Cementing of Liners in Horizontal and High-Angle Wells at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (1987)

Cementing of Liners in Horizontal and High-Angle Wells at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska R.H. Reiley; R.H. Reiley Standard Alaska Production Co. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar J.W. Black; J.W. Black Standard Alaska Production Co. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar T.O. Stagg; T.O. Stagg Standard Alaska Production Co. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar D.A. Walters; D.A. Walters Standard Alaska Production Co. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar G.R. Atol G.R. Atol Texas Iron Works Inc. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, Texas, September 1987. Paper Number: SPE-16682-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/16682-MS Published: September 27 1987 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Reiley, R.H., Black, J.W., Stagg, T.O., Walters, D.A., and G.R. Atol. "Cementing of Liners in Horizontal and High-Angle Wells at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska." Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, Texas, September 1987. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/16682-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition Search Advanced Search AbstractStandard Alaska Production Company has cemented liners in three horizontal and four high angle (inclination greater than 75*) wells at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Cementing techniques which have evolved during the drilling of these wells include off bottom cementing of 7 inch [17.8 cm] liners for gas cap isolation; simultaneous rotation and reciprocation of liners while cementing; and strategic placement of a cement filled formation packer between the gas/oil contact and the oil production interval. This paper describes the development of these cementing techniques and gives details of field operations.IntroductionThe Prudhoe Bay field is produced from the Sadlerochit sandstone reservoir which lies at approximately 9000 ft [2744 m] TVD. The Sadlerochit is about 450 vertical feet [137 vertical meters] thick and is bounded by an expanding gas cap and a water leg. Wells are directionally drilled from gravel pads to bottom hole locations with departures up to 9500 ft [2896 m].Since the fourth quarter of 1985, Standard Alaska has drilled eight nonconventional (horizontal or high angle) wells at Prudhoe Bay. Typical profiles are shown in Figure 1. Drilling techniques used in the first three wells are described elsewhere. Liners have been cemented for zonal isolation in seven of the eight nonconventional wells. Because of the added risk and expense involved in working over these wells, the primary cement must provide positive zone isolation for the life of the well.COMPLETION DESIGN - HORIZONTAL WELLSHorizontal wells are drilled through the production interval for extended distances [1500-1600 ft (457-488m)] while being held within a vertical window of 12 to 40 ft [4 to 12 m], thereby maximizing standoff from gas and/or water. Horizontal slotted liner completions are chosen for formations in which vertical permeability barriers do not exist. A 7" [17.8 cm] liner cemented off bottom across the gas cap provides optimum conditions for successful liner cementing by minimizing the length of liner to be cemented.The 9-5/8 inch [24.4 cm] casing is set and cemented above the Sadlerochit sandstone at an inclination of 40 degrees -50 degrees from vertical. The 8-1/2 inch [21.6 cm] hole is then drilled through the final build section and on to the end of the horizontal section. After logging the well with drill pipe conveyed or MWD tools, a 7 inch [17.8 cm] liner for gas isolation is run to the beginning of the horizontal section and cemented off bottom. After drilling out cement, a 4-1/2 inch [11.4 cm] slotted production liner is installed in the horizontal section. The well is then completed with 5-1/2 inch [14.0 cm] tubing and a 9-5/8" [24.4 cm] packer. To avoid downhole separator affects, a 4-1/2" [11.4 cm] tubing tail is run through the isolation liner and tied to the slotted liner via a seal assembly (Figure 2).P. 583^ Keywords: liner, hanger, society of petroleum engineers, rotation, reciprocation, torque, isolation liner, nonconventional well, casing and cementing, maximum torque Subjects: Drilling Operations, Casing and Cementing, Directional drilling, Completion Installation and Operations This content is only available via PDF. 1987. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.