Practical Horizontal Cementing Today

Abstract

ABSTRACT Horizontal wells present an effective method to maximize production potential and reduce development costs of some oil and gas fields. The ability to predict induced fracture direction with reasonable accuracy can allow the operator to drill in the direction considered most profitable.1 Ideally the well would have extended reach in the proper direction through a stable, fractured formation, would not require stimulation, and would not be subject to the production problems usually encountered in the life of a field. Since horizontal wells are drilled in a variety of formations, operators are experiencing the normal well problems and are finding stimulation and control methods useful for production improvement. This paper will examine problems associated with cementing of horizontal sections and the recent technology advancements that may be applied to help assure a competent annular hydraulic seal. Conventional cemented completions have not been used extensively in horizontal wells since some operators lack confidence in the technology that is available. Problems have been perceived in managing cuttings transport, pipe centralization, effective mud displacement, cement free-water control, and effective placement of a cement seal around the casing. These problems do exist and corrective techniques are complicated by highly deviated wellbores, but technology advances have been made to address horizontal conditions. Proper cementing may continue to provide an economical hydraulic seal for zonal or wellbore segment isolation so necessary to effective stimulation and work-over operations. The use of advanced technology often requires extensive pre-planning and includes the necessity to properly communicate the benefits to field operations personnel to assure the proper implementation of new or different techniques or materials. Little good will come from the best ideas without proper follow-through during application.