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Title: Low-density foamed Portland cements fill variety of needs

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5884435

Foam cement has proven to be very effective in remedying pressure parting lost circulation. However, one must recognize that large volumes of foam slurry can easily be lost into a fractured formation because most foam slurries have low API fluid loss values and a very low solid volume/ slurry volume ratio--the exact properties desired for an effective fracturing fluid. Therefore: Successful lost circulation control with foam cement depends mainly on its low density thixotropic properties. By contrast, light weight slurries that contain micro-spheres, gilsonite or walnut hulls owe much of their lost circulation control to their fracture plugging ability. For this reason, it is advantageous to incorporate solid lost circulation materials into foam cement slurries. Cellophane flakes have been routinely used. In addition to overcoming the density limitations mandated by breakdown gradients, the successful foam cement job should always meet two general objectives. It should provide sufficient hydrostatic pressure to prevent entry of fluids or gas into the annulus. It should provide good cement soundness and sufficiently low permeability to prevent corrosive water and/ or gas from penetrating the cement sheath and affecting the casing.

Research Organization:
Halliburton Services, Rankin, TX
OSTI ID:
5884435
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 80:30
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English