Salt Cementing

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

Based on the analyses of the situation and distribution of casing damage in the Tarim Oilfield, it was considered that there are six major factors causing the casing damage: (1) There are flowing rock or highly permeable formation around the casing; (2) The well bore structure is unreasonable; (3) The up hole elevation of cement in the drilling design is not high enough, or the cementing quality does not conform to the rules; (4) The quality of casing grading hoop is not up to the required standard; (5) Collapse resistance decreased due to the corrosion, wear, and special down hole operation; (6) The unreasonable development factors. According to the present situation of the casing damage, the comprehensive countermeasures of “defense”, “diagnosis”, “treatment” for repairing the casing-damaged wells were developed.

This dissertation implies salt cementing and the aim of the work is to look into areas affected when cementing across salt formation. Specifically this paper explores casing collapse that includes corrosion of the steel and salt creeping. Additionally, this dissertation provides the explanation of different types of slurries and its functions. Chapter 3 provides a detailed outline of the research design of the study. This chapter also expands on the elements of the research design, in particular, the research approach of the study. This dissertation aims at delivering content in relation to different geological zones and analyze the types of cement used and how cementing across salt formation is done. The results show the comparison between these specific geographical locations.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the study1

Problem Statement1

Purpose of the study2

Significance of the Study2

Rationale/ Nature of the study3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Salts & Function Of The Salt4

Oilwell Cementing In The Oil Industry5

Salt Caverns And Salt Formation9

The Rheology10

Geographical Locations Affect The Type Of Slurries For Cementing Across Salt Formation12

Cement Slurry Are More Situable For Such Salts16

Fibrous Slurries16

Abrasive Slurries16

Thermally Sensitive Fluids17

Dissolved Solids17

Best Slurry type17

Types Of Cement Slurries That Are Used Across Salt Formations18

Casing collapse20

Corrosion Of The Steel21

Salt Creeping23

Salt in Cement24

Comparison of geographical location25

Offshore Brazil26

Gulf of Mexico29

Canada38

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY40

Overview of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches40

Research Method41

Validity42

Reliability43

Ethical concern44

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION45

Suggestions46

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION49

END NOTES54

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the study

Oil well cementing is the process of placing a cement slurry in the annulus space between the well casing and the geological formations surrounding to the well bore. When a certain section of the depth of an oil or gas well has been drilled successfully, the drilling fluid cannot permanently prevent the well bore from collapsing. Therefore, oil well cementing was introduced in the late 1920s with a number of objectives: (i) ...