Cementing casing strings in deep water offshore wells

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/353,676 filed Jul. 15, 1999.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to methods of cementing casing strings in well bores, and more particularly, to methods of cementing conductor or surface casing strings in deep water offshore wells.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] In carrying out completion operations in oil and gas wells, hydraulic cement compositions are commonly utilized. For example, hydraulic cement compositions are used in primary cementing operations whereby casing strings are cemented in well bores. That is, a hydraulic cement composition is pumped into the annular space between the walls of a well bore and the exterior of a casing string disposed therein. The cement composition is permitted to set in the annular space thereby forming an annular sheath of hardened impermeable cement therein. The objective of the cement sheath is to physically support and position the casing string in the well bore and bond the casing string to the walls of the well bore whereby the undesirable migration of fluids between zones or formations penetrated by the well bore is prevented.

[0007] Primary cementing operations in deep water offshore wells are particularly difficult in that they are carried out in well bores which penetrate formations between the sea floor or mud line and a depth generally under about 2,000 feet below the mud line. Such formations are often not well consolidated, readily fracture and often have highly pressured water flows therethrough. For example, the fracture gradients in subsea well bores in which conductor and/or surface casing strings are cemented limit the densities of the cement compositions utilized to 11 or 12 pounds per gallon. The high water flows through the well bores often wash away cement compositions which have densities below 10 to 11 pounds per gallon.

[0008] Another problem involved in deep water offshore well cementing is the temperature at which the cement composition must set. Deep water offshore wells typically have sea bottom temperatures ranging from about 32° F. to 55° F. depending on the geographical location. The cement compositions utilized for performing cementing operations at such temperatures must set and provide enough compressive strength to proceed with drilling without involving long waiting-on-cement (WOC) times, preferably less than 24 hours. Accordingly, the cement compositions must include set and strength accelerating agents to allow the cement compositions to set at the low temperatures involved and develop early compressive strengths. However, a problem in the use of set and strength accelerating agents is that they often cause the cement compositions to have thickening times which are too short to allow placement of the cement compositions in the formations or zones to be cemented. Thus, the cement compositions used in deep offshore wells must have adequate pumping times to allow placement, but at the same time they must set and develop sufficient compressive strengths to allow further drilling as quickly as possible. The generally accepted requirements for cement compositions to overcome the above described problems in the Gulf Coast region of the United States include cement composition densities in the range of from 10 to 12 pounds per gallon, thickening times of from 3 to 5 hours and compressive strengths of from 400 to 600 psi at temperatures of from about 45° F. to about 55° F.

[0009] Foamed cement compositions have heretofore been utilized in deep water offshore wells to obtain the low densities required. Set and strength accelerating agents such as calcium chloride have also been used to provide short thickening times at the low temperatures involved. To obtain the required compressive strengths at the low temperatures, cement blends containing at least two different cements have heretofore been used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,318 issued to Griffith et al. on Nov. 5, 1996 discloses cementing compositions for use in cold environments which are comprised of a relatively coarse particulate hydraulic cement mixed with an ultra fine particulate hydraulic cement. U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,594 issued to Stiles et al. on Sep. 15, 1998 discloses foamed cement compositions containing calcium sulfate cement and Portland cement.

[0010] API oil well cements are generally used in deep water offshore wells, and frequently, different classes of such cements must be used for cementing at different depths due to the temperature differences. The use of two or more different cements, for whatever purpose in drilling an offshore well, requires multiple cleanings of the bulk cement tanks located at the drilling rig platform as well as numerous trips to on-shore blending facilities for transporting the different cements to the platform. Thus, there is a need for a cement composition containing a single cement which can be used for cementing at various depths in an offshore well. The use of such a cement composition would be highly economical as well as environmentally preferable.

[0011] Another problem associated with offshore wells involves the use of dry additives such as set and compressive strength accelerating agents, set retarders, dispersing agents and the like in the cement compositions used. The use of dry additives requires the cement to be dry blended with the dry additives on-shore and the resulting blend to be transferred to the offshore platform where the dry blend is mixed with seawater. The blends can generally be used only for cementing at certain depths due to the differences in temperatures, fracture gradients and water flows. As a result, unused portions of specific cement blends have to be discarded and replaced with newly prepared blends. Again, this procedure wastes time and money in that it involves additional trips between the on-shore blending facility and the drilling platform. etc.

