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CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | Fev A Section 4.A.1 CONVENTIONAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING January 1995 | Page 21 of 21 11.3 Improper Remedial Too! Location If the packer is set too high above the perforations, then the cement slurry becomes contaminated as it ‘channels through the mud or workover fluid and its Properties are adversely modified, altering the sturry- placement resutts. If the packer is set too close and ‘communication behind the casing exists (poor cement | yp bond), then a high bottomhole pressure may cause Unioader casing colapse above the packer. With a good know!- ‘edge of the cement bond, the packer should be set as close as possible to the perforations but high enough to eliminete any possibilty of casing collapse above the packer. Drag Spring ‘Assembly Washi Ports o a, — Nn Se —— Mule Shoe Ball Value Fig. 12.A pertoration washing toot. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL CEMENTING ENGINEERING cee poten! MANUAL January 1995 | Page 1 of 25 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING ‘Contents Page | Contents Page | 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2.6 Tool Selection 14 2 DESIGN 2 3 EXECUTION 2.1 Job Design Data ~ 3 3.1 Execution Precautions 241 Reservott Barameiars 3 S11 Personnel 2.1.2 Wellbore and Completion Geometry 4 3.1.2 Well Security 2.1.3 Logistical Constraints 4 3.13 Equipment levee see hese 2.2 Slurry Design ... 4 3.2 Equipment uirements .... seerravenese 15, 2.2.1 Conventional Cement ‘Systems oe 5 3.2.1 Coiled Tubing Equipment ... coors 15 2.2.2 Latex Cement Systems 5 3.2.2 Pressure Control Equipment 15 223 Thixotropic Cement "6 3.23 Pumping Equipment wcnnnccooe 15 224 roamed Gement 6 324 Momtoring and Recording 7 2.2.5 PERMABLOK System. oe & 3.2.5 Downhole Equipment .............0000 17 2.3 Laboratory Testing 8 | 99 Treatment Execution " 2.3.1 Mixing Energy Pusere 8 3.3.1. Wellbore Preparation ...... see 18 2.32 Thickening Time 9 332 Slurry Mixing and Pumping... 18 2.3.3 Fluid Loss 9 3.3.3 Squeeze ...... seteroreee 1B a4 24, feoloay 19 33.4 Removal of Excess Cement... 23, luny Volume 25 Slumy Placemeni SUIIIEEN! 42. | 4 EVALUATION 24 25.1 Depth Correiation .. 12 | 5 REFERENCES ooecon 25 2.5.2 Protection Against Contamination .. 12 2.5.3 Cement Column Stability 12 2.5.4 Isolation of Adjacent Zones 13, 255 Tubing Movement 14 1 INTRODUCTION ‘Squeeze cementing may be defined as the process of forcing cement slurry, under pressure, through perto- rations or holes in the casing or liner. When the slurry is forced against a permeable formation, some of the fluid enters the formation matrix fitering out the slurry solids on the formation face. In performing a coiled tubing (CT) squeeze, the pressure is gradually in- creased in predefined increments (hesitation squeeze). With a properly designed slurry and squeeze procedure, a firm filter cake wil fil the open- ings allowing the final squeeze pressure to exceed the formation fracture pressure. The firm fitter cake, in the form of nodes, allows wellbore cleaning by circulation immediately after completing the squeeze procedure. Therefore, subse- uent driling or underreaming operations to clean the wellbore are avoided. With the development of efficient squeeze cementing techniques conducted through CT, significant cost savings can benefit operators performing through- tubing workovers. Conventional methods of cement placement required the use of a workover rig. How- ever, most of the time and expense associated with mobilization of equipment, well killing and completion handling can be avoided when using CT-conveyed services. In addition, the operational features of CT and associated pressure control equipment provide several technical and economic benefits. ‘Squeeze cementing operations conducted through CT. have been developed and improved by evolving oper- ating procedures to suit wellproduction conditions, and by refining the slurry design. For example, a key operational factor is the removal of excess cement slurry from the wellbore. Current techniques can allow rapid and efficient removal of excess slurry, thereby CONFIDENTIALITY This manual section i a confidential document which must not be copied in whole (r in any part or discussed with anyone outside the Schlumberger organization. Section 4.B.1 RevA Page 2of 25 | January 1995 CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL. SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING ‘permitting production to be resumed with minimum de- lay. In addition, extensive laboratory testing and analy- ‘ses have increased the understanding of the cement slurry performance and characteristics as itis mixed in ‘small volumes and pumped through the CT string. ‘Squeeze cementing operations are applied to perma- ently block the intrusion of undesirable fluids to the wellbore. In oil wells, this is frequently required to re- duce excessive water or gas production which limits downstream separation or process capacity. The ce- ‘ment providing the block to production must remain ef- fective under the highest anticipated differential Pressure when production is resumed. The following conditions are treated with a high degree of reliability using CT squeeze cementing techniques: * water or gas channeling as a result of an incomplete primary cementing job * injection water or gas breakthrough ‘© gas or water coning caused by production or reservoir characteristics ‘isolation of unwanted or depleted perforated intervals ‘+ losses to a thief zone or inefficient injection profile ‘on an injection well In treating these conditions, CT squeeze cementing techniques offer several advantages over convention- al workover rig practices. * The CT pressure control equipment configuration allows the treatment to be performed through the ‘completion tubulars without the need for a rig. In ad- dition, the well can be safely killed with relatively ow fluid volumes. ‘+ Associated operations can be performed as part of a packaged service (e.g., wellbore fill can be re- moved or artificial lit services may be applied to restore production following the treatment) ‘ Placing the slurries and fluids through CT avoids contamination from wellbore and displacement flu- ids. The mobile injection point improves the placement efficiency and accuracy. ‘+ Low treatment volumes are required and wellbore leaning of excess slurry is easily performed. ‘+ Experience has shown that significant time, product and cost savings can be realized. Early experiences of CT cementing showed that com- pared with conventional primary cementing opera- tions, CT cementing requires more stringent design and control considerations. Only by exercising a high degree of control and verification on all aspects of the operation can the desired result be reliably achieved. Because the consequences of an improperly applied squeeze cement ireatment may be severely damaging to the reservoir, wellbore or completion, correct as- sessment of the well and reservoir conditions must be Confirmed before the treatment design is finalized. 2 DESIGN ‘The following general guidelines outline the principal ‘considerations when designing and executing squeeze cementing operations through CT. ‘+ Identity the location and extent of the treatment, Re- View reservoir, formation and production data to Confirm the prognosis, ‘+ Gather and compile the wellbore and completion in- formation required for job design and evaluation of treatment options. ‘+ Identity and design any treatments/operations to be performed before the cementing operation (e.9., wellbore scale or fill removal) + Prepare a slurry design that is compatible with the reservoir conditions * Determine the appropriate laboratory test schedule to be used (e.g,, modified API schedules that reflect the anticipated rate of change for temperature and pressure). ‘+ Perform laboratory tests to determine the thickening time, fiter cake and fiuid-loss properties, rheology and stabilty of the siurry. ‘+ Design approptiate washes and spacers. ‘* Determine the slurry volume using wellbore details, reservoir history and previous arealfield experience. * Determine the maximum squeeze pressure. ‘* Establish a depth correlation base to ensure correct, placement. ‘+ Consider the slurry placement method, including requirements for a cement platform. