Technology Focus: Cementing and Zonal Isolation (May 2025)

_ We continue to receive more paper submissions every year than the last, which is a good sign that cementing and zonal isolation remains an important topic to operators and service providers alike. Additionally, there is an increase in the number of papers with both academic and field‑driven content. This shows that there is no lack of initiative for operators to materially improve on existing methods and technology. Paper SPE/IADC 221446 outlines the evolution of managed pressure cementing within the well life cycle, now being used beyond its conventional primary cementing application and into the remedial stage. While managed pressure primary cementing mitigates the risk of losses in narrow-margin situations, it also can do so in remedial applications where similar challenges exist. This is a great example of evolving technology within the cementing and zonal isolation space. It is always exciting to see step-change technologies adapted to new applications beyond those for which they were originally intended. Paper SPE 220564 offers a robust discussion on casing-to-cement bond quality and introduces a new method of casing‑surface modification that not only enhances bond quality but also serves as a corrosion-resistant layer. This paper outlines a laboratory comparison of various casing-surface modifications, as well as a field validation of the new method. Specific stages of well construction or workover, such as isolating challenging intervals or scab liner deployment, surely can benefit from the implementation of this technique. Paper SPE 223263 shows how we can accurately simulate the effect of lost circulation either during the prejob phase or during post-job evaluation. Lost circulation can have a significant negative effect on primary cementing during well construction. Having the ability to simulate fluid loss prejob allows for adjustments to be made to the well design accordingly. Alternatively, when unexpected losses occur, being able to perform post-job simulations on the mechanism and severity of such losses allows for better remedial planning. Multiple in-depth case studies are outlined in this paper. The papers listed for additional reading are a good mix of follow-ups to last year’s primary selections, relevant laboratory testing, and field applications of novel technologies. Thank you to all of the operators and service companies who collaborate to generate such excellent content each year. Summarized Papers in This May 2025 Issue SPE 221446 - Managed Pressure Cementing in Deep Water Restores Production by Pier Alvarado, Sundar Ramasamy and Juan C. Valecillos, Weatherford, et al. SPE 220564 - Technique Improves Well Integrity by Mitigating Casing-to-Cement Debonding by Mohammed Alibrahim and Mahdy Jezany, Saudi Aramco, and Ahmed Sadeed, ENPRO, et al. SPE 223263 - Lost Circulation Simulated Accurately in Primary Cementing-Job Design by Martijn Bogaerts Nicolas Flamant, and Ahmed Abdulaal, SLB, et al. Recommended Additional Reading SPE 223667 - Experimental Investigation of Penetration and Plugging Performance of Cement Blends Used for Squeeze Cementing in Sub-150-Micron Gaps by Muhammad A. Thaika, University of Alberta, et al. OTC 34869 - Conquering Cement-Evaluation Challenges in Uncured or Microannulus Conditions—The Case for Advanced Shear and Flexural Measurements by Sebastien Kamgang, Baker Hughes, et al. SPE/IADC 219610 - Novel Downhole Annular Barrier Solution for Water Shutoff—Kuwait Case Study by Jonathan Koch, Shell, et al. SPE/IADC 223673 - Sealing and Durability Evaluation of Microannulus Treatment With a Resin-Based Material: Permeability and Tracer Measurements in a Full-Scale Test Section by K. Beltran Jimenez, NORCE Norwegian Research Center, et al. SPE/IADC 223690 - Laboratory Setups for Evaluation of Annulus Barrier Materials by N. Opedal, Sintef Industry, et al.