Blast furnace slag use reduces well completion cost

Universal fluid containing blast furnace slag (BFS) has proven to be an economical means for completing wells with difficult drilling and completion problems by reducing overall completion cost and reducing or eliminating squeeze work need. This article discusses the following topics involved in BFS mud-system and cementing applications: (1) Stratton field background including completion practices and main operational field problems; (2) drilling fluid field characteristics; (3) field cementing procedures and problems; (4) universal fluid/BFS cement applications including compressive strength and annular isolation; (5) field application case histories; and (6) discussion of results.