[0012] Thus, if only one basic cement is utilized and if the various additives are added in liquid form to the mix water or slurry on the offshore platform just prior to cementing, the bulk-cement inventory will be limited to one dry cement on the platform that can be used throughout the completion of the well, decisions on the precise nature of the cement composition to be used can be deferred until it is time to begin the cementing process and the operator will use only as much cement and liquid additives needed without generating costly waste and lost time.

[0013] Another problem which has often heretofore been encountered in deep water offshore well cementing is the inflow of formation fluids, e.g., water, gas and/or oil, into a cement composition which has been placed in the annulus between a casing string and the walls of a well bore, but which has not yet set. Such inflow of formation fluids is generally caused by the cement composition becoming partially self-supporting and the consequent loss of the ability of the cement column in the annulus to transmit hydrostatic pressure. When the pressure exerted by the cement composition falls below the pressure of formation fluids, the formation fluids enter the annulus and flow through the cement composition whereby flow channels are formed therein which remain after the cement composition is completely set.

[0014] The loss of the ability of the cement column to transmit hydrostatic pressure can result from the cement composition having too long a transition time, i.e., the time interval between when the cement composition begins to develop static gel strength and when the cement composition has sufficient gel strength to prevent the inflow of formation fluids. At the low temperatures encountered in offshore wells, it has heretofore been difficult if not impossible to shorten the transition times of cement compositions enough to eliminate formation fluid inflow and the problems associated therewith.

[0015] Thus, there are needs for improved methods and cement compositions for cementing casing strings in offshore well bores whereby formation fluid inflow is prevented.

[0016] The present invention provides improved methods of cementing casing strings in deep water offshore formations penetrated by well bores which meet the needs described above and overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. The methods of the invention basically comprise the steps of preparing a cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, a water reducing additive comprised of a sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensate, a dispersing additive comprised of the condensation product of acetone, formaldehyde and an alkali metal bisulfite, a compressive strength enhancing and set retarding additive comprised of a copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, a set accelerating additive and water present in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry; placing the cement composition in the annulus between a casing string and a well bore; and allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass.

[0017] Depending on the temperature of the well being cemented and the level of tricalcium aluminate in the particular hydraulic cement used, additional calcium aluminate can be included in the cement composition to help shorten the cement composition transition time. When a low density cement composition must be used to prevent fractures from being formed in subterranean formations penetrated by the well bore, the above described cement composition can be foamed, i.e., it can include a gas in an amount sufficient to foam the cement composition and a mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants in an effective amount.

[0018] With the exception of the cement and the gas utilized to foam the cement composition, all of the other components of the cement composition can be in liquid form.

[0019] It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide an improved method of cementing casing strings in deep water offshore wells.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is the provision of methods of cementing casing strings in deep water offshore wells utilizing a cement composition comprised of a single hydraulic cement, mix water and other additives which can all be added to the mix water or cement slurry in liquid form.

[0021] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description of preferred embodiments which follows.

[0022] The present invention provides an improved method of cementing a casing string in a deep water offshore formation or zone penetrated by a well bore using cement compositions comprised of a single hydraulic cement and other components which can all be added to the mix water or cement slurry in liquid form. The cement compositions of this invention can be utilized over a broad temperature range, e.g., from about 32° F. to about 80° F. by simply changing the weight ratio and quantities of certain of the components in the compositions. Further, the cement compositions can meet the generally accepted requirements for cementing casing strings in deep water offshore wells, namely, a cement composition density in the range of from 10 to 12 pounds per gallon, a thickening time of from 3 to 5 hours and compressive strengths of from 400 psi to 600 psi at 45° F. to 55° F. The methods allow the operator of an offshore platform to keep a single dry cement in bulk storage on the platform along with the other components of the cement composition which except for the gas utilized to foam the composition can all be in liquid form. The liquid components can be added to the single cement just prior to cementing whereby the operator uses only as much dry cement and liquid components as are needed without generating waste and losing time by changing cements, etc.

