and allow efficiency to be calculated.
I n any well where two or more zones are to be pro-
duced either at time of completion or at a later date,
a temperature survey should be run as a positive
check on the cement top, and as an indication of
cement distribution, regardless of whether a caliper
survey was made. In any particular field after a
caliper pattern and a normal cement top have been
established, it should be satisfactory, in wells where
just one productive zone exists, to run check tem-
perature surveys only in every third to fifth well.
The length of this paper does not permit a dis-
cussion of the interpretation of the temperature
curves obtained after cementation. While much still
remains to be learned, it is possible, by studying the
temperature curve in conjunction with the Schlum-
berger self-potential curve and the caliper log, to
156 P R O C E E D I N G S TIIIRD W O R L D PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION II

arrive at a decision as to whether the cement job at Sheet”. Copies of the Casing Cementation Report
any particular point in the hole is sufficicntly good and the Casing Cementation Data Sheets along with
that precautionary squeezing is unnecessary, copies of the caliper and temperature surveys should
be filed in the permanent well files for future use in
X I - C o s t of scratcher-centralizer job recompletion work. A complete analysis of the cement
A question often asked is “what is the additional job should be made at the time of completion and, if
cost of using scratchers and centralizers ?” Naturally indications are that all zones have been satisfactorily
this cost will vary somewhat, the height to which the protected, the file should be marked “Primary cemen-
cement column is to be placed being the most im- tation satisfactory. O.K. to perforate all zones with-
portant factor, with casing size and well depth con- out additional cementation.”
tributing to a lesser degree. A rough cost estimate XI I I-Results obtained
can easily be made, however, as shown by the follow-
The table which follows lists pertinent data on
ing figures for a 5%” O D casing job. The well
49 cementation jobs performed and reported upon
depths and casing column heights were selected at
during this study. Geographically, the jobs were
random.
distributed throughout the eastern half of Texas.
Depth o f Well, Feet 4000 6000 8000 Two of the jobs were 10%’’ OD surface casing in
Ht. above Shoe, last Scratcher, Ft. 500 IMX) 1500 15 inch hole, while the remainder were oil strings.
No. of Centralizers 8 14 zo In depth, these latter varied from 3600 feet in Field
No. of Scratchers 41 77 116
costs C to almost 10,500 feet in Field M. The casing sizes
. Caliper Survey (No service varied from 4%” OD to 7%’’ and drilled hole sizes
charge) $ 160 $ 240 $ 320 from 8%‘’ to 9%“.
Centralizers 210 370 530 The greatest number of centralizers and scratchers
Scratchers (Ring type) 250 460 700
Welding Time 20 30 50 used was 42 and 248 respectively in Well D-I, closely
Temperature Survey 200 240 28% followed by the 39 and 239 respectively used in Well
Total $ &,O $ I340 $ J880 J-8. The latter well was cemented with 1700 sacks
Cost per foot of hole while 1ó00 were used in the former. The highest
covered by scratchers $ 1.68 $ 1.34 $ 1.25 cement column was placed in Well D-I resulting in
a full hole top over 5000 feet above the shoe, com-
O n the same basis, a 2000 foot column in a 4000 pared with a full hole top of slightly over 4000 feet
foot well would cost $2,010 or $1.05 per foot and in Well J-8.
a 500 foot column in a 10,000 foot well would cost Final evaluation of the results of this work must,
$1200 or $2.40 per foot. Generally, an estimate of of course, await later recompletions in higher for-
$1.25 per foot protected will not be far wrong. mations presumed to be productive. Also, no exten-
For a routine shoe job where 50 feet of scratchers sive comparison has yet been made with the results
might be used and caliper and temperature surveys obtained in past years before any scratchers or cen-
were unnecessary, the cost would be approximately tralizers were used, or with the results obtained by
$ Ioo.00. using scratcher-ccntralizer techniques other than that
reported on here.
XII-Recording cementation data The table shows that, of the 47 oil string jobs
In order that the results of an investigation of this listed, 43 were completely successful in that the
nature may be watched and later analyzed, it is casing was landed and cemented according to plan.
essential that on-the-job notes be taken and then Of the remaining four, two were entirely successful
compiled into a field report as soon as possible. from a practical standpoint in that the primary
Examples have already been cited of the curves which cement job was satisiactory, even though the casing
were drawn to illustrate conditions during stage cir- was landed slightly higher than planned-II feet in
culation, and during the period from the time reci- one case and I O feet in the other. Inasmuch as an
procation and circulation at the casing point started extra joint of casing had been used in each case, no
until the plug was bumped. I n addition to these ill effects resulted. This leaves two of the jobs, B-I
curves, a lengthy written report setting out pertinent and L-3, to be classed as unsuccessful. I n both of
data and describing various phases of the job was these instances, the casing stuck on bottom at the time
also prepared. Later, this report was shortened to reciprocation was halted to effect release of the dis-
the one page “Casing Cementation Report” included placing plug. I n each case, the cement slurry was
at the end of this paper along with a companion displaced from the casing, but a satisfactory shutoff
blank form entitled “Casing Cementation Data was not obtained at the point at which the casing was
 R. P. MOCCRIP-WELL CEMENTATION I57
TABLE I
Cem,entation data
-
~- -- -
~ ~ ~
-
~

