Development and Implementation of the Method of Cementing Production Casing 178 mm with Pressure on the Cement Slurry on the East Part of the Orenburg Oil and Gas Condensate Field

Abstract

Well construction in the Volga-Ural Region faces different sorts of complications, the most common ones being the loss of drilling fluids and rockslides. Such complications may cause considerable financial losses due to non-productive time (NPT) and longer well construction periods. Moreover, there are complications, which might occur both during well construction and during its exploitation. The commonest complications are sustained casing pressure (SCP) and annular flow. The complications, which occur when operating a well, also have a negative effect on the economic efficiency of well operation and call for additional actions, for example, repair and insulation works, which require well shutdown and killing, though a desired outcome still cannot be guaranteed; moreover, it is possible that several different operations may have to be carried out. In addition, the occurrence of SCP during well life is one of the most crucial problems that may cause well abandonment due to high risks posed by its operation. It is known that the main reasons for SCP are as follows: Channels in cement stone Casing leaks Leaks in wellhead connections To resolve the problem of cement stone channeling, several measures were taken, such as revising cement slurry designs, cutting time for setting strings on slips, applying two-stage cementing, etc. These measures were not successful, besides, they caused additional expenses for extra equipment (for example, a cementer). In order to reduce the risk of cement stone channeling, a cementing method is required that will allow to apply excess pressure on cement slurry during the period of transition and early strength development. To achieve this goal, a well-known method of controlled pressure cementing may be applied. Its main drawback, however, is that it requires much extra equipment, thus increasing operation expenses. In addition, the abovementioned method allows affecting the cement stone only during the operation process and / or during the waiting on cement (WOC) time. Upon receiving the results of the implemented measures and considering the existing technologies and evaluating the economic efficiency, the need was flagged for developing a combined cementing method. The goal of this method is to modify the production string cementing method with a view to applying excess pressure on cement stone during strength development and throughout the well lifecycle. The introduction of this lining method does not lead to an increase in well construction costs and considerably reduces the risks of losing a well from the production well stock.