Framework for optimizing components in an oilwell cement slurry design

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 97, No. 1077, 2004

D. Getzlaf

Oilfield cementing has been utilized in the industry since the turn of the century. Originally, wells were shallow and criteria for well integrity were somewhat limited. Since that time, wells have stretched the envelope in depth, temperature, and pressure. Environmental regulations have also become more stringent, thus, the importance of hydraulic isolation between permeable zones, and between these zones and surface has become more and more important. Initially, oilfield cements were comprised predominantly of construction cement and very limited additives. As time progressed, additives were incorporated to control pumping time or placement time and little effort was placed on optimizing actual components within the cement chemistry. This paper presents issues and concerns created by adding just one new component to the fundamental chemistry of an oilfield cement.

Keywords: Cementing, Oilfield, Additives, Compatibility, Optimization.