I pth, feet
~. .-
Ht. above shoe, f t .
Field iize holedril No. No. No. Wt. ~ ___
and led-casing of of jacks Additives ;lurrJ csg. Calc Cont. Full Calc. Full
Ccr., Ce- used TOP TOP
Well D.D., inche :ent.
nent tf-/gal shoe top top hole scr., tap hole ser.*
Ser.
-- - - -- - - - - - - top top
AI 7 %-4 42 6 32 200 16.0 4118 3425 3435 3505 3639 693 613 479
2 7 %-4 Y? 4 20 200 16.0 4108 3385 3390 3555 3840 723 553 268
BI 8 %-5 42 5 25 600 16.0 7847 7000 6970 7305 7527 847 542 320
C I 7 %-5 5 22 150 15.9 3732 3200 3130 3210 3452 532 522 2 80
2 7 %-4 Y? 5 22 I75 16.2 3652 3150 3110 3360 3351 502 292 301
3 7 %-4 Yi 5 22 I75 16.0 3727 3250 3110 3285 3426 477 442 301
4 7 %-4 Y? 5 22 I75 16.0 3703 3085 3090 3180 3401 618 523 302
DI a %>8 %-5 9 42 248 c 600 2% Bent. 14.5 6817 2000 I800 3130 4817 5017; 3687
EI 9 %-7 6 34 800 16.0 9020 7780 7800 7900 8571 1240 II20 449
FI 9 %-7 % 5 28 800 16.0 7779 6550 6375 6500 7465 1229 I279 314
GI 7 %-5 Y? 6 20 235 16.0 4082 3595 3315 3365 3805 487 717 997
HI 8 %a-? 4 19 ;o0 16.0 4592 3750 3935 4025 4351 842 567 241
2 8 %-5 Y? 5 26 350 16.2 4648 3830 3905 4015 43'2 818 633 336
3 9-7 5 22 300 15.8 4598 3610 3610 3675 4308 988 923 290
4 9-7 6 31 350 16.0 462 I 3630 3620 3725 4203 99 1 896 418
5 9-7 6 28 300 16.2 4580 3580 3500 3520 4241 I O00 1060 339
I I 9 %-7 8 46 500 16.4 8820 8050 6700 6750 8259 770 2070 5'61
2 9 %-5 Yi 5 21 500 16.0 8818 8060 8075 8130 8523 758 688 295
3 8 %-5 Y? 4 20 500 15.8 8817 7663 7545 7568 8530 I254 I249 287
4 9 %-7 5 25 500 16.0 8652 7050 6615 6950 8330 1602 1702 322
5 9 %-7 5 25 500 16.4 8668 7230 6960 7005 8368 I438 I 663 300
J I 8 %-5 Yi 6 40 500 16.4 8814 7852 7710 7915 8261 962 899 553
2 8 %-5 Y? 7 35 500 16.0 8791 7830 7830 7940 8293 96 I 85 1 498
3 15-10 % O O 800 16.0 1518 O 20 65 - 1518 I453 -
4 8 %-5 Y? 6 30 500 16.0 8758 7715 7550 7715 8357 I043 I043 401
5 9 %-7 5 27 500 16.6 8785 6820 7780 7900 8435 1965 885 350
6 15-10 % I3 86 750 16.0 I367 I95 67 525 85 1367 842 1282
7 8 %-5 Yi 7 35 500 16.0 8789 7790 7670 7820 8306 999 969 483
8 8 %-5 Y? 39 239 [ 700 2% Bent. 14.9 8795 3350 4630 4740 5267 5445 4055 3528
KI 7 %-5 Y2 7 38 350 16.0 4254 3000 3030 3200 3786 I254 I054 468
2 8 %-5 Y? 6 28 500 16.2 6330 5250 5290 5330 5955 I080 I O00 375
3 8 %-5 Y? 5 22 300 16.0 6284 5480 5485 5512 6030 804 772 254
4 8 %-5 42 8 38 500 16.0 4304 3710 3620 3850 3784 594 454 520
5 7 %-5 Y? 5 26 350 16.0 4228 3330 3370 3580 3915 898 648 313
G 7 %-5 Y? 6 30 350 15.9 4318 3105 3275 3425 3943 1213 893 375
7 7 %-5 4 - 350 16.0 4064 2805 3052 3200 3808 1259 864 256
8 774-5 Y? 6 35 350 16.0 4233 3335 3280 3500. 3817 888 723 416
9 7 %-5 Y? 8 40 275 16.0 4307 3620 3640 - 3828 687 - 479
LI 8 %-5 Y? I3 72 800 Radioactive 16.4 6030 3660 3700 3720 4930 2370 2310 I I 0 0 '

