Squeeze Cementing: State of the Art
J.L. Rike, SPE, Rike Service Inc.
Erik Rike, Rike Service Inc.
Summary
Squeeze cementing is a routine well operation that has
acquired a multitude of rules of thumb or procedural
gimmicks because it evolved as a nontechnical field
practice. The real technology controlling squeeze
cementing behavior is readily available, but current prac-
tices are often contrary to technology published and
engineering logic. Maximum pressures and displaced
volumes are reported meticulously, even though their ef-
fect on results is unimportant. Formation breakdown
often is accomplished at a high rate, causing larger frac-
tures and use of more cement with no better results.
Assumptions are made on the basis of whole cement
entering the matrix and the concept of a horizontal pan-
cake of cement, when both ideas are invalid.
Both high- and low-pressure squeeze cementing
techniques have their proper application. Fluid-loss con-
trol is important in set-through applications, but fluid
loss must not be too low. Reduction of slurry density is
often important. Pumpability time for any cement must
be determined with proper regard for the mix water an-
ticipated and the synergistic effect of some additives.
The time must be sufficient to complete the job, but not
so long that a firm set is jeopardized. Strength of set ce-
ment used in squeeze operations can be quite low and
still retain all the pressure differential that most pipe can
withstand.
Successful evaluation is not conclusive with the con-
ventional pressure test. A reverse differential is impor-
tant to obtain a definitive test and provide for optimal
reperforating conditions.
Introduction
Squeeze cementing technology, which is straightforward
and currently well documented, \-5 continues to be
clouded by field practices developed over the past half
century when the technique was considered an art rather
0148-2136/8210012-9755$00.25
Copyright 1982 Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME
JANUARY 1982
than a science. Cement quaiity control left a great deal to
be desired in the earlier usages, and little concern was
given to the source of the mix water. Many currently
popular practices were developed by trial and error on
the part of field personnel to meet the irregularities
caused by the cement, additives, and mix-water
variations.
The problem is compounded by the jet-hopper mixing
system. The jet hopper is a simple and ingenious device
that made fast mixing of large volumes of cement possi-
ble, as needed for most casing cementing operations. It
was easy to adopt the same equipment for the smaller
squeeze cementing operation. In practice, the hopper is
not a consistent mixing apparatus, and that quality is
often of critical importance in squeeze operations.
Equipment and procedures or habits developed over
many years are ingrained in supervisors (and many
managers) who have spent much of their career closely
associated with field operations.
In many companies, it is difficult to encourage sincere
trial of techniques well proved and documented by other
operators or other divisions within the same company.
The rationale of these experienced leaders is based on
many years of reasonably acceptable end results and a
few vivid recollections of isolated but seemingly
catastrophic results, such as real or imagined flash set-
ting of cement.
Fundamental Principles
The squeeze cementing process merits a very simple
definition. It is an operation wherein cement slurry is
forced under pressure to a specific point in a well. Uses
include (1) exclusion of water, gas, or oil from the pro-
ducing formation, (2) recompletion from a depleted or an
unwanted interval to a new interval, (3) repair of casing
or pipe failure, and (4) repair of a faulty primary cement
job, usually called a channel.
Laboratory studies combined with field practices have
37
evolved two broad variations in technique. These are
popularly called "high-pressure squeeze" or "low-
pressure squeeze" because of the difference in the
amount of pressure applied while the fluid cement is in
contact with the formation. Actual field practices differ
in many other subtle but highly significant ways, as
documented by several authors. 2,6,7
A high-pressure squeeze is mandatory when all the
perforation holes are filled with mud filter cake at the
time of the operation. In practice, this means that a high-
pressure squeeze is planned if the workover fluid builds
cake qn the formation face. The "high pressure" is the
pressure needed to fracture the formation to be squeezed.
This fracturing operation, called "breaking down the
formation" by a cementer, removes the mud filter cake
from the perforation hole(s) so that cement slurry can be
placed in the perforation hole(s) and dehydrated against
the formation face. Once a fracture is initiated, con-
siderable fracture volume is created before the fracture is
filled with cement filter cake that prevents further fluid
entry. Thus, the high-pressure squeeze operation re-
quires mixing relatively large cement volumes, usually
100 to 500 sacks. The volume actually used in the
squeeze operation (amount mixed minus the amount
reversed out) is popularly reported from the field as a
significant data point, even on abbreviated morning
wires. However, the amount displaced into the formation
is controlled strongly by the rate at which the formation
was initially fractured or "broken down" and has no
relationship to the ability of the squeezed interval to re-
main isolated.
The final squeeze pressure is another popular reported
data point. Many field supervisors and operations
managers stipulate final surface squeeze pressure targets
of 2,500 to 5,000 psi (17 to 34 MPa), sometimes without
regard to completion fluid weight or well depth. The
final squeeze pressure is not a measure of how much
positive pressure or reverse differential pressure the
squeeze will hold subsequently. Conditions after the ce-
ment has set are entirely different from those during the
squeeze. When the squeeze pressure is obtained, cement
is still in a putty-like filter cake form. The configuration
of perforation holes 8 ,9 provides a check-valve effect for
the set cement slug inside the perforation cavity,
regardless of the direction of the pressure. The pressure
that can be held several days after a squeeze operation
(conducted at any pressure above formation pressure) is
usually in excess of what most casing strings can stand.
