To prepare an oil well for drilling, cementing is a big part of the process. Typically, cementing equipment is used to position the steel pipe in place and stabilize the existence of the well. In other cases, cementing equipment is used to shut off any water penetration into the existing well or to seal a lost circulation zone. Additionally, cementing is used to plug an old oil well and then abandon it.
Before any cementing project moves forward, it is essential to determine the right amount of cement to complete the job. Typically, this process is done by measuring the borehole’s diameter using a caliper log. The diameter of the borehole is measured at several locations in order to account for any irregularities and to figure out the exact volume of the open hole.
The physical properties of the cement must also be considered before any cementing operation takes place. For example, the viscosity and the density of the material must be accounted for before pumping the cement down into the borehole.
In most cases, special mixers, like recirculating mixers, hydraulic jet mixers, and bath mixers are used to combine water with the dry cement to create what is known as slurry. This cement is also combined with additives to shorten the setting time of the cement or increase or decrease the density of the cement, for example.
If you have any questions about the role cementing equipment plays in the oil production industry, contact us at Keystone Oilfield Fabrication LLC. We can also provide more information about the types of cementing equipment we manufacture.