PLACING A FLUID COMPRISING KILN DUST IN A WELLBORE THROUGH
A BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND
[0001 Embodiments relate to subterranean operations and, in some embodiments, to
introduction of fluids comprising kiln dust into a wellbore through a bottom hole assembly.
[0002] Wells are generally drilled into the ground to recover natural deposits of
hydrocarbons and other desirable materials trapped in geological formations in the Earth's
crust. Wells may be drilled by rotating a drill bit which is located on a bottom hole assembly
at a distal end of a drill string. In conventional drilling, a wellbore is drilled to a desired depth
and then the wellbore is lined with a larger-diameter pipe, typically referred to as a casing.
Prior to inserting the casing and cementing it in place, the drill string and drill bit are removed
from the wellbore. After the casing has been cemented in place, drilling is continued. In some
instances, a technique referred to as "casing drilling" is used in which a casing is used in place
of a drilling string. Similar to a drill string, the drill bit is connected to a distal end of the
casing, and the casing is used to transmit rotational and axial forces to the drill bit. When the
wellbore has been drilled to a desired depth, the casing may be cemented in place. In some
instances, cement compositions and associated spacer fluids used in the cementing operation
are placed into the wellbore through the bottom hole assembly. Casing drilling enables the
well to be drilled and cased without the delays associated with removal of the drill bit and drill
string from the wellbore.
[0003] A number of different fluids may be used in drilling and casing the wellbore.
For instance, a drilling fluid may be pumped down through the drill string (or casing), out
through the drill bit, and returned to the surface in the annulus between the drill string and the
wellbore wall. The drilling fluid can act to lubricate and cool the drill bit as well as carry drill
cuttings back to the surface. Spacer fluids can also be used in these operations. For instance, a
spacer fluid may be used to displace drilling fluids from the wellbore before introduction of
another fluid, such as a cement composition. Cement compositions may be used to cement the
casing in the wellbore. The cement composition may be allowed to set in the annulus between
the casing and the wellbore wall, thereby forming an annular sheath of hardened cement (e.g.,
a cement sheath) that should support and position the pipe string in the wellbore and bond the
exterior surface of the pipe string to the walls of the wellbore. While a variety of different
fluids have been used with some success in drilling and casing wellbore, improved fluids and
techniques for their placement are needed in subterranean operations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments and
should not be used to limit or define the invention.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example system that may be used for
casing while drilling in accordance with various embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example system that may be used for
casing while directional drilling in accordance with various embodiments.
[0007] FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic views showing displacement of the drilling
fluid with placement of the spacer fluid and cement composition through a bottom hole
assembly in accordance with various embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing equipment for placement of a cement
composition into a wellbore in accordance with various embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a graph showing measured static gel strength values at various
temperature and pressure readings as a factor of time for an example treatment fluid.
[001 0] FIG. 7 is a graph showing measured static gel strength values at various
temperature and pressure readings as a factor of time for an example treatment fluid.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00 11] Embodiments relate to subterranean operations and, in some embodiments, to
introduction of a treatment fluid comprising kiln dust into a wellbore through a bottom hole
assembly. In particular embodiments, the bottom hole assembly may be attached to a tubular,
such as a drill pipe and/or a casing. By way of example, the treatment fluid may be used in a
casing drilling operation, wherein the treatment fluid may be introduced into a wellbore
through a bottom hole assembly that is attached to a distal end of a casing. In some
embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced through a drill bit at a distal end of the
bottom hole assembly. The term "treatment fluid" does not imply any particular action by the
fluid or any component thereof. Treatment fluids may be used, for example, for drilling,
completion, production, work over, or in any way to prepare a wellbore and/or well equipment
for recovery of materials residing in a subterranean formation penetrated by the wellbore.
[001 2] Referring now to FIG. 1, a casing drilling system 100 is shown in accordance
with various embodiments. As illustrated, the casing drilling system 100 may include a drilling
platform 02 that supports a derrick 104 having a traveling block 106 for raising and lowering
a casing 08. The casing 08 may be generally tubular and comprise a string of tubulars,
which may include conductor casing, surface casing, intermediate casing, production casing,
or a production liner. Casing collars or other suitable connectors may be used to couple joints
of tubulars to form the casing 108. In some embodiments, completion equipment may be
attached to the casing 08. The individual components of the casing 08 are not shown on
FIG. 1. In the casing drilling operation, the casing 08 is generally a larger diameter tubular
than would typically be used for drilling. A kelly 1 0 may support the casing 108 as it is
lowered through a rotary table 112. A bottom hole assembly 114 may be coupled to the distal
end of the casing 108. The bottom hole assembly 114 may be a retrievable or non-retrievable
bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly 114 may include a drill bit 116 on its distal
end and may be driven either by a downhole motor and/or via rotation of the casing 108 from
the well surface. As the drill bit 16 rotates, it creates a wellbore 1 8 that penetrates various
subterranean formations 120. n the illustrated embodiment, the bottom hole assembly 4
further includes an underreamer 122, which may be used to enlarge the wellbore 118 beyond
the diameter of the drill bit 116, for example. In some embodiments, the underreamer 122 may
be incorporated into the drill bit 16, incorporated with a lower end of the casing 08, or be a
separate component attached to the drill bit 116. It should be noted that while FIG. 1 generally
depicts a casing drilling system 100 being land based, those skilled in the art will readily
recognize that the principles described herein are equally applicable to subsea drilling
operations that employ floating or sea-based platforms and rigs, without departing from the
scope of the disclosure.
[001 3] A pump 4 (e.g., a mud pump) may circulate the drilling fluid 26 through a
feed pipe 28 and to the kelly 1 0, which conveys the drilling fluid 26 downhole through the
interior of the casing 08 and through one or more orifices in the drill bit 1 6. The drilling
fluid 126 may then be circulated back to the surface via an annulus 130 defined between the
casing 108 and the walls of the wellbore 118. At the surface, the recirculated or spent drilling
fluid 26 exits the annulus 30 and may be conveyed to one or more fluid processing unit(s)
32 via an interconnecting flow line 34. After passing through the fluid processing unit(s)
32, a "cleaned" drilling fluid 126 may be deposited into a nearby retention pit 36 (e.g., a
mud pit). While illustrated as being arranged at the outlet of the wellbore 118 via the annulus
130, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the fluid processing unit(s) 32 may be
arranged at any other location in the casing drilling system 100 to facilitate its proper function,
without departing from the scope of the scope of the disclosure.
[001 4] Referring now to FIG. 2, embodiments may include directional casing drilling.
Directional drilling generally refers to the intentional deviation of the wellbore 118.
Directional drilling may enable horizontal drilling through one or more subterranean
formations 120. As illustrated by FIG. 2, directional casing drilling may be used to create
wellbore 1 8 having a vertical upper section 36 and a slanted lower section 138. Any suitable
technique may be used for creation of the slanted lower section 138 that is non-vertical. In
some embodiments, the bottom hole assembly 14 used in directional casing drilling may be
a rotatory steerable system that allows directional control while rotating.
[001 5] With reference now to FIG. 3, the drilling fluid 126 may be displaced from the
wellbore 118 by a spacer fluid 140 in accordance with certain embodiments. In some
embodiments, the spacer fluid 140 may be a treatment fluid comprising kiln dust and water.
The spacer fluid 140 may also remove the drilling fluid, dehydrated/gelled drilling fluid, and/or
filter cake solids from the wellbore 118 in advance of the cement composition 142.
Embodiments of the spacer fluid 140 may improve the efficiency of the removal of these and
other compositions from the wellbore 1 . Removal of these compositions from the wellbore
18 may enhance bonding of the cement composition 42 to surfaces in the wellbore 118. n
particular embodiments, the spacer fluid 140 comprising kiln dust and water may be
characterized by having a higher yield point than the drilling fluid 126 at 80°F. In further
embodiments, the spacer fluid 140 comprising kiln dust and water may be characterized by
having a higher yield point than the drilling fluid 126 at 30°F. In yet further embodiments,
the spacer fluid 140 comprising kiln dust and water may be characterized by having a higher
yield point than the drilling fluid 126 at 80°F.