Contrary to some of the published literature, 10 a high
final pressure can be obtained on a squeeze operation
done with set-through or so-called low-pressure techni-
ques. The cement filter cake is deposited in the perfora-
tion cavity at moderate pressure in such cases. When the
perforation cavity, and especially the perforation tunnel
through primary cement and casing wall, are full of ce-
ment filter cake, the formation face is effectively isolated
from the pressure inside the well. This occurs because of
the low permeability of low water-loss cement filter
cake. Numerous set-through or low-pressure squeeze ce-
ment jobs have been conducted with a high final squeeze
pressure to satisfy particular orders from operations
managers.
The low-pressure squeeze method 10 usually is
associated with a small volume of cement slurry cir-
38
culated in place against the open perforations, with ce-
ment filter cake being deposited with a moderate
pressure differential from inside the wellbore to the for-
mation. The pressures are kept low intentionally to avoid
any potential fracture of the formation. By preventing a
fracture, the volume required is kept low. The amount of
cement slurry actually used is only that amount required
to build filter cake in each open perforation cavity. In
numerous squeeze operations, it has required less than 1
bbl (0.16 m 3 ). Since the volumes involved are low, the
entire operation can be conducted with low-volume
pumps in contrast to the heavy-duty cementing units
usually associated with conventional or high-pressure
squeeze operations. A major advantage cited by the pro-
ponents of low-pressure squeeze techniques is the ability
to conduct the operation with small pump equipment
sometimes available at the rig. The other major advan-
tage is the compatibility with wireline or concentric pipe
operations conducted through the existing production
tubing. II
Low-pressure squeeze cementing usually is confined
to completion or workover operations conducted with
solids-free fluids. The low-pressure technique cannot be
used successfully when all perforation holes are full of
filter cake or other solids. The perforation hole can be
cemented only after the mud or other solids have been
blown out of the perforation cavity with reverse pressure
or after the mud filter cake has been injected forcibly into
a fracture made in the formation. The low-pressure range
includes any pressure below the fracturing pressure of
the formation face. In practice, the cement slurry is cir-
culated in place, a moderate squeeze pressure is applied,
cement filter cake is deposited in the perforation hole,
and the excess cement is reversed out of the well. The
ability to reverse out the excess cement, leaving only
small cement filter-cake nodes inside the casing, is the
major factor in keeping the process compatible with
through-tubing techniques. The wellbore is left free of a
cement plug that would require drilling out.
Cements
Squeeze cementing operations usually are accomplished
with API Classes B, C, G, and H I ,3,4,12,\3 cement, and
Classes A and E, commonly used in the past, still retain
a limited usage. Each cement can be used effectively as
long as the characteristics of the cement are understood
and as long as the user recognizes the limitations im-
posed by the quality control available. Even the most
consistent cement should not be trusted to maintain pum-
pability for any longer than 30 minutes less than the
amount indicated in the typical thickening-time test.
Pumpability time variation will be considerably greater
when care is not exercised to use the right concentration
of mix water and to use mix water with mineral content
very close to that used in the laboratory test.
Extenders and Fluid-Loss Control
Several cement extenders are marketed to provide a
larger volume of cement slurry with the same amount of
dry neat cement. The mud and service companies have
documented the attributes of each of these extenders. In
a high-pressure squeeze, they may represent a significant
cost savings.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

TABLE 1-THICKENING TIME WITH ORGANIC POLYMERS,
API CLASS A, G, OR H CEMENT'
Lignin Type
(%) CMHEC** (%)
Organic Polymer (%) 0.3 0.5
0.8 2:00 3:30
1.0 2:20 3:54
1.2 2:45 4:00 +
• All tests based on 10.000·1t (3000·m) API squeeze schedule and a bot·
tomhole static temperature of 230°F (110 0 C) .
• • Carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose.
In low-pressure squeezes, extenders are not needed
since the total slurry volume is so small, usually only 3
to 10 bbl (0.5 to 1.5 m 3). However, they are used
because they serve other functions. One of these is to
reduce significantly the weight of the cement slurry, im-
portant when long vertical columns of cement must be
reversed out after a squeeze. Nonnal pressured wells
may not tolerate the pressure exerted by a 16- to
17-lbm/gal (0.19- to 0.20-kg/m3) cement slurry from
top to bottom without fracturing the fonnation. If the ce-
ment filter cake is penneable enough to communicate
these pressures to the fonnation face, the squeeze job
will fail during the reversing-out process.
Even more important, one of the extenders, bentonite,
has the additional property of reducing the water loss of a
neat cement slurry, and this characteristic is instrumental
in making set-through operations workable. The high
water loss of a neat cement slurry causes extremely rapid
cake buildup, and a wellbore can become choked with
cement filter cake even while the displacement pipe ex-
tends past the interval being squeezed. This has resulted
in stuck pipe and erroneously has been called a "flash"
set. Bentonite does not provide fluid-loss control down
to the desired range, and has been replaced with more
potent polymer fluid-loss additives. Additionally, the
fluid-loss characteristics of bentonite are partially or
completely lost if the cement becomes contaminated
with NaC!. Hence, bentonite is seldom used today; it can
be replaced effectively by a combination of another ex-
tender for weight control and one of the proprietary
fluid-loss control additives. A word of caution: if ben-
tonite is used, only nonpeptized or nonextended ben-
tonite will yield consistent and predictable results.
