Introduction
Cement evaluation plays an important role in the cementing process. By cement evaluation, the
quality of zonal isolation is conrmed. In cases where zonal isolation is not achieved, the evalu-
ation helps diagnose the problems that led to the poor zonal isolation. Consequently, methods
and slurry design used for the primary cementing are reviewed and improved for the next well.
Results also help in deciding whether remedial work is required. Cement evaluation and QC are
processes completed during and after every step of primary cementing.
During the design, using Schlumberger CemCADE design software, the design engineer uses
well data and cementing parameters to predict the results with selected cement systems, select-
ing the one providing the desired zonal isolation. During execution, the operation is monitored
and analyzed. Finally, in the evaluation, cement evaluation logs are acquired for nal conrmation
of hydraulic zonal isolation.
Thus, cement evaluation is a continuous process beginning with the design and continuing
with execution analysis, post-treatment analysis and analysis of cement evaluation logs to deter-
mine zonal isolation.
Design
In the design the well data are entered into CemCADE software to ensure optimum WELLCLEAN
mud removal, pipe centralization, cement slurry for downhole conditions, ow rate, etc. The
execution, as designed, is simulated and theoretical mud removal and zonal isolation are
assessed. If results are not satisfactory, the design is revised and the simulation is rerun.
See page 29 for more information on CemCADE software and WELLCLEAN mud removal.
Execution analysis
The purpose of primary cementing is to achieve zonal isolation. The slurry composition and the
execution procedure are designed to provide complete zonal isolation. The properties of the
cement sheath are optimized to isolate all productive zones, as well as those containing water
and nuisance gas.
The rst QC step and evaluation during the execution determines if the materials were mixed
according to the design and if the displacement process followed the prescribed procedure. This
evaluation is made using plots of the slurry density, solids fraction, ow rate and pumping
pressure during the execution.
See page 84 for more information on CemCAT monitoring software.
Postcementing analysis
If the execution analysis indicated abnormal values of any monitored parameters, a thorough
analysis is performed after the operation. The data acquired during the cementing operation are
loaded into CemCADE cementing design and evaluation software and the execution data can be
overlaid and compared with the simulation run during the design. The simulation can also be
rerun using density and volumes of uid mixed and pumped to determine if mud removal para-
meters were met.
Cementing Services and Products
Evaluation 89
90 Cementing Services and Products
Cement evaluation logs are acquired for nal conrmation of hydraulic zonal isolation and
tops of cement.
Using the analysis from both steps, any problem areas can be highlighted with special attention
to the depths on the evaluation logs where isolation is a concern.
Cement evaluation services
Cement evaluation services are used in the nal evaluation of cement integrity and zonal isolation.
Used in conjunction with the execution and the postcementing analyses, evaluation logs can help
identify poor isolation and the reasons for that poor isolation. If remedial work is necessary, eval-
uation logs assist in its design to achieve the required isolation for well completion and pro-
duction of desired uids. Any problem identied in these analyses is targeted for improvement in
the design or execution phases for future wells.
Cement evaluation services also play an important role in conrming the pipes integrity,
support and isolation from formation uids, because exposing pipe to formation uid can even-
tually lead to corrosion if the lack of isolation is not corrected.
Cement evaluation services are divided into two major groups:
Acoustic logging can be either sonic services, with tools that provide a log of amplitude
measurements and Variable Density* sonic waveforms, or ultrasonic services, with tools that
provide a map of the cement distribution around the pipe.
Other logging tools provide indirect evaluation through measurements of pressure, temperature,
nuclear activity and noise.
SoniCalc software is a tool that allows the logging engineer to import well and cementing data
for use in tool setup and interpretation of cement bond logs (CBLs) and USI UltraSonic Imager
cement evaluation logs. Tool setup parameters are provided so that tool setup and computed
output are correct for the well being logged, improving logging service quality. These data also
assist in interpreting evaluation logs and in determining if remedial treatments may be required.
Only acoustic tools are discussed in this catalog.
Sonic services
CBLs, with amplitude and/or attenuation and Variable Density waveform data, have been the pri-
mary method for cement quality evaluation for many years. The principle of the cement bond
measurement is to record the transit time and amplitude (or attenuation) of a 20-kHz acoustic
wave after propagation through the well uid and the pipe wall.
