It has long been recognized that the conventional process of running an inner string when cementing liners provides for protection of the liner inner diameter from cement during the installation of a well bore liner. Over the years, this process has created concern about being able to verify the location of the cement, accidentally cementing the inner string in place inside the liner, leaving the inner string full of cement upon pulling, or not being able to circulate the liner clean after cementing. A new inner string liner cementing process has been developed that addresses these concerns and offers solutions to the potential problems. The new process incorporates ways to prevent these problems from occurring. Since the inner string volume will be more consistent than the total liner volume, the volume of cement can be accurately calculated to insure that the shoe track is not over displaced. This is very important since the standard shoe track length can be greatly reduced. In addition, this new system allows you to clean the liner I.D. and displace the well prior to tripping out of the hole with your hanger setting assembly. A cost savings is realized due to the elimination of a separate trip in the hole to clean and circulate the well. This paper will describe the conventional liner cementing process along with the improvements that have been incorporated into the new system.
展开▼