The fluid loss desirable for low-pressure squeeze
operations has been well documented. 6 ,7,14 Tests on
perforation targets squeezed under simulated downhole
conditions vividly demonstrate the relative effects of
water loss on the node buildup inside the casing (Fig. 1).
JANUARY 1982
fLUID LOSS
800 ML/30 MIN
150 MLl30 MIN
50 ML/30 MIN
0.3 15 MLl30 MIN
6:00
7:00
8:05 6" CASING
Fig. 1-Node buildup after a 45-minute squeeze using slurries
with different water loss.
It is important to fill the perforation cavity and perfora-
tion tunnel completely with cement, while leaving a
minimum node buildup inside the casing that would pre-
sent an obstruction to subsequent tool runs. Using the
simple 100-psi (690-kPa) ambient temperature filter
press, the desired water loss for set-through squeeze
operations has been identified in the range of 40 to 120
cm 3 in 30 minutes. When tested on a 325-mesh screen or
fonnation core at 1,000 psi (6900 kPa), a fluid loss of 50
to 300 cm 3 in 30 minutes would be considered low.
Some laboratories shoot for a lower fluid loss for use
with higher squeeze pressure or high fonnation
penneability. However, the effect of fonnation
parameters is overwhelmed quickly by the effect of ce-
ment filter cake being deposited.
Note that the excessive use of fluid-loss materials will
be detrimental to success. The failure of some squeeze
operations has been identified with the use of cement
with too low a filtration rate. The cement filter cake left
to solidify after reversing would have a hollow con-
figuration that makes it subject to failure at low to
moderate reverse-pressure differentials. If the squeeze
operation is being conducted to seal a cement channel,
the cement with too low fluid loss will fill the channel
with a combination of thin cement filter cake and fluid
cement at the time when a squeeze pressure is obtained.
The reversing procedure may wash out the fluid 'cement
from the cement channel and still leave effective com-
munication to the unwanted producing zone.
Retarders
Retarders are necessary to tailor the thickening time of a
cement slurry to meet the requirements of well depth,
well temperature, and surface equipment. Since some
excess cement almost always is reversed out, it is
necessary that the slurry remain fluid until the last por-
tion of excess cement has reached the surface. The pum-
pability time is nonnally considered the API thickening
39
 TABLE 2-THICKENING TIME DATA SUITE, NEW ORLEANS
CLASS A CEMENT*

Temperature (OF) Calcium Lignosulfonate (%)

Squeeze Depth (It) Circulating Static 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60
---
2,700 104 120 3:43 4:48
4,000 116 140 2:43 3:38 4:43
4,700 122 150 2:24 3:04 3:14 4:10
5,300 128 160 2:21 2:53 3:24 4:12
6,700 144 180 2:31 2:51 3:18 4:38
8,000 159 200 1:42 2:08 2:59 4:14
9,300 179 220 1:48 2:50 3:10 4:36
'All slurries include 12% bentonite and 1% Halad-9~.

1> •• . .
432 4:38
;: 0.5
I
•
330
:"'
~ 0.4t:. .
a:
< squeeze operations become routine in a given field with
t;
a: O.
g retarder graph (Fig. 2) can be generated from a suite of
0.2~:
0.
All .Iurri •• ifte'ucl. 12_ Int._it ......
1.0. H••• tt-t. Slurry •• i, .. ,. 12.1 ,,, •.
120 140 leo leo 200 220 240
AT' T
Fig. 2-Percent retarder VS. static temperature for 3 hours'
pumpability showing all source data in the suite of
tests.
time or time from initial mix until a limiting viscosity is
reached in the test cell.
Thickening time testers are used widely to ascertain
this parameter with any variation in ingredients. These
testers are laboratory equipment, however, and tests
must be run well in advance. This creates a problem in
ensuring that all ingredients for testing are the same as
the ones to be used in the field. Cement quality
sometimes varies markedly between different suppliers,
and batches from the same supplier will vary with
shipments obtained at different times. Bentonite varies in
its effect, especially if it has been altered to provide high
yield. Mix-water quality (even small variations in
mineral content) can affect pumpability time markedly.
Retarders include cellulose, lignins, and various other
organic and inorganic compounds. The polymer fluid-
loss agents mentioned earlier also affect thickening time.
The effect of cement retarding agents can be predicted
effectively only with controlled tests made under closely
simulated downholt> conditions. Serious errors have been
made by assuming a finite reduction in water loss or
specific increase in pumpability time as a result of add-
ing a given percentage of a particular additive, when
other components in the slurry have been changed.