The measurement is the amplitude in millivolts of the tubular rst arrival (E1) at a receiver
with 0.91-m [3-ft] or shorter spacing. The amplitude of the signal is a function of the attenuation
by the shear coupling of the cement sheath to the pipe. The attenuation rate depends on the
cement acoustic impedance, cement thickness, pipe diameter, pipe thickness and percentage of
bonded circumference.
A receiver with 1.52-m [5-ft] spacing is used to record the Variable Density waveform for bet-
ter discrimination between sonic waves traveling through pipe and those through formation. This
measurement is generally used to qualitatively assess the cement-to-formation bond.
SlimAccess tool
The SlimAccess* wireline logging tool is designed for slim, complex-geometry boreholes. It gen-
erates, records and digitizes acoustic waves and provides CBL amplitude, Variable Density mea-
surement and attenuation measurement for cement bond evaluation. It is also used for openhole
applications such as seismic correlation, porosity measurement and evaluation of lithology. It has
a short-spacing 0.30-m [1-ft] transmitter-receiver for cement evaluation in fast formations.
Besides the primary transmitter-receivers used for CBL and Variable Density measurement, the
SlimAccess tool also uses a second set of transmitter-receivers for backup. It is a monopole sonic
tool with a diameter of 6.35 cm [2
1
2 in.], which enables it to be run in 14-cm [5
1
2-in.] casing.
Evaluation 91
The SlimXtreme* tool is the version of the SlimAccess tool for use in slim, complex-geometry
boreholes under HPHT conditions.
Applications
6.35-cm [2
1
2-in.] diameter
Tubing does not have to be removed from well (no rig required).
Time is saved when the tool is run in combination with other tools.
Features
Combinable with PS Platform suite or RST tool for well, reservoir and cement integrity
evaluation in the same run
Combinable with PipeView* multinger caliper tool for PS Platform tool string, for cement
and pipe integrity evaluation in the same run giving complete well integrity diagnosis
4.29-cm [1
11
16-in.] diameter
Cement top identication and free pipe identication for pipe retrieval
A SCMT log showing possible channel and its position aids in decision to squeeze and
in design of the squeeze cementing treatment.
92 Cementing Services and Products
A USI log with optional Variable Density data provides the best identication of uncemented
channels and aids in decisions to squeeze and in design of the squeeze cementing treatment.
Pipe integrity
Quantication of internal and external corrosion, wear, metal loss and/or scale buildup
Microannulus identication
Rig time saving by acquiring cement and pipe integrity data in one run
fast formation
high-attenuation mud
lightweight cement.
The table shows the USI log and the CBL response under the different conditions.
94 Cementing Services and Products
Effects on Evaluation Logs
USI Log CBL
Resolution 5 radial and 3.81 cm [1
1
2 in.] vertical 360 by 0.91 m [3 ft]
Well-bonded cement Cement (high acoustic impedance) Low amplitude or high attenuation;
characteristic Variable Density log
Lightweight cement Acoustic impedance based on properties Complicates interpretation
of the cement; special processing may be required
for very low density cement
Dry microannulus and/or Affected: Resolved by special processing Complicates interpretation
debonded cement
Mud layer Slightly affected Complicates interpretation
Wet microannulus Slightly affected Complicates interpretation
Contaminated cement Shown as solid with low acoustic impedance if set Complicates interpretation
Mud channel Displayed as channel lled with liquid Complicates interpretation
Gas channel Shown as channel lled with gas Complicates interpretation
Formation bond Not discriminated Qualitatively indicated on Variable Density plot
Outer casing/ Slightly affected Strongly affected if cement sheath is thin
hard formation
Casing condition Very sensitive: Corrosion, wear and deformed casing Slightly affected: No indication on log of quality
can be quantied in alternate acquisition mode
Evaluation 95
The USI log measures the bonding between the pipe and the cement, and the Variable Density
display indicates the bonding between the cement and the formation. The advantage of the USI
log over the traditional CBL is at the cement-pipe interface. The USI log
identies microdebonding