2 3 %>8 %-5 4 I3 78 800 15.6 6118 3770 4200 4300 5097 2448 1818 I O 2 1
3 9 %-5 Y? I4 84 800 16.5 6161 4450 4700 4750 4966 1711 1411 I I95
4 9 76-7 I7 IO0 800 16.0 6287 4380 4410 4420 4848 1907 I 867 I439
5 9 %-5 Y? 16 92 800 2% Bent. 15.4 6100 4430 4460 4490 4916 1670 1610 1184
6 9 74-5 Yi I4 81 800 2% Bent. 15.5 6144 3638 3565 3595 5059 2506 2549 1085
M I 9 %-7 I4 108 [ IO0 16.0 [O448 7480 7310 7440 8886 2968 3008 1562
2 9 %-7 7 28 500 16.2 8234 7240 6890 7070 7855 994 I 164 379
3 9 %-5 42 5 24 500 16.0 8150 7050 6910 7150 7857 I IO0 1000 293
KI 9 74-7 % 8 41 600 2% Bent. 14.4 9914 7654 7835 7920 9378 2260 I994 536
'/4 # Cell.
0 1 8 %-5 Yi 23 130 [ 300 16.0 6777 4508 4608 4620 4996 2269 2157 1781
1-Ceni lizer . a-Scratchers 3-Contaminated
 TABLE I Cementation data (Continued)
- -
Height above highest scratcher. feet
Field - Effective
and :alculated Contami- Full hole rolumetric Remarks
Well top nated top top Fficiency yo