Voluminous testing strongly suggests that different ad-
ditives in cement producing varying degrees of
synergistic effect. Reliable predictions are made only
from tests with the same amounts of each additive and
with proper control on the amount and quality of mix
Lignosulfonates are the most commonly used retarders
in squeeze cementing because they are consistent in
behavior and the dispersing effect makes a smoother
slurry of gel cements. For best results, a test (well in ad-
vance) determines thickening time with the dry ingre-
dients and water that will be used at the anticipated bot-
tomhole circulating temperature (Table 1). Where
the same water and ingredients routinely available, a
test data, such as Table 2. * The data reflect thickening
time with variations in retarder content and bottornhole
temperature (BHT). Static BHT is broadly correlated
with circulating BHT and squeeze depth in the formula-
tion of the standard API thickening time test. 12 At
temperatures above 230°F (l100C), it is recommended
that the field blend be retested at the location before the
squeeze operation.
Salt (NaCl) is also a retarder when used in sufficient
concentration. It will act as an accelerator at low concen-
trations, as is discussed later.
Dispersants
Dispersants sometimes are added to squeeze slurries to
reduce friction pressure or to make a highly weighted
slurry for use in abnormal pressure situations. When
powerful dispersants are used in large concentrations,
care should be exercised to see that the slurry is well
tested for performance. The slurry can become so
thinned that the high concentration of high weight solids
is not suspended effectively for a slurry not kept in cons-
tant motion. This is the case in a squeeze and reverse-out
operation.
The lignosulfonate commonly used for a retarder is a
dispersant. Others include alkyl aryl sulfonates,
polyphosphates, lactones, gluconates, synthetic
polymers, and organic acids. **
Accelerators
A cement accelerator makes the cement develop strength
faster and reduces pumpability time. At shallow depths
where temperatures are low, the addition of an ac-
celerator is effective in making cement develop strength
without using large amounts of expensive rig time to ac-
quire that strength. Table 3 shows the effect of several
accelerating compounds.
The most commonly used accelerator is calcium com-
'Laboratory test data received from Halliburton Services.

water. * * Private communication, Dowell Inc.

40 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

pounds (CaCI 2 ). In planning accelerated squeeze opera-
tions, the usual test of pumpability perfonnance should
be made before proceeding. The CaCI 2 should be added
to the mix water first to ensure that no portion of the ce-
ment can accidentally include an excess fraction of
CaCI 2 , causing a premature set of part of the cement.
The action of CaCl 2 on cement must be kept in mind
during those completion and workover operations where
CaCl 2 water is being used as a completion fluid. During
displacement, a buffer of salt water between CaCl 2
water and cement is recommended.
Salt (NaCl) is also a slight accelerator at low concen-
trations and becomes a retarder at high concentrations. 15
Concern for the role of salt as an accelerator causes a
highly questionable field practice that is very popular.
Many engineers or supervisors specify a freshwater buf-
fer on each side of a squeeze slurry being displaced with
salt water to insulate the salt solution from the cement. If
the squeeze is being conducted to repair a channel or is to
be followed by reperforating the same geologic strata, a
severely damaged zone may have resulted from contact
with the fresh water. A better solution is use of cement
with 4 to 5 % salt content in the initial mixture. Then,
either more or less salt will result in more pump time.
Lost Circulation
Lost circulation materials used with squeeze cement slur-
ries are usually similar to the fibers, granules, or flakes
often added to stop lost circulation with mud. Most ad-
ditive materials are equally ineffective in stopping lost
circulation, however, until a shutdown has been effected
to allow the fracture to heal. A low water-loss slurry
tends to require a higher pressure to cause a fracture than
a high water-loss slurry. Gilsonite is usually effective in
reducing routine loss in highly penneable low-pressure
fonnations.
The most effective remedy for lost circulation is job
design. Reducing slurry density leaves a lower weight
column to be reversed out and a resultant lower reversing
pressure to cause a fracture. Similarly, the use of smaller
cement batches will penn it shorter columns of cement,
thereby reducing reversing pressures. A lower water loss
also helps insulate the fonnation from wellbore pressure.
Reducing the squeeze pressure demanded until the ce-
ment has time to build cement filter cake throughout the
perforation cavity often will prevent lost circulation dur-
ing reversing. This requires an intentional waiting period
of 5 to 15 minutes after an initial squeeze is indicated but
before excess cement is reversed. After a low-filtration
cement filter cake is deposited, the fonnation face may
be isolated effectively from the internal wellbore
pressure. Should circulation be lost when cement is op-
posite the fracture, a 5-minute shutdown often will build
up enough filter cake to isolate the fracture and keep it
from being extended further. But it is important to note
the effects this may have on penneability time, discussed
later.
Fluid in the Well Before
Squeeze Cementing
Solids-free fluid is necessary for a low-pressure squeeze
cementing job. If the completion fluid is a filter-cake-
building material (including the oil-base muds), a high-
JANUARY 1982
TABLE 3-ACCELERATORS AND THICKENING TIME,
LOW WATER-LOSS CEMENTS, API CLASS A, G, AND H*
Accelerator (%)
Blend of
Organic Calcium Inorganic
Polymer No Chloride Chlorides
(%) Accelerator 2% 3%
0.6 2:52 1:44 1:37
0.8 4:03 2:10 1:10
1.0 4:14 2:04 1:58
1.2 5:40 2:05 2:15
• All tests conducted on a 4,OOO-ft (1219-m) API squeeze schedule with an assumed
bottom hole static temperature of 140°F (60°C). Thickening times shown in
hours:minutes.
pressure squeeze to create a fracture is a necessity. Re-
gardless of the high- or low-pressure technique planned,
only those perforations emptied of solids will be
cemented effectively. This may mean that subsequent
production testing of any job may indicate failure of the
squeeze, because additional mud plugs may be dis-
charged. This does not mean that the slurry or procedure
was designed poorly for pumpability time or strength.
