Course Introduction

Casing and cementing are critical well construction activities that ensure the structural integrity and zonal isolation of a well throughout its lifecycle. This training provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of casing design, running operations, cementing techniques, slurry design, operational challenges, and best practices. Real-world examples, case studies, and practical exercises will be included to strengthen the application of knowledge.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the functions and types of casing strings used in drilling and completion.

• Design casing programs considering geological and operational requirements.

• Explain cementing principles, slurry design, and placement techniques.

• Identify and troubleshoot common operational challenges (e.g., lost circulation, gas migration).

• Apply best practices for ensuring well integrity and zonal isolation.

• Interpret cement evaluation logs for verification of cementing quality.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Drilling Engineers and Supervisors

• Completion Engineers

• Wellsite Engineers and Company Representatives

• Toolpushers and Rig Supervisors

• Service Company Personnel (cementing & casing crews)

• Petroleum Engineers involved in well design and integrity

• HSE professionals seeking knowledge of well construction operations

Course Outline

Day 1 – Fundamentals of Casing Operations

• Introduction to well construction and casing role

• Functions of casing (well control, zonal isolation, support, protection)

• Types of casing strings (conductor, surface, intermediate, production, liner)

• Casing specifications: grades, weights, connections, collapse & burst ratings

• Casing accessories: centralizers, float equipment, scratchers, guide shoes

• Case study: selection of casing strings for different well types

Day 2 – Casing Design and Running Operations

• Casing design methodology and safety factors

• Load considerations: burst, collapse, tension, triaxial stresses

• Hole preparation before casing running (mud conditioning, hole cleaning)

• Casing running procedures and best practices

• Casing handling, make-up torque, and running tools

• Preventing stuck casing and operational hazards

• Practical exercise: casing design calculation & running checklist

Day 3 – Fundamentals of Cementing Operations

• Purpose and principles of cementing

• Cement properties and hydration chemistry

• Cement slurry design: density, rheology, fluid loss, free water, additives

• Cementing equipment: cementing units, manifolds, plugs, and float equipment

• Cementing techniques:

  • Primary cementing

  • Stage cementing

  • Liner cementing

  • Squeeze cementing

• Video demonstration: Primary cementing operation

Day 4 – Cement Placement and Operational Challenges

• Displacement mechanics and mud removal techniques

• Cementing hydraulics and job simulation software

• Gas migration and annular flow control

• Lost circulation during cementing

• Cement slurry contamination and prevention

• Cement job execution: plug launching, bumping, pressure monitoring

• Troubleshooting cementing failures

• Case study: analyzing a poor cement job

Day 5 – Cement Evaluation, Integrity and Best Practices

• Waiting on cement (WOC) and verification procedures

• Cement evaluation tools:

  • Cement Bond Log (CBL)

  • Ultrasonic imaging tools (USIT, CAST-V)

• Interpretation of cement evaluation results

• Remedial cementing methods (squeeze jobs, plug setting, repairs)

• Well integrity considerations and long-term cement performance

• Emerging technologies in casing and cementing

• Group exercise: Designing a cementing program and evaluating results

• Final review, Q&A, and wrap-up