Please join us for our upcoming SPE HyFTS April 2024 Webinar with Kyle Haustveit, P.E., Manager of Devon Energy Ventures, Devon Energy

When: Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdeCqrTgqHtbfjM5Yf9QYgYnUTMC7ZlFu#/registration

A Special Thanks to our sponsor Enduro-Tech Energy Services, Inc. (EES)

Title: Cementing: The Good, The Bad, And the Isolated - Techniques to Measure Cement Quality and Its Impact on Well Performance

Summary: This paper, presented at the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition, delves into the critical role of cement isolation in the effectiveness of well completions, particularly in horizontal, multi-stage, hydraulically stimulated oil and gas wells. With the advent of unconventional drilling, the necessity for multiple cement jobs, costing significantly, has become a standard practice. As cluster spacing tightens, the demand for high-quality cementing is underscored, raising questions about its direct impact on well performance. The study employs various diagnostic techniques, including ultrasonic imaging, optical fiber, radioactive tracer, and downhole pressure gauges, to assess cement isolation quality. These methodologies are linked back to well performance, considering both new completions and refracs across multiple US basins. The paper suggests that the need for high-quality cement isolation may vary depending on the size of the annulus being cemented, with smaller annuli presenting both challenges in cementing due to higher Equivalent Circulating Densities (ECDs) and potentially less impact on well performance due to significant pressure drops during stimulation. Case studies within the paper evaluate the importance of cement isolation in enhancing well performance. The findings are pertinent not only to oil and gas reservoirs but also to enhanced geothermal applications, emphasizing the role of effective fracture uniformity. In summary, the paper highlights the complexity of achieving high-quality cement isolation in lateral wells and its varying impact on well performance. It underscores the importance of accurate diagnostic techniques in measuring cement quality and the necessity of high-quality cementing practices to ensure optimal well performance.