Pumpability Time
Enough pumpability time is required to get excess ce-
ment reversed from the well. An absolute minimum of
30 minutes excess over anticipated downhole time is
considered prudent to cover minor variations in mix-
water and ingredient quality. Stipulation of excess pum-
pability time of more than 11!z hours tends to waste rig
time in developing strength and may invite the use of
slurry design too retarded to set in some instances.
Thickening time should be decreased by 15 minutes for
every 5 minutes that the slurry is static, such as during a
hesitation squeeze or a shutdown to try to regain lost
circulation.
Strength
The strength demanded of set cement before testing is
commonly overstressed. Compressive strength re-
quirements of 1,000 to 2,500 psi (6900 to 17 300 kPa),
often quoted as desirable, are without technical founda-
tion. The typical perforation cavity has a shape that
makes the set cement slug act as a check valve in both
directions. Mud filter cake, with little or no compressive
strength, has been known to withstand up to 2,000 psi
(13 800 kPa) without being discharged from a perfora-
tion hole. 8 Several hundred squeeze operations have
been conducted and tested successfully, after waiting
times that assured no more than 150-psi (1040-kPa) com-
pressive strength of the set cement. Further; cement
filter cake from a squeeze operation generally will have
more strength in 8 hours than undehydrated slurry will
have in 24 hours, based on laboratory tests.
Squeeze Pressure
This parameter is given a great deal of attention by many
supervisors and managers, yet it is relatively unimpor-
tant. Cement filter cake is deposited in the perforation
cavity rapidly as long as the well bore pressure exceeds
fonnation pressure by several pounds per square inch
(thousand kilopascals). If time is allowed to deposit a
41
complete filter cake in the cavity, the squeezed perfora-
tion should withstand positive pressures of 5,000 psi
(34 500 kPa) or more without regard to the pressure at
which the filter cake was deposited. A squeeze cemented
perforation usually can be expected to hold as much
pressure differential as the pipe can stand. Squeeze
failure will more likely occur as a result of the discharge
of more mud plugs, rather than failure of a cemented per-
foration hole.
However, as a precaution against initiating a new frac-
ture on pumping or reversing out excess cement, a
squee.ze pressure a few hundred pounds per square inch
(thousand kilopascals) higher than the anticipated cir-
culating pressure should be achieved.
Volume
When using the high-pressure squeeze technique that
starts by fracturing the formation, the volume required is
a function of the width and depth of the crack generated.
It can be kept low by easing pressure up to the
breakdown or fracturing pressure and by displacing the
mud plugs and the well fluids ahead of the cement into
the crack at a low pump rate. Popular field techniques of
breaking down at a high rate and pressure (often called a
"running squeeze") simply generate excess fracture
capacity that must be filled with cement filter cake
before a squeeze is obtained. Because of these factors,
the quantity required in a high-pressure squeeze ranges
from 10 to more than 100 bbl (1.5 to more than 15 m 3 )
of slurry.
A low-pressure squeeze requires only enough slurry to
build cement filter cake in each open perforation cavity.
This will require no more than 0.5 bbl (0.08 m 3 ) in some
cases. A batch of 3 to 10 bbl (0.5 to 1.5 m 3 ) usually is
mixed for convenience in mixing, handling, and
placement.
Mixing
The jet-hopper system takes considerable time to adjust
properly and does not give a consistent slurry after mix
ratio is regulated. Further, the addition of additives to
dry bulk cement may leave large variations in additive
content within the total mixture.
In recent years, use of a recirculating cement mixer
has improved this situation. It uses recirculated slurry as
the main mixing medium in the jet hopper, with con-
tinuous checks for proper slurry density before discharg-
ing to an accumulator tank which feeds the pumps.
Although this helps to make the slurry density more
uniform, care must be taken to ensure that the amount of
retarder (or accelerator) in the slurry is uniform.
If a recirculating cement mixer (or equivalent ap-
paratus) is not available, batch mixing is highly
desirable. In this case, retarder or accelerator should be
added to the clean water and thoroughly mixed first to
ensure complete dispersion. Fluid-loss control and other
additives then are added and mixed. If gel cement is be-
ing mixed, add a sack of cement first, followed by ce-
ment and gel together. Adding cement first prevents ex-
cessive gelling of the bentonite, which increases slurry
viscosity and pumping pressures.
Much of the disadvantage of a jet hopper can be
eliminated by use of an accumulator tank of 5- to 30-bbl
42
(0.8- to 5-m 3 ) capacity (the bigger the better). However,
such a tank must have provision for continuous and ex-
ternal mixing, or cement will channel through the tank.
One service company uses a ribbon blender for such
purposes.
