SPE 108086

Communication Between Perforations. Solution Based on Good Practices and

Numerical Simulations
W. Morris; J. Robles; M. Zappacosta; P. Bajuk and J. Moreyra, Pride-San Antonio; and E. Lorenzo, Repsol YPF.

Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers

in some cases their colapse limit. During the last
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2007 SPE Latin American and Caribbean problems were diminished by introducing slight cha
Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 15–18 April 2007.
well design, mud density window and by improv
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as centralization. Based on the numerical simulation
presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to next step consists in using enhanced cement slurri
correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any
position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at with improved mechanical properties, in order to
SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Society of
Petroleum Engineers. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper
wellbore stress redistribution. All these changes
for commercial purposes without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is formation breakouts and cement rupture that co
prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than
300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous fractures along the well trajectory, and therefore, w
acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O.
Box 833836, Richardson, Texas 75083-3836 U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
the possibility for fluid communication du
completion jobs.
Abstract
After almost 200 wells drilled in Cerro Fortunoso and more Keywords: Communication between perforations, nu
than 500 in the Barrancas and Ugarteche oilfields, located in simulations cement properties.
Mendoza, Argentina, during the past 20 years, ongoing efforts
are dedicated by operator and service companies to solve Introduction
frequent communication between perforations (CBP) CBP strongly affects stimulation treatments
problems. Drilling parameters, well cleaning systems, cement generates difficulties on formation evaluation and
slurries designs and acid stimulation treatments are some of severe production losses due to water communicati
the main aspects that have been reviewed and modified in as an unsuccessful secondary recovery, due to in
order to solve this problem. However, random CBP keeps water flooding. Several oilfields located in Men
occurring during well completion jobs even when good such as Cerro Fortunoso, Barrancas and Ugarte
cement bond logs (CBL) are achieved. The CBP events are shown CBP problems since the mid 80´s. These e
typically observed on perforated zones that are separated 10 to particularly observed during acid stimulation treatm
50 m between them, and usually occur either when performing paper summarizes the results of an extensive study
swabbing, while pumping pre-flushes or during the acid between operator and service company in order to
treatments. These wells are subjected to high stresses the CBP mechanism of these wells and determine t
generated by Andina tectonic. Therefore, wells are drilled with solutions to this problem.
deviated trajectories usually up to 40° inclination angle (Cerro
Fortunoso). CBP problems in Mendoza oilfields
In order to understand the CBP mechanism several studies After almost 200 wells drilled in Cerro Fortunoso
were conducted. Image logs to obtain geomechanical than 500 in the Barrancas and Ugarteche oilfields,
properties as well as pumping pressure records and falloff during the past 20 years, ongoing efforts are de
profiles during communication events were analyzed. operator and service companies to solve
Interactions between the formation and completion fluids, as communication between perforations problems. I
well as mechanical stresses numerical simulations of the open- two years a program was carried out were differ
hole and cemented- cased near wellbore conditions were associated to well drilling and completion were a
conducted. order to determine the causes and possible solutio
The experimental tests performed with rock samples and problems.
completion fluids showed no significant interactions that could
cause channeling due to formation shrinkage effects. On the During the first 10 months of year 2004, fifty acid
other hand, the numerical simulations studies confirmed the treatments were done, 12 of these presented CBP e
data obtained from image logs and geo-mechanical studies, communications occurred randomly, some of th
where high shear stresses generate wellbore oversize calipers acid displacement, others before the acid had r
and breakouts. The simulations also show that high stress formation and others even during previous
levels are transmitted to the cement and the casing, reaching, operations.
2

Oilfield characteristics.

Cerro Fortunoso.
Reservoir structural characteristics: The Cerro Fortunoso
oilfield is placed in a compact and elongated asymmetric
anticline, 2.5 km wide and 12 km long. As shown in figure 1
the formation presents important thrusts on its edges and
shows a main fault along the longitudinal direction, as well as
less important fault systems that run parallel and perpendicular
to the main one (Ref. 1). It has a structural hydrocarbon
entrapment that is found in the edge of the folded strata,
compressed to the West by the Andes Mountains.
Figure 2: Portion of the log from Well CF159d sh
elliptic wellbore cross section shape.

