Cement bond logs remain a key diagnostic for evaluating annular zonal isolation and overall wellbore integrity. The interpretation of cement evaluation logs also remains a rather subjective discipline, often with debatable conclusions. However, advancements in the past two decades in the area of ultrasonic imaging have provided more clarity and definition, and have aided well integrity professionals in achieving more accurate interpretations. 

This presentation outlines the practical value that ultrasonic imaging logs have given to the industry. The top advantages that are presented through field examples include (1) identifying low-density/low strength cements, (2) better discovery of channels in the cement sheath, (3) a stronger understanding of casing centralization, (4) recognition of annular gas sources and paths in the annulus, and (5) more detail in regards to the wellbore condition. 

In turn, a clearer picture of the constructed well not only helps us to predict zonal isolation, it then becomes the blue print for how to fix or abandon the wellbore, and just as importantly, how to change the cementing plan to improve the well construction in the future.

BIOGRAPHY: Kirk Harris is the technical advisor for ThoroughBond LLC, which provides technical support for cementing and bond logging challenges. Based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Kirk also currently serves as a senior cementing advisor for TAQA Well Services. He has a total of forty-one years of cementing experience in more than thirty countries.

Kirk began his career with Halliburton, where he worked as a cementer, field and research engineer, and technical manager. He then served as the global cementing advisor for Occidental Petroleum, Talisman Energy, and Repsol. Kirk graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Email: kngharris@thoroughbond.com Tel: +966 59 787 6736