Chemical Washes & Cement Spacers

Petrochem - Oil and Gas Chemical Wash Liquid (P-CWL2) is used to prepare chemical washes & cement spacers for water-based mud systems. This pre-flush system serves as a spacer between drilling fluid and the cement slurry that prevents mud gelation; which normally happens when cement contacts the drilling mud. A poor bond is created between the pipe and the formation because the cement slurry bypasses through the viscous gelled mud. P-CWL2 has a low viscosity and a zero yield point allowing the chemical to have a turbulent flow at very low pump rates. It is the viscosity eddies from the turbulent fluid that sweeps the side of the pipe and formation resulting in excellent mud removal. The end result of using this additive is a clean surface along the face of the casing and formation; thus increasing the chances of generating a good bond with the cement slurry and the pipe and foundation. Know the following when using this additive:

• P-CWL2 is used to prepare chemical wash spacers for water-based mud systems, however; the addition of P‑NSL4 is required at a concentration of 1-2 gallons per barrel of P-CWL2 to make the chemical wash liquid compatible with an oil-based mud system.

Petrochem - Oil and Gas Chemical Wash Liquid (P-CWL3) is used to prepare chemical wash spacers for both water-based and oil‑based mud systems.

• The normal concentration range of P-CWL3 is ~4-5 Gallons per barrel of water depending on compatibility testing.
• Compatibility testing is highly recommended prior to use in the field.

Petrochem - Laminar Flow Spacer Powder (P-LFS) is a water-based Laminar/plug flow spacer fluid used to the bottom-hole temperatures and are used ahead of cement slurries.  This spacer fluid separates the slurry and is designed to be compatible with oil-based drilling fluids. This cement spacer can be used in freshwater or seawater with a 37% salt ratio. P-LFS can be pre-hydrated in saltwater systems, but the salt must be added after complete hydration. It is recommended to add a weighting agent if needed. All spacers are designed to be a higher density and viscosity than the drilling mud. Understanding the following for cement spacers:

• P-LFS is compatible with most water-based muds, however; compatibility tests with the mud and cement are strongly encouraged. 
• Oil-based muds are recommended to use P-LFS with P-NSL4; which is a non-ionic surfactant, which will render the spacer compatible with the oil.
• Increased temperatures will tend to thin the spacer fluid, but will not cause the gel structure to break as it will continue to support the solids.
• The mixing equipment used for pre-hydrating must be clean of all mud contamination for best results.
• Do not pre-hydrate the P-LFS for more than a few hours before the job or a bactericide will be required to remedy the problem

Petrochem - Mutual Solvent Liquid (P-MS) design offers a wide range of capabilities and can be used alone or with acid, brine crude oil and other hydrocarbon solvents. 

• P-MS is used at a concentration of 10% by volume and it can also be used in combination with other Petrochem surfactants, dispersants and/or non-emulsifying agents.

The following are direct benefits of using this mutual solvent:

• Water and Oil Solubilization
• Solids Dispersions
• Emulsion Destabilization
• Water wetting in selected surfactant systems

Petrochem - Cement Spacer Surfactant Liquid (P-NSL4)  is a nonionic (cement spacer) surfactant liquid, which is pourable to temperatures as low as 42°F and is a highly effective wetting agent in water or in acid based stimulation fluids. It also has the desirable characteristic of leaving both limestone and sandstone water wet.

• P-NSL4 lowers injection pressures and improves the return of treating fluids by reducing the surface and interfacial tensions of treating solutions. It is recommended for water injection wells where high injection rates are desired while maintaining acceptable injection pressure. It also finds application as a foaming agent in air drilling operations or in clearing wells that have been killed with water.
• P-CWL2 is used to prepare chemical wash spacers for both water based and oil‑based mud systems. The addition of P‑NSL4 is required at a concentration of 1-2 gallons per barrel of P-CWL2 to make the chemical wash liquid compatible with an oil-based mud system. P-NSL4 surfactant is easily handled and it dissolves easily in water, brines and acids and can be adequately mixed by agitation with air or paddles.

The following are direct benefits of using this nonionic (cement spacer) surfactant liquid,

• Lowering injection pressures 
• Improving the return of treating fluids
• Reducing the surface and interfacial tensions of treating solutions
• Acts as a foaming agent in air drilling operations
• Cleaning wells that have been killed by water

Contact a Cement Additives Professional

At Petrochem, we are committed to making sure that the pipe and foundation have a great bond with cement slurries. Please contact a concrete additive supplier specialist when choosing the right chemical wash, cement spacer and mutual solvents that interact with drilling operations, casing, piping, and formations. Petrochem is proud of offering multiple additives that can keep sandstone wet and remove heavy dried mud on cement that’s impacting drilling operations. Learn more about all of the products that make concrete slurries better for the oilfield industry.