Responsibilities during cementing

Planning and supervision is crucial in cementing operations. This article describes the key responsibilities for the Drilling Supervisor, Cementing
Engineer, Mud Engineer and Drilling Contractor.
Operations Engineer
ensure cement, mixwater and additive samples are sent in time to the service company for testing
check that the cementation proposal meets the objectives of planned cementing operation
ensure cement, additive and mixwater samples are despatched correctly marked and packaged
check log downhole temperature and compare with slurry design temperature.
witness and check quality control of calliper logs
check cementation proposal and reports
discuss with cementing contractor about new equipment/chemicals
Drilling Supervisor
overall responsibility for the conduct of the cementation
compare job calculations with those of the Cementer
supervise the Cementers and Drilling Contractor in the performance of their duties
inform the Mud Loggers, Mud Engineer and Driller:
1.
of the volume of each type of mixwater to be used for both lead and tail cement jobs
2.
from which mud pit each type of mixwater will be drawn
3.
of the expected gain, per barrel of mixwater blended with cement, for both lead and tail slurries
4.
of the expected total volume of returns during the cement job and the expected overall increase in pit volume
co-ordinate the execution of the cement job
ensure that all relevant personnel are issued with a detailed programme of the cement job, highlighting individual responsibilities (the detailed
programme must include volumes, pressures and pump rates for the cementing and displacing operations)
ensure that all relevant personnel are issued with contingency plans (flowcharts) to assist in rapid decision making should something go wrong
witness:
1.
no changes are made to the agreed programme without the prior approval of the Drilling Manager
2.
the landing and hanging off of the casing, including the pressure testing of hanger seals if applicable
3.
pressure testing of the surface lines before the job
4.
the circulation test
5.
the placing of the cement plugs in the cementing head
6.
the preparation of the cement slurry and spacers (no deviation from the recipe shall be permitted)
7.
the pumping of spacers and cement slurry
count the number of tanks and fractions of tanks for the calculation of the volume of slurry pumped
use chart recorders during cementation to record as many relevant parameters as possible, such as:
1.
pumping pressures
2.
times of the various actions
3.
cement slurry gradients
4.
losses
ensure equipment is in a state of readiness
collect samples of mixwater, cement and additives during the cement job
confirm stock levels of cement and additives
supervise preparation of spacers, mixwater cement slurries and additives.
ensure dry cement is fluffed as per Contractor recommended procedure
prepare all cementation reports.
complete checklists prior to commencement of cement job
arrange loading and backloading equipment
confirm receipt of the cement test report recipe for the cement and spacer from the Operations Engineer.
ensure that all checks are performed.
Two days before the cementation is started, he will collect the checklists and address any problems. Other personnel listed shall carry out the checks,
sign off the checklists and return them. A copy of the checklists shall be faxed to the office.
Drilling Contractor
operate and maintain the bulk air supply and mixing systems
provide personnel for loading and backloading of supplies and equipment
assist with sampling prior to, and during, the cement job
assist with measuring the gradient of the slurries pumped
complete the minimum checks and procedures detailed in the checklists and pass completed checklist to the Drilling Supervisor prior to
commencement of the cement job
provide lines for cement and water from supply boat
hook up cement/water lines as needed
Cementer
maintain and operate the cement unit and all associated equipment on the rig to the highest standards of reliability
ensure that the unit is functioning efficiently and has valid certification
record and maintain quality control of stock levels of cement/additives and physically check all stocks on a weekly basis and prior to any cementing
operation
ensure that:
1.
liquid additives are checked by use of a hydrometer
2.
adequate spare parts and consumables to support the operation are maintained
3.
all materials used and delivered are recorded in a log book
carry out individual cement calculations and compare these with the calculations of the Drilling Supervisor
perform the cement job as per the programme specified by the company, including the use of data recording devices
complete the minimum checks and procedures detailed in the checklists and pass completed checklist to the Drilling Supervisor prior to
commencement of the cement job
advise drilling supervisor of any changes in cementing program
send the test results to the Operations Engineer and the Drilling Supervisor for verification at least three days before the job is scheduled.
confirm the laboratory bench tests at the well site.
distribute the checklists, which clearly define the responsibilities of personnel involved in the execution of the cementation.
Mud Engineer
check the mixwater for contamination and measure salinity
ensure mud is in good condition (no foam)
ensure the mud has been pre-treated to minimise cement contamination problems
ensure that there is sufficient volume of mud available on surface prior to commencement of the cementation
ensure sufficient space is available for spacer or additives to be stored
monitor pit volumes throughout the cementation
measure cement gradient as required
check fluid returns for presence of cement, spacer or drilling fluid.
Mud Loggers
monitor pit volumes throughout the cementation, independently of the Mud Engineer
report to Drilling Supervisor immediately in case of discrepancies during displacement.