[0023] As mentioned, the methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for cementing conductor and/or surface casing strings in deep water offshore formations or zones penetrated by well bores. The cement compositions of the invention can be used in shallow high water flow formations in which conductor and/or surface casing strings are cemented as well as in the deeper, warmer formations in which other casing strings or liners are cemented. Generally, the cementing compositions of this invention can be utilized for cementing wells at depths from 0 to 8,000 feet or deeper.

[0024] An improved method of this invention for cementing a casing string in a deep water offshore formation or zone penetrated by a well bore is basically comprised of the following steps. A cement composition is prepared comprised of a single hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam, a mildly set retarding mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants present in an amount sufficient to facilitate the formation of and stabilize the foam, a cement set accelerating additive and a mildly set retarding cement water reducing additive or cement dispersing additive, or both. The cement set accelerating additive and the mildly set retarding cement water reducing additive or cement dispersing additive, or both, are present in a weight ratio and in an amount such that the cement composition has a required thickening time, generally in the range of from about 3 to about 5 hours, and develops adequate compressive strength, generally in the range of from about 400 psi to about 600 psi, at a temperature in the range of from about 45° F. to about 55° F. within a time period of 24 hours or less. Upon being prepared, the cement composition is placed in the annulus between the casing string and the well bore, and the cement composition is allowed to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.

[0025] It has been discovered that aqueous cement compositions formed with API Classes A, C, H and G Portland or equivalent hydraulic cements can be made to have very short transition times (sometimes referred to as “right angle set cement compositions”) by including certain additives in the cement compositions. Further, if the hydraulic cement used is not one of the high activity types, but instead is a low activity cement having a low content of tricalcium aluminate, calcium aluminate or one or more alkali metal aluminates can be added to the cement along with the other additives to achieve a short transition time. Calcium aluminate has the general formula (CaO)_n(Al₂O₃)_mwhere the values of m and n are such that the amount of CaO in the calcium aluminate can vary from about 20% to about 40% by weight and the amount of the Al₂O₃can vary from about 60% to about 80% by weight. Commercial calcium aluminates can also contain varying amounts of metal oxide impurities. Calcium aluminate is insoluble in water while alkali metal aluminates such as sodium aluminate are soluble in water and can be dissolved in water prior to use offshore.

[0026] An improved method of this invention for cementing a casing string in a deep water offshore formation penetrated by a well bore whereby the inflow of formation fluids into the annulus between the casing string and the walls of the well bore and into the cement composition therein is prevented is comprised of the following steps. A cement composition having a short transition time is prepared comprised of a hydraulic cement, a cement water reducing additive, a cement dispersing additive, a cement compressive strength enhancing and set-retarding additive, a cement set accelerating additive and water present in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry. The prepared cement composition is placed in the annulus and then allowed to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.

[0027] The cement water reducing additive, the dispersing additive and the cement compressive strength enhancing and set retarding additive work together to reduce the amount of water in the cement composition, retard the set of the composition and increase the compressive strength of the composition when set. The amount of set accelerating additive in the composition moderates the set retardation and the compressive strength of the composition. The additives also function to de-agglomerate the hydraulic cement in the composition, i.e., to break up agglomerated cement particles in the composition into separate particles which increases the cement surface area whereby the cement hydrates faster and provides early cement composition compressive strength at low temperatures.

[0028] When a low density cement composition is required, a gas in an amount sufficient to form a foam and a mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants can be included in the above described cement composition. Also, as mentioned above, if the hydraulic cement used is a low activity cement or if a very short transition time is required, calcium aluminate or one or more alkali metal aluminates can be added to the cement composition together with the other additives described above to bring about the desired short transition time.

[0029] The single hydraulic cement preferred for use in accordance with this invention is one of API Classes A, C, H and G Portland or equivalent hydraulic cements. The above mentioned API cements are defined and described in API Specification For Materials And Testing For Well Cements, API Specification 10, Fifth Edition, dated Jul. 1, 1990 of the American Petroleum Institute. The API Portland cements, or other cements which are equivalent thereto, are suitable for cementing deep water offshore wells from 0 to 8,000 feet when used with the other components of the cement compositions of this invention.