[0 6] The spacer fluid 140 may be pumped down through the casing 08, out through
the bottom hole assembly 4, and into the annulus 130. In some embodiments, the spacer
fluid 140 may be introduced into the annulus 30 through the drill bit 6 on the bottom hole
assembly 14. As illustrated, the spacer fluid 140 may also separate the drilling fluid 126 from
a cement composition 42. The cement composition 142 may be introduced into the wellbore
118 behind the spacer fluid 140 to cement the casing 08 into the wellbore 1 8. The cement
composition 142 may also be pumped down through the casing 108, out through the bottom
hole assembly 114, and into the annulus 130. In some embodiments, the cement composition
142 may be a treatment fluid that comprises kiln dust and water. In some embodiments, both
the spacer fluid 140 and the cement composition 142 may comprise kiln dust. In alternative
embodiments, either the spacer fluid 140 or cement composition 142 may comprise kiln dust.
In an additional embodiment, at least a portion of used and/or unused kiln dust containing
spacer fluid 140 may be included in the cement composition 142 that is placed into the
wellbore 118 and allowed to set. As will be described in more detail below the spacer fluid
40 and/or cement composition 42 comprising kiln dust may also comprise one or more
additional additives in various concentrations and combinations.
[001 7] Referring now to FIG. 4, the wellbore 8 is shown after displacement of the
drilling fluid 126 in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, the spacer fluid 140
and cement composition 142 may be disposed in the annulus 130 between the casing 108 and
walls of the wellbore 118. The cement composition 42 may be allowed to consolidate in the
annulus 130. More particularly, the cement composition may be allowed to set in the annulus
30 to form an annular sheath of hardened cement. The annular sheath may form a barrier that
prevents the migration of fluids in the wellbore 1 8. The annular sheath may also, for example,
support the casing 108 in the wellbore 118. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the
spacer fluid 42 may also remain in the annulus 130. The remaining portion of the spacer fluid
142 may consolidate in the annulus 130. For example, the spacer fluid may set and harden to
gain compressive strength by reaction of the kiln dust in the water. The spacer fluid 142 after
consolidation may prevent the migration of fluids in the wellbore 8 and also support the
casing 08 in the wellbore 18.
[001 8] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cementing unit 144 is shown that may be used in
the placement of the cement composition 142 into the wellbore 8 in accordance with certain
embodiments. While not shown, the cementing unit 144 may also be used in placement of the
spacer fluid 40 into the wellbore 18. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
the cementing unit 144 may include mixing equipment, such jet mixers, re-circulating mixers,
or batch mixers. n some embodiments, a jet mixer may be used, for example, to continuously
mix the components of the spacer fluid 40 and/or the cement composition 142 as it is being
pumped to the wellbore 1 8. n some embodiments, the cementing unit 144 may include one
or more cement trucks, which include mixing and pumping equipment. As illustrated, the
cementing unit 44 may pump the cement composition 42 through a feed pipe 46 and to a
cementing head 148 which conveys the cement composition 142 into the wellbore 118. As
further illustrated, fluids (e.g., the spacer fluid 140) returned to the surface in the annulus 30
may deposited, for example, in the spacer retention pit 50 via the flow line 34.
[001 ] The exemplary treatment fluids disclosed herein may directly or indirectly
affect one or more components or pieces of equipment associated with the preparation,
delivery, recapture, recycling, reuse, and/or disposal of the disclosed treatment fluids. For
example, the disclosed treatment fluids may directly or indirectly affect one or more mixers,
related mixing equipment, mud pits (e.g., retention pit 136, spacer retention pit 150), storage
facilities or units, composition separators, heat exchangers, sensors, gauges, pumps,
compressors, and the like used generate, store, monitor, regulate, and/or recondition the
exemplary treatment fluids. The disclosed treatment fluids may also directly or indirectly
affect any transport or delivery equipment used to convey the treatment fluids to a well site or
downhole such as, for example, any transport vessels, conduits, pipelines, trucks, tubulars,
and/or pipes used to compositionally move the treatment fluids from one location to another,
any pumps, compressors, or motors (e.g., topside or downhole) used to drive the treatment
fluids into motion, any valves or related joints used to regulate the pressure or flow rate of the
treatment fluids, and any sensors (i.e., pressure and temperature), gauges, and/or combinations
thereof, and the like. The disclosed treatment fluids may also directly or indirectly affect the
various downhole equipment and tools that may come into contact with the treatment fluids
such as, but not limited to, wellbore casing (e.g., casing 108), wellbore liner, completion string,
insert strings, drill string, coiled tubing, slickline, wireline, drill pipe, drill collars, mud motors,
downhole motors and/or pumps, cement pumps, surface-mounted motors and/or pumps,
centralizers, turbolizers, scratchers, floats (e.g., shoes, collars, valves, etc.), logging tools and
related telemetry equipment, actuators (e.g., electromechanical devices, hydromechanical
devices, etc.), sliding sleeves, production sleeves, plugs, screens, filters, flow control devices
(e.g., inflow control devices, autonomous inflow control devices, outflow control devices,
etc.), couplings (e.g., electro-hydraulic wet connect, dry connect, inductive coupler, etc.),
control lines (e.g., electrical, fiber optic, hydraulic, etc.), surveillance lines, drill bits (e.g., drill
bit 116) and reamers, sensors or distributed sensors, downhole heat exchangers, valves and
corresponding actuation devices, tool seals, packers, cement plugs, bridge plugs, and other
wellbore isolation devices, or components, and the like.
[0020] Embodiments of the treatment fluids (e.g., spacer fluid 140, cement
composition 142) may comprise kiln dust and water. n some embodiments, the treatment
fluids may consolidate when left in a wellbore. For example, the treatment fluids may set and
harden to gain compressive strength by reaction of the kiln dust in the water. In some
embodiments, the treatment fluids may be foamed. For example, the foamed treatment fluids
may comprise water, kiln dust, a foaming agent, and a gas. A foamed treatment fluid may be
used, for example, where it is desired for the fluid to be lightweight and not exert excessive
force on subterranean formations 20 penetrated by the wellbore 18. Embodiments of the
treatment fluids may further comprise fly ash, barite, pumicite, a free water control additive,
or a combination thereof. In accordance with present embodiments, the treatment fluid may
be a spacer fluid 140 that displaces a first fluid (e.g., a drilling fluid 6) from the wellbore
118. In some embodiments, the spacer fluid 40 may have a higher yield point than the first
fluid. In further embodiments, the treatment fluid may be a cement composition 142 that is
used in cementing the casing 108 in the wellbore 18. Embodiment may further comprise
using a treatment fluid comprising the kiln dust in drilling the wellbore 118. For example, the
treatment fluid may be circulated past the drill bit 1 6 to carry drill cuttings back to the surface.
[002 1 The treatment fluids generally should have a density suitable for a particular
application as desired by those of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure.
n some embodiments, the treatment fluids may have a density in the range of from about 4
pounds per gallon ("ppg") to about 24 ppg. In other embodiments, the treatment fluids may
have a density in the range of about 4 ppg to about 17 ppg. In yet other embodiments, the
treatment fluids may have a density in the range of about 8 ppg to about 13 ppg. Embodiments
of the treatment fluids may be foamed or unfoamed or comprise other means to reduce their
densities known in the art, such as lightweight additives. Those of ordinary skill in the art,
with the benefit of this disclosure, should recognize the appropriate density for a particular
application.
[0022] Kiln dust, as that term is used herein, refers to a solid material generated as a
by-product of the heating of certain materials in kilns. The term "kiln dus as used herein is
intended to include kiln dust made as described herein and equivalent forms of kiln dust. Kiln
dust typically exhibits cementitious properties in that it can set and harden in the presence of
water. Examples of suitable kiln dusts include cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, and
combinations thereof. Cement kiln dust may be generated as a by-product of cement
production that is removed from the gas stream and collected, for example, in a dust collector.
Usually, large quantities of cement kiln dust are collected in the production of cement that are
commonly disposed of as waste. Disposal of the cement kiln dust can add undesirable costs to
the manufacture of the cement, as well as the environmental concerns associated with its
disposal. The chemical analysis of the cement kiln dust from various cement manufactures
varies depending on a number of factors, including the particular kiln feed, the efficiencies of
the cement production operation, and the associated dust collection systems. Cement kin dust
generally may comprise a variety of oxides, such as S1O2, A 2O3, Fe20.-s, CaO, gO, SO3,
a20 , and K2O. Problems may also be associated with the disposal of lime kiln dust, which
may be generated as a by-product of the calcination of lime. The chemical analysis of lime
kiln dust from various lime manufacturers varies depending on a number of factors, including
the particular limestone or dolomitic limestone feed, the type of kiln, the mode of operation of
the kiln, the efficiencies of the lime production operation, and the associated dust collection
systems. Lime kiln dust generally may comprise varying amounts of free lime and free
magnesium, lime stone, and/or dolomitic limestone and a variety of oxides, such as S1O2,
A 1 O 3, Fe20s, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na 0 , and K2O, and other components, such as chlorides.
