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Balanced-plug method. Basic calculations

April 19, 2019 By Lenin Diaz 53 Comments

Balanced-plug method. Basic calculations

Free Balanced Cement Plug Calculator at the end of this post. Check it out !

The most common placement method is the balanced plug technique. The work-string is run into the wellbore to the desired depth for the plug base. Contamination or mixing with the control fluid is avoided by the use of appropriate volumes of spacer or chemical wash. These are pumped ahead of and behind the cement slurry and the volumes correspond to the same heights in the annulus and in the pipe.

Balanced cement plug diagram

Volumetric calculations to place a balanced cement plug can be easily done based on the well schematic, pipe’s dimensions, open hole and casing sizes and the final cement plug length. See the next images for an example calculation.

It is common practice to slightly under-displace the plug (usually by 1–3 bbl). This practice avoids control fluid flow back on the rig floor after placement and allows the plug to reach a hydrostatic balance. Once the plug is balanced, the pipe is slowly pulled out of the cement to a depth above the plug, and excess cement is reversed out.

Targets of the calculation
Generic Equations

The maximum “recommended” cement plug length that can be placed in a single attempt is 200 meters.

In all my years, I never came across a good Excel sheet for the quick calculation of balanced cement plugs, they were always very specific or unable to consider variations in wellbore and drill pipe diameters. Well, I have finally completed one Excel sheet that I believe can be helpful. Now, I am saying this because I created this Excel sheet and it is working great for me, but I am sharing it with the objective to help people. I would like you to try it and give me your opinion or what improvements or changes it needs.

Finally, please remember it is a good practice to always double-check all job-related calculations, volumes, etc., with a team member, service company (engineer/job supervisor) or operator (co-man/WSDE).


Balanced Plug Calculator (Donate to get the Excel Sheet)

DP Details Lenght (m)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total String Lenght (Check) 0.00
Length of Cement Plug after POOH
Total Volume of spacer (bbl)
Volume of Spacer ahead (bbl) 0.00
Under-displacement (bbl)
TOC after POOH DP 0.00
Bottom of Plug 0.00
Cement Slurry Volume (bbl) 0.00
Average Cement Plug / wellbore Size (in) 0.00
Average Capacity (bbl/ft) 0.00
Average Capacity (bbl/m) 0.00
DP Volume 0.00
Annular Volume 0.00
Wellbore Volume with DP in 0.00
Wellbore Volume 0.00
Metal Displacement 0.00
Drill Pipe / Tubing Volume
Top (m) Bottom (m) ID (in) OD (in) Cap (bbl/ft) Cap (bbl/m) Volume (bbl)
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
Annular Volume
DP/Hole Details Top (m) Bottom (m) Hole/Casing Dia/ID (in) Cap (bbl/ft) Cap (bbl/m) Volume (bbl)
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Output
Output Details Lenght (m) Top (m) Vol in DP (bbl) Vol in Annulus (bbl)
TOC with DP in 0.00
Length of Cement Plug with DP in 0.00 0.00 0.00
Displacement to Balance 0.00
Underdisplacement 0.00 0.00
Volume of Cement inside with underdisplacement 0.00 0.00
TOC in DP with DP in and Underdisplacement 0.00
TOC in Annulus with DP in and Underdisplacement 0.00
Total Volume of Spacer 0.00
TOS after POOH 0.00
Length of Spacer after POOH 0.00
TOS with DP in 0.00
Volume of Spacer behind 0.00 0.00
Volume of Spacer Ahead 0.00
TOS in DP with DP in and Underdisplacement 0.00
TOS in Annulus with DP in and Underdisplacement 0.00
Summary
Summary Results Volume (bbl) Length (m) Top (m)
Mud 0.00 0.00 0.00
Spacer Ahead 0.00 0.00 0.00
Cement Slurry (Annular) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Cement Slurry (DP) 0.00 0.00 0.00
Spacer Behind 0.00 0.00 0.00
Mud 0.00 0.00 0.00

Instructions:

a) Use the 7 sections to input different placement string diameters and/or different wellbore diameters (casing IDs, OH diameter). For example, if a 5″ DP goes across a 9 5/8″ casing and 8 1/2″ open hole, use two (02) sections repeating 5″ DP two times in DP Details then is DP/hole Details for same depths write 9 5/8″ ID and 8 1/2″ for the OH.

b) Total volume of spacer (bbl) is the sum of spacer ahead and spacer behind. Change the total value until getting a round number for the volume ahead.