A I 214 204 I34 94 *

2 455 450 285 89 *
B I 527 557 222 54 Two Stage Circulation. Casing stuck a t casing point
while reciprocation was stopped to release plug.
Squeeze job indicated.
C I 252 322 242 99
2 201 241 -9 56
3 176 316 141 90
4 317 311 221 84
D I 1130 ? I330? J o5 30% excess cement used.
E I 791 771 671 94 *
F I 815 1090 965 ? Caliper survey incorrect - reciprocation stopped early.
G I 210 490 440 ? I77? F.H.T. very doubtful - temperature survey did not
go low enough.
€1 I 601 416 326 66 *
2 482 407 297 82 *
3 698 698 633 81
4 573 583 478 79 Casing stuck I I feet high, 2 minutes before plug
bumped.
5 661 741 721 114 Rector 2 plug system used. Reciprocation stopped
five minutes early.
I I 209 ? 559 509 269 Caliper survey apparently not correct - Calc. top
2 463 448 393 91 [too high.
3 867 995 955 106 Stage circulated at 6,500’. Recip. stopped 3 minu-
4 1280 1715 1380 I 06 [tes early.
5 1138 1408 1363 116
J I 409 551 346 94 Stage circulated a t 4 depths.
2 463 463 353 89
- - - - Temperature survey run to check top of cement.
3
4 642 807 642 IO 0 Stage circulated a t 2 depths.
5 1615 655 535 48 No caliper survey - Calc. top & Eff.based on bit size.
6 -I IO 18 -440 53 Insufficient cement used.
7 516 636 486 97 Stage circulated a t 3 depths. Recip. stopped I min-
8 1917 637 527 75 Stage circulated a t 3 depths. [ute early.
I< I 786 756 586 86 *
2 705 665 625 82 Rector 2 plug system - Recip. stopped 2 min. early.
3 804 799 518 78 Rector 2 plug system - Recip. stopped I min. early.
4 74 164 -66 93 * Doubtful that temperature survey is correct.
5 585 545 335 78 *
6 838 668 518 85 * Plug found 103‘ high - Special plug did not hold.
7 1003 756 358 87 Rotary type scratchers used.
a 482 537 317 92 *
9 208 188 __ - Casing stuck IO feet high - Plug not pumped down
and was found 602 ‘ high - 78 sacks cement left in
casing. Temperature survey instrument stopped
a t 3670 ’.
L I 1270 1230 ZIO 98
2 I327 897 797 SI *
3 516 266 216 83 Casing stuck 3 feet off bottom - Squeeze job requir-
4 468 438 428 96 Stage circulated a t 3 depths. [ed.
5 486 456 426 96
6 1421 I494 I464 102 No caliper survey - Calculated top estimated.
M I 1406 I576 I446 I02 Stage circulated a t 2 depths. Precautionary squeeze
2 615 965 785 109 Stage circulated a t 2 depths. [performed.
3 807 947 707 91 Stage circulated a t 3 depths. Recip. stopped 3 minu-
tes early.
N I I724 I543 I458 89 Reciprocation stopped I 7 minutes early.
0 1 488 388 376 98
i:: This efficiency is based on an “Equivalent Top”, and is slightly higher than one based on the Fi111 Hole Top.
The ilse of the Equivalent Top was discontinned after a short time as it proved to be unsatisfactory.
 R. P, MOSCRIP-WELL CEMENTATION I59
CASING C E M E N T A T I O N REPlORT
Date .......................................... \\'ell . .....................................................................................
Fi e 1tl ........................ County .................................................. State ..........................................

Toial depth .... PRTD ........................... RECI P R O CATI O N

Last caciiix run prcvioiisly Max. length of stroke ............ Ave. time one stroke ............
Size .................. Wt. ................. Aixt. ............ If length of stroke reduced, give time ..................... and
Casing being run stroke .....................
W t . .................. Amt. ..................
whoin was hole calipered ?
........................................................................................ CEMEN T A T I O N
Deptb highest zone to be protected ................................. Cementing company ........................................................
Ueptli of highest scratcher . _ . _ _ Kind and type of cement ...... ...............................
Hr. last scratcher above highest Kind and amount of additive
Centralizers : Number, make 8r .........................................................................
........................................................................................ W t . of cement slurry: Est. ............... Actiial ...............
Scratchers : Number, make & typc ................................. Slurry vol. ft3/sack: E s ual ...............
.............................................................. Sacks of cement used-To .....................
alizer spacing ......................................................... In annulus ............... .....................
........................................................................................ Cu. ft. cement in annulus ..........................
Pump used to pump plug down:
i Scratclier spacing ................................................... Liner size and stroke ................................................
........................... .................................................... Vol. per stroke ........... ...... Gals. (100 %)
........................................................................................ SPM: Max. ................
Pipe covered by scratchers & centralizers Number of strokes required to pump plug down ..................
1No. of joints .............. footage ........ By whom was temperature. survey run? ..............................
Welding time required ............................................ Hrs. ................................ Depth reached .....................
List shoe, float collar, number of plugs, cementing liead ement tops : Calculated
and any special cementing eqiiipnient used ........................ Contaminated .............
........................................................................................ Annujar volumes, cubic feet :
........................................................................................ T o calc. top .................. To full hole top ...............
Effective volumetric efficiency ... .. %
........................................................................................
Mud: Type, wt. & visc. before running casing ............... TIME
.................................... #/gai. ........................... Secs. Casing started in hole ........ .:.............
Required to install cementing head ..............................
CIRCULATION Required to connect hose .............................................
~-. ___ ...............................
1
~~ ~

~-
Time Mud W t . & V i x .
Depth
Start 1 Finish 1 Start 1 Finish
Cement mixing started ...................................................
I l Cement mixing finished ........................
....................

