Ensuring Well Integrity: Adaptive Cementing Solutions for Packed-Off Liners

Abstract The objective of this paper is to address the challenges that can develop after Liner RIH. Namely, liners that pack off during pre-cementing circulation. Such occurrences can lead to significant operational difficulties as the cementing of the Liner becomes impossible due to the inability to resume circulation from the annulus. This results in inadequate cementing, which compromises well integrity, poses a risk of potential well loss, and introduces environmental hazards such as contamination and fluid migration. To overcome these challenges, the method proposed in this paper provides detailed insights into cementing a packed-off liner through a series of strategically placed perforations. These perforations enable the cement to be squeezed behind the Liner, ensuring the desired zonal isolation. By deploying this technique, operators can achieve a significant improvement in operational efficiency and reduce risks associated with incomplete cementing. This paper underscores the critical importance of remedial cementing operations, which can be instrumental in situations where primary cementing proves unfeasible. Remedial cementing requires a specialized cement slurry formulation tailored to the specific well conditions. Additionally, the precise placement of cement plugs is crucial to ensuring the success of this process. This approach necessitates meticulous planning, involving hydraulic simulations, fluid compatibility testing, and operational risk assessments to minimize potential complications. The success of remedial cementing is validated through cement evaluation logs such as Cement Bond Logs (CBL), Variable Density Logs (VDL). The data revealed improved bonding with amplitude values below the acceptable thresholds, signifying competent cement where required. The proposed method not only ensures operational and environmental safety but also offers substantial cost savings for operators by reducing the need for expensive secondary interventions. This reinforces the importance of remedial cementing as a viable solution for mitigating issues arising from liner pack-offs during pre-cementing circulation.