[0030] The water in the cement compositions can be fresh water or salt water. The term “salt water” is used herein to mean unsaturated salt solutions and saturated salt solutions including brines and seawater. The water is generally present in the cement compositions in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry, and more specifically, in an amount in the range of from about 34% to about 40% by weight of cement in the cement compositions.

[0031] When a cement composition of this invention is foamed, the gas utilized can be air or nitrogen, with nitrogen being preferred. The gas is generally present in an amount sufficient to foam the cement composition to a density in the range of from about 10 to about 12 pounds per gallon.

[0032] A mildly set retarding mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants which is particularly suitable for use in accordance with this invention is comprised of a mixture of

[0033] an ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant of the formula:

[0034] H(CH₂)_a(OC₂H₄)_bOSO₃M⁺

[0035] wherein a is an integer in the range of from about 6 to about 10, b is an integer in the range of from about 3 to about 10 and M is an alkali metal or ammonium,

[0036] an alkyl or alkene amidopropylbetaine surfactant having the formula:

[0037] R—CONHCH₂CH₂CH₂N⁺(CH₃)₂CH₂CO₂⁻

[0038] wherein R is a radical selected from the group of decyl, cocoyl, lauryl, cetyl and oleyl and

[0039] an alkyl or alkene amidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant having the formula:

[0040] R—CONHCH₂CH₂CH₂N⁺(CH₃)₂O⁻

[0041] wherein R is a radical selected from the group of decyl, cocoyl, lauryl, cetyl and oleyl.

[0042] The ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate surfactant is generally present in the mixture in an amount in the range of from about 60 to about 64 parts by weight; the alkyl or alkene amidopropylbetaine surfactant is generally present in the mixture in an amount in the range of from about 30 to about 33 parts by weight; and the alkyl or alkene amidopropyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant is generally present in an amount in the range of from about 3 to about 10 parts by weight. The mixture can be comprised of the surfactants, per se, but more preferably, the mixture includes fresh water in an amount sufficient to dissolve the surfactants whereby it can more easily be combined with the cement composition mixing water or cement slurry.

[0043] Another mildly set retarding mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants which can be utilized is a mixture of the ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate described above and the alkyl or alkene amidopropylbetaine surfactant described above. This mixture of surfactants is generally comprised of two parts by weight of the ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate and one part by weight of the alkyl or alkene amidopropylbetaine surfactant. This mixture also preferably includes fresh water in an amount sufficient to dissolve the surfactants.

[0044] The mildly set retarding mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants utilized is generally included in a foamed cement composition of this invention in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of water in the cement composition.

[0045] While a variety of cement set accelerating additives (also referred to herein as set and strength accelerating agents) can be utilized in the cement compositions of this invention, a water soluble calcium salt such as calcium chloride, calcium nitrite and calcium formate is preferred with calcium chloride being the most preferred. While the set accelerating additive can be utilized directly, it is preferably dissolved in fresh water so that it can be added to the mix water or cement slurry on location. Most preferably, the set accelerating additive is in the form of an aqueous solution wherein the set accelerating additive is present therein in an amount of about 33% by weight of the solution.

[0046] A preferred cement water reducing additive (also referred to in the art as a “plasticizer”) for use in the compositions of this invention is a sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate. This additive allows the use of unusually small amounts of water in the cement composition to which it is added. The water reducing additive assists in dispersing particles in the water to make a useful slurry at water concentrations lower than those that would normally be sufficient. The reduced water concentrations have the effect of increasing the compressive strength of the set cement. A particularly suitable sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensate water reducing additive is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,359,225 issued to Weisend on Dec. 19, 1967 which is incorporated herein by reference. The additive is commercially available from Halliburton Energy Services of Duncan, Okla. under the trade name “CFR-2™.”

[0047] A cement dispersing additive (which also has fluid loss control properties) preferred for use in accordance with this invention is the condensation product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium bisulfite. This dispersing additive is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,763 issued to George et al. on Dec. 10, 1985 which is incorporated herein by reference. The additive is also commercially available from Halliburton Energy Services of Duncan, Okla. under the trade name “CFR-3™.” Both the water reducing additive and the dispersing additive are preferably dissolved in fresh water in an amount of about 33% by weight of the solution.