Surface Slurry Testing
All squeeze cement mixtures should be checked
throughout the job for weight, using the standard mud
balance when no better system is available. This affords
a check on mix-water ratio and gross functioning of the
mixing apparatus. A more accurate version uses a
plunger to compress any entrained air to a negligible
volume, which can cause errors as high as 15 %.
Radioactive densometers can be used for continuous
monitoring of slurry density.
Batch mixtures of low filtration cement for low-
pressure squeeze applications should be checked with a
filtration press, as discussed under Extenders and Fluid-
Loss Control.
Placement
Cement slurry usually is forced beneath a retainer or
squeeze tool in high-pressure squeeze operations. The
squeeze tool can be either permanent or retrievable.
Some whole mud usually is displaced ahead of the ce-
ment. Excess cement is reversed out from the toolloca-
tion, and cement is left to set in the wellbore opposite the
perforated interval. Recompletion in the same zone or a
lower zone requires drill-out with a bit of near casing in-
side diameter size. This is the "bullhead" squeeze. A
"walking" squeeze is the same, but at very slow pump
rates, usually about 0.25 bbl/min (0.04 m 3 fmin) once
the cement is at the formation. The latter choice usually
obtains a squeeze pressure with much less cement.
A "bradenhead" squeeze achieves the same result,
but there is no squeeze tool. The surface squeeze
pressure in this case is felt by the entire casing string,
and thus the term "bradenhead."
A "hesitation" squeeze can be used with any of these
configurations. Once a fracture is initiated, usually seen
as a sudden break back of the surface pressure, pumping
is stopped for a few minutes. This gives the cement in
the fracture a chance to dehydrate and form cement filter
cake. Because the area-volume ratio in a fracture is very
high, this process is typically very fast.
Low-pressure squeeze cementing is associated with
many through-tubing operations, involving set-through
techniques. There is no limitation necessary on use of
low-pressure techniques in conventional through-casing
procedures, but the set-through procedure has a large
economic value in through-tubing work. Popular prac-
tice includes running a concentric string past the per-
forated interval to circulate low filtration slurry across
the formation face. If this practice is followed, the pipe
should be withdrawn to a point above the cement before
applying squeeze pressure. This removes the potential
for pipe being cemented in the hole as a result of
premature set or, more likely, fast node buildup. When
the perforated interval covers 15 ft (5 m) or less, it is un-
necessary to spot cement across the interval. A large
number of successful concentric tubing squeezes are ac-
complished with the end of pipe located about 10 ft (3 m)
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
above the uppennost perforation.
Cement is reversed out while lowering the pipe back
through the interval in set-through operation. This
removes all fluid cement and leaves only cement filter
cake nodes on each perforation hole. The wellbore is left
free and open for the passage of perforating guns or other
recompletion tools. This operation is becoming common
even in the upper zones of multiple completions. 16 Little
or no cement is left in the annular area to stick tubing,
blast joints, or safety joints and prevent their removal
when desired.
Waiting Time
It is necessary for cement to acquire only an initial set,
usually available in 8 hours or less, before rig operations
can be resumed.
After a set-through squeeze, it is common to trip pipe
out of the hole immediately after obtaining a squeeze
pressure. Enthusiastic rig crews tend to pull pipe fast,
especially if a relaxed waiting-on-cement period is on
schedule as soon as pipe is out of the hole. A fast trip
with I-in. (2.5-cm) pipe inside 2-in. (5-cm) tubing can
create sufficient swabbing action to cause cement filter
cake slugs to be discharged. This circumstance is ag-
gravated by laxity in keeping the hole completely filled
while pulling pipe.
A preferable procedure includes slow and deliberate
removal of about 10 joints immediately after obtaining a
squeeze. The hole is kept full during this operation.
After 4 to 6 hours in most cases, the pipe can be removed
without danger of causing squeeze failure, provided the
hole is kept full. Some operators prefer to leave the pipe
in the hole for both positive- and reverse-pressure
testing. If an additional squeeze is necessary, the pipe is
already in the hole.
Casing Leaks
When repairing casing leaks, the ability to squeeze ce-
ment effectively is dependent on the cause of the leak. If
the cause is external corrosion, the squeeze will appear
to fail after a short period of time because repairs can be
effected only on the leaks that are open. As each hole
opens up, the squeeze operation will have to be repeated.
In such cases, cutting, pulling, and replacing the casing
above the free point and careful primary cementation
would be a more effective repair method.
Channels Behind Pipe
The two most important considerations in squeezing an
active channel behind pipe are to use a fluid-loss cement
and to keep clean, filtered water in the hole from the time
of channel discovery. Low fluid loss ensures that cement
will go all the way down the channel before a node of
filter cake can build up in the perforation that intersects
the channel and cut off flow of cement into the channel.
Use of clean, filtered fluids from the moment of
discovery will ensure that no solids are deposited in the
channel during the squeeze and will act as a check valve
on the channeling interval's face. This check valve will
reduce the likelihood of cement invading far enough
down the channel to provide a hydraulic seal. Either low-
or high-pressure techniques will effectively plug the
channel, once these two basic requirements are met.