.................................................
..............................
or .............................

......................

CASTNG C E M E N T A T I O N DAT'4 SHEET

nate .......................................... Well ...................................................................... .............................
Field ...................... .... County ................................................... State ........... .......
~_____ ~~ ~~~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ _ __
_ _ _ _ _
__ ~
_~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Time I DeDth
I
Thous. Lbs.
UP DN I UP
Pressure
DN 1 Wt.
Mud

visc. 1
Remarks
.........

I l l I l _. l
160 PROCEEDINGS T H I R D WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS-SECTION II

perforated, and a single squeeze cement job was per- sary control, and the temperature survey curves
formed. Besides these two remedial squeeze jobs, supply the proof of it.
there was also performed a purely precautionary, and 3-Thorough advance planning of the casing job
probably unnecessary, squeeze to check the shutof f and competent supervision of both the running and
opposite a sand which in the past had always been cementation phases are essential to successful ap-
squeezed before perforating for production. plication of the technique.
In comparison, oil strings were run in 32 wells in 4-It was possible to reduce remedial squeeze jobs
this same area during the previous year. One pre- from an average of .91 per oil string cemented,
cautionary squeeze job was performed in one well, to .04.
while remedial squeeze jobs were required in seven 5-Reduction in primary cementation failures
wells. The number of remedial squeeze jobs per well resulted in a minimum net saving of $ 20,000 on
varied from one to ten and the total number was 29. the original completion cost of 47 wells. Additional
This is an average of .91 squeeze jobs per well. If savings several times those already recorded should
the same percentage had applied to the wells shown result during future recompletions in higher zones
in the table, a total of 43 squeeze jobs should have believed to be adequately protected.
resulted, 41 more than actually took place. Since a 6-The average cost of using centralizers and
cingle squeeze attempt with the rig already on locationring type scratchers over a several hundred foot
will cost a minimum of $1500, this represents a gross interval, including running caliper and temperature
saving of at least $61,500. Using a cost of $1.25 per surveys, is $ 1.25 per foot of scratcher covered sec-
foot for the 33,2J3 feet covered by scratchers in the tion. For a routine shoe job where 50 feet of
47 wells, the total cost of using scratchers and cen- scratchers might be used and no caliper or tempera-
tralizers was $41,500, giving a minimum net saving ture surveys run, the total cost need not exceed
of $20,000 on original completions alone. Additional $ Ioo.OO.
savings of several times this amount should result in 7-Under normal conditions, with the use of
the future when recompletions are made in higher scratcher-centralizer-reciprocation technique, we may
zones believed to be adequateb protected by the reasonably expect to obtain satisfactory primary
primary cement job. cementation of zones 5,000 feet, or more, above the
casing shoe.
XIV-Conclusions 8-Temperature surveys generally can be inter-
The following conclusions appear justified ‘from preted well enough to indicate whether adequate
the work done so far: protection has been afforded to upper zones, or
I-The only time any real control can be exercised whether channeling or loss of cement to formations
over the placement of cement in a well bore is during has been excessive. .&
the primary cement job; and, unless costly radio- 9-Precautionary squeezing, as a standard prac-
activity surveys are employed, the only time the ap- tice preliminary to completion, can be eliminated,
proximate position and distribution of the cement can where temperature survey, or other check, has in-
be determined is very soon thereafter. dicated a successful primary cementation.
2-The scratcher-centralizer-reciprocation tech-
nique which has been developed provides this neces- :d Dec. 14, 1950.