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | Rev A Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING danuary 1995 | Page 3 of 25 + Determine the technique to remove excess cement 2.1.1 Reservolr Parameters slurry trom the wellbore. Design contaminating andy addition to the usual reservoir parameters, consid- roulating fds where epptcable. eration should be given to the formation characteris- * Prepare a complete pumping schedule which tics. For example, the cement slurry volume required includes anticipated rates and pressures, plus to successfully squeeze off perforations in friable or valve/manifold changes or plug launching unconsolidated sands will be significantly increased requirements, due to the presence of void areas behind the + Perform presqueeze treatments and condition the Pevorations. wellbore. Bullhead fluids or perform an injection An important factor in the selection of an appropriate test cement system is the injectivty, ie., the ease by Comprehensive details of the theory and execution of Should be sssucsedl eters and ster any aid washes squeeze cementing are documented in he references are apd to the zone to be Weated. The dation of listed in Section 5—Rt high or low injectivity will vary by location. However, a 2.4 Job Design Data ‘general guide can be used. (see Table 2.) The initial design steps of an appropriate squeeze ce- menting technique require a thorough investigation of peer arciae = the following points: INJECTIVITY DEFINITIONS + reservoir parameters Fluid injection Rate Injectivity * wellbore and completion geometry (bbvmin at £1500 ps!) + surface equipmentvogistical constraints. dior Very ow to ‘A summary of the typical required data is shown in 3105 High Table 1. This should be used as a checklist when pre- 38 Very high paring to design the cement slurry, spacer fluids and placement technique. TABLE 1 ‘SQUEEZE CEMENTING DESIGNDATA Driling _] Casing/iner cementing details for zone of interest (e.g., type, density, losses, etc.) Cement evaluation logs, unusual conditions, remedial actions, etc. ‘Completion | Production casinglliner and tubing details (e.9., size, weight, grade, depth, etc.) Deviation, nipples or restrictions, materiavalloy, etc. Perforation details (¢.g., depth, interval, shot density, etc.) Plugback/TD details, confirmed by wireline survey Reservoir | Treatment interval, adjacent producing, Reservoir temperature and pressure, Treatment zone characteristics, porosity and permeabilty Faults, unconsolidated formations and suspected washouts. |Gas/oil contact, water/oil contact. Injectivity test data. Production | Production test results (e.9., skin, effective permeabilly, production rates, etc) Production logs/history. Workover | Details of previous stimulation or remedial treatments. Relevant field or well history. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.B.1 RevA Page 4 of 25 January 1995 CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING Low injectivity applications may require a solids-free (e.g., PERMABLOK‘ system) matrix treatment. ‘Applications with a high injection rate may require thixotropic or foamed cement. 2.1.2 Wellbore and Completion Geometry Tubular Size and Restrictions ‘The tubular or minimum restriction size will determine the maximum CT OD which can be safely used. The required siurry volume is primarily determined by the length of the interval to be treated, injectivity data, field formation experience and casing/iner size. 2.1.3: Logistical Constraints Logistical constraints affecting the design or execution of squeeze cementing operations performed through CT can be summarized as those applied to the equip- ment, and to the disposal of the excess contaminated slurry removed from the wellbore Equipment In general terms, complex job designs will require ‘more equipment. If space at the wellsite is a constraint (e.g., offshore), then some job-design options may be precluded. Disposal The disposal of any contaminated excess slurry must bbe considered. Node with minimal intrusion into wellbore. 22 Slurry Design IMPORTANT: This discussion on slurry design is to be only used as a design guideline. The investi- gation of new cement systems for colled tubing applications is an ongoing effort by several tech centers and laboratories. For a particular well ap- plication, consutt your laboratory or tech center for their assistance In system selection and on the correct laboratory testing procedures. The objective of most squeeze cementing operations is to build good quality nodes in and around the perfo- rations to be sealed (see Fig. 1). To achieve the de- sired result, several slurry properties must be carefully designed and monitored. The slurry properties must be tailored to the formation characteristics and wellbore conditions of the candidate well. The follow- ing general attributes are desirable in a squeeze slurry: ‘© Appropriate filer-cake properties and fluid-oss contro}—to ensure adequate node buildup under the specific wellbore and reservoir conditions. ‘* Superior slurry stability—to ensure consistent slurry Performance and prevent downhole separation during extended static periods. * Rheology contro!—required to provide low viscosi- ties in tight formations and higher viscosities for high injectiviy applications. Casing Primary Cement Sheath Fig. 1 Cement node buildup. “Mark of Schiumborger DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL COILED TUBING CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH RevA Section 4.B.1 January 1995 | Page 5 of 25 ‘+ No premature slury gelation—to avoid complica- tions during postsqueeze wellbore cleanout, ‘+ Adequate thickening-time control to safely meet the anticipated job time (plus a safety/contingency factor) ‘* Acid resistivity—required if the well is to be acidized after the squeeze treatment. The selection of the most appropriate cement system is dependent on many factors. Adequate well informa- tion and field knowledge are critical for this selection, In addition, availablity, local logistics and operator preference will influence the ultimate decision. ‘The following cement systems can be formulated to provide the necessary characteristics for placement through CT. Their suitabilty for a variety of applica: tions is presented in Table 3, ‘© conventional fluid-loss cement systems latex cement systems. thixotropic cement foamed cement. In addition to these cement systems, a number of other products are used in CT squeeze applications. These products are generally designed to penetrate ‘the formation matrix rather than forming a filter cake (.9., PERMABLOK system) 2.2.1 Conventional Cement Systems Polymer and copolymer additives are commonly used to control tiuid loss in primary and remedial cementing operations. They provide excellent fluid loss and fiter- cake characteristics which are easily repeatable. Extensive work has shown that cellulose derivatives: (e.g., FLAC* D59) do not develop a firm filter cake. Modem copolymer additives (e.g., FLAC D156) are frequently used in CT-conveyed cement squeezes. Further details on conventional fluid-loss additives can be found in the CEMENTING MATERIALS MANUAL. 