Foam Cement For Low-Pressure Squeeze Applications

Foam cement's ultra-light density and high compressive strength characteristics have been employed in the Permian Basin to protect low-fracture gradient formations. In addition to standard casing jobs, squeeze cementing results have been greatly improved through use of fast setting, expansive foam cements to obtain an effective squeeze without breaking down weak formations. With this unique fluid, squeeze cementing jobs have had a significantly higher success ratio for controlling water zones and sealing corroded casing. In cases where standard lightweight cement slurry compositions have proven ineffective because pumping pressures exceed formation breakdown pressure, foam cement has been used to help prevent fracturing weak formations. Field results and job procedures will be emphasized to illustrate how foam cement is being used in the Permian Basin to improve squeeze cementing job results when low formation breakdown pressures are present.