JANUARY 1982
With this discussion, it should be apparent that
"preventive" squeezing of channels detected by a ce-
ment bond log may not be effective in many instances.
Even if the block squeeze happens to intersect the chan-
nel, the solids in the mud left in the channel at the time of
the primary cement job will tend to bridge on the chan-
neling fonnations' face, fonning a check valve and
preventing cement from entering the channel. This check
valve may fall apart easily with a little negative differen-
tial pressure after new perforations intersect the mud-
filled channel again.
Evaluation of Results
It is common industry practice to pressure test a squeeze
job after the anticipated waiting-on-cement time has
elapsed. The pressure applied to the well may be the
maximum anticipated reservoir pressure, the maximum
pressure applied during the squeeze job, or the working
pressure of the pipe string, depending on the particular
supervisor. A well-planned squeeze conducted at any
pressure significantly in excess of fonnation pressure
should pass this pressure test; however, this pressure test
must not be considered a test of the ability to hold fonna-
tion fluid behind the pipe effectively. Mud filter-cake
plugs have been known to withstand over 5,OOO-psi
(34 500-kPa) differential when applied from wellbore in-
to the fonnation; yet many of the same mud plugs won't
withstand a significant differential pressure from fonna-
tion to wellbore. It follows that the only definitive test of
a squeeze is to create a differential pressure from fonna-
tion to wellbore.
The positive pressure test should be conducted, even
though it is not a conclusive test, when the pressure
holds. It is quick and inexpensive and sometimes
discovers gross failure of the job.
Where feasible, the ideal test procedure for a set-
through job includes the positive pressure test while the
pipe is still in the hole. A negative differential then is in-
duced by circulating light fluids with the aid of the con-
centric pipe or by removing part of the fluid column with
gas pressure or swabbing. If a new squeeze is indicated
by these tests, pipe is in the hole for the job. If the tests
are all satisfactory, the pipe can be removed and a
negative differential exists for optimal reperforating
results.
Plugback Operations
Plug back operations generally are simpler than either
set-through or squeeze tool operations and require little
special consideration. A balanced plug of cement slurry
usually is set inside and outside the pipe, which requires
placement of a precise amount of slurry. If reversing out
is not anticipated, neat cement with a short pumpability
time and high early strength is used often. Waiting time
required is minimal.
Care should be exercised, however, when using highly
treated mud systems-many are highly retarding. In
these cases, the cement slurry should be tested to
establish the effects of mud contamination and the recipe
should be adjusted accordingly. If a satisfactory recipe
cannot be found, there is little choice but to displace the
mud and run in the hole with scratchers to remove the
filter cake already built up with the offending chemicals
in it.
43
 Success with plug setting also can be improved
materially by replacing centralizers on the work string
throughout the plug interval and moving the work string
while spotting the balanced plug inside and outside the
pipe.

Special Cement Systems

.~:' ....., ~ .... :. :
.. - :....
Resin cement is a compound, such as hydromite, in
which the filtrate or liquid part of the system also sets.
.' '.
The material sets fast and achieves a very high strength .
'. ,.... Such cements can be useful in very low temperature
WRONG RIGHT situations or in some casing repair applications. The set-
ting of the filtrate makes these cement systems
Fig. 3-A myth: whole cement into formation matrix. undesirable opposite potential producing formations
because permeability may be plugged completely in the
formation immediately adjacent to the wellbore.
Radioactive cement is simply a slurry with radioactive
material added to aid detection. It is sometimes useful in
determining the path of lost cement or delineating the ex-
tent and character of a gross cement channel.
Diesel oil cement is formed by mixing dry cement with
diesel oil (and usually a surfactant) instead of water. The
slurry has no potential of setting or sealing until mixed
with water from some source, presumably a water-
bearing formation. Since cement particles do not actually
invade the interstices of a producing sand matrix, there is
little likelihood that the formation can provide water for
the cement, even when the zone is water productive.
Successful field applications of this system usually result
WRONG RIGHT
from mixture of the slurry with waterleft in the wellbore
below a perforated interval.
Fig. 4-A myth: perforation holes are open.
Myths That Persist
There are three predominant myths about squeeze
cementing that contribute to most misapplications and
improper field procedures.
..... . .. ". - ..... One erroneous concept accepted by many field super-
:.:-.:. :.~"~: ::'::: ": .':..
visors is the idea that whole cement enters the formation
matrix (Fig. 3). This leads to goals concerning the quan-
.. :.. : tity of cement displaced behind pipe and the pressure ap-
plied, when these parameters have little bearing on
cementing results. Good procedures can be expected on-
·····..u · · · ,::' ly with the understanding that only cement filtrate (and
". '. .: .
not whole cement) enters the formation matrix. 17
'. . . Another faulty assumption often made is that all per-
. .
foration holes are open for squeeze cementing or that all
.' . : '.
holes are forced open by the breaking-down process of
WRONG RIGHT injecting whole mud. Perforating technology strongly
suggests that all perforations are almost never open and
receptive to fluid without considerable effort made to
Fig. 5-A myth: a horizontal pancake of cement.
open all perforations (Fig. 4).17 Mud filter cake has
been demonstrated capable of withstanding large
pressure differentials, especially in the direction from
wellbore to formation. Most squeeze failures probably
can be attributed to subsequent cleanup of a previously
plugged perforation. But the concept of failure of the
squeeze job causes reactions toward higher compressive
strengths, longer waiting time, higher squeeze pressures,
and more cement additives, when these elements can
have little influence on the actual problems of perfora-
tion holes being plugged.
