Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Drilling & Well Completion: Secondary Cementing

Secondary Cementing

Secondary Cementing: A Rare and Inexact Term in Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas industry, secondary cementing is a term used to describe any cementing operation performed after the initial, or primary, cement job. However, this term is rarely used and considered somewhat inexact due to the wide range of operations it can encompass.

Why is it considered inexact?

The term "secondary cementing" lacks specificity. It can refer to a variety of operations, including:

  • Repairing a failed primary cement job: This may involve squeezing additional cement to fill voids or gaps that led to the failure.
  • Completing a well after a primary cement job: This could involve cementing off perforations or isolating zones for production or injection.
  • Cementing a liner or casing string: This may be done to isolate different zones or to provide additional support for the wellbore.
  • Performing a squeeze cementing operation: This involves injecting cement to plug off unwanted zones or to create a barrier.

When is it used?

Secondary cementing is typically employed when:

  • The primary cement job was unsuccessful or incomplete.
  • There is a need to isolate a zone after the initial completion.
  • The well design calls for multiple cementing operations.

Why is it rarely used?

The term "secondary cementing" is often avoided in favor of more specific terms that accurately describe the operation. This is because the specific challenges and techniques involved in each type of secondary cementing operation can vary greatly.

Instead of using "secondary cementing," it is generally more accurate and helpful to use terms such as:

  • Cement squeeze: Refers to injecting cement to plug off a specific zone.
  • Completion cementing: Refers to cementing operations performed after the initial completion of a well.
  • Remedial cementing: Refers to cementing operations performed to repair a failed primary cement job.

Conclusion:

While the term "secondary cementing" does exist in the oil and gas industry, it is rarely used due to its lack of specificity. It is more accurate and practical to utilize more precise terms that describe the specific type of cementing operation being performed. This ensures clear communication and avoids potential misunderstandings between professionals.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Secondary Cementing

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary reason the term "secondary cementing" is considered inexact?

a) It is a very complex process. b) It only applies to specific well types. c) It lacks specificity and can encompass many different operations. d) It is only used in emergency situations.

Answer

c) It lacks specificity and can encompass many different operations.

2. Which of the following is NOT a typical reason for performing secondary cementing?

a) Repairing a failed primary cement job. b) Isolating a specific zone after the initial completion. c) Cementing the first casing string in a well. d) Performing a squeeze cementing operation.

Answer

c) Cementing the first casing string in a well.

3. Which term is used to describe cementing operations performed to fix a failed primary cement job?

a) Completion cementing b) Remedial cementing c) Squeeze cementing d) Secondary cementing

Answer

b) Remedial cementing

4. What is the primary advantage of using more specific terms than "secondary cementing" when describing cementing operations?

a) It makes the process faster. b) It reduces the cost of the operation. c) It ensures clear communication and avoids potential misunderstandings. d) It makes the operation more efficient.

Answer

c) It ensures clear communication and avoids potential misunderstandings.

5. Which of the following is a more specific term for injecting cement to plug off a specific zone?

a) Completion cementing b) Remedial cementing c) Squeeze cementing d) Secondary cementing

Answer

c) Squeeze cementing

Exercise: Secondary Cementing Scenarios

Instructions: Read the following scenarios and identify the most appropriate term to describe the type of secondary cementing operation being performed.

Scenario 1: A well has been drilled and completed with a single casing string. After production begins, it is discovered that there is communication between different zones, leading to production issues. A cement slurry is injected into the wellbore to isolate the zones and prevent further communication.

Scenario 2: A well is drilled and cemented with a primary cement job. However, testing reveals that the cement did not properly bond to the casing, resulting in a weak zone. A cement slurry is injected to fill the void and ensure a strong bond.

Scenario 3: A well is drilled and cased with a liner string. After the liner is set, cement is pumped into the annular space between the liner and the wellbore to provide additional support and isolation.

Exercice Correction:

Exercice Correction

Scenario 1: **Squeeze cementing**

Scenario 2: **Remedial cementing**

Scenario 3: **Completion cementing**


Books

  • "Cementing: Fundamentals and Applications" by J.L. Gidley and M.S. King - Offers a comprehensive overview of cementing principles and practices, including various applications like squeeze cementing and remedial operations.
  • "Cementing: A Comprehensive Guide" by W.E. Bourgoyne Jr., K.K. Millheim, M.E. Chenevert, and F.S. Young - A detailed resource covering cementing technology, design, and troubleshooting, including sections on repair and remedial operations.
  • "Well Completion Engineering" by T.J. Stark, K.K. Millheim, and J.E. Elkins - Covers well completion procedures, with sections dedicated to cementing, including remedial cementing and squeeze operations.

Articles

  • "A Review of Cementing Technology" by M.A. Monteiro and S.M.F.C. Rocha: This article from the Brazilian Journal of Petroleum & Gas provides an overview of cementing techniques, including remedial operations.
  • "Remedial Cementing: An Overview" by A.K. Gupta: This article from Petroleum Engineering Journal discusses the various remedial cementing techniques and their application in repairing failed cement jobs.
  • "Cementing: A Review" by J.D.A. Simmons: This article from Oil & Gas Science and Technology offers a comprehensive overview of cementing principles, design, and common issues, including squeeze cementing and remedial work.

Online Resources

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): Explore SPE's website for publications, conferences, and technical papers related to cementing and well completion, including specific searches for terms like "remedial cementing" or "squeeze cementing."
  • American Petroleum Institute (API): API standards and publications often cover cementing procedures and troubleshooting, including sections on remedial work and squeeze cementing.
  • Oilfield Wiki: This online encyclopedia contains a wealth of information on various oil and gas topics, including sections on cementing, squeeze cementing, and remedial work.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Instead of "secondary cementing," try "remedial cementing," "squeeze cementing," "completion cementing," or "failed cement job repair."
  • Combine keywords: Try searches like "cementing techniques for well completion," "remedial cementing techniques," or "squeeze cementing operations."
  • Specify industry: Include terms like "oil and gas" or "petroleum industry" in your searches to filter results relevant to your field.
  • Use advanced operators: Utilize quotation marks for exact phrases, use "OR" for multiple terms, and use "-" to exclude unwanted terms.
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