Enhanced Zonal Isolation Across High Permeable Formations by Implementing a Reactive Solution System

Abstract Achieving zonal isolation through cementing is a complex process that requires a combination of slurry design and precise cement slurry placement procedures. To address this complexity, it is essential to help ensure that the cement slurry design meets the specific parameters required for the well and that the slurry is placed through successful job execution. Before the cement slurry can function as an effective barrier, it must endure challenging conditions in the open hole, such as contamination, fluid losses, channeling, pressure, and temperature variations. These factors can compromise the cement barrier's effectiveness if not adequately considered during the slurry design phase. A Cement Bond Log is conducted through each possible formation layer to confirm zonal isolation. In addition to the previously mentioned challenges, the type of formation critically impacts the quality of the cement sheath. To combat fluid losses and gas migration, the cement slurry must manage fluid loss and control gas flow during its transition from liquid to solid—a concept mastered years ago. However, the oil and gas industry still faces the challenge of placing cement in high permeable formations. Significant fluid losses in these zones during placement adversely affects the set cement properties, particularly compressive strength. Our study focuses on how we have successfully managed to overcome the challenges of high permeability formations by implementing a highly reactive tailored solution, which is pumped ahead of the spacer. This solution allows deeper penetration into the formation due to its reactive behavior with the slurry during placement, thus improving zonal isolation. Continuous tailoring of the slurry and the reactive engineering solution has not only controlled fluid loss through the high porous formation but also helped ensure proper slurry placement, significantly enhancing zonal isolation. The set cement properties remained unaltered, ensuring robust zonal isolation throughout the life of the well. To verify this approach, three wells have been successfully designed and executed based on the same engineering principles. This paper elaborates on the tailoring process that resulted in robust zonal isolation, as verified by Cement Bond Logs.