A third stumbling block to valid interpretation of
squeeze cemeting techniques and results is the erroneous
44 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
concept of a horizontal pancake of cement around the
wellbore. The drawings of wellbores in well records, in
advertisements, and at the morning meeting where the
problems are discussed almost invariably are profile
views. On such a view, it is common to depict a squeeze
with a wedge-shaped symbol on both sides of the pipe.
The visual concept left is that of a horizontal wedge or
pancake emanating from the perforated interval.
However, it has been established that whole cement does
not enter the formation matrix because the cement par-
ticles are too large to enter the interstices. Further, a
fracture made at depths below 2,000 ft (600 m) almost
certainly is going to be vertical, according to current
fracturing technology (Fig. 5). In spite of this strong
technical evidence that horizontal cement pancakes can-
not be generated by the squeeze process, many segments
of the industry place a strong reliance on concepts such
as the "block" squeeze, where cement is injected above
and below the prospective interval. Block squeezes do
reduce the incidence of remedial squeezes after testing
because many channels will be filled accidentally as a
result of the technique. But the strong faith often placed
in a block squeeze as a means to preclude vertical com-
munication is not justified.
Conclusions
The technology of squeeze cementing has been defined
reasonably well in the literature, but popular practice of
the art does not reflect the technology. Consistent and
low-cost successful cementing is available, but the train-
ing problem in obtaining that result is large. Habits and
experience factors reflecting 50-year-old faulty concepts
must be revised. The persistent myths about cement
behavior must be replaced with valid concepts that have
been proved technically and in the field.
References
1. Ludwig, N.C.: "Portland Cements and Their Application in the
Oil Industry, " paper presented at the API Symposium on Oil Well
Cements, Pittsburgh, PA, June 1953.
2. Howard, G.c. and Fast, C.R.: "Squeeze Cementing Opera-
tions," Trans., AIME (1950) 189, 53-64.
JANUARY 1982
3. "Oilwell Cementing Practices in the United States," API Com-
mittee on Drilling and Production, New York City (1959).
4. Smith, D.K.: "Physical Properties of Gel Cements," Pet. Eng.
(April 1951) B-7 to B-14.
5. Bogue, R.H.: The Chemistry of Ponland Cement, second edition,
Reinhold Publishing Co., New York (1955).
6. Huber, T.A., Tausch, G.H., and Dublin, J.R. III: "A Simplified
Cementing Technique for Recompletion Operations," Trans.,
AIME (1954) 201, 1-7.
7. Morgan, B.E. and Dumbauld, G.K.: "A Modified Low-Strength
Cement," Trans., AIME (1951) 192, 165-170.
8. Allen, T.O. and Atterbury, J.H. Jr.: "Effectiveness of Gun Per-
forating," Trans., AIME (1954) 201, 8-14.
9. Allen, T.O. and Worzel, H.C.: "Productivity Method of
Evaluating Gun Perforating," Drill. and Prod. Prac., API (1956)
112-125.
10. Huber, T.A. and Tausch, G.H.: "Permanent-Type Well Comple-
tion," Trans., AIME (1953) 198, 11-16.
II. Morgan, B.E. and Dumbauld, G .K.: "Recent Developments in
the Use of Bentonite in Cements," API Paper 90129-F, Dallas
(1953).
12. "Recommended Practices for Testing Oil Well Cements and Ce-
ment Additives," API RP lOB, Dallas (1959).
13. Clark, C.R., Steele, J.H., and Gidley, J.1.: "Coarse-Grind Ce-
ment for Oil Well Cementing," paper SPE 3448 presented at the
SPE 46th Annual Fall Meeting, New Orleans, Oct. 3-6, 1971.
14. Binkley, G.W., Dumbauld, G.K., and Collins, R.E.: "Factors
Affecting the Rate of Deposition of Cement In Unfractured Per-
forations During Squeeze-Cementing Operations," Trans., AIME
(1958) 213, 51-58.
15. "Cement Accelerators," Technical Data-Cementing, Hallibur-
ton Services, Duncan, OK, 6.
16. Rike, J.1. and McGlamery, R.G.: "Recent Innovations in Off-
shore Completion and Workover Systems," J. Pet. Tech. (Jan.
1970) 17-24.
17. Rike, J.1.: "Workover and Completion Technology-A
Survey," J. Pet. Tech. (Nov. 1971) 1375-1385.
SI Metric Conversion Factors
ft x 3.048* E-Ol =m
OF (OF-32)/1.8 = °C
mL x 1.0* E+OO = cm 3
·Conversion factor is exact. JPT
Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Engineers office Jan. 5, 1981.
Paper accepted for publication July 1,1981. Revised manuscript received Nov. 18,
1981. Paper (SPE 9755) first presented at the SPE 1981 Production Operations Sym·
posium held in Oklahoma City March 1-3, 1981.
45