2.2.2 Latex Cement Systems Latex cerrent systems were developed to control gas migration in the cemented annuli of casing or liner strings. During their development, additional applica- tions were realized that used the exceptional characteristics of the slurry and cured cement. Excellent fuid-loss control and bonding properties can be achieved while maintaining the desirable slurry properties for placement through the CT string. In general, latex slurries are extremely stable over a Wide temperature range and compatible with a variety of additives. AA significant feature, in remedial applications which are fo be subsequently exposed to acid, is the acid- resistant properties of latex cements. Cement squeezes performed to shut off water or gas zones are often ‘ollowed by reperforating and a stimulation treatment of adjacent oil zones. In these instances, TABLES SQUEEZE CEMENTING SLURRY SELECTION BY APPLICATION AND INJECTIVITY TEST RESULTS ‘Application | Conventional Latex Thixotropic Foamed | PERMABLOK ‘Cement Cement Cement Cement ‘System Channels High Low to high = = Very low Poor primary cement High Low to high = - Very low ‘Casingliner repair = Low to high - - = /Gas shutott Low to high | Low to high - - Very low ‘Water shutoff Low to high | Low to high - = = Injection modification | _Lowto high | Low to high High Very high = “Mark of Schlumberger DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.B.1 | RevA Page 6 of 25 | January 1995 CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING ‘many “successful” squeezes have broken down or failed completely after the squeezed perforations have been exposed to the acid. The use of latex-base ce- ment systems provides protection against such failures and imparts excellent slurry characteristics. ‘The high-temperature liquid latex additive GASBLOK* D134 provides better siumy characteristics than GASBLOK 600. The fiter-cake generation and ‘control properties of D134 are superior. Detailed information on latex cement systems is presented in the CEMENTING MATERIALS MANUAL. 2.2.3 Thixotropic Cement In conventional cementing, thixotropic cements are commonly used in lost-circulation or low-fracture- gradient applications. Under certain conditions, and following necessary precautions, the benefits of thixo- tropic cement can be realized on CT-conveyed squeezes. Typically, these applications are limited to injection wells which can require large volumes of con- ventional cement slurry to obtain satisfactory isolation. Thixotropic (or foamed) cement may also be the pre- ferred choice in producing wells intersected by a fault, or located in highly fautted reservoirs ‘The concept of pumping a thixotropic slurry through CT is not readily accepted. The characteristic rapid getstrength development requires that a number of Precautions be taken to reduce the risks associated ‘with this type of cement system. Laboratory tests must be run using modified procedures. The slurry compo- sition is also dependent on the characteristics of the ‘cement (e.g., use local plaster or plaster D53 with a ‘cement having a C3A content above 5%, RFC* Agent D111 can be used with a cement having a lower CoA content). 2.2.4 Foamed Cement Foamed cement, ike thixotropic cement, is typically used in lost-circulation or low-fracture-gradient appi- cations. Intensive design and execution efforts are re- Quired to ensure the desired results are obtained. Foamed cement is effective in fractured or fauted res- ervoirs where its desirable to reduce fluid mobility be- hind the casingliner. in severe lost-circulation cases, foamed cement may have to be left in the wellbore to *Mark of Schlumberger set. The ease of driling foamed cement (rates of 120, ftMhr have been achieved) renders this a viable option. ‘A foamed cement treatment may involve tailing in with a squeeze siurry. This technique relies on the foamed ‘cement to create adequate resistance to allow the tail slurry to generate a filter cake across the perforations. 22.5 PERMABLOK System The PERMABLOK system is a solisree, temperature-activated matrix blocking agent. It does not form a filter cake on the formation face, but is intended to harcen within the formation matrix. De- tailed information is presented in the CEMENTING ‘MATERIALS MANUAL 2.3 Laboratory Testing A variety of additives is commonly used to control the characteristics of a squeeze slurty. The efficiency of the additives is dependent on their proper use at the ‘correct concentration. Therefore, the proportions used during laboratory testing must be clearly communi- cated to allow the field operations to replicate the slury and its desired characteristics Batch mixing and pumping a cement slurry through a CT string may sgnificantly affect the principal slumy roperties—the fluid loss and thickening time. The thickening time for a slurry mixed according to API mixing procedures (API Specification 10, Section 5) may be reduced up to 75%. The reasons for such sig- nificant changes in slurry properties are related to the mixing procedures and energy imparted to the slurry a itis mixed and pumped. ‘As a result of extensive laboratory and yard tests, itis known that the mixing energy and the manner in which it is applied affect the slurry properties. Higher concentrations are required. ‘As a consequence of these effects, slurries designed for use with CT must undergo special laboratory test procedures which more accurately simulate actual ‘conaitions (see Table 4). The principal characteristics of a squeeze cement slurry can be categorized as follows: «© thickening time * fiter-cake properties/tuid loss * theology. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | Rev A Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING January 1995 Page 7 of 25 Fluid toss Excessive fitercake development ‘Shear time 1-in, ree «Ot infree 7 water ‘water +— 15.0 bm/gal <— 156 bm/gal —<+— 166 bmigal <+— 156 bmigal 35 sec at 3minat 12,000 rpm 12,000 rpm Shear effect on slurry stability as demonstrated ona 15.6-Ibmigal latex cement system. Fig. 2. Etfect of shear energy on slurry stability and fluld loss. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.3.1 | RevA CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL [———_] SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH Page 8 of 25 January 1995 COILED TUBING TABLE 4 TYPICAL COILED TUBING CEMENT SLURRY TEST SEQUENCES ‘Squeeze Sluries [Mixing ‘Two hours at surface temperature and atmospheric pressure to simulate batch mixing and surtace operations. Placement _| Two times the placement ime (calculated from slurry and displacement volumes using anticipated pump rates for the CT size to be used). Apply a constant gradient increase to the bottomhole pressure (BHP) and [temperature (BHST) Squeeze ‘A.30-min period during which the temperature is constant and the pressure is increased to the bottomhole squeeze pressure. Postsqueeze _| Five hours during which the temperature is kept constant at BHST and the pressure is decreased from the final squeeze pressure to BHP + 500 psi. Plug Sluries | Mixing Two hours at surface temperature and atmospheric pressure to simulate batch mixing and surface operations. Placement _| Two times the placement time (calculated from slurry and displacement ‘volumes using anticipated pump rates for the CT size to be used). Apply a Constant gradient increase to the bottomhole pressure (BHP) and temperature (BHST). Curing Five hours during which the temperature is kept constant at BHST and the pressure is decreased from the final squeeze pressure to BHP. The stability and reproducibility of these characteris- tics are directly related to the shear energy imparted to the slurry during mixing and pumping through the CT. Only by adequately shearing the slurry are char- acteristics stabilized. Therefore, the mixing energy im- Parted during laboratory or field mixing must be Sutficient to achieve stable slury characteristics (see Fig. 2). 