Formation integrity test (FIT)

An accurate evaluation of a casing cement job as well as of the formation is extremely important
during the drilling of a well and for subsequent work. The Information resulting from Formation
Integrity Tests (FIT) is used throughout the life of the well and also for nearby wells. Casing
depths, well control options, formation fracture pressures and limiting fluid weights may be
based on this information. To determine the strength and integrity of a formation, a Leak Off Test
(LOT) or a Formation Integrity Test (FIT) may be performed. This test is first: a method of
checking the
cement seal between casing and the formation, and second: determining the pressure and/or fluid
weight the test zone below the casing can sustain. Whichever test is performed, some general
points should be observed. The fluid in the well should be circulated clean to ensure it is
of a known and consistent density. If mud is used for the test, it should be properly conditioned
and gel strengths minimized. The pump used should be a high-pressure, low- volume test or
cementing pump. Rig pumps can be used if
the rig has electric drives on the mud pumps, and they can be slowly rolled over. If the rig pump
must be used and the pump cannot be easily controlled at low rates,
then the leak-off technique must be modified. It is a good idea to make a graph of the pressure
versus time or volume for all leak-off tests.
The main reasons for performing formation integrity test (FIT) are:
- To investigate the strength of the cement bond around the casing shoe and to ensure that no
communication is established with higher formations.
- To determine the fracture gradient around the casing shoe and therefore establish the upper
limit of the primary well control for the open hole section below the current casing.
- To investigate well bore capability to withstand pressure below the casing shoe in order to
validate or invalidate the well engineering plan regarding the casing shoe setting depth.