Paper: A Design for Cementing Deep Delaware Basin Wells

A geographical and lithological diagram pertaining to oil well cementing is presented for the Delaware Basin of West Texas and New Mexico. The composite cementing programs were selected from jobs performed in the area. Jobs selected were used as examples of design considerations for the problems which can be expected in the area. The materials and equipment are discussed in relationship to formation conditions which determine their selection. Cementing techniques of the area are presented in detail. One method considered unique to the area is presented. Particular attention is given to the difficult combination of lost circulation formations having low break-down pressure associated with relatively high pressure formations. The considerations of high temperature cementing are discussed in relationship to the deeper formations. This presentation considers the basic chemical and physical properties of cementing materials and their use to satisfy the design considerations necessary to successful cementing operations in the Delaware Basin.