[0023] The kiln dust may be included in embodiments of the treatment fluids as a
rheology modifier. Among other things, using the kiln dust in various embodiments can
provide treatment fluids having rheology suitable for a particular application. Desirable
rheology may be advantageous to provide a treatment fluid that is effective for drilling fluid
displacement, for example, in spacer fluid embodiments. In some instances, the kiln dust can
be used to provide a treatment fluid with a low degree of thermal thinning. For example, the
treatment fluid may even have a yield point that increases at elevated temperatures, such as
those encountered downhole.
[0024] The kiln dust may be included in the spacer fluids in an amount sufficient to
provide, for example, the desired rheological properties. The concentration of kiln dust may
also be selected to provide a low cost replacement for higher cost additives, such as Portland
cement, that may typically be included in a particular treatment fluid. In some embodiments,
the kiln dust may be present in a treatment fluid in an amount in the range of from about 1%
to about 65% by weight of the treatment fluid (e.g., about 1%, about 5%, about 0%, about
5%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about
55%, about 60%, about 65%, etc.). In some embodiments, the kiln dust may be present in the
treatment fluid in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the
treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the kiln dust may be present in an amount in the range
of from about 20% to about 35% by weight of the treatment fluid. Alternatively, the amount
of kiln dust may be expressed by weight of cementitious components ("bwocc"). As used
herein, the term "by weight of cementitious components" or "bwocc" refers to the amount of
a component, such as kiln dust, relative to the overall amount of cementitious components
used in preparation of the treatment fluid. Cementitious components include those
components or combinations of components of the treatment fluid that set, or otherwise
harden, to develop compressive strength, including, for example, kiln dust, hydraulic cement,
fly ash, hydrated lime, and the like. For example, the kiln dust may be present in an amount in
a range of from about 1% to 00% bwocc. (e.g., about 1%, about 5%, about 0%, about 20%,
about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, 00%,
etc.). In some embodiments, the kiln dust may be present in an amount in the range of from
about 50% to 100% and, alternatively, from about 80% to 00% bwocc. One of ordinary skill
in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, should recognize the appropriate amount of kiln
dust to include for a chosen application.
[0025] The water used in an embodiment of the treatment fluids may include, for
example, freshwater, saltwater (e.g., water containing one or more salts dissolved therein),
brine (e.g., saturated saltwater produced from a subterranean formations), seawater, or any
combination thereof. Generally, the water may be from any source, provided that the water
does not contain an excess of compounds that may undesirably affect other components in the
treatment fluid. The water may be included in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable fluid.
In some embodiments, the water may be included in the treatment fluids in an amount in a
range of from about 40% to about 200% bwocc. In some embodiments, the water may be
included in an amount in a range of from about 40% to about 150% bwocc.
[0026] Optionally, embodiments of the treatment fluids may further comprise fly ash.
A variety of fly ashes may be suitable, including fly ash classified as Class C or Class F fly
ash according to American Petroleum Institute, API Specification for Materials and Testing
for Well Cements, API Specification 10, Fifth Ed., July 1, 990. Suitable examples of fly ash
include, but are not limited to, POZMIX® A cement additive, commercially available from
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Duncan, Oklahoma. Where used, the fly ash generally may
be included in the treatment fluids in an amount desired for a particular application. In some
embodiments, the fly ash may be present in an amount in a range of from about 1% to about
99% bwocc (e.g., about 1%, about 5%, about 0%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about
50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 99%, etc.). In some embodiments,
the fly ash may be present in an amount in the range of from about 1% to about 20% and,
alternatively, from about 1% to about 0% bwocc. One of ordinary skill in the art, with the
benefit of this disclosure, should recognize the appropriate amount of the fly ash to include for
a chosen application.
[0027] Optionally, embodiments of the treatment fluids may further comprise barite.
n some embodiments, the barite may be sized barite. Sized barite generally refers to barite
that has been separated, sieved, ground, or otherwise sized to produce barite having a desired
particle size. For example, the barite may be sized to produce barite having a particle size less
than about 200 microns in size. Where used, the barite generally may be included in the
treatment fluids in an amount desired for a particular application. For example, the barite may
be present in an amount in a range of from about 1% to about 99% bwocc (e.g., about 1%,
about 5%, about 0%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%,
about 80%, about 90%, about 99%, etc.). In some embodiments, the barite may be present in
an amount in the range of from about 1% to about 20% and, alternatively, from about 1% to
about 0% bwocc. One of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, should
recognize the appropriate amount of the barite to include for a chosen application.
[0028] Optionally, embodiments of the treatment fluids may further comprise
pumicite. Generally, pumicite is a volcanic rock that may exhibits cementitious properties, in
that it may set and harden in the presence of hydrated lime and water. Hydrated lime may be
used in combination with the pumicite, in some embodiments. Where used, the pumicite
generally may be included in the treatment fluids in an amount desired for a particular
application. For example, the pumicite may be present in an amount in a range of from about
1% to about 99% bwocc (e.g., about 1%, about 5%, about 0%, about 20%, about 30%, about
40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 99%, etc.). In some
embodiments, the pumicite may be present in an amount in the range of from about 1% to
about 20% and, alternatively, from about 1% to about 0% bwocc. One of ordinary skill in
the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, should recognize the appropriate amount of the
pumicite to include for a chosen application.
[0029] Optionally, embodiments of the treatment fluids may further comprise a free
water control additive. As used herein, the term "free water control additive" refers to an
additive included in a liquid for, among other things, reducing (or preventing) the presence of
free water in the liquid. Free water control additives may also reduce (or prevent) the settling
of solids. Examples of suitable free water control additives include, but are not limited to,
bentonite, amorphous silica, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof. An example
of a suitable free water control additive is SA-1 0 5™ suspending agent, available from
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Another example of a suitable free water control additive
is WG-1 7™ solid additive, available from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. The free water
control additive may be provided as a dry solid in some embodiments. Where used, the free
water control additive may be present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about
6% bwocc, for example. In alternative embodiments, the free water control additive may be
present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 2% bwocc.
[0030] In some embodiments, the treatment fluids may further comprise a lightweight
additive. The lightweight additive may be included to reduce the density of embodiments of
the treatment fluids. For example, the lightweight additive may be used to form a treatment
fluid, for example, having a density of less than about 13 ppg. The lightweight additive
typically may have a specific gravity of less than about 2.0. Examples of suitable lightweight
additives may include sodium silicate, hollow microspheres, gilsonite, perlite, and
combinations thereof. An example of a suitable sodium silicate is ECONOLITE™ additive,
available from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Where used, the lightweight additive may
be present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 20% bwocc, for example.
In alternative embodiments, the lightweight additive may be present in an amount in the range
of from about 1% to about 10% bwocc.
[003 ] As previously mentioned, embodiments of the treatment fluids may be foamed
with a gas, for example, to provide a treatment fluid with a reduced density. It should be
understood that reduced densities may be needed in displacement embodiments to more
approximately match the density of a particular drilling fluid, for example, where lightweight
drilling fluids are being used. The drilling fluid 26 may be considered lightweight if it has a
density of less than about 13 ppg, alternatively, less than about 10 ppg, and alternatively less
than about 9 ppg. In some embodiments, the treatment fluids may be foamed to have a density
within about 0% of the density of the drilling fluid 126 and, alternatively, within about 5%
of the density of the drilling fluid 126. While techniques, such as lightweight additives, may
be used to reduce the density of the treatment fluids comprising kiln dust without foaming,
these techniques may have drawbacks. For example, reduction of the treatment fluid's density
to below about 3 ppg using lightweight additives may produce unstable slurries, which can
have problems with settling of solids, floating of lightweight additives, and free water, among
others. Accordingly, the treatment fluid may be foamed to provide a treatment fluid having a
reduced density that is more stable.