2.3.1 Mixing Energy Equations The following equations can be used in association with laboratory and field mixing techniques to ensure consistent mixing energy levels. Such procedures are necessary to confirm the desired slurry performance. Further explanation of the equations and their use is presented in paper SPE 26089 (see Subsection 5— REFERENCES). For additional information on mixing energy, see SECTION 7.F.1—MIXING ENERGY. Laboratory Mixing For a 600-mL laboratory sample mixed at 4000 rpm for 15 sec and 12,009 Sec at 12,000 rpm, the energy per mass unit can be calculated by the following ‘equation: E = 0.27 + 0.1605 x 12000 Field Batch Mixing The mixing energy associated with field batch mixing equipment can be calculated by H = 2.35 x FU / kg] ‘The batch mixing time required to match the labora- tory test energy levels is calculated by =(£ dxV in Oe (@) ray © WH 25 lin] where power (hp) time (min) slurry density (Ibmvgal) slurry volume (bb)). DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL ‘CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | RevA Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING January 1995 Page 9 of 25 2.3.2 Thickening Time API testing schedules have been developed to test the thickening time of squeeze slurries. However, con- ducting the placement through CT subjects the slurry to significantly different conditions (and rates of change) than is represented by conventional API squeeze schedules. Such API squeeze schedules have been developed for use with drillpipe or tubing placement. To more accurately reflect the actual con- ditions encountered during a CT cement squeeze, modified versions of the API schedules are used. A typical modified test schedule for CT operations is ‘shown in Table 4. ‘The relatively small flow areas and rates associated with CT permit a rapid temperature increase in circu- lated fluids. Therefore, bottomhole static temperature (BHST) should be used when conducting test proce- dures. Conventional API test schedules use bottomhole circulating temperature (BHCT).. Because the mixing energy imparted to the slurry also influences the thickening time, the test procedure should closely simulate the anticipated mixing and Pumping procedure. 23.3 Fluid Loss Fluid-loss additives are required to ensure the creation of a good quailty fiter cake on the permeable surfaces in and around the perforation tunnel. When cured, this filter cake should provide an impermeable cement node with sufficient compressive strength to remain secure at the anticipated differential pressure. Excessive fluid loss can result in bridging of the wellbore tubulars with dehydrated cement (see Fig. 3). Surries with too ite fluid loss can result in an insuttt- cient fiter-cake buildup on the formation surface. To avoid these conditions, the filter cake for CT squeeze slurries should be designed within a range of 0.5 to 41.0 in. (design criteria for operators in Prudhoe Bay, ‘Ataska). This will generally correspond to a fluid loss within the range of 40 to 100 mL/30 min (API). A more ‘exact value should then be determined after consider- ing the characteristics of the formation. A good start- ing point for the design of gas- or waler-shutoft slurries is 0.75 in. High-pressure, fluid-loss cells are used to study the fiter-cake performance for possible slurry formulations (see Fig. 4). Three tests are commonly run on the re- High fuid loss (800 mL/30 min Low fluid loss 15 mL/30 min sulting filter cake to enable comparison or appraisal of Fig. 4. Fiter-cake/tuiétoss analyses, the slurry filter-cake thickness, quality and temperature sensitivity. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.8.1 | RevA CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH Wd Page 10 of 25 | January 1995 COILED TUBING Dowell The thickness of the test sample filter cake is repre- sentative of the amount which will be deposited downhole during a squeeze. Therefore, the minimum required filter cake produced under downhole condi- tions should be sufficient to fill the anticipated, or ideal, perforation profile. Slurries that develop little fl- ter cake may be considered unsuitable for squeeze applications because most of the slurry in the perfora- tions will be in a slurry form. This increases the likeli- hood that the cement will be accidentally removed when the excess slurry is removed from the wellbore ‘on completion of the squeeze procedure. Fiter-cake quality is assessed by penetrating the fitter ‘cake with a steel rod that has a one-pound force ap- plied. A firm fiter cake is more resistant to washing or jetting during the removal of excess cement from the wellbore. The condition of the slurry remaining in the test cell is also of interest, because it indicates the likely condition of the excess slurry which will be re- moved from the wellbore. The slurry above the firm fil- ter cake should be in a liquid state without gelation tendencies. The temperature sensitivity of the slurry influences the production of a good quailty fiter cake. Some slurries exhibit significantly different fiter-cake characteristics when tested over a range of temperatures. Generally, the slurries that perform consistently over a range of temperatures possess the desired characteristics for CT applications. 2.3.4 Rheology Fluid friction is always a concen when pumping through CT strings. However, cement slurries have a her viscosity than most types of workover fluids which significantly reduces the maximum pump rate achievable within the operating pressure limits. Due to the relatively small volumes of slurry to be placed and the design incorporating extended thickening times, placement time is generally not a concern. Typical slurry compositions and characteristics are shown in Table 5. Most cement slurries behave as a Bingham plastic fluid, .e., the apparent visoosity of the fluid is depend- ent on the yield point (ty) and plastic viscosity (1p) (see Fig. 5) . in simple terms, the plastic viscosity is primarily a function of the amount of solids in the slurry and cannot be significantly influenced by addi- tives. The yield point is a measure of the particle distri- bution in the slurry. The yield point, and therefore the apparent viscosity, of a slury can be altered by add- ing dispersants. However, care must be exercised in the use of dispersants because it is possible to over- disperse a slurry, in which case setting of the cement solids will occur. A prerequisite for CT squeeze slurries is no settled solids and no free water. The optimum theological values for CT squeeze slurries are ‘* minimum possible ty (5 to 10 Ibt/100 ft2) ‘+ minimum possible ip (less than 50 op) Because cementing operations may require the CT to remain inside a column of cement for an extended pe- riod, no gel-strength buildup should be evident within two hours at BHST. Rheology and stabilty tests are commonly performed at surface mixing temperatures and at BHST. In gen- eral stable sturties provide good rheology characteristics which are are easily reproducible. Further details on cement slurry theology are con- tained in SECTION 7.G.1—RHEOLOGY AND FLOW CALCULATIONS. 24 Slurry Volume ‘The appropriate volume of slurry prepared for a CT ‘cement squeeze is dependent on several factors. In ‘most cases, previous squeeze experience in the same or similar reservoirs will provide the best guidelines. Although it is desirable to achieve a successful squeeze in one operation, some hazards exist if the slurry volume is excessive. Conversely, the minimum practical slurry volume is that which will ensure correct placement of the necessary volume of uncontami- ated coment, ‘The following factors influence the slurry volume: ‘© The length of the perforated interval and the liner/casing capacity. * The void areas behind the perforations resulting from the erosion of friable and unconsolidated formations or from stimulation treatments. ‘+ The force applied to the tubing (i.e., in deep applica- tions, the additional tension resulting from the slurry inside the CT may exceed the operating limits) ‘+ The configuration of the surface mixing and pump- ing equipment j.e., reducing the volume of surface lines, especially large-diameter lines, reduces the likelihood of slurry contamination). DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | RevA Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING January 1995 | Page 11 of 25 TABLE 5 TYPICAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING SLURRY COMPOSITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS Conventional Cement Squeeze Coment Slurry Glass G coment [+ 0.1 galek Da7_— [Antifoam +0.4% BWOC [D156 | Fluid-loss additive +0.5%BWOC |D65 | Dispersant +0.2%BWOC D800 | Retarder +01 gals 10195 | Surfactant (shear bondfiuid-loss enhancer) +0.5%BWoc —|D20_| Slurry stabiizer +5.05 galsk Frosh water Density 18.6 lomigal Yield 1.19 fk Fter cake 8 infirm Fluid loss {67 mL/30 min (170°F BHCT) Thickening time 720 hrmin to teach 70 Be (180°F BHST) Yield point ‘9.5 Io/100 ft (95°F), 9.2 bt/100 fe (170°F) Plastic viscosity 39.2 op (95°F), 37.3 op (170°F) No free water/sedimentation. 