Effective Pipe Centralization is Critical to
Total Depth and Well Integrity
Mike Moffitt
Ace Oil Tools AS
Abstract:
Effective centralization in well construction both achieves total depth and delivers the best possible cement sheath to optimize zonal isolation. Achieving planned shoe depth reduces risk to best deliver the anticipated return on investment. The best possible cement sheath delivers a long-term barrier to prevent fluid migration to surface beyond the useful life of the well, satisfying local regulatory and environmental constraints. Unfortunately, centralization strategies to best achieve these two objectives may be diametrically opposed. Choosing the right casing hardware along with a well-planned centralization program helps resolve this conflict.
This presentation discusses the rationale behind centralizer choice and placement to enhance reaching total depth and to deliver cement integrity over the life of the well. It also breaks common centralization myths, presents case histories where good centralization has helped reach planned shoe depths and includes a case where poor centralization led to compromised well integrity.
ONE IDEA: A well-planned and executed centralization program helps achieve total depth and provides an effective barrier both during and beyond the productive life of the well to satisfy local regulatory and environmental constraints.
Biography:
Mike Moffitt currently manages the Western Hemisphere for Ace Oil Tools. He has over 20 years’ service company experience in the drilling industry. He began his well construction career in liner systems and his expertise includes conventional liners, casing hardware and Casing & Liner Drilling Systems.
Mr. Moffitt has written numerous papers and trade magazine articles and is listed as inventor or co-inventor on fifteen patents relating to liner drilling and cementing technologies. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.