Oilfield characteristics. Cerro Fortunoso is a

reservoir composed by alternations between sand
shales stratums. It has a total depth of approximate
(MD) and an average reservoir thickness of 600 to 7
1). It presents an abundant shale matrix (26%), whic
the use of inhibiting drilling and completion fluids,
avoid formation instabilization and damage. I
permeability is approximately 40 mD. This reservoi
the Neuquen group. Figure 3 shows a schematic rep
of a typical well from the Cerro Fortunoso oilfield
shows the location of the wells (red dots) that pres
problems in this oilfield.

Figure 1: Scheme showing the Cerro Fortunoso oilfield

structure and orientation
9 5/8” - @415 m.

Reservoir stress characteristics The main stress direction is

NW-SE, the evidence of high stress contrast is clear by the
elliptic wellbore shape shown by the caliper logs as well as the 40º Inclinatión
open hole image logs, all this data were confirmed with the
geomechanical studies performed in this oilfield (CF-161).
The presence of the Andina tectonic suggests that maximum CBP
stresses are oriented in the West-East direction. Figure 2
shows a log portion of Well CF159d corresponding to the
highly dip layers zone. The wellbore presents an elliptic cross
section shape which evidences the strong stress anisotropy.
600 / 700
Grupo

5 ½” - @1800 m.

Figure 3: Schematic representation of a typical we

Cerro Fortunoso oilfield.
SPE 108086

Reservoir stress characteristics. A rock mechanic

conducted on year 2003 in Ugarteche Oil
consequence of several casing collapse events occu
field (Ref. 2). The objective of this study was to det
maximum stress direction and magnitude, as w
determine the formation breakouts existence by mea
hole logs. The conclusions of this study were:
♦ The formation is intensively fisurated an
moderate dip angles.
♦ There is evidence of active faults.
♦ The maximum stress direction is West
by the Andina tectonic. These stresses ar
sometimes are higher than the casing
resistance (stresses > 11000 psi).

Figure 6 presents an image log extracted from

showing breakouts along the well depth in the N
direction (Ref. 2).

Figure 4: Structural map of the Neuquén group. The red dots

indicate the location of the wells that presented CBP events.

Barrancas oilfield

Reservoir structural characteristics. The structure behaves as

an elongated asymmetric anticline. It is oriented in the Nort-
South direction, parallel to the Andes Mountains, and is
limited to the East by a great inverse fault. The reservoir
thickness varies between 50 to 100 m. Figure 5 shows a
structural map of the Barrancas field.

Figure 6: Profile showing breakouts along the w

North-South direction (Ref. 2).

Barrancas Oilfield characteristics The productive

this reservoir are composed by a shale matrix (lutite
anhidrita) containing sandstone. It presents an in
porosity of approximately 17 %. The formation pe
varies between a minimum of 0.02 mD and a max
Darcy, with an average value of 180 mD. The
depth is are deeper than 2000 m.

Analysis of CBP cases.

