Field Studies of Circulating Temperatures Under Cementing Conditions

Abstract

Summary One of the most important but least well-known parameters in cementing operations is the circulating temperature. Many authors have presented theoretical analyses of the wellbore conditions, formulated mathematical models, and presented actual field measurements. However, very little temperature data have been reported for conditions of greatest concern (i.e., with casing in hole). To gather such data in detail, circulating temperature and pressure measurements were made with downhole tools lowered on wireline. In one case, temperature measurements were made during circulation immediately before cementing to record the circulating temperature in the well. In another case, measurements were made after the slurry was been placed to record the thermal recovery of the well. Data collected during these field trials (with casing in hole) are presented and demonstrate the different thermal response of a well with casing instead of drillpipe in the hole. Measured circulating temperatures are lower than those derived from the API schedules and highlight the necessity to account for well geometry properly when determining downhole temperatures.