Bibliograpny
( I ) Jones, P. H., and Berdine, Dennis, “Oil Well Cement-
ing-Factors Influencitig Bond between Cement and
Formation”, A.P.I. Drilling and Prodnction Practice,
1 5 (IWO).
(2) Rarkus, Bruce, and Wright, Kenneth A., “Casing Move-
ment While Cementing”, International Oil, October
1941.
( 3 ) Teplitz, A. J., and Hassebroek, W. E., “Carnotite in
Squeeze Cementing”, Oil Weekly, October 29, 194.5.
(4) Teplitz, A. J., and Hassebroek, W. E., “An Investigation
of Oil Weil Cenienting”, A.P.I. Drilling and Pro-
duction Practice, 76 (1946).
(j) Rogers, J. L., “Cementing Practices Improved in Illi-
nois-Indiana-Kentucky Completions”, Oil and Gas Jour-
nal, July 13, 1946.
(6) Barkus, Bruce, and Wright, Kenneth A., “Effect of
Hole Enlargement on Cementing and Completion
Practices”, World Oil, Ilecember 1947.
(7) Cannon, George E., “Improvement in Cementing Prac-
tice and the Need for Uniform Cementing Regulations”,
A.P.I. Drilling and Production Practice, 126 (1948).
(8) Howard, George C., and Clark, J. B., “Factors to be
Considered in Obtaining Proper Cementing of Casing”, ’
A.P.I. Drilling and Production Practice, 2j7 (1948).
(9) Teplitz, A. J., “Review of Casing Cementing and
Perforating Practices”, Oil and Gas Journal, Septem-
ber 9, 1948.
(IO) Tinker, Jr., Nicholas A., “Planning, Running and Ce-
menting Casing Strings”, Petroleum Engineer, July
1949.
 R. P. MOSCRIP-WELL
DISCUSSION
Mr. J. A. BOTTEMA (N.V. De Bataafsche Petroleum
Maatcchappij, The Hague, Netherlands). Attention
may be drawn to Mr. Moscrip’s statement (sub VI-
Running Casing), that it is in general possible to
lower scratcher-centralizer equipped casing into the
hole as fast or faster than would be done if the
equipment were not used. I n general this may be true.
However it may be emphasized that the application of
the combination of scratchers and centralizers may
cause serious trouble under abnormal conditions. Ab-
normal conditions exist for instance in case the for-
mations consist of alternating sections of stable well-
consolidated sandstones and shales under severely
unstable conditions. If the unstable conditions of the
latter cause serious caving at regular intervals, even
when special contact with the rocks is absent, a con-
tact with the wall of the hole should be avoided as
completely as possible during running casing. Contact
with scratchers might promote anew serious caving
which might result in sticking of the casing during
lowering. Conditions as mentioned above exist in
certain areas in Indonesia. I n these areas it has
proved a wise policy to provide the casing only with
centralizers.
Mr. E. E. DAVIS(Houston, Texas, U.S.A.). I can-
not defend the paper in that respect as there are too
many variables involved in caving conditions in which
scratchers might add to the hazards.
Mr. PH.H. HUISMAN (N.V. Nederlandse Aardolie
Maatschappij, Oldenzaal, Netherlands). Mr. Moscrip
discusses in his paper very clearly the many factors
involved in cementing casing. However, I would like
to express my doubt whether 2% of bentonite added
to dry cement will reduce the “water loss” of the
slurry obtained.
Proceedings 3rd W.P.C., Section II
CEMENTATION 161
Mr. E. E. DAVIS.The main use of the bentonite is
to lighten the cement slurry where formations are
weak and can break down ; lightening cement slurry
by adding up to 3% and 4% bentonite does not
appear to weaken the cement.
Mr. R. P. MOSCRIP,author (Shell Oil Co., Houston,
Texas U.S.A.) written reply :
Mr. Botteina is right in that whenever abnormal
conditions are expected, or encountered, special care
should be exercised in running scratcher equipped
casing. I t happens that the particular conditions of
which he speaks were not encountered in our work.
However, as mentioned in the next paragraph of
the paper, we did recognize that certain lost circu-
lation difficulties may have been caused by scratchers
removing material from the side walls and that under
those circumstances, casing running speed would have
to be reduced. This practice was actually followed on
several wells. Undoubtedly there are quite a number
of fields throughout the world where abnormal con-
ditions will make the use of scratchers hazardous and
undesirable.
I n regard to Mr. Huisman’s comment, it may be
that the paper was not entirely clear. As Mr. Davis
said, the main use of the bentonite is to make it pos-
sible to lighten the cement slurry by using a greater
proportion of water. Ordinarily, i f the proportion
of water to cement is increased, the amount of settling
and water separation which takes place during setting
is increased. Ry using bentonite a large amount of
the water which would normally settle out is prevented
from doing so. As a result, less water is lost to the
formation and the set volume of the cement slurry is
greater. Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Company
publish very good data and curves on this subject.
[I