[0048] As mentioned, the ratio of the cement set accelerating additive to the water reducing additive or the dispersing additive, or both, and the total amount of such additives together in the cement composition, can be varied to vary the thickening time and compressive strength of the cement composition at specific temperatures, e.g., a thickening time of from about 3 to about 5 hours and a compressive strength from about 400 psi to about 600 psi at temperatures in the range of from about 45° F. to about 55° F. within 24 hours. Generally, the ratio of the set accelerating additive to the water reducing additive or dispersing additive, or both, is varied in the range of from about 1:1to about 3:1. The amount of the set accelerating additive and the water reducing additive or dispersing additive, or both, present in the cement composition is generally within the range of from about 1% to about 3% by weight of cement in the composition.

[0049] A compressive strength enhancing and set retarding additive which is preferred for use in a cement composition of this invention is a copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid. Such an additive is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,288 issued to Brothers et al. on Sep. 17, 1991 which is incorporated herein by reference. The additive is commercially available from Halliburton Energy Services of Duncan, Okla. under the trade name “SCR-100™.” This additive is also preferably dissolved in fresh water in an amount of about 33% by weight of the solution.

[0050] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in specific applications and at specific depths in deep water offshore wells, other additives, preferably in liquid form, which are well known to those skilled in the art and which do not adversely affect the required properties of the cement composition can be included therein. Examples of such additives include but are not limited to fluid loss control additives, viscosifying agents, thixotropic agents and anti-settling agents.

[0051] A method of the present invention which is particularly suitable for cementing casing strings in deep water offshore formations or zones penetrated by a well bore is comprised of the steps of: (a) preparing a cement composition comprised of a single hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam, a mildly set retarding mixture of cement composition foaming and foamed stabilizing surfactants present in an effective amount, a cement set accelerating additive and a mildly set retarding cement water reducing additive or cement dispersing additive, or both, present in said composition in a weight ratio and in an amount such that the cement composition has a thickening time in the range of from about 3 to about 5 hours and develops compressive strength in the range of from about 400 psi to about 600 psi at a temperature in the range of from about 45° F. to about 55° F. within 24 hours; (b) placing the cement composition in the annulus between the casing and the well bore; and (c) allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.

[0052] Another method of the present invention for cementing a casing string in a deep water offshore formation penetrated by a well bore at a temperature in the range of from 32° F. to about 80° F. comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam, a mildly set retarding mixture of a cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants present in an effective amount, an aqueous solution of calcium chloride set accelerating additive and an aqueous solution of a sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate water reducing additive, wherein the calcium chloride accelerating additive and the sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate water reducing additive are present in said composition in a weight ratio and in an amount such that the cement composition has a thickening time in the range of from about 3 to about 5 hours and develops a compressive strength of at least about 400 psi within 24 hours; (b) pumping the cement composition into the annulus between the casing and the well bore; and (c) allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.

[0053] Yet another method of the present invention for cementing a casing string in a deep water offshore formation penetrated by a well bore is comprised of the steps of: (a) preparing a cement composition having a short transition time comprised of a hydraulic cement, a water reducing additive comprised of a sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensate present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 3% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.5%, a dispersing additive comprised of the condensation product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium bisulfite present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 2% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, a compressive strength development enhancing and set retarding additive comprised of a copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid present in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, a set accelerating additive present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from 0.5% to about 3% and water present in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry; (b) pumping the cement composition into the annulus between the casing and the well bore; and (c) allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.

[0054] Calcium aluminate or one or more alkali metal aluminates can optionally be included in the cement composition of this method in an amount in the range of from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition.

[0055] Still another method of this invention is comprised of the steps of preparing a cement composition having a short transition time comprised of a hydraulic cement, a water reducing additive comprised of a sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensate present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 3% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.5%, a dispersing additive comprised of the condensation product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium bisulfite present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 2% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, a compressive strength development and set retarding additive comprised of a copolymer of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid present in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, a set accelerating additive present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 4% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from 0.5% to about 3%, water present in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry, a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam and a mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants present in an amount in the range of from about 0. 1% to about 3% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1%.