[0032] Therefore, in some embodiments, the treatment fluids may be foamed and
comprise water, kiln dust, a foaming agent, and a gas. Optionally, to provide a treatment fluid
with a lower density and more stable foam, the treatment fluid may further comprise a
lightweight additive, for example. With the lightweight additive, a base slurry may be
prepared that may then be foamed to provide an even lower density. In some embodiments,
the foamed treatment fluid may have a density in the range of from about 4 ppg to about 3
ppg and, alternatively, about 7 ppg to about 9 ppg. In one particular embodiment, a base slurry
may be foamed from a density of in the range of from about 9 ppg to about 3 ppg to a lower
density, for example, in a range of from about 7 ppg to about 9 ppg.
[0033] The gas used in embodiments of the foamed treatment fluids may be any
suitable gas for foaming the treatment fluid, including, but not limited to air, nitrogen, and
combinations thereof. Generally, the gas should be present in embodiments of the foamed
treatment fluids in an amount sufficient to form the desired foam. In certain embodiments, the
gas may be present in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 80% by volume of
the foamed treatment fluid at atmospheric pressure, alternatively, about 5% to about 55% by
volume, and, alternatively, about 5% to about 30% by volume.
[0034] Where foamed, embodiments of the treatment fluids may comprise a foaming
agent for providing a suitable foam. As used herein, the term "foaming agent" refers to a
material (e.g., surfactant) or combination of materials that facilitate the formation of a foam in
a liquid, for example, by reduction of surface tension. Any suitable foaming agent for forming
a foam in an aqueous liquid may be used in embodiments of the treatment fluids. Examples
of suitable foaming agents may include, but are not limited to: mixtures of an ammonium salt
of an alkyl ether sulfate, a cocoamidopropyl betaine surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl
dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water; mixtures of an ammonium salt
of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine surfactant, a
cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water; hydrolyzed
keratin; mixtures of an ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant, an alkyl or alkene
amidopropyl betaine surfactant, and an alkyl or alkene dimethylamine oxide surfactant;
aqueous solutions of an alpha-olefinic sulfonate surfactant and a betaine surfactant; and
combinations thereof. An example of a suitable foaming agent is FOAMER™ 760
foamer/stabilizer, available from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Generally, the foaming
agent may be present in embodiments of the foamed treatment fluids in an amount sufficient
to provide a suitable foam. In some embodiments, the foaming agent may be present in an
amount in the range of from about 0.8% to about 5% by volume of the water ("bvow").
[0035] A wide variety of additional additives may be included in the treatment fluids
as deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure. Examples
of such additives include, but are not limited to: supplementary cementitious materials,
weighting agents, viscosifying agents (e.g., clays, hydratable polymers, guar gum), fluid loss
control additives, lost circulation materials, filtration control additives, dispersants, defoamers,
corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, formation conditioning agents, and water-wetting
surfactant. Water-wetting surfactants may be used to aid in removal of oil from surfaces in the
wellbore (e.g., the casing) to enhance cement and consolidating spacer fluid bonding.
Examples of suitable weighting agents include, for example, materials having a specific
gravity of 3 or greater, such as barite. Specific examples of these, and other, additives include:
organic polymers, biopolymers, latex, ground rubber, surfactants, crystalline silica, amorphous
silica, silica flour, fumed silica, nano-clays (e.g., clays having at least one dimension less than
00 nm), salts, fibers, hydratable clays, microspheres, rice husk ash, micro-fine cement (e.g.,
cement having an average particle size of from about 5 microns to about 10 microns),
metakaolin, zeolite, shale, Portland cement, Portland cement interground with pumice, perlite,
barite, slag, lime (e.g., hydrated lime), gypsum, and any combinations thereof, and the like. n
some embodiments, a supplementary cementitious material may be included in the treatment
fluid in addition to or in place of all or a portion of the kiln dust. Examples of suitable
supplementary cementitious materials include, without limitation, Portland cement, Portland
cement interground with pumice, micro-fine cement, fly ash, slag, pumicite, gypsum and any
combination thereof. A person having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this
disclosure, will readily be able to determine the type and amount of additive useful for a
particular application and desired result. t should be understood that, while the present
disclosure describes a number of optional additives that may be included in the treatment
fluids, it is intended to cover all combinations of the disclosed additives.
[0036] As previously mentioned, embodiments of the treatment fluids (e.g., cement
composition 142, spacer fluid 140, etc.) may be consolidating in that the treatment fluids may
develop gel strength and/or compressive strength in the wellbore 18. Consolidation is defined
herein as one of three types of material behavior: Type 1 consolidation is identifiable as a
gelled fluid that can be moved and/or pumped when the hydraulic shear stress exceeds the
yield point (YP) of the gel. Type 2 consolidation is identifiable as a plastic semi-solid that can
experience "plastic deformation" if the shear stress, compressive stress, or tensile stress
exceeds the "plastic yield limit." Type 3 consolidation is identifiable as a rigid solid similar to
regular set cement. During a steady progressive strain rate during conventional compressive
testing, both confined and unconfined, a Type 3 consolidated material would exhibit linear
elastic Hookean stress-strain behavior, followed by some plastic yield and/or mechanical
failure. The treatment fluid may transform from the pumpable fluid that was placed during the
normal displacement operation to Type and/or further progress to Type 2 and/or further
progress to Type 3. It should be understood that the consolidation of the treatment fluid is at
wellbore conditions and, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, wellbore
conditions may vary. However, embodiments of the treatment fluids may be characterized by
exhibiting Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 consolidation under specific wellbore conditions.
[0037] Specific examples of how to characterize a Type 1 consolidation include
measuring the yield stress. Type 1 consolidation exhibits a YP from about 25 Pascals to about
250 Pascals, where YP is measured by one of the methods described in U.S. Patent No.
6,874,353, namely: using a series of parallel vertical blades on a rotor shaft, referred to by
those skilled in the art as the "Vane Method"; or using the new device and method also
described in U.S. Patent No. 6,874,353. Another method used to define the YP of Type 1
consolidation is defined in Morgan, R.G., Suter, D.A., and Sweat, V.A., Mathematical
Analysis of a Simple Back Extrusion Rheometer, ASAE Paper No. 79-600 1. Additionally,
other methods commonly known to those skilled in the art may be used to define the YP of
Type 1 consolidated treatment fluid. Alternatively, another method of characterizing a Type 1
consolidation includes measuring the gelled strength of the material, which may be defined as
"Static Gel Strength" (SGS) as is defined and measured in accordance with the API
Recommended Practice on Determining the Static Gel Strength of Cement Formations,
ANSI/API Recommended Practice 10B-6. A Type 1 consolidation may exhibit SGS values
from about 70 lbf/1 00 ft2 up to about 500 lbf/1 00 ft2.
[0038] Specific examples of how to characterize a Type 2 consolidation include
measuring the yield limit in compression (YL-C). The YL-C refers to the uniaxial compressive
stress at which the material experiences a permanent deformation. Permanent deformation
refers to a measurable deformation strain that does not return to zero over a period of time that
is on the same order of magnitude as the total time required to conduct the measurement. YLC
may range from 1 psi (lbf/in2) to 2,000 psi, with the most common values ranging from 5
psi to 500 psi.
[0039] Specific examples of how to characterize a Type 3 consolidation include
measuring the compressive strength. Type 3 consolidation will exhibit unconfined uniaxial
compressive strengths ranging from about 5 psi to about 10,000 psi, while the most common
values will range from about 10 psi to about 2,500 psi. These values are achieved in 7 days or
less. Some formulations may be designed so as to provide significant compressive strengths
within 24 hours to 48 hours. Typical sample geometry and sizes for measurement are similar
to, but not limited to, those used for characterizing oil well cements: 2 inch cubes; or 2 inch
diameter cylinders that are 4 inches in length; or 1 inch diameter cylinders that are 2 inches in
length; and other methods known to those skilled in the art of measuring "mechanical
properties" of oil well cements. For example, the compressive strength may be determined by
crushing the samples in a compression-testing machine. The compressive strength is
calculated from the failure load divided by the cross-sectional area resisting the load and is
reported in units of pound-force per square inch (psi). Compressive strengths may be
determined in accordance with API RP 10B-2, Recommended Practice for Testing Well
Cements, First Edition, July 2005.
