Patent ID: 8342243

Claim:
A method for completion of a fluid production well extending from a surface of the earth, the well including an outer casing having an inside diameter and a lower end portion terminating below the surface and an adjacent inner casing extending from the surface to a position below the end portion of the outer casing to thereby define an annular space, where the completion includes filling the annular space from proximate a down-hole end of the lower end portion of the outer casing toward the surface of the earth, the method comprising: a. providing a load-bearing annular steel plate having an upper surface and a central opening for receiving a section of the inner casing, and having an outer diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the outer casing to define an open space to permit the annular steel plate to pass through the outer casing; b. supporting and securing the plate on the section of the inner casing in close-fitting relation; c. lowering the annular steel plate and the inner casing to a position inside of the lower end portion of the outer casing; d. placing a predetermined volume of gravel on the upper surface of the annular steel plate to thereby substantially seal the open space between a periphery of the annular steel plate and an adjacent interior surface of the outer casing; and e. pouring a cement slurry on to the annular steel plate to fill the annular space above the annular steel plate and up toward the surface of the earth.