020 is prehydrated in water. All additives are mixed in water, and cement is addad in 15 sec at 12,00 rpm for 180 sec. [Latex Cement Squeeze Sturry (Class G coment [+ 0.1 galsk D47_—_[Antifoam + 13 gav'sk D134 | Latex fluid-loss additive +04%BWoo |Dée5 | Dispersant +05%BWOC —|D800 | Retarder + 0.1 gal'sk D135 _| Surfactant (shoar bonditluid-loss enhancer) +1.0%Bwoc |D20 | Slurry stabilizer +3.82 galisk Fresh water Density 156 lbmigal Yield 1.21 fP/sk iter cake 0.7 infirm Fluid loss }58 mL/30 min (170°F BHCT) ‘Thickening time 7:29 h:min to reach 70 Be (180°F BHST) ‘Yield point 17 Iot/100 2 (95°F), 12 bt/100 fe (170°F) Plastic viscosity 34 op (95°F), 4 cp (170°F) ‘No free water/sedimentation. 020 is prehydrated in water. All additives are mixed in water, and coment is added in 15 sec at 12,000 rpm for 180 sec. Shear stress Shear rate Fig. 5. Cement slurry rheology model diagram. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.8.1 Page 12 of 25 RevA January 1995 CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL [—_} SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING ‘* The use of cement plugs, pigs or darts to ensure slurry separation in the CT string reduces the ex- ‘cess slurry volume necessary to account for con- tamination. in addition, the plugs can provide a positive indication of slurry location, When using CT to place a fluid column in a wellbore, the ultimate position of the fluid column is primarily dictated by the location of the CT nozzle and by the volume of fluid pumped. Consequently, fluid volumes ‘must be carefully designed, measured and confirmed when performing operations requiring critical depth control. 2.5 Slurry Placement ‘The success of any cement squeeze is dependent on the accurate placement of an uncontaminated slurry which has the desired characteristics. The following factors are important during slurry placement: ‘= depth contro! ‘+ contamination protection ‘= cement column stability « isolation of adjacent zones ‘© tubing movement, 2.5.1 Depth Correlation Depth-sensitive applications, such as squeeze ce- menting, generally require the CT nozzle to be posi- tioned and controlled using a higher degree of accuracy than can be achieved using surface measur- ing equipment. The effects of stretch, buckling and re- sidual bend can be variable and considerable. For this Feason, a downhole reference point is generally re- ‘quired to achieve the necessary placement accuracy. ‘There are three methods of acquiring a depth reference: log correlation, tagging bottom or tagging ‘completion restrictions. ‘Log correlation tools require an electrical connection, and therefore are limited to applications. conducted with CTL reels. Squeeze cementing operations are not compatible with downhole tools or the CTL reel. ‘Tagging bottom can be significantly inaccurate in wells containing fill. In addition, buckling of the CT occurs in deviated wells or large completions, thereby inducing an error. However, under certain conditions it is a viable method which is often used. Locating restrictions in the completion tubulars using a tubing end (TEL) or tubing nipple locators (TNL) is the most practical method of depth control in critical ‘squeeze cementing operations. 2.5.2 Protection Against Contamination The relatively small volumes associated with squeeze cementing through CT require that care must be taken to avoid contamination. Contamination will result in Unpredictable slury characteristics, a reduction in the compressive strength of the set cement and incorrect placement due to the change inthe slurry volume. ‘Spacer fluids pumped ahead and behind the cement slurry are recommended. The most commonly used and, in most cases, the most appropriate spacer fluid is fresh water. AA likely potential for contamination exists in the sur- face lines and pumping equipment. However, some simple precautions should be taken to ensure clean fluid interfaces and eliminate contamination. A reel ‘manifold sampling point and flush line can be rigged to allow the surface lines to be flushed each time a new fluid is pumped (see Fig. 6) After isolating the CT reel (close the reel inlet vaive), and opening the flush line, the new fluid is pumped Until uncontaminated fluid is observed at the sample point. Pumping recommences downhole after the manifold valves have been realigned and a fluid volume reference is taken. Mechanical separation of the cement slurry can be achieved using CT plugs (darts or pigs). These plugs operate in the same manner as the casing plugs used in primary cementing operations. They are fitted with rupture disks or land in a plug catcher, thereby providing a positive indication of the plug location. Plug launching equipment fitted to the reel allows sev- ‘eral plugs to be preloaded and then launched in se- quence without aifecting the pressure integrity of the reel or manifold. For further details on the multiple plug launcher, see the COILED TUBING OPERATORS MANUAL. 2.5.3 Cement Column Stability The successful placement of a stable cement column off-bottom above a less dense uid is impossible (see Fig. 7). To ensure correct cement placement, a retain- ing platform must be used. The fluid and mechanical DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | Rev A Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING January 1995 | Page 13 of 25, platforms successfully used to support squeeze or —_The nature and size of an appropriate platform should plugback cement slurries are be determined for each case. Under some conditions . it may be appropriate to place the cement column ere {rom the bottom of the cellar. ae 2.5.4 Isolation of Adjacent Zones ae The isolation of adjacent perforations below the zone + PROTECTOZONE" systems to be squeezed can be achieved by methods similar to oe those for providing a retaining platform. However, itis ‘common for all perforations around the squeeze zone ‘* through-tubing bridge plug. to be cemented. Selective repertoration of the interval [3 To reel core and CT through reel isolation valve. Circulating pressure sensor Flush line to From pump unit ——— ee \ 7 ~<+—— Sample point Rel manifold valves Fig. 6. Ree! manifold sampling point and flush line. Stable coment ‘column placed over the platform. Cement platform consisting of @ high density fluid, sand cr similar particulates, or a ‘through tubing bridge plug. Fig. 7. Cement placement with and without a retaining platform. “Mark of Schlumberger DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.3.1 RevA January 1995 Page 14 of 25, CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING has achieved better results with the benefit of less ‘complex job design. 2.5.5 Tubing Movement The placement techniques for fluids or plugs con- veyed by CT differ from conventional drilpipe- or tubing-conveyed methods. The relatively small ID tub- ing restricts the ability of viscous fluids to fal from the tubing while pulling up. Attempting to pull up through a. placed plug wil resutt in cement stringers being pulled uphole. The technique commonly used to place plugs takes advantage of a basic feature of coiled tubing opera- tions, i.e., the ability to pump fluids while moving the tubing. Once the cemenv/spacer interface starts rising in the annulus, the CT nozzle is withdrawn at a rate which maintains the nozzle within the rising slurry cok umn. The CT nozzle should be kept at least 50 to 100 ft below the top interface while the column is be- ing placed. As the last of the cement is pumped from the CT, the nozzle should be withdrawn to above the theoretical top of the cement (TOC). This technique will result in a clean cement interface. Further tubing movement, circulation or reverse circu- lation will be determined by operational requirements. 