Please make a Donation to get the Excel version of this Balanced Plug Calculator with graphic output


Recommended posts:

https://better-cementing-for-all.org/some-guidelines-for-cement-plugs

https://better-cementing-for-all.org/balance-to-succeed-a-case-of-cement-plugs-in-losses-situation

https://better-cementing-for-all.org/highly-deviated-and-horizontal-well-section-abandonment

Cheers

L. Diaz

Related posts:

  1. Is a base necessary for your Cement Plug? – Part 2
  2. Cement, Spacer, all there. But where’s the wiper plug?
  3. Balance to succeed: Cement Plugs in losses situation
  4. Horizontal or highly deviated well section abandonment?

Filed Under: Plug Cementing, Remedial Cementing Tagged With: balanced plug calculator, calculation, cement plugs

Article Posted By:

Lenin Diaz is an oil industry specialist with 26 years of technical and operational expertise in fluids, cementing, water control and shut-off. A distinguished track record spanning BP, Schlumberger, and NAPESCO. Lenin lives in Tenerife, Spain and is the creator of this website. Read More…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Raul says

    July 22, 2019 at 11:49 pm

    Great article exactly what I learn in schlumberger and Halliburton and Put in práctic for each cement plug that I pump.

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      July 27, 2019 at 5:21 am

      Thanks for your contribution Raul
      Cheers
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  2. Robert Broussard says

    December 27, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    I would like to try out your excel sheet if you would like to send it to me. Thanks

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      December 29, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Robert
      Soon to be posted available to all
      Cheers
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  3. Karol says

    January 20, 2020 at 4:45 am

    Hi Leni,
    This looks amazing. I have made my donation to get the excel file. what payment details do you need?

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      January 25, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      Thanks for your donation, I hope you enjoy the Excel sheet. BTW, I have a new version, able to use common oilfield units.
      Cheers,
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  4. Bobby Lewis says

    January 22, 2020 at 5:04 am

    Looks great.
    I think I could do it on paper quicker than filling in the blanks.
    H over c plus t

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      January 25, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      Sure you can Bobby,
      Thanks for your input
      Cheers
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  5. John North says

    February 4, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    During a complex multi-diameter hole, casing, rat hole, milled section and open hole with xs, cement plug job I came up with an idea to double-check the relatively complex calculations using a far simpler method. The sg of the steels we use is approximately 64.4 lb/gal (7.85 s.g.). If we know the combined weight of pipe inc. stinger for the length of the plug with the drill pipe out we can work out the displacement of the pipe from its weight lb/ft x ft (for each pipe section). Thus we can calculate the volume of cement displaced by the volume of steel pipe. That volume in a balanced plug will increase the height of the cement by the volume of the steel (gal) / (ann vol gal/ft+ id vol pipe gal/ft) in that section. If the same od/id stinger covers all the cement the additional volume is the displacement of the pipe. Then use the normal method to work out the increase of the height of the cement due to the pipe displacement. This saves calculating volumes for each section of the hole with different id’s with drill pipe in. Hope that I have explained this well.

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      February 6, 2020 at 12:15 am

      Hi John, thanks for your contribution and I have to say that is clever indeed, plus very well explained for our readers.
      In a way I used a similar approach with several conditional equations for variations of wellbore / Pipe OD with and without the pipe in. You can have a look at the Excel version of the calculator.
      Cheers
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  6. HERVE NDAYE says

    March 20, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    thank you

    Reply
  7. HERVE NDAYE says

    March 20, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    i’m really interested in your article

    i’m working my thesis on the platform design and cementing design.

    i have a preocupation for you, my adresse is ingenieur.ndaye@gmail.com

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      March 23, 2020 at 11:57 am

      Hi Herve, Happy to help. Please let me know more details

      Reply
  8. mustafa says

    April 8, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Hello How Can I get the Excel copy of the above sheet please ?