CBP events are typically observed on perforated zon
separated 10 to 50 m between them, and usually o
when performing Swabbing operations, while pum
flushes or during the acid stimulation treatments. A
earlier, the only common aspect associated to thes
Figure 5: Scheme showing the Barrancas oilfield structure
the fact that they are subjected to high tectonic stres
and orientation
4
Three main hypotheses where analyzed in order to determine
the reason for CBP events.
These are:
A. Inefficient isolation.
B. Cement to formation de -bonding effect due to
fluids interaction and perforating operation.
C. Channeling through cement-formation fractures
generated by the high tectonic stresses.
Solutions to each possible scenario were proposed based on
good operational practices, laboratory studies and numerical
simulations. A brief description of the three scenarios is
presented below.
A. Inefficient Isolation: According to the field records,
CBP events occurred randomly during the different well
completion stages, even when good cement bond logs (CBL)
were achieved. As shown in figure 2. Several wells presented
elliptic calipers and many of them, as in Cerro Fortunoso,
have deviated trajectories with up to 47° inclination angles.
These conditions make casing centralization a critical issue
that determine the cement isolation quality. Poor centralization
causes the casing to rely over the wellbore walls (very low
standoff percentage) (Ref. 3), leading to poor mud removal. As
the cement slurry does not reach the areas where the casing is
contacting the formation (filled with mud), the annulus is not
completely cemented. Therefore, this portion of the annulus
could create a longitudinal channel along the casing trajectory
through which fluid communication may occur.
Figure 7 shows a pre and post perforations CBL log performed
on well CF 160. Both logs show zones where cement has lost
adherence to the casing however, up to some extent, it remains
bonded to the formation.
Figure 7: Pre and post perforations Ultrasonic Cement Log
performed on well CF 160, showing an un-bonded casing to
cement strip
The cement map shows a white strip that covers small portion
of the casing perimeter and runs along the casing. This strip
could be associated to an incomplete cement annulus, where
the casing relies on the low side of the well. The uncemented
zone could create a channel through which CBP may occur.
B. Cement to formation de -bonding due
interaction and perforating operation:
problems were observed in wells with good cement
(CBL). This suggests that fluid communication wou
place through the cement-formation or casi
interfaces, and opens a new hypothesis to explain
events. The chemical interactions between preflush
filtered water, completion and stimulation fluid
formation could cause swelling and/or shrinkage e
would lead to interface de-bonding through which
take place. As described earlier, these reservo
several formations with high clay content, tha
affected by chemical interactions with all these flu
possible cause of CBP, related to this could be as
the mud removal problems described in the
paragraph. Also as the drilling fluids used in these
high calcium carbonate content, this material rema
formation wall. When the acid treatment is pumpe
could selectively attack this carbonate, opening
through which CBP may occur.
Laboratory studies were conducted in order to det
interactions between the different fluids and
samples. The tests were performed using a cus
shrinkage cell.
C. Channeling through cement -formation
generated by the high tectonic stresses: As show
2, the oilfields under study are subjected to hig
stresses which create formation breakouts along th
trajectory. Typical calipers show borehole diameter
ranging between 8 ½” (nominal bit diameter
Formation breakouts are a consequence of stress
and are caused by shear rupture of the borehole wa
As a consequence, the borehole achieves an elliptic
its maximum diameter oriented to the minim
direction. Due to this effect, extensive format
cracking is expected in the wellbore zone on this o
This fractured zone follows the well trajectory ge
path for fluid communication after perforating t
annulus. Figure 8 presents another example
breakout zone and formation anisotropy are clearly
Rock properties and stress anisotropy logs were obt
certain wells, as BS-5 (from Barrancas oilfield)
abandoned after two production months due to casin
caused by formation stress.
Based on this information, a finite element an
carried out. The objective of this study was to det
near wellbore stress distribution at the open
cemented conditions. The study also determines th
of the cement mechanical properties (Young mo
Poissons ratio) on the stress distribution and i
consequences on the CBP problem.
SPE 108086

Year Volume Preflush type Density

(Bbls) (Gr/Lt)
35 Chemical wash 1
40 Viscous spacer 1
2004 30 Acid 1060
40 Viscous spacer 1250
60 Chemical wash 1
35 Chemical wash 1150
20 Viscous spacer 1250
2006 35 Acid 1060
20 Viscous spacer 1250
70 Surfactant 1

Table 1: Preflushes used for mud removal during y

and 2006 in Cerro Fortunoso oilfield.

As indicated in the previous table, the preflushes to

Figure 8: Section of a log (well BS 5 bis 2270 to 2280 m.)
showing high anisotropy and the variation in caliper.
Minimum stresses are orientated in the Eas t-West direction.
Analysis and improvements.
The following studies were carried out in order to validate the
different CBP hypothesis described above and propose
alternatives for the eventual solutions:
• Drilling conditions.
• Mud removal treatments.
• Slurry design considerations
• Cement evaluation by CBL, VDL and
Ultrasonic Cement Logs.
• Casing centralizing design.
• Stimulation treatments design.
used during 2004 were practically the same as
although, the system used during 2006 includes
surfactant that enhanced the cleaning action of th
Densified, viscous spacers had to be alternated i
maintain the well hydraulic stability.
• Slurry design considerations.
The Cerro Fortunoso wells cementing programs c
1385 gr/lt scavenger slurry and a 1880 gr/lt main
discussed in a previous paper (Ref. 6), the main slu
contains certain additives as Latex and micro
enhance the cement mechanical properties (decreas
modulus and increases cement toughness). The m
design was reviewed in order to improve it
decreasing its viscosity. Table 2 shows a compari
slurry designs used in Cerro Fortunoso during year
2006.
Year Vol Density PV YP
(Sks) (Gr/Lt)

• Transient pressure analysis

• Fluid interaction evaluation using core 2005 400 1880 143 27
samples.
• Finite element simulations. 2006 450 1884 110 18

