Problems associated with deviated-wellbore cementing

Abstract

Field experience suggests that in deviated wells solids settling from the drilling fluid to the low side of the hole may adversely affect mud displacement while cementing. Large-scale laboratory cementing experiments confirm that in a deviated wellbore solids settling from the drilling fluid can cause a continuous mud channel to remain along the low side of the cemented annulus. Tests also suggest that excess water in the cement slurry can result in a water channel along the high side of the cemented annulus in a highly-deviated well.