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      April 11, 2020 at 7:07 am

      Hi Mustafa, thanks for your interest in my blog in well cementing. I am sharing the Excel sheet version of the calculator via email following your kind donation to my website.

      Cheers
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  9. montader says

    April 25, 2020 at 3:24 am

    hello Mr. Lenin ,

    i would love to know your judgement about the right position for OEDP while pumping a cement plug , which is more preferable for you to position the stirng across the loss zone or above it by some distance ?

    i would like to know any means to message you if you do not mind please .

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      April 25, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Montader, thanks for your question.
      In the case of total losses to a well-identified narrow (induced or natural fractures, faults, or similar) losses zone it is best to position the end of the DP above and the distance would depend on the severity and nature of the solution. Typically if your solution is something reacting in-situ you would increase the separation from the top of the losses zone; other than that (particle-based or LCM combination) you can place it right above. Another point of view to place the DP’s end above the losses zone is when having the solution circulating is considered counterproductive or catastrophic in nature (like a Calcium Chloride + Sodium silicate solution).
      For partial losses, you can place the DP at the bottom of the losses zone, particularly for longer intervals, like a high-permeability layer.
      You can use my personal email: dlenin@hotmail.com
      Cheers,
      L.Diaz

      Reply
  10. montader says

    April 25, 2020 at 3:54 am

    i would like also to know your thoughts on the perfect string position to spot and squeeze whether Coss_linking polymer pills or any other LCM pills for thief zone ? should it be on bottom (vugs, fractures on bottom and let’s say the string is a meter off bottom) then POOH to the top of LCM pill and squeeze it ?or to Place the string above loss zone some distance (10_30)m then spot the pill and squeeze it ? .
    in the fields we tend to go with the second option which is to spot the pill above the loss zone and squeeze once left the bit . iwe had an argument about this matter some assumed if the string positioned above the top of loss zone , there is a possibility that part of pill would travel up the annulus instead of moving down to the loss zone therefore other pill could be required .

    i wish that you could address this issue in some details and i will be patiently waiting for any words .
    regards

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      April 26, 2020 at 8:55 am

      Hi Montander,
      As I previously mentioned, the position of the string depends on the severity of the losses (total or partial), and if you like the risks associated with the solution itself.
      In the case of total losses, solution-fluids would flow to the path of least resistance and into the losses zone.
      However, at some point, the fluid level can move up the annulus (due to the characteristics/volume of the solution fluids increasing the friction pressure at the losses zone), including the possibility of solution fluids moving behind the placement string. This possibility shall be risk-assessed and proper prevention and mitigation included in the design and placement procedure.
      Some of these measures possibly including; the distance between the DP and the top of the losses zone, volume of fluids, modifying characteristics of the fluids (thickening or gelling time), use of pre and post-flushes, reciprocation of the DP, use of disposable tail-pipe, etc.
      In any case, it is imperative to monitor the annulus for any returns during the treatment and be ready to close if required to ensure injection.
      Hope this helps,
      Cheers,
      L. Diaz

      Reply
      • montader says

        May 23, 2020 at 9:40 pm

        many thanks sir for your time to reply my question i highly appreciate that

        Reply
        • Lenin Diaz says

          May 24, 2020 at 2:08 pm

          Thanks to you Montader, for supporting my website

          Reply
  11. sadeghi says

    July 8, 2020 at 6:34 am

    very helpful

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      July 18, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Thanks Sadeghi. Any way I can help, let me know

      Reply
  12. Ronaldo says

    January 28, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    Do you have the Excel version of this Balanced Plug Calculator with graphic output in feet instead of meters?