26 Tool Selection Tool strings used in conjunction with cement squeezes should generally be kept to a minimum. However, there are a number of functions which may be required depending on the application. ‘+ Connector—Required on all jobs. The simple con- ectors are less sensitive to accidental cement invasion than the Dowell grapple. When using cement plugs, pigs or balls, the con- ectors that deform the internal surface of the CT (e.., dimple/setscrew and. rolkon connectors) should be checked for adequate clearance. ‘+ Check Valves—Cannot be used when procedures call for reverse circulation of excess cement from the wellbore. When fitted, fullbore flapper check valves should only be used. ‘+ Depth Correlation—Tubing end or nipple locators are commonly used to confirm depth; however, many treatments are performed using TD as a reference point. ‘+ Plug Catcher—For use with plugs ahead or behind the cement stury. To catch and retrieve the plugs, some versions provide some indication that the plug has seated by causing a pressure increase visible at the surface. ‘+ Nozzles—A variety of jetting nozzles have been de- veloped to improve the slurry placement. in addi- tion, some more complex designs are intended to ensure satistactory removal of excess cement by reverse circulation. While it is advantageous to perform all aspects of the operation without changing the nozzle or BHA, some functions ideally require different nozzle/jet configurations, For example, to clean and condition ‘the wellbore and to place the cement slurry, a noz- zie with multiple side-facing jets is preferred. How- fever, it excess slumy is to be removed by reverse circulation, a single large-port nozzle (to avoid plug- ging) is preterable. Combination nozzles (see Fig. 8) are designed to provide improved reverse Circulating ane jetting capabilites. 3. EXECUTION In many cementing operations, the cement setting process provokes a sense of urgency which can affect the normal decision-making ability of personnel. The tisk of premature setting and the corresponding opera- tional dificutties can impose a sense of urgency that results in misguided actions which are neither me- thodical or necessary. Principally for this reason, itis essential that clear and precise procedures be pre- pared for the entire cementing operation. This should include details of normal, contingency and emergency ‘operating procedures. 3.1. Execution Precautions Execution precautions to be observed during squeeze treatments relate to the safe handling of cement and chemicals, the correct placement of a slurry with the desired characteristics and no residual cement depos- its in the CT ot pressure-control equipment on job completion. 3.1.1, Personnel All personnel involved in the design or execution of ‘squeeze cementing or CT services must be familiar with the requirements detailed in the relevant Safety and Loss Prevention (S&LP) Standards. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL [———_}_ CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL jer SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH EE ‘Dowell COILED TUBING RevA Section 4.B.1 January 1995 | Page 15 of 25 Pins to retain ball within the nozzle. Multiple small-diameter radial ports provide ! >, improved coment, ‘place- ment and jetting pattem. Large-diameter port ‘open during reverse circulation and closed when jetting or placing Reverse Circulating Nozzle Improved Jetting/Circulation Nozzle Fig. 8. Cementing nozzle features. 3.1.2 Well Security The control of well pressure and fluids must meet the requirements of the relevant S&LP Standards. In addi- tion, the requirements of the operating company and applicable regulatory authorities must be known. 3.1.3. Equipment ‘All Dowell treating and monitoring equipment must be spotted and operated in accordance with the require- ments of the relevant S&LP Standards. In addition, the equipment certified for use in hazardous areas must be operated and maintained in accordance with the operating zone requirements, 3.2 Equipment Requirements ‘A schematic diagram of the typical equipment layout is presented in Fig. 9. 3.2.1 Colled Tubing Equipment ‘Some operating companies require that the workstring volume be checked by inserting and displacing a plug ‘or foam pig. Such checks can be combined with the displacement of picking treatments where required. To minimize contamination, a flushing/sampiing ‘manifold should be rigged up on the CT reel. When pumping high-density fluids through the CT workstring, there may be significant changes in the string tenson forces All manifolds and valves should be flushed to ensure that all traces of cement are removed. 3.2.2 Pressure Control Equipment All manitotls and valves should be flushed to ensure that all traces of cement are removed. 3.2.3. Pumping Equipment ‘All mixing, pumping and storage equipment must be clean and configured to avoid contamination or dilution of the cement slurry. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.B.1 RevA CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH Page 16 of 25 | January 1995 COILED TUBING 6) Sample J | u I ig } 1? Flush line — ‘Triplex: (Oo a2 == [re | 2 —/ ee aa [ea]eny OO | eee eT Fig. 9. Typical squeeze cementing equipment configuration. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL COILED TUBING CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH RevA Section 4.B.1 Page 17 of 25 January 1995 Colled tubing * Monitor and record pressure, ———t ratelvolume, string weight, depth andtubing OD and tub- ing cycles. > Pump unit 3 * Monitor and record pressure, density and pump rateWvolume. ‘Annulus ‘* Monitor volume and density of all fluids returned and ‘pumped through annulus. + Record pressure. Fig. 10. Squeeze cementing parameters to be monitored and recorded. Pressure and rate limits (governed by the CT equip- ‘Ment or reservoir conditions) for every stage of the op- eration must be defined and noted on the pumping schedule, ‘All manifolds and valves should be flushed to ensure that all traces of cement are removed. 3.2.4 Monitoring and Recording ‘Accurate monitoring and recording of the job parame- ters is essential to allow complete control of the job and preparation of postjob reporting and analyses. The schematic diagram in Fig. 10 identities typical job parameters and their point of measurementrecording, 3.2.5 Downhole Equipment ‘A complete fishing diagram ot all downhole equipment ‘must be prepared. In addition, the operation of all tools must be fully understood. 3.3 Treatment Execution The steps required to successfully complete a cement squeeze will depend on the particular wellbore condi- tions. In the next four subsections, the key points in each phase of a cementing operation are outlined. When preparing and documenting a treatment proce- dure, it is recommended that these key points are re- viewed and the applicable points incorporated into the procedure. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.B.1 | RevA Page 18 of 25 | January 1995 CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH eo COILED TUBING Dowell ‘Cementing operations are frequently conducted in muttiple well campaigns within a field or area. Conse- quently, procedures are often tuned to meet local con- ditions “by application of the DESIGN-EXECUTE- EVALUATE® cycle. Whenever possible, previous case histories for similar applications should be referenced. The execution of a squeeze cementing operation is ‘accomplished in four basic phases: * wellbore preparation (see Fig. 11) ‘slurry mixing and pumping (see Fig. 12 to 13) squeeze (see Fig. 14 to 15) ‘+ removal of excess cement (see Fig. 1610 19). 