Potential Utilization of Neutron Logging Technology for Casing CementEvaluation-Feasibility Study

摘要

Reliable cement evaluation is crucial for well integrity and optimal production.Current cement evaluationtechnologies have limitations and a fundamental analysis is performed to assess neutron logging forthis purpose.Basic modelling has been performed to study neutron transmission for several realisticcases including good cement,channeled cement,foamed cement and through-tubing configurations.Fora comprehensive review,other aspects such as health,safety and environment(HSE),cost and alternativeapproaches have also been assessed.Results achieved show that neutrons have the potential to travel to the cement-formation interface andreturn to the detector without being completely attenuated.For single casing configurations,results indicatethat cement channels produce distinguishable results from intact cement.For through-tubing logging itcannot be concluded that detected results are distinguishable.Even though neutron logging itself is likelyto be more costly than cement bond logs,potential benefits in terms of other cost savings and decrease inHSE risks must also be considered.