    If you do I would like to purchase

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      January 29, 2021 at 7:06 pm

      Hi Ronaldo, following your donation, I just sent you both excel sheet calculators. Any comment or question, please let me know.
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  13. Enio Rafael Gutierrez Ruz says

    January 28, 2021 at 11:20 pm

    Hola Lenin, buenas tardes. Primero felicitaciones por tan excelente iniciativa en crear esta enlace web para consulta en cementaciones de pozos. estuve revisando el articulo “Balanced-plug method. Basic calculations”

    Existe la posibilidad de poder obtener la hoja excel para el calculo de tapones balanceados?

    Gracias
    Enio Gutierrez

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      January 29, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      Claro, Enio, por favor escribe a mi email sin problemas.
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  14. Ronaldo Slootweg says

    January 29, 2021 at 2:21 am

    Hi Lenin, i have donated to your cause and can do more to help if so required. Could you send me the Excel version of your balanced plug calculator preferable in common oilfield units.

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      January 29, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks for your donation and support to my website.
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  15. Ejat says

    November 11, 2021 at 6:35 pm

    Hi, i am interested in the excel sheet but i am not able to make donation from where i am living now. Would you kindly advise pls.

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      February 12, 2022 at 9:31 am

      Hi Ejat, let me know how I can help?

      Reply
  16. Paul White says

    April 21, 2022 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Lenin,

    I tried to donate in order to obtain the spreadsheet however the donate button does not work for me. Can you please email me the spreadsheet and tell me is there another method I can use to donate?

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      April 21, 2022 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Paul, just sent you an email with the sheet attached

      Thanks a lot for this support to my website

      Cheers
      L. Diaz

      Reply
  17. Jesse Benites says

    April 27, 2022 at 5:06 am

    I have made a donation today

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      April 27, 2022 at 8:05 am

      Thanks for this contribution, Jesse

      Reply
      • Jesse Benites says

        April 27, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        May I please get a copy of the excel sheet?

        Reply
        • Lenin Diaz says

          April 27, 2022 at 2:38 pm

          Hi jesse, thanks a lot for your donation and support. I sent to your email the excel sheet
          Cheers,
          L. Diaz

          Reply
  18. tom lagler says

    May 20, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    Hi,
    I would like to test the excel.
    Please let me know how to proceed.
    Thx,
    Tom

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      June 1, 2022 at 1:20 pm

      The sheet is tested already
      Please send me an email to explain to proceed

      Reply
  19. tom says

    May 27, 2022 at 1:48 pm

    Hi there, how can I get your spreadsheet? And in ft?

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      June 1, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      Hi Tom
      It comes multi units
      Send me an email and can explain

      Reply
  20. KURSAT says

    August 17, 2022 at 5:58 am

    I tried to donate in order to obtain the spreadsheet however the donate button does not work for me. Can you please email me the spreadsheet and tell me is there another method I can use to donate?

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      September 23, 2022 at 11:42 am

      Hi Kursat,
      Please send me an email and I will explore what the problem was

      Reply
      • kursat yildirim says

        November 8, 2022 at 8:56 pm

        paypal was banned in my country years ago so i can’t donate i need this excel file very much. what should i do

        Reply
        • Lenin Diaz says

          December 12, 2022 at 12:21 pm

          Please send me an email to dlenin@hotmail.com

          Reply
  21. Alibek Uskembayev says

    September 13, 2022 at 4:57 am

    Hi,
    Could i get the excel sheet please?
    Thank you
    A

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      September 23, 2022 at 11:42 am

      Please send me an email
      Thanks

      Reply
  22. Kevin Mueller says

    September 25, 2022 at 11:45 am

    Hi Lenin

    I made my donation through pay pal. Would I be able to receive the excel sheet?

    Thank you for your help!

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      December 12, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      Thanks Kevin, any questions regarding the use of the sheet, please let me know

      Reply
  23. david cecelski says

    December 10, 2022 at 6:16 am

    hello. would like a email for donation and plug calculations excel spreadsheet. thank u

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      December 12, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Please use the paypal link

      Reply
  24. David Cecelski says

    December 11, 2022 at 2:59 am

    Hi,
    Could i get the excel sheet please?
    Thank you . oilfield units

    Reply
    • Lenin Diaz says

      December 12, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Glad you find this useful. Please send me an email

      Reply

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