Table 2: Comparison of the slurry designs used

• Drilling conditions.
Fortunoso during years 2005 and 2006.
Drilling conditions were maintained except for Cerro
Fortunoso wells where the mud density was increased (from
As shown in table 2, the slurry design was maintai
1080 to 1180 gr/lt) when reaching 550 m depth. This allowed
invariant, except for the remotion of viscosifying
to maintain the borehole stability at the Loncoche formation, a
reduced the values of the yield point (YP) and
mechanically unstable layer. This increase in mud weight
viscosity.
helped to maintain the stability of the whole well.
• Cement evaluation.
• Mud removal treatments.
Pre and post perforations CBL, VDL and Ultrason
The preflushes sequence and volumes used for cleaning the
Logs were run in several Cerro Fortunoso wells to
borehole wall were reconsidered in order to improve mud
the cement damage degree after this operation. As
removal. These modifications were based on experimental
zones are closely separated from each other, cemen
tests performed with a preflush evaluating equipment (Ref. 5).
generated during the perforating operation could be
Table 1 presents the characteristics, volumes and sequence of
for CBP. The Ultrasonic Cement Log in figure 9 sh
the cleaning systems used in Cerro Fortunoso during years
strip that runs along the casing after perforation,
2004 and 2006.
could be the thin cement sheet in part of
circumference and that cement doesn´t have enoug
to support the energy of the perforation guns.
6

Three cases are presented showing different sce

Punto 3 Punto 3

table 3).

Case Well Treated Perforated depth Ácid Vol.

zone (m) (Bbls)

A CF.a-160 5 1485.0//96.5 17.6

B CF.a-160 8 1333.5/37.0 15.4
C CF.a-159 8 1474.0 / 1514.0 68.4

Punto 2 Punto 2 Table 3: Falloff pressure cases analyzed after CBP

distance to next upper perforations).

Terminación Luego de Estimular

Figure 9: Pre and post perforations Ultrasonic Cement Logs Case A. Figure 10 shows the operation chart for cas
performed on well CF 159, showing an un-bonded casing. no CBP events occurred. Figure 11 shows the ce
logs (CBL) and image logs obtained before
perforating the pay zones.
• Casing centralizing design.
The centralizers amount, type and location was reviewed using
a more conservative criteria. The number of centralizers Slurry Flow Rate Surf Press Ann
Surf Press
located in the productive zone was increased in approximately 20
3000

40 %. The position was selected according to the caliper Calibra

flowmeter
Queda bomba
del equipo
Ingresa ácido a
formación con 10.7 bbls
encastrada
evaluation. Solid centralizers were placed on those sectors of 16
de desplazamiento
bombeados
2400
the well with independent perforated pay zones were close to Con válvula de PKR
abierta bombea 18 bbls
each other. HCl 10% + aditivos
12
1800

• Stimulation treatments design.

Historically, the acid treatments performed on Cerro 8
1200
Inicia Cierra válvula
Fortunoso consist of 10 % HCl batch of approximately 1000 desplazamiento.
PKR. Presuriza
Bombea 10 bbls JP-1 anular

to 1500 lts per meter of formation to be stimulated. In 4

600
Barrancas the acid treatments typically consist of a 10-1 %
HCl-HF, with a volume of approximately 700 lts/meter.
0
One of the hypothesis considered was the possible 0
10 98 186 274 362
Time
communication through the cement to formation interface, due
to the presence of an unremoved mud filtercake that contains a Figure 10: Operational chart for case A.
high calcium carbonate content. The acid could attack the
carbonatious filtercake creating a path through which the
fluids will communicate.
This hypothesis was rejected because many CBP events were Punto 6 Punto 6

detected before the acid treatment reached the perforations

(while pumping the preflushes).

• Transient Pressure analysis

Immediately after a CBP event is detected while pumping an
acid stimulation treatment, the pressure decline is analyzed as
a falloff in order to identify the fluid drainage mechanics. This Punto 5 Punto 5

information will give us an idea of the possible

communication path. Three possible scenarios were Terminación Post Punzado
considered for this analysis (Ref. 7) .
Figure 11: CBLs and image logs of perforated zon
a) Radial flux. If radial flux is identified we can assume stimulated.
that the treatment is flowing to the formation and
therefore, the CBP occurs through it.
b) Linear flux . If linear flux is identified, we can assume Figure 12 shows the transient pressure analy
that the treatment is flowing through natural or induced performed during falloff after finishing the acid
fractures.
treatment. The graph shows a typical curve for
c) Wellbore storage. If storage is identified, the
stimulation, where the trend presents an initial slop
communication occurs inside the well, inside the
and ends with a slope m = 0. This is a matrix type
casing, due to a packer leak or in the annulus (through
governed by the formation where no communication
the casing-cement- formation interface).
SPE 108086

Case C. Figure 15 shows the o peration chart for cas

CBP was detected during the acid stimulation treatm
Figure 16 shows the cement bond logs (CBL) and im
obtained before and after perforating the pay zone.

Surf Press Surf Press Ann

2500 Slurry Flow Rate
20

Cuando llevaba bombeado 42 bbls

de tratamiento se observa
2000 Continua bombeando incremento en la presión
Reinicia
anular.
bombeo con res
16 tratamiento ácido negativo. Total tratamie
bombeado 48 bbls.
Cierra válvula
PKR. Presuriza
Levanta PKR
anular
en misma zona
1500 (1457 m)
12

Con válvula PKR abierta

Figure 12: Transient pressure analysis performed during 1000

bombea 28 bbls de HCl 10%
+ aditivos

falloff. 8

Case B Figure 13 shows the operation chart for case B, where 500
4

CBP was detected during the acid stimulation treatment.

Figure 7 shows the cement bond logs (CBL) and image logs 0
0
6 20.40 34.80 49.20 63.60

obtained before and after perforating the pay zone. Time

Figure 15: Operational chart for case C.

Surf Press Surf Press Ann
2000 Slurry Flow Rate 2000
30
Bombea 0.93 bbls
Cierra válvula desplazamiento. Detiene
Reinicia
PKR. Presuriza Operación por incremento de
Llena pozo con bombeo con
Anular presión anular
1.6 bbls resultado (-)
1600 Aumenta peso 1600
24 PKR

Abre válvula PKR.

Bombea 15.4 bbls HCl
10% + aditivos. Punto 9 Punto 9
1200 Bombea 8 bbls de 1200
18 desplazamiento

800 800
12

400 400
6

0 0
0
10 24 38 52 66 80

Time

Figure 13: Operational chart for case B

Punto 8 Punto 8

Figure 14 shows the transient pressure analysis (TPA)

performed during falloff immediately after CBP was detected. Terminación Luego de estimula

The graph shows a typical curve for a wellbore storage case, Figure 16: CBLs and image logs of perforated and
where the trend presents a slope, m = 1. This behavior zone.
indicates that the communication event is taking place through
the wellbore (casing or annulus)
Figure 17 shows the transient pressure analy
performed during falloff immediately after CBP wa
The graph shows a typical stimulated well (or chann
trend presents a slope, m = ½. The annulus pressu
slowly after CBP occurs, This is because the reserv
the pressure relief. The formation act as a da
annulus pressure buil up generates a decrease in
pressure derivative.

Figure 14: Transient pressure analyses performed after CBP

was detected.
8

presented in table 5.

Formation
σ

σ
σ
H2

Cement Casing

σH1

Figure 19: Schematic representation of the model

for the cased well.
Figure 17: Transient pressure analyses performed after CBP
was detected on case C.
Properties - loads
Youngs modulus, E (kpsi) 3500
• Fluid interaction evaluation using core samples. Shear modulus , G (kpsi) 1350
Several experiments were conducted in order to establish Poisson coefficient, ? 0.3
possible shrinkage- swelling effects between formation Density (gr/lt) 2600
Overburden pressure, ? v (kpsi) 7.8
samples and mud, preflushes, cement filtrate No significant Maximum stress, ? H1 (kpsi) 8.05
volume changes (< 0.08 %) were detected with any of these Minimum stress, ? h2 (kpsi) 4.7
combinations. Internal pressure, Pint (kpsi) 3.23

Table 4: Rock mechanical properties and stress con

• Finite element symulations considered for the simulation (Barrancas field
The objective of this study was to determine the stress m).
distribution at the near wellbore zone of an open-hole and a
cased-cemented well subjected to the tectonic loads and the
operating conditions. The influence of the cement mechanical Additives and properties Cement type
properties was evaluated in order to determine its impact on ST ME
the CBP problems. The analysis was base on the information Reductor de Filtrado (2,5 lt/bsa) FC 52 L FC 52 L
Latex type (8 %) LTX Plus LTX Plus
obtained form well BS 5 bis, see Figure 8. Dispersant (0.4 %) TF 4
A commercial finite element package was used to perform the Youngs modulus, E (kpsi) 134.0 49.0
Shear modulus , G (kpsi)
models. Poisson, coefficient ? 0.18 0.21
Density (gr/lt) 1890

Open hole condition. Taking advantage of the geometric

symmetry, a 3D model was constructed considering a quarter Table 5: Different slurry composition and cement m
properties evaluated.
of the well cross section (see figure 18).

σ H2
Results and discussion
Pint σ V
Table 6 summarizes the CBP information obtained
σH2 σ
H2 acid treatments performed in Cerro Fortunoso du
dx 2005 and 2006 after introducing several operational
Pint
σ H1

σ V Total Total Total

Year Wells Stimulated Communicated
Figure 18: Schematic representation if the well geometry Completed Zones Zones
considered in the finite element model
2005 14 50 11
2006 17 48 3
Table 4 summarizes the rock mechanical properties and the
stress conditions considered for the simulation.
Table 6: Summary of CBP information obtained
acid treatments performed in Cerro Fortunoso du
Cased -cemented well condition. Based on the open hole 2005 and 2006
simulation results, a new model was considered based on an
elliptic borehole shape. The model considers a cemented
annulus and a J 55, 51/2” diameter casing. Figure 19 shows a Numerical simulation
schematic representation of the model geometries and its
boundary conditions. The different slurry compositions and
Open hole condition. Figure 20 shows the near we
cement mechanical properties considered in this analysis are
stress distribution for the openhole condition.
SPE 108086
Figure 20: Near wellbore stress distribution (Von Mises) for
the openhole condition.
As could be expected, the maximum stress appears in the
inside borehole wall, perpendicular to the maximum stress
direction (? H 1). The high compressive stress generated in this
area, creates shear stresses that are higher than the rock
rupture pressure, which produces formation breakouts.
Cased -cemented well condition. Figure 21 shows the stress
distribution (Von Mises) generated on the formation, cement
(annulus) and casing. The cement mechanical properties
correspond to a standard (1890 gr/lt) cement, indicated as ST
in table 4. In this case, the different materials (casing, cement
and formation) are considered to be completely bonded.
Figure 21: Stress distribution generated on the cased (J 55)
and cemented (ST on Table 5) well subjected to the same
stress conditions simulated in Figure 20.
As can be observed, the highest stresses are concentrated on
the casing reaching values that are close to the steel yield
stress (55 kpsi).Even when the stresses observed on the
cement and the formation are considerably lower than those
shown on the casing wall, they are high compared to each
ruture strength. As in the openhole condition, in this case, the
rock shows stresses that are higher than its rupture strength
(? H2 direction), suggesting that it will continue to fracture
even when the well is cemented.
Improving the cement quality. When running the cased-
cemented model replacing the cement mechanical properties
by type OP (see table 5), the stress distribution shows a
considerable change. This cement presents a very low Youngs
modulus and a relatively high Poissons ratio which
material to achieve extensive deformation. The mod
considering a bonding condition based on a 0
coefficient.
Figure 22 : Stress distribution generated on the ca
and cemented (OP on Table 5) well subjected to
stress conditions simulated in Figure 21.
Even when the formation keeps showing high str
therefore fractures, the cement does not reach
pressure. This would indicate that the cemen
remains effective under these conditions.
CBP hypothesis
According to the three CBP hypothesis analyzed in
it is reasonable to think that communication o
combination of more than one of the factors descri
The evidence of cement cracking after perforating
some extent, the possible channeling through th
formation interface associated to selective acid att
explain some of the CBP cases observed in these
However, there are certain aspects considered in
that will surely influence the communication m
These are; the high tectonic stresses induced by t
anticline, which generates elliptic boreholes and
along the well trajectory. The fact that most of
drilled in Cerro Fortunoso and some of the ones
Barrancas are inclined, force the casing string to r
lower side of the well. This sector of the annulu
poorly cemented, or non cemented at all, c
inefficient isolation that favors CBP. This problem
evident in the 4 arm calipers charts run in some o
wells completed in Cerro Fortunoso (see cement m
7, 9, 11 and 16).
Although the numerical simulation analysis was fo
single case (well BS - 5), the results show that high s
concentrated along the borehole minimum stres
(sh2), even when the well is cased and ceme
condition will create a fractured zone along both s
wellbore that will act as channels for CBP onc
reached by the perforations.
The authors understand that this hypothesis could
important number of CBP cases in the reservoi
and recommend to perform this type of analysi
fields where CBP events occur under high stress
conditions.
10

Future challenges. References.