[0056] Calcium aluminate or one or more alkali metal aluminates can optionally be included in the cement composition of this method in an amount in the range of from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of hydraulic cement in the composition.

[0057] In order to further illustrate the methods and cement compositions of this invention, the following examples are given.

[0058] Test foamed cement compositions of this invention were prepared comprised of API Class H Portland cement, synthetic seawater, air, a mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants, an aqueous solution of a cement set accelerating additive and an aqueous solution of a mildly set retarding cement water reducing additive. The identities and quantities of the various components in the test samples are given in Table I below. The test compositions were tested for compressive strengths at 45° F. and 55° F. after curing for 24 hours using Tinius Olsen loading press equipment and for thickening time at 65° F. and 1,000 psi in accordance with the procedures described in the mentioned API Specification 10. The results of these test are given in test I below.

[0059] From Table I it can be seen that the test cement compositions of this invention meet the requirements for cementing in deep water offshore wells.

[0060] Additional test foamed cement compositions of this invention were prepared comprised of various API classes of Portland cement, a water reducing additive, a dispersing additive, a compressive strength enhancing and set retarding additive, synthetic seawater, air, and a mixture of cement composition foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants (a mixture of ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate, cocoylamidopropylbetaine and cocoylamidopropyl dimethyl amine). Some of the test compositions also included a cement composition set retarder comprised of a methylenephosphonic acid derivative or mixture of such derivatives. Such a cement composition retarder is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,832 issued to Childs et al. on Jun. 30, 1987, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other of the test compositions included calcium aluminate in various amounts to further shorten the transition time. The identities and quantities of the various components in the test samples are given in Table II below.

[0061] The test cementing compositions were mixed at normal densities and then foamed to reduce the densities of the compositions to in the range of from I0 to 12 pounds per gallon. Each of the test compositions was tested for thickening time in the temperature range of from 65° F. to 150° F. A measure of the transition time for each test composition was obtained by determining the time required for the consistency of the cement composition to increase from 30 B_c(Bearden units) to 70 B_cfollowed by measuring the time required for the cement composition to increase from 70 B_cto 100 B_c. The thickening time tests were run in accordance with the procedure set forth in API Specification For Materials And Testing For Well Cements, API Specification 10, Fifth Edition, dated Jul. 1, 1990 of the American Petroleum Institute. In accordance with API Specification 10 A, a cement slurry is considered to have set when it reaches a consistency of 100 B_c. It is also recognized in the art that a cement slurry begins to develop gel strength when it reaches a consistency of 30 B_c, it is not considered to be pumpable when it exceeds a consistency of 50 B_cand that a cement column loses its ability to transmit hydrostatic pressure when it reaches a consistency of 70 B_c. Thus, the transition time is the time from when the cement composition begins to develop gel strength (30 B_c) to when the cement composition gel strength is strong enough to prevent formation fluid inflow (100 B_c).

[0062] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,594 issued to Stiles et al. on Sep. 15, 1998 (prior art), a foamed cement composition is described having a short transition time, i.e., a right angle set property. The prior art cement composition of Stiles et al. is comprised of Portland cement, plaster of Paris (calcium sulfate), an aqueous fluid, a foaming agent and a foam stabilizing agent. Such a prior art cement composition was prepared and tested as described above for comparison purposes. The quantities of the various components in the test samples and the test results are also given in Table II below.

[0063] From Table II it can be seen that the compositions of the present invention and particularly test compositions 14, 15, 17-24, 29, 30 and 33 have short transition times, all of which are shorter than the comparative prior art test cement composition.

[0064] The particle size of Portland Class A cement below 10 microns was determined. Thereafter, small test portions of the cement were mixed with a few drops of the various additives utilized in the cement compositions of this invention, i.e., a sulfonated naphthalene -formaldehyde condensate (Halliburton “CFR-2™”), a condensation product of acetone, formaldehyde and sodium bisulfite (Halliburton “CFR-3™”) and calcium chloride. The resulting mixtures were then also tested for particle size. The results of these tests are set forth in Table III below.

[0065] From Table III, it can be seen that the additives of this invention function to de-agglomerate the cement particles.

[0066] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to attain the objects and advantages mentioned as well as those which are inherent therein. While numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.