Enhanced Cement Limits Drilling Fluid Mobility

Published: 10/25/2019

Concrete blue texture
Bar chart of changes in NAF drilling fluid yield point with different cement types.
Conventional cement had a slight effect on drilling fluid rheology, but the Fulcrum technology-enhanced cement increased the drilling fluid yield strength by more than 4,000%.
For details and additional testing data, see SPE-191561.
Location
North America
Details

Setting temperature
340 degF [171 degC]

Slurry density
14.5 lbm/galUS [1,737 kg/m3]

Curing time
6 days

Background

Fulcrum cement-conveyed frac performance technology modifies the rheology of nonaqueous drilling fluid (NAF) in channels next to the cement. To quantify the rheology change, scientists prepared vials containing 15-mL slurries of conventional cement and the same cement with Fulcrum technology, added 2 mL of diesel-based drilling fluid, and allowed the samples to set at a common downhole temperature. After 6 days, the vials were opened and the yield points of the drilling fluids measured.

Products Used