Presenter
Armando Gomez Oviedo from Halliburton
Co-authors
Jose Antonio Herrera2, Daniel Jonas1, Tien Nguyen1, Dan Sturdee1, Jone Idsø1, Gianbattista Tosi2, Jacques Lara2, Binu Varuguese2, Lucia Isabel Cabello2, 1Aker BP-Norway, 2Halliburton Norway
Abstract
Accurate cement volume estimation is fundamental for achieving well integrity and zonal isolation. Traditionally, this process uses caliper logs to determine the borehole geometry, but in time-critical operations, acquiring wireline caliper data is often impractical. The conventional solution is to use the nominal hole size with conservative excess factors that yield inaccurate cement volumes, resulting in wasted resources or potential integrity risks. This case study presents a method to overcome these operational constraints.
The approach utilizes a logging-while-drilling (LWD) ultrasonic caliper, coupled with a streamlined data-delivery process, to provide accurate borehole geometry and cement volume without delaying the drilling schedule. This tailored, automated workflow was developed to enable rapid data retrieval, processing, and interpretation, supported by close collaboration between the drilling, cementing, and geoscience teams. Planning was fundamental for the successful implementation of this procedure, with every team involved in the operation required to be online to execute its tasks promptly.
Implementation across several wells in the Norwegian North Sea demonstrated significant improvements in operational efficiency and cementing accuracy. The uncertainty in top-of-cement (TOC) prediction was reduced to less than five meters, enabling optimized cement placement and improved zonal isolation. The workflow eliminated unnecessary cement surplus, reducing waste, costs, and preparation time, while maintaining compliance with stringent well-integrity requirements. In addition to operational benefits, ultrasonic caliper measurements provide valuable information for geomechanical analysis and to improve geological understanding, contributing to enhanced drilling performance and decision-making in future operations.
This case study underscores the value of integrating LWD real-time and memory data with automated workflows in time-critical operations environments. By leveraging existing downhole measurements and coordinated team efforts, operators can achieve precise cement volume estimations without compromising operational timelines. The lessons learned from this case study provide a practical framework for similar applications in future drilling operations, where efficiency and accuracy are critical to success.
Supporting document (download from Google Drive)
Biography
Armando Gomez Oviedo is a Petrophysicist and Geoscience Advisor with over 15 years of experience in formation evaluation, reservoir characterization, and integrated subsurface solutions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geoscience Engineering and a Master’s degree in Renewable Energies Management. Having worked across the Norwegian Continental Shelf, Mexico, and Latin America, he is recognized for combining technical expertise, innovation, and business leadership to support reservoir development and optimization.