T
esco Corporation’s tubular services segment is focused
on enhancing the cementing process by providing a
technology offering and recommendations for improved
well integrity and production levels compared to conventional
cementing methods. Specifically, operators are being encouraged
to implement a valuable well-cementing technique referred to
as dynamic cementation that provides these benefits, while also
resulting in lower operating costs.
Oil and gas production can be adversely affected by poor zonal
isolation due to incomplete drilling fluid displacement, especially
in deviated wells. Under-displaced mud, also known as partially
dehydrated gelled (PDG) drilling fluid, is highly detrimental to
well integrity. Conventional well cementing techniques do not
adequately remove PDG and do not allow for optimal cement
bonding. This is a problem that has affected drillers for many years.
Conventional well-cementing techniques also have a tendency
to allow for fluid to become trapped in and around the casing,
thus creating an environment where gases can migrate along the
length of a cased hole. This phenomenon has been confirmed using
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and field experiments.
Unfortunately, the well construction process only allows for one
chance to build a reliable primary cementing system. Failure to
perform a cementing job correctly the first time can lead to remedial
cementing work which is costly and is unlikely to produce identical
results as a well-executed primary cement job.
There are many methods currently available that can
improve the overall quality of a cementing job and help prevent
the need for expensive remedial work. Such methods include
proper hole cleaning, casing centralisation and casing movement
during cementation. Despite an industry acceptance of the
value of continuous pipe movement, the ability to achieve this
operationally has proven difficult. The dynamic cementation
process has allowed many operators in North American land
operations and the Gulf of Mexico to achieve this, especially
when met with the challenge of providing safer and more reliable
cementing. Fernando Assing, CEO of Tesco Corporation said:
“Typical tubular services providers are not often involved nor
do they participate in this very important part of the operation.
Tesco is now involved in this process and is currently providing
technology solutions that allow operators to mitigate these issues.
The company’s technologies enable rotation and reciprocation
during the cementing operation and also significantly reduce
transition time from casing-on-bottom to cementing. This
enhances the cement job and provides the operator an
opportunity to increase value while reducing costs and risks at the
same time.”
Conrad Ojong Ojong,
Tesco Corporation, USA, compares
the dynamic cementing technique to
conventional well cementing methods.
PROVEN BENEFITS
OF DYNAMIC
CEMENTING
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