3.3.1. Wellbore Preparation In preparing the wellbore for squeeze cementing, sev- eral operations are commonly performed. Slickline conveyed tools and methods are normally used when possible; however, in deviated or unusual conditions, CTis capable of completing all preparatory work. Wellbore preparation operations will generally include * slickline work * pressure test the production tubing annulus ‘+ establish a reference depth or TD using slick tine ‘+ confirm and correlate depths with the CT ‘+ remove any fill from the cellar (below the perforated interval) * perform a pretreatment perforation wash with or without acid * place a stable platform for the cement slurry ‘+ ensure that the wellbore is full wth filtered workover fluid 3.3.2 Slurry Mixing and Pumping Before mixing and preparing the slurry, the wellbore should be filled with the workover fluid and a stable ‘and adequate cementing platform should be in place. In addition, the placement depths should be confirmed and the CT flagged at ontical points (e.9., anticipated top and bottom of the cement column). Key points in the slurry mixing and pumping process include “Mark of Schlumberger * Batch mix and shear the slumy ensuring that additive proportions are accurately measured. Contingency plans should be made for the disposal of slury which fails to meet the required ‘specifications. * Conduct job-site quality control tests (filter cake, fluid loss, rheology). * Prepare the contaminant and spacer fluids as re- Quired. The equipment rig-up should be configured to avoid accidental fluid contamination. ‘+ Confirm the CT depth and coordinate the tubing ‘movement with the pumped volumes. The CT noz- ‘zle movement and location must be closely aligned to the fluid type and the volume exiting the nozzle. ‘The pump and CTU operators must have a mutual understanding of the operation to be completed. It is also essential that they have a clear line of ‘communication. * Lay in the cement slurry following the prepared Pumping schedule (see Table 6) . While spotting the slurry, the wellbore must remain full with fluid to Prevent gas migration in the CTiproduction tubing annulus. The following guidelines should be considered to reduce the risks of operational failure when using thixotropic cements + Do not stop pumping while thixotropic slurry isin the work string. * Place the CT rozzle above the thief zone and pump down the production tubing/CT annulus while squeezing the slurry ‘* Overdisplace the thixotropic slurries (out of the wellbore). Once the slurry achieves a high initial gel strength, it may be impossible to clean the wellbore by circulation (or reverse circulation) 333 Squeeze ‘The pressure response during a cement squeeze is often unknown. The squeeze pressure may build quickly as the slurry contacts the formation face, or in formations with fractures or void spaces behind the liner or casing, adequate squeeze pressure may not be achieved. Consequently, the treatment procedures DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | Rev A Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING January 1995 | Page 19 of 25 TABLES EXAMPLE SQUEEZE CEMENTING PUMPING SCHEDULE Pumping Schedule ‘Tubing Movement nana ulus Component ‘oun ‘ction beth | choke Wirksting capaciy 1623 | Treatment zone 1950010 13,4208 (TD 13,580 ft) Bullhead fred seawater 200 | Swab valve dosed Ciosed 3.0 bolmin, <1200 ps 8.7 lbr/gal Fitered seawater while AH with CT, 30 [Ri otag 10 5 hmin) 73580 [Gesed 5 bolmin,<1000 psi, 8.7 tong [Gelsand coment patorn 20 bb) 76 ato 73580 | Open 2.0 bbi/min, <4000 psi, 14.0 lomigal 4 ‘With 16 bbl pumped, start POOH (50 fumin), stop at 13,500 tt 13,500 |Open ‘ow sand to sotto (30min) Tag at 1352011 13520 Freshwater spacar 15 | Nozzle 107 above tagged sand 13510 [Open 20_bbVmin, <4000 psi 8.7 brvgal Tamer’ sury (20) 77 | Wi 17 bot of sary punped, sia Open 2.0 bin, <4000 pi 16.0 omigal 3__ [POOH (60min) Freshwater spacer (6 bb) ‘or 4Bolot Displacement fui (25 6) sisplacoment, Zo boli, <4000 ps, 8.6 bal 4 stoke and gauge W squeeze pressure bul, ty in returns, 1200 ps remaining remaining while gauging max. talus one for one 16 |i 16 bi dapiace, rosie shout be | 19,000 |Build to fina Continue displacement to obtain Jat TOC squeeze pressure squec 10 }of 2000 psi. Contaminant 50 [RI Through excoss ‘Max. rate, <4000 psi, 8.5 Ibmigal. ‘slurry (25 fvmin.) DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.8.1 | RevA CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH Page 20 of 25 | January 1995 COILED TUBING Fitered workover fluid ‘at high rate. 1 [Choke open. Packer Welbore clean and packed. Fig. 11. Wellbore preperation. ‘Sluny pumped at _ ‘Slury pumped at ‘maximum rate/ ? maxim rate! proseure allowed. pressure allowed, Choke closed: it the Workover fluid ‘Spacerifresh water Cement slurry Fig. 12. Laying in cement slury. Workover fluid ‘Cement ‘slurry Workover fluid DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL wellbore is not full, then, pump: down annulus to Prevent U-tubing. Nozzle placed ‘above thief zone. Fig. 1. Pacing thxotrople slues. (CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL | Rev A Section 4.B.1 SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING January 1995 | Page 21 of 25 Low rate continuous Displacement fuid pumped at maxi- ‘mum rate/pressure Choke back returns, allowed. monitoring pressure ‘and volumes. Nozzle pulled up >50 ft above cement interface. Workover fluid Spacer! fresh water Coment ‘stury Fig. 14. Commencing squeeze. Contaminant Returns choked pumped at maxi- fomaintain Fluid pumped at mum rate/pressure. ‘maximum rate’ [> trom cr. Pressure on Pressure for allow- able differential, (1500 psi). Nozzle penetrates contaminated slurry k ata rate which Contaminated sluny at a rate which Workover provides a 50% mix ‘Stuy provides 050% mix "Wid of contaminated of contaminant, slurry and ‘Workover fui. Cement slury ‘Suny Fig. 16. Contaminating excess slurry. Fig. 17, Reverse clroulating excess slury. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.B.1 RevA (CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH Page 22 of 25 | January 1995. COILED TUBING Fluid pumped at Open retums Fluid pumped at ‘maximum rate/ from CT. Utell Retums choked pressure for allow- i able differential (1500 psi). Fig. 18. Reverse circulating live slurry. must detail the actions to be taken for a number of ‘events which may or may not occur. The hesitation-squeeze method assists the filter-cake generation (e.g., 10 min at 1000 psi, 15 min at 1500 Psi, 20 min at 2000 psi..). As the fracture pressure is exceeded during this process, the filter cake prevents the formation from fracturing. A firm fiter cake is formed which significantly contributes to the success of the squeeze operation. ‘* To reduce the risk of sticking, the CT nozzle should be constantly or at least frequently moved during the operation. ‘+ When displacing the spacer and slurry, the CT should be at the lower flagged depth when the spacer exits the nozzle. When 50 ft of cement has been placed above the nozzle, the CT should be slowly raised. To minimize the risk of dilu- tion/contamination, the nozzle should be kept at least 50 ft below the cement top. With a flowmeter laced in the annular retum line, the volumes Pumped and retumed can be compared to determine the squeezed slurry volume, ‘© The annularichoke manifold pressure must be closely monitored and controlled during the cement placement and squeeze. A clear line of communica- Fig. 19. Wellbore circulated clean. tion must between the choke manifold ‘operator, pump unit operator and CTU operator. I the squeeze pressure builds before all of the slurry has exited the CT, the slurry should be laid in while such that the fluid return rate equals the pump rate through the CT. The CT nozzle should be at the cement top as the last of the slurry exits the nozzle. ‘+ The nozzle should be located 50 ft above the TOC before the squeeze commences. For safety, as- sume the TOC depth with no slurry being placed behind the periorations. ** If the squeeze pressure does not build when the in- terval is covered with slurry, use the hesitation tech- nique to attempt pressure buildup in stages. The hesitation periods are dependent on how much slurry is squeezed and the slurry volume available for the squeeze. * If the squeeze pressure drops during a pumping stage, the hesitation sequence should be resumed. This drop is often an indication that perforations previously plugged by debris have broken down and are now accepiing fluid. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL COILED TUBING CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH RevA Section 4.B.1 Page 23 of 25 January 1995 ‘+ Maintain slow circulation through the CT and control the BHP by choking the annular returns. Closely ‘monitor the return volume and rate. ‘+ When the final squeeze pressure is achieved, con- tinue circulating and holding the annular choke pressure for one hour. ‘* On completion of the squeeze sequence, stop circu- lation, close the choke and monitor the wellhead pressure (WHP). + Slowly bleed off the pressure to approximately 500 to 1000 psi above the BHP and prepare for the cleanout operations. 3.3.4 Removal of Excess Cement ‘An important feature of CT workovers is the ability to ‘complete the operations and restore well production in a relatively short time. For squeeze cementing opera- tions, the efficient removal of excess cement from the wellbore is critical to the timely completion of the job. Efficient removal of the slurry without jeopardizing the integrity of the cement nodes can be achieved by ‘© reverse circulation of live cement ‘+ reverse circulation of contaminated cement. ‘circulation of contaminated cement. The Dowell operational requirements for reverse circu- lation through CT workstrings, as detailed in S&LP Standard No. 22, must be understood and fully implemented for any operation incorporating reverse circulation. During the removal of the excess cement, it is gener- ally desirable to maintain a positive squeeze pressure over the treated zone. In effect, this is automatically applied in the case of reverse circulation techniques by the friction pressure created when lifting fluid through the CT. Cleanouts performed by conventional Circulation should have the backpressure controlled by a surface choke. Reverse Circulation of Live Cement ‘The reverse circulation of live cement siury (uncon- ‘taminated slurry) can be successfully performed if the following conditions are met: ‘+ The designed thickening time (including safety fac- tor) should allow for the completion of the reverse circulation phase. ‘+ The CT penetration rate is controlled to effectively dilute the slurry as it is removed (maximum density of reversed fluid is 10 brvgal). ‘© The reverse circulation is continued until clean returns are observed at the surface. Typical procedures for the reverse circulation of live ‘cement include the following steps: ‘+ With the CT nozzle positioned above the spacer fluid, establish circulation down the CT production tubing annulus. Maintain a stable pump rate which does not exceed the maximum allowable differential onthe CT at the wellhead (1500 psi) ‘* Penetrate the spacer and cement column with the nozzle at a rate which ensures 50% dilution of the ‘excess slurry. This serves to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting inside the workstring and aids removal. ‘* The CT should be run to the lower flag mark with Circulation maintained until clean returns are observed at the surface. ‘+ After clean retums are observed, circulate through the CT with the returns choked to maintain positive squeeze pressure. Make a jetting pass through the treated zone. The jetting-fluid pump rate should generally be reduced when passing the treatment zone to avoid damaging the cement nodes. The interval above the treated zone can be jetted at an increased rate. ‘* Commence reverse circulation again at previous pump and penetration rates until clean retums are observed. ‘+ Apply a positive squeeze pressure until the cement develops sufficient compressive strength to allow testing (generally after 24 hr). If required, displace the annulus to nitrogen to achieve the necessary tunderbalance to test and evaluate the squeeze. Reverse Circulation of Contaminated Cement ‘The contamination of the excess cement is often nec- ‘essary to axtend the slurry thickening time, thereby al- lowing cleanout operations to be safely completed. In addition, it can allow cleanout operations to be de- layed until the compressive strength of the cement ‘nodes has increased. In this way, the likelihood of damaging the treated zone is reduced. However, un- less the contaminant is correctly and thoroughly ap- lied, there is some risk of partially obstructing the DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL Section 4.8.1 | RevA Page 24 of 25 | January 1995 CEMENTING ENGINEERING MANUAL SQUEEZE CEMENTING THROUGH COILED TUBING wellbore with set cement. Typical borax/bentonite and biopolymer contaminant formulations are shown in Table 7. TABLE 7 TYPICAL CEMENT SLURRY CONTAMINANT COMPOSITIONS Type ‘Components | Concentration Borax/Bentorite | Bentonite 10 to 20 Ibm/bbI Borax 20 Ibrrvbbl Cement retarder_|3 gaVbb (case dependent) Biopolymer gel [Biozan gel 1.5 lomibbI ‘Typical procedures for contaminating excess cement include the following steps: * With the CT nozzle positioned above the worst case ‘cement top, establish circulation of the contaminant through the CT while maintaining the desired choke Pressure at the surface. ‘+ Penetrate the slurry at a rate which ensures a 50:50 mixture of contaminant and cement siurry. ‘+ Reduce the pump rate and penetration rates across the treated zone to minimize the risk of damaging the cement nodes. ‘* Continue the contamination run to the lowest slurry depth ‘+ POOH while continuing to pump the contaminant. Maintain pump and withdrawal rates sufficient to en- sure a final dilution/contamination ratio of 1.5:1 (1.5 parts contaminant to 1 part slurry). ‘+ When the nozzle is at the top of the contaminated column begin reversing as detailed in Reverse Circulation of Live Cement. Circulation of Contaminated Cement In the event that the operating conditions cannot safely support reverse circulation of the excess slurry, ‘conventional circulation may be used. For example, ‘operations performed through 1¥4-in. workstrings can- ot employ reverse circulation techniques due to the ‘excessive friction pressure encountered. Typical pro- cedures for the circulation/contamination of excess ‘cement slurry include the following steps: ‘+ With the CT nozzle at the top of the spacer fluid, commence pumping contaminant while maintaining the necessary choke pressure to apply a positive squeeze pressure on the treated zone. ‘+ RIH while pumping at the maximum ratepressure at a penetration rate which ensures a 50% dilution/contamiination of the slurry. ‘+ Reduce the pump and penetration rates across the treated zone to minimize the risk of damaging the ‘cement nodes. ‘© Continue the contamination run to the lowest slurry level ‘+ POOH while continuing to pump the contaminant. Maintain pump and withdrawal rates sufficient to ensure that the circulated fluids remain above the nozzle. + On reaching the tubing tailpipe/entry guide, run back down to the lowest cleanout depth, reducing the rates when passing the treated zone. '* POOH to the top of the treated zone. Cement accelerator may be placed over the zone if desired, ‘+ Continue to POOH while circulating workover fluid at the maximum rate. The tubing withdrawal rate must be controlled to ensure that all fluids are ‘circulated above the nozzle. ‘* Ensure that all nipples, mandrels or completion ‘components are thoroughly jetted while POOH. 4 EVALUATION ‘The methods used to evaluate the efficiency of a ce- ‘ment squeeze are primarily dependent on the purpose and objectives of the treatment. For example, water and gas shutoff treatments are generally checked by performing an inflow test; whereas, thief zone ‘squeezes and squeeze treatments performed prior to hydraulic fracturing are commonly checked by pressure testing the wellbore prior to repertorating. ‘The initial step in any evaluation process should be to Confirm the condition of the wellbore in the treatment zone. In the event that the wellbore is obstructed by large cement nodes or buildup, some dril- ing/underreaming may be required. A wireline or CT- ‘conveyed drift of the appropriate size is commonly used to check wellbore condition. In addition, a check should be made to ensure that the cellar is free of debris and cemert. DOWELL CONFIDENTIAL

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