When sealing a well or preparing for sidetrack drilling, achieving a solid cement plug can be challenging—especially in highly deviated or horizontal wells where gravity alone isn’t enough. This is where the pump-and-pull technique offers a smarter solution.
Why Pump-and-Pull?
Unlike gravity-dependent methods, the pump-and-pull technique offers a smarter, more controlled solution. By pulling the pipe while simultaneously pumping fluids, engineers can position cement with pinpoint accuracy—minimizing the risk of stringing out the slurry or losing placement precision.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced cement placement in high-angle wells
- Reduced risk of cement stringing and misplacement
- Effective in both vertical and deviated wellbores
- Greater control over cement spotting and fluid placement
The Challenge: Precision Is Key
Achieving successful pump-and-pull operations requires