[0040] As a specific example of consolidation, when left in an annulus 30 (e.g.,
between walls of the wellbore 8 and the casing 08 or between the casing 08 and a larger
conduit disposed in the wellbore 8), the treatment fluid may consolidate to develop static
gel strength and/or compressive strength. The consolidated mass formed in the annulus 30
may act to support and position the casing 108 in the wellbore 8 and bond the exterior
surface of the casing 108 to the walls of the wellbore 8 or to the larger conduit. The
consolidated mass formed in the annulus 130 may also provide a substantially impermeable
barrier to seal off formation fluids and gases and consequently also serve to mitigate potential
fluid migration. The consolidated mass formed in the annulus 130 may also protect the casing
108 or other conduit from corrosion.
[0041 ] In some embodiments, consolidation of the treatment fluid (e.g., spacer fluid
140 or cement composition 142) in the wellbore 8 may be measured. The consolidation
measurement may also include a measurement of the integrity of the bond formed between the
consolidated treatment fluid and the exterior wall of the casing 108 and/or between the
consolidated fluid and the walls of the wellbore 1 8 or larger conduit disposed in the wellbore
18. In some embodiments, data may be collected corresponding to the integrity of this bond,
and the data may be recorded on a log, commonly referred to as a "bond long." The bond log
may be used to, for example, analyze the consolidation properties of the treatment fluid in the
wellbore 1 8. Accordingly, embodiments may include running a cement bond log on at least
the portion of the wellbore 18 containing the consolidated treatment fluid. The cement bond
log for the consolidated treatment fluid may be obtained by any method used to measure
cement integrity without limitation. In some embodiments, a tool may be run into the wellbore
118 on a wireline that can detect the bond of the consolidated treatment fluid to the casing 108
and/or the walls of the wellbore 18 (or larger conduit). An example of a suitable tool includes
a sonic tool.
[0042] Embodiments of the treatments fluids (e.g., spacer fluid 40) may have a
transition time that is shorter than the transition time of another fluid (e.g., cement composition
142) subsequently introduced into the wellbore 1 8. The term "transition time," as used
herein, refers to the time for a fluid to progress from a static gel strength of about 100 lbf/1 00
ft2 to about 500 lbf/1 00 ft2. By having a shorter transition time, the treatment fluid can reduce
or even prevent migration of gas in the wellbore 118, even if gas migrates through a
subsequently introduced cement composition 124 before it has developed sufficient gel
strength to prevent such migration. Gas and liquid migration can typically be prevented at a
static gel strength of 500 lbf/1 00 ft 2. By reducing the amount of gas that can migrate through
the wellbore 18, the subsequently added cement composition 42 can progress through its
slower transition period without gas migration being as significant factor as the cement
develops static gel strength. Some embodiments of the treatment fluids may have a transition
time (i.e., the time to progress from a static gel strength of about 100 lbf/1 00 ft2 to about 500
lbf/100 ft2) at wellbore conditions of about 45 minutes or less, about 30 minutes or less, about
20 minutes or less, or about 0 minutes or less. Embodiments of the treatment fluids also
quickly develop static gel strengths of about 100 lbf/1 00 ft2 and about 500 lbf/1 00 ft2,
respectively, at wellbore conditions. The time for a fluid to a develop a static gel strength of
about 00 lbf/1 00 ft2 is also referred to as the "zero gel time/' For example, the treatment
fluids may have a zero gel time at wellbore condition of about 8 hours or less, and,
alternatively, about 4 hours or less. In some embodiments, the treatment fluids may have a
zero gel time in a range of from about 0 minutes to about 4 hours or longer. By way of further
example, the treatment fluids may develop static gel strengths of about 500 lbf/1 00 ft2 or more
at wellbore conditions in a time of from about 0 minutes to about 8 hours or longer. The
preceding time for development of static gel strengths are listed as being at wellbore
conditions. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that particular wellbore
conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, depth, etc.) will vary; however, embodiments of the
treatment fluids should meet these specific requirements at the wellbore conditions. Static gel
strength may be measured in accordance with API Recommended Practice on Determining the
Static Gel Strength of Cement Formations, ANSI/API Recommended Practice 0B-6.
[0043] Embodiments of the treatment fluids may be prepared in accordance with any
suitable technique. In some embodiments, the desired quantity of water may be introduced
into a mixer (e.g., a cement blender) followed by the dry blend. The dry blend may comprise
the kiln dust and additional solid additives, for example. Additional liquid additives, if any,
may be added to the water as desired prior to, or after, combination with the dry blend. This
mixture may be agitated for a sufficient period of time to form a base slurry. This base slurry
may then be introduced into the wellbore 8 via pumps (e.g., cementing unit 44), for
example. In the foamed embodiments, the base slurry may be pumped into the wellbore 18,
and a foaming agent may be metered into the base slurry followed by injection of a gas, e.g.,
at a foam mixing "T," in an amount sufficient to foam the base slurry thereby forming a foamed
treatment fluid, in accordance with certain embodiments. After foaming, the foamed treatment
fluid may be introduced into the wellbore 18. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, other suitable techniques for preparing
treatment fluids may be used in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0044] In some embodiments, methods may include enhancing rheological properties
of a treatment fluid (e.g., spacer fluid 140, cement composition 142, etc.). The method may
comprise including kiln dust in a treatment fluid. Optional additives as described previously
may also be included in the treatment fluid. The kiln dust may be included in the treatment
fluid in an amount sufficient to provide a higher yield point than a first fluid. The higher yield
point may be desirable, for example, to effectively displace the first fluid from the wellbore.
As used herein, the term "yield point" refers to the resistance of a fluid to initial flow, or
representing the stress required to start fluid movement. In an embodiment, the yield point of
the treatment fluid at a temperature of up to about 180°F is greater than about 5 lb/1 00 ft2. In
an embodiment, the yield point of the treatment fluid at a temperature of up to about 80°F is
greater than about 0 lb/1 00 ft2. In an embodiment, the yield point of the treatment fluid at a
temperature of up to about 80°F is greater than about 20 lb/1 00 ft2. It may be desirable for
the treatment fluid to not thermally thin to a yield point below the first fluid at elevated
temperatures. Accordingly, the treatment fluid may have a higher yield point than the first
fluid at elevated temperatures, such as 80°F or bottom hole static temperature ("BHST"). In
one embodiment, the treatment fluid may have a yield point that increases at elevated
temperatures. For example, the treatment fluid may have a yield point that is higher at 180° F
than at 80°F. By way of further example. The treatment fluid may have a yield point that is
higher at BHST than at 80°F.
[0045] In some embodiments, the treatment fluids may be used in the displacement of
a drilling fluid 26 from a wellbore 1 8. The drilling fluid 126 may include, for example, any
number of fluids, such as solid suspensions, mixtures, and emulsions. In some embodiments,
the drilling fluid 126 may comprise an oil-based drilling fluid. An example of a suitable oilbased
drilling fluid comprises an invert emulsion. In some embodiments, the oil-based drilling
fluid may comprise an oleaginous fluid. Examples of suitable oleaginous fluids that may be
included in the oil-based drilling fluids include, but are not limited to, a-olefins, internal
olefins, alkanes, aromatic solvents, cycloalkanes, liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, diesel
oils, crude oils, gas oils, fuel oils, paraffin oils, mineral oils, low-toxicity mineral oils, olefins,
esters, amides, synthetic oils (e.g., polyolefins), polydiorganosiloxanes, siloxanes,
organosiloxanes, ethers, acetals, dialkylcarbonates, hydrocarbons, and combinations thereof.
[0046] To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following
examples of certain aspects of some embodiments are given. In no way should the following
examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the invention. In the following examples,
concentrations are given in weight percent of the overall composition.
EXAMPLE 1
[0047] Sample treatment fluids were prepared to evaluate the rheological properties
of spacer fluids containing kiln dust. In this example, cement kiln dust was used. The sample
treatment fluids were prepared as follows. First, all dry components (e.g., cement kiln dust,
fly ash, bentonite, free water control additive, etc.) were weighed into a glass container having
a clean lid and agitated by hand until blended. Tap water was then weighed into a Waring
blender jar. The dry components were then mixed into the water with 4,000 rpm stirring. The
blender speed was then increased to 12,000 rpm for about 35 seconds.