Cement design. As suggested by the numerical simulation
results, the use of cement with improved mechanical 1. Rocas Reservorio de las cuencas productivas A
properties (low Youngs modulus and high Poissons ratio) will M. Schiuma, G. Hinterwinmer, G. Vergani. Ed
contribute to maintain an effective isolation even when high Buenos Aires 2004.
tectonic stresses are affecting the near wellbore. Therefore, a
2. Martin Paris - Estudio de geomecánica del y
research project was initiated during year 2005 in order to
Ugarteche, Mendoza, Argentina 2003 – Baker Atlas
develop polymer additives that provide these properties. These
additives will be tested in the field in an upcoming cementing 3. Smith, D. K., Cementing, Society of Petroleum
campaign. Inc. ISBN # 1-55568 -006, New York, 1990.
Four arms calipers (instead of two arm) will be run in most of
4. Dusseault, M.B., U. of Waterloo; Gray, K.E, “
the inclinated wells in order to detect the zones with extensive
of Stress-Induced Wellbore Damage ” SPE paper # 2
borehole deformation and to improve the casing centralization
Formation Damage Control Symposium, Lafayette,
program.
Perform rock mechanic studies, similar to those conducted in 5. J. Robles, M. Criado, E. Jensen and W. Morris
wells BS-5 and CF 161 on wells form the Mendoza oilfield mud -cake removal evaluation under annulus hyd
that show similar characteristics. Run oriented sonic dipolar condictions” – SPE 95058, Rio de Janeiro, LACPE
logs in specific wells to determine the maximum stresses 2005
direction in order to control the wellbore stability by adjusting
the drilling conditions and enhance hydraulic fractures design. 6. W. Morris, M. Criado, J. Robles and G. Bianchi
Continue the work to improve the preflushes effectiveness to High Toughness Cement for Effective Long La
increase mud removal and the slurry reology for better cement Isolations” – SPE 81001,Trinidad Tobago, LACPEC
placing. 2003
7. J. F. Stanislav, C. S. Kabir - Pressure Transient
Conclutions Prentice Hall, Ed. Englewood Cliffs, New Jerse
Communication between perforation (CBP) is a frequent 1990.
problem in many oilfield located in Mendoza, Argentina.
These wells are subjected to high tectonic stresses generated
by the Andina anticline. Three CBP hypotheses were analyzed
based on field information, open-hole and cased-hole logs, Acknowledgements
rock mechanic and transient pressure analysis (TPA) studies,
laboratory evaluations and numerical simulations. According The authors wish to thank San Antonio
to these stud ies, the main aspects associated to CBP are: encouragement for writing this paper and for the pe
present it. We also thank Engs. P. Mozzoni and G. C
1. The high tectonic stress generates elliptic boreholes and join during the first stage in this paper. We would
breakouts. Besides, many wells are inclined which force the to acknowledge Mr. D. Crosta, J. C. Scolari and
casing string to rely on the lower side of the well. This sector from Repsol YPF who provided valuable informati
of the annulus remains poorly cemented, creating an study.
inefficient isolation that favors CBP.
2. Cement cracking after perforating and selective cement to
formation interface acid attack also contributes to CBP.
3. The numerical simulation analysis shows that high stresses
are concentrated along the borehole minimum stress direction
(sh2), even when the well is cased and cemented. This
condition will create a fractured zone along both sides of the
wellbore that will act as channels for CBP once they are
reached by the perforations.
Certain changes as increasing the mud weight, improving
casing centralization and preflushes efficiency, that were
introduced in Cerro Fortunoso oilfield allowed a significant
reduction on the number of CBP events (22 % during 2005 to
6 % on 2006) during the last year.
Future challenges are based on taking advantage on the
experience and knowledge obtained in this project and to
perform similar studies on other oilfield with similar
characteristics. The use of cement with enhanced mechanical
properties and the operational improvement discussed in this
work will help to control CBP problems in the future.