[0048] Sample Spacer Fluid No. 1 was an 11 pound per gallon slurry that comprised
60.62% water, 34.1 7% cement kiln dust, 4.63% fly ash, and 0.58% free water control additive
(WG-1 7™ solid additive).
[0049] Sample Spacer Fluid No. 2 was an pound per gallon slurry that comprised
60.79% water, 30.42% cement kiln dust, 4. 3% fly ash, 0.1 7% free water control additive
(WG-1 7™ solid additive), 3.45% bentonite, and 1.04% Econolite™ additive.
[0050] Rheological values were then determined using a Fann Model 35 Viscometer.
Dial readings were recorded at speeds of 3, 6, 100, 200, and 300 with a B bob, an Rl rotor,
and a 1.0 spring. The dial readings, plastic viscosity, and yield points for the spacer fluids
were measured in accordance with API Recommended Practices 10B, Bingham plastic model
and are set forth in the table below. The abbreviation "PV" refers to plastic viscosity, while
the abbreviation "YP" refers to yield point.
TABLE 1
[005 1] The thickening time of the Sample Fluid No. 1 was also determined in
accordance with API Recommended Practice 0B at 205° F. Sample Fluid No. 1 had a
thickening time of more than 6:00+ hours.
[0052] Accordingly, the above example illustrates that the addition of cement kiln dust
to a treatment fluid may provide suitable properties for use in subterranean applications. In
particular, the above example illustrates, inter alia, that the cement kiln dust may be used to
provide a treatment fluid that may not exhibit thermal thinning with the treatment fluid
potentially even having a yield point that increases with temperature. For example, Sample
Fluid No. 2 had a higher yield point at 80° F than at 80° F. In addition, the yield point of
Sample Fluid No. 1 had only a slight decrease at 180° F as compared to 80° F. Even further,
the example illustrates that addition of the cement kiln dust to a treatment fluid may provide a
plastic viscosity that increases with temperature.
EXAMPLE 2
[0053] Additional sample treatment fluids were prepared to further evaluate the
rheological properties of spacer fluids containing kiln dust. Cement kiln dust was used in this
example, The sample treatment fluids were prepared as follows. First, all dry components
(e.g., cement kiln dust, fly ash) were weighed into a glass container having a clean lid and
agitated by hand until blended. Tap water was then weighed into a Waring blender jar. The
dry components were then mixed into the water with 4,000 rpm stirring. The blender speed
was then increased to 12,000 rpm for about 35 seconds.
[0054] Sample Fluid No. 3 was a 2.5 pound per gallon fluid that comprised 47.29%
water and 52.71% cement kiln dust.
[0055] Sample Fluid No. 4 was a 2.5 pound per gallon fluid that comprised 46.47%
water, 40. 15% cement kiln dust, and 3.38% fly ash.
[0056] Sample Fluid No. 5 was a 2.5 pound per gallon fluid that comprised 45.62%
water, 27. % cement kiln dust, and 27.1 9% fly ash.
[0057] Sample Fluid No. 6 was a 2.5 pound per gallon fluid that comprised 44.75%
water, 3.81% cement kiln dust, and 4 .44% fly ash.
[0058] Sample Fluid No. 7 (comparative) was a 12.5 pound per gallon fluid that
comprised 43.85% water, and 56.1 5% fly ash.
[0059] Rheological values were then determined using a Fann Model 35 Viscometer.
Dial readings were recorded at speeds of 3, 6, 30, 60, 00, 200, 300, and 600 with a Bl bob,
an R rotor, and a 1.0 spring. The dial readings, plastic viscosity, and yield points for the
spacer fluids were measured in accordance with API Recommended Practices 10B, Bingham
plastic model and are set forth in the table below. The abbreviation "PV" refers to plastic
viscosity, while the abbreviation "YP" refers to yield point.
TABLE 2
Cement
YP
Kiln
Sample Temp. V (lb/
Dust- 600 300 200 00 60 30 6 3
Fluid (° F) (cP) 00
Fly Ash
Ratio
80 33 23 20 15 13 12 8 6 12 11
3 100:0 130 39 31 27 23 22 19 16 11 12 19
180 66 58 51 47 40 38 2 1 18 16.5 4 1.5
80 28 22 19 15 14 11 8 6 10.5 .5
4 75:25 130 39 28 25 2 1 19 16 14 11 10.5 17.5
80 5 1 39 36 35 31 26 16 11 6 33
80 20 11 8 6 5 4 4 3 7.5 3.5
5 50:50 130 2 1 15 13 10 9 8 6 5 7.5 7.5
180 25 20 17 14 13 12 7 5 9 11
80 16 8 6 3 2 1 0 0 7.5 0.5
6 25:75 130 15 8 6 4 3 2 1 1 6 2
180 15 9 7 5 4 4 2 2 6 3
80 16 7 5 3 1 0 0 0 6 1
7
0:1 00 130 11 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 4.5 -0.5
(Comp.)
80 8 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 4.5 - 1.5
[0060] Accordingly, the above example illustrates that the addition of the cement kiln
dust to a treatment fluid may provide suitable properties for use in subterranean applications.
In particular, the above example illustrates, inter alia, that the cement kiln dust may be used to
provide a treatment fluid that may not exhibit thermal thinning with the treatment fluid
potentially even having a yield point that increases with temperature. In addition, as illustrated
in Table 2 above, higher yield points were observed for treatment fluids with higher
concentrations of the cement kiln dust.
EXAMPLE 3
[0061 A sample treatment fluid containing kiln dust was prepared to compare the
rheological properties of a treatment fluid containing kiln dust with an oil-based drilling fluid.
In this example, cement kiln dust was used. The sample fluid was prepared as follows. First,
all dry components (e.g., cement kiln dust, fly ash, bentonite, etc.) were weighed into a glass
container having a clean lid and agitated by hand until blended. Tap water was then weighed
into a Waring blender jar. The dry components were then mixed into the water with 4,000
rpm stirring. The blender speed was then increased to 12,000 rpm for about 35 seconds.
[0062] Sample Fluid No. 8 was an 1 pound per gallon slurry that comprised 60.79%
water, 30.42% cement kiln dust, 4.1 3% fly ash, 0.1 7% free water control additive (WG- 17™
solid additive), 3.45% bentonite, and .04% Econolite™ additive.
[0063] The oil-based drilling fluid was a 9.1 pound per gallon oil-based mud.
[0064] Rheological values were then determined using a Fann Model 35 Viscometer.
Dial readings were recorded at speeds of 3, 6, 100, 200, and 300 with a B bob, an R rotor,
and a .0 spring. The dial readings, plastic viscosity, and yield points for the spacer fluid and
drilling fluid were measured in accordance with API Recommended Practices 0B, Bingham
plastic model and are set forth in the table below. The abbreviation "PV" refers to plastic
viscosity, while the abbreviation "YP" refers to yield point. The abbreviation "OBM" refers
to oil-based mud.
TABLE 3
[0065] Accordingly, the above example illustrates that the addition of cement kiln dust
to a treatment fluid may provide suitable properties for use in subterranean applications. In
particular, the above example illustrates, inter alia, that the cement kiln dust may be used to
provide a treatment fluid with a yield point that is greater than a drilling fluid even at elevated
temperatures. For example, Sample Fluid No. 8 has a higher yield point at 180° F than the oilbased
mud.
EXAMPLE 4
[0066] A foamed treatment fluid (Sample Fluid 9) was prepared that comprised
cement kiln dust. First, a base slurry was prepared that had a density of 0 ppg and comprised
cement kiln dust, a free water control additive (0.7% by weight of cement kiln dust), a
lightweight additive (4% by weight of cement kiln dust), and fresh water (32.1 6 gallons per
94-pound sack of cement kiln dust). The free water control additive was SA- 10 15™
suspending aid. The lightweight additive was ECONOLITE™ additive. Next, a foaming
agent (FOAMER™ 760 foamer/stabilizer) in an amount of 2% bvow was added, and the base
slurry was then mixed in a foam blending jar for 4 seconds at 12,000 rpm. The resulting
foamed treatment fluid had a density of 8.4 ppg. The "sink" of the resultant foamed treatment
fluid was then measured using a free fluid test procedure as specified in API Recommended
Practice 0B. However, rather than measuring the free fluid, the amount of "sink" was
measured after the foamed treatment fluid remained static for a period of 2 hours. The foamed
treatment fluid was initially at 200° and cooled to ambient temperature over the 2-hour period.
The measured sink for this foamed treatment fluid was 5 millimeters.
EXAMPLE 5
[0067] Another foamed treatment fluid (Sample Fluid 0) was prepared that
comprised cement kiln dust. First, a base slurry was prepared that had a density of 10.5 ppg
and comprised cement kiln dust, a free water control additive (0.6% by weight of cement kiln
dust), a lightweight additive (4% by weight of cement kiln dust), and fresh water (23.7 gallons
per 94-pound sack of cement kiln dust). The free water control additive was SA- 10 5™
suspending aid. The lightweight additive was ECONOLITE™ additive. Next, a foaming
agent (a hexylene glycol/cocobetaine blended surfactant) in an amount of 2% bvow was added,
and the base slurry was then mixed in a foam blending jar for 6 seconds at 12,000 rpm. The
resulting foamed treatment fluid had a density of 8.304 ppg. The resultant foamed treatment
fluid had a sink of 0 millimeters, measured as described above for Example 4.
EXAMPLE 6
[0068] The following series of tests were performed to determine the compressive
strength of sample treatment fluids after consolidation. Twenty-two samples, labeled sample
fluids 1-32 in the table below, were prepared having a density of 12.5 ppg using various
concentrations of additives. The amount of these additives in each sample fluid are indicated
in the table below with "% by weight" indicating the amount of the particular component by
weight of Additive 1 + Additive 2. The abbreviation "gal/sk" in the table below indicates
gallons of the particular component per 94-pound sack of Additive 1 and Additive 2.
[0069] The cement kiln dust used was supplied by Holcim (US) Inc., from Ada,
Oklahoma. The shale used was supplied by Texas Industries, Inc., from Midlothian, Texas.
The pumice used was either DS-200 or DS-300 lightweight aggregate available from Hess
Pumice Products, Inc. The silica flour used was SSA-1™ cement additive, from Halliburton
Energy Services, Inc. The course silica flour used was SSA-2™ course silica flour, from
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. The metakaolin used was MetaMax® metakaolin, from
BASF. The amorphous silica used was SILICALITE™ cement additive, from Halliburton
Energy Services, Inc. The perlite used was supplied by Hess Pumice Products, Inc. The slag
used was supplied by LaFarge North America. The Portland cement Interground with pumice
was FineCem™ cement, from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. The fly ash used was
POZMIX® cement additive, from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. The micro-fine cement
used was MICRO MATRIX® cement having an average particle size of 7.5 microns, from
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. The rice husk ash used was supplied by Rice Hull Specialty
Products, Stuttgart, Arkansas. The biopolymer used was supplied by CP Kelco, San Diego,
California. The barite used was supplied by Baroid Industrial Drilling Products. The latex
used was Latex 3000™ cement additive from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. The ground
rubber used was LIFECEM™ 00 cement additive from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
The nano-clay used was supplied by Nanocor Inc. The set retarder used was SCR-1 00™
cement retarder, from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. SCR-1 00™ cement retarder is a
copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid.
[0070] After preparation, the sample fluids were allowed to cure for seven days in a
2" by 4" metal cylinder that was placed in a water bath at 80°F to form set cylinders.
Immediately after removal from the water bath, destructive compressive strengths were
determined using a mechanical press in accordance with API RP 10B-2. The results of these
tests are set forth below. The term "cement kiln dust" is abbreviated "CKD" in the table below.
TABLE 4
Amorphous
5.7 1 CKD 50 50 -- -- 1 251
Silica
5.13 CKD 50 Perlite 50 -- ~ 0 1031
5.4 CKD 50 Lime 50 -- - 0 58
Pumice DS-
5.49 CKD 50 50 - - 0 624
200
6.23 CKD 50 Slag 50 - 0 587
Course
5.88 CKD 50 50 -- - 0 10 18
Silica Flour
Portland
Cement
6.04 CKD 50 Interground 50 -- - 1 1655
with
Pumice
5.63 CKD 50 Fly Ash 50 -- - 0 870
Pumice DS-
5.49 CKD 50 50 -- - 0 680
325
Fly
5.03 50 Lime 50 -- - 1 70
Ash
5.65 Slag 50 Lime 50 - -- 1 395
Micro-fine
6.36 CKD 50 50 -- -- 2 788
cement
Rice Husk
6.08 CKD 80 20 -- -- 1 203
Ash
5.42 CKD 50 Biopolymer 50 - - 1 265
7.34 CKD 50 Barite 50 - -- 0 2 1
4.02 CKD 100 - - Latex 2 1 164.6
Groun
2.71 CKD 00 - - d 10 1 167.6
Rubber
Nano-
6.1 5 CKD 100 - - 2 0 102.5
Clay
[0071 ] Accordingly, the above example illustrates that a treatment fluid comprising
kiln dust may be capable of consolidation. For example, 7-day compressive strengths of 000
psi or even higher were observed for certain sample slurries.
EXAMPLE 7
[0072] The following series of tests were performed to evaluate the thickening times
of sample treatment fluids. For this example, the thickening times for Sample Fluids -32
from Example 6 were determined. As indicated below, the compositions for Samples Fluids
1 -32 were the same as from Example 6 except the concentration of the cement set retarder
was adjusted for certain samples. The thickening time, which is the time required for the
compositions to reach 70 Bearden units of consistency, was determined for each fluid at 230°F
in accordance with API RP 0B-2. The results of these tests are set forth below. The term
"cement kiln dust" is abbreviated "CKD" in the table below.
TABLE 5
Portland
Cement
2 1 6.04 CKD 50 Interground 50 - - 1 5:58
with
Pumice
22 5.63 CKD 50 Fly Ash 50 ~ - 1 2 hr+
Pumice DS-
23 5.49 CKD 50 50 -- - 1 7:30
325
Fly
24 5.03 50 Lime 50 -- - 1 3:32
Ash
25 5.65 Slag 50 Lime 50 - - 1 4:05
Micro- fine
26 6.36 CKD 50 50 - -- 2 1:30
cement
Rice Husk
27 6.08 CKD 80 20 - - 1 30 hr+
Ash
28 5.42 CKD 50 Biopolymer 50 -- - 1 1:35
29 7.34 CKD 50 Barite 50 - - 1 8 hr+
30 4.02 CKD 00 -- - Latex 2 1 1:10
Groun
31 2.7 1 CKD 100 -- - d 10 1 20 hr+
Rubber
Nano-
32 6.15 CKD 100 -- - 2 0 54:00
Clay
[0073] Accordingly, the above example illustrates that a settable spacer fluid may
have acceptable thickening times for certain applications.
EXAMPLE 8
[0074] The following series of tests were performed to evaluate the rheological
properties of sample fluids. For this example, the rheological properties of Sample Fluids -
32 were determined. The rheological values were determined using a Fann Model 35
Viscometer. Dial readings were recorded at speeds of 3, 6, 30, 60, 100, 200, 300, and 600 with
a B l bob, an Rl rotor, and a .0 spring. An additional sample was used for this specific test.
It is Sample Fluid 33 and comprised barite and 0.5% of a suspending agent by weight of the
barite. The suspending agent was SA™-1 0 15, available from Halliburton Energy Services,
Inc. The water was included in an amount sufficient to provide a density of 12.5 ppg. Sample
33's rheological properties were measured twice at two different temperatures and the values
per temperature were averaged to present the data shown below. Temperature is measured in
degrees Fahrenheit. The results of these tests are set forth below.
TABLE 6

[0075] Accordingly, the above example indicates that a treatment fluid may have
acceptable rheological properties for a particular application.
EXAMPLE 9
[0076] The following series of tests were performed to further evaluate the compressive
strength of sample treatment fluids. Ten samples, labeled Sample Fluids 34-43 in the table below
were prepared, having a density of 3 ppg using various concentrations of additives. The amount
of these additives in each sample are indicated in the table below with "% by weight" indicating
the amount of the particular component by weight of the dry solids, which is the kiln dust, the
Portland cement, the cement accelerator, the fly ash, and/or the lime. The abbreviation "gal/sk"
in the table below indicates gallons of the particular component per 94-pound sack of the dry
solids. The term "cement kiln dust" is abbreviated "C D" in the table below.
[0077] The cement kiln dust used was Mountain cement kiln dust from Laramie
Wyoming, except for Sample Fluid 43 which used cement kiln dust from Holcim (US) Inc., Ada,
Oklahoma. The Portland cement used in Sample Fluids 34 and 35 was CEMEX Type 3 Portland
cement, from CEMEX USA. The cement accelerator used in Sample Fluid 34 was CAL-SEAL™
accelerator, from Halliburton Energy Services Inc. CAL-SEAL™ Accelerator is gypsum. The
Class F fly ash used in Slurries 37-41 was from Coal Creek Station. The Class C fly ash used in
Slurries 36 was from LaFarge North America.
[0078] After preparation, the samples were allowed to cure for twenty-four or forty-eight
hours in a 2" by 4" metal cylinder that was placed in a water bath at 60°F to form set cylinders.
For certain samples, separate cylinders were cured for twenty-four hours and forty-eight hours.
Immediately after removal from the water bath, destructive compressive strengths were
determined using a mechanical press in accordance with API RP 0B-2. The results of these tests
are set forth below.
TABLE 7
[0079] Accordingly, the above example illustrates that a treatment fluid may have
acceptable compressive strengths for certain applications.
EXAMPLE 10
[0080] The following series of tests were performed to evaluate the static gel strength
development of sample treatment fluids. Two samples, labeled Sample Fluids 44 and 45 were
prepared having a density of 11 and 13.5 ppg respectively using various concentrations of
additives. The component concentrations of each sample are as follows:
[0081] For Sample Fluid 44, the sample comprised a blend of cement kiln dust (80% by
weight), fly ash (16% by weight) and hydrated lime (4% by weight). The sample also comprised
a suspending aid in an amount of 0.4% by weight of the blend. Sufficient water was included in
the sample to provide a density of 11 ppg. The cement kiln dust used was from Holcim (US) Inc.,
Ada, Oklahoma. The fly ash used was POZMIX® cement additive, from Halliburton Energy
Services, Inc. The suspending agent was SA™-1015 suspending agent, available from Halliburton
Energy Services, Inc.
[0082] For Sample Fluid 45, the sample comprised a mixture of cement kiln dust (80%
by weight), fly ash (16% by weight), and hydrate lime (4% by weight). Sufficient water was
included in the sample to provide a density of 13.5 ppg. The cement kiln dust used was from
Holcim (US) Inc., Ada, Oklahoma. The fly ash used was POZM1X® cement additive, from
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
[0083] The static gel strength of the samples was measured in accordance with API
Recommended Practice on Determining the Static Gel Strength of Cement Formations, ANSI/API
Recommended Practice 10B-6. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the static gel strength measurements for
Sample Fluids 44 and 45, respectively, as a function of time. As seen in the figures, the samples
progress through the transition time, defined as the time between 100 SGS and 500 SGS, very
quickly with a total transition time of minutes for the sample 34 and 6 minutes for sample 35.
These short transition times are faster than most cement compositions.
EXAMPLE 1
[0084] The following tests were performed to further evaluate the static gel strength
development of sample treatment fluids. Two samples, labeled Samples Fluids 46 and 47 were
prepared having a density of 13.002 and 10.999 ppg respectively using various concentrations of
additives. The component concentrations of each sample are as follows:
[0085] For Sample Fluid 46, the sample comprised a blend of cement kiln dust (100% by
weight), POZMIX ® cement additive (50% by weight of the cement kiln dust), HR®-601 cement
retarder ( % by weight of the cement kiln dust), HR®-25 cement retarder (0.6% by weight of the
cement kiln dust), and D-Air 5000™ defoamer (0.5% by weight of the cement kiln dust).
Sufficient water was included in the sample to provide a density of 13.002 ppg. The cement kiln
dust used was from Holcim (US) Inc., Ada, Oklahoma. POZMIX® cement additive was from
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. HR®-601 cement retarder was from Halliburton Energy
Services, Inc. HR®-25 cement retarder was from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. D-Air 5000™
defoamer was from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
[0086] For Sample Fluid 47, the sample comprised a blend of cement kiln dust (100% by
weight), SA-101 5 (0.4% by weight of the cement kiln dust), and D-Air 5000™ defoamer (0.5% by
weight of the cement kiln dust). Sufficient water was included in the sample to provide a density
of 10.999 ppg. The cement kiln dust used was from Holcim (US) Inc., Ada, Oklahoma. SA™-
0 5 suspending agent was from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. D-Air 5000™ defoamer was
from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
[0087] The static gel strength of the samples was measured in accordance with API
Recommended Practice on Determining the Static Gel Strength of Cement Formations, ANSI/API
Recommended Practice 0B-6. Table 8 shows the static gel strength measurements for Samples
Fluids 46 and 47, respectively.
TABLE 8
As seen in the table, Sample Fluid 47 progresses through the transition time, defined as the time
between 0 SGS and 500 SGS, very quickly with a total transition time of 0 minutes. Sample
Fluid 46 is much slower taking over an hour to progress through the transition time. The short
transition time of Sample Fluid 47 is faster than most cement compositions.
[0088] t should be understood that the compositions and methods are described in terms
of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and
methods can also "consist essentially of or "consist of the various components and steps.
Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one
or more than one of the element that it introduces.
[0089] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein.
However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not
explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower
limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be
combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally,
whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and
any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. n particular, every range
of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b,"
or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every
number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited.
Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with
any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly
recited.
[0090] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages
mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above
are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but
equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Although individual embodiments are discussed, the invention covers all combinations of all those
embodiments. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design
herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their
plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. t is
therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or
modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more
patent(s) or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are
consistent with this specification should be adopted.

What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising:
drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation using a bottom hole assembly; and
pumping a treatment fluid into the wellbore through the bottom hole assembly,
wherein the treatment fluid comprises a kiln dust and water.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises a
drill bit, and wherein the treatment is pumped through the drill bit.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bottom hole assembly is
retrievable.
4. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bottom hole assembly is
non-retrievable.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the bottom hole assembly is
attached to a tubular.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the tubular is a drill pipe, a casing, or a
combination thereof.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the
wellbore extends at a direction that is slanted from vertical.
8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the treatment fluid is a
consolidating treatment fluid.
9. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising circulating a
drilling fluid in the wellbore while drilling the wellbore, wherein at least a portion of the drilling
fluid is displaced from the wellbore by the consolidating treatment fluid.
0. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising allowing at least
a portion of the consolidating treatment fluid to consolidate in the wellbore to have a transition
time of about 45 minutes or less.
1. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising allowing at least
a portion of the consolidating treatment fluid to consolidate in the wellbore to have at least one
property selected from the group consisting of: (i) a yield point of from about 25 Pascals to about
250 pascals; (ii) a static gel strength of from about 70 lbf/l OOft2 to about 500 Ibf/l OOft2, (iii) a
yield limit in compression from about 1 psi to about 2,000 psi, and (iv) an unconfined uniaxial
compressive strength of from about 5 psi to about 0,000 psi.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising allowing at least
a portion of the consolidating treatment fluid to consolidate in the wellbore to have at least one
property selected from the group consisting of: (i) a zero gel time of about 8 hours or less, (ii) a
transition time of about 45 minutes or less, and (iii) a static gel strength of about 500 lbf/l OOft2 in
a time of from about 10 minutes to about 8 hours.
1 . A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising allowing at least
a portion of the consolidating treatment fluid to consolidate in the wellbore and running a bond
log to determine bonding of the consolidating treatment fluid to the casing.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the treatment fluid is pumped
into the wellbore between a drilling fluid and a cement composition.
15. A method according to any preceding claim pounds per gallon.
16. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the kiln dust is from the
manufacture of cement.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the kiln dust comprises
Si02, A 1203, Fe203, CaO, MgO, S03, Na20, and K20.
18. The method of claim 8, wherein the kiln dust is present in an amount from about
1% to about 65% by weight of the treatment fluid.
19. A drilling system comprising:
a bottom hole assembly; and
a treatment fluid for introduction into a wellbore through the bottom hole
assembly, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a kiln dust and water.
20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises a
drill bit.
2 . A system according to claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising a tubular, wherein
the bottom hole assembly is attached to the tubular.
22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the tubular is a drill pipe, a casing, or a
combination thereof.
23. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the kiln dust is from
the manufacture of cement.
24. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein the kiln dust comprises
Si02, A 1203, Fe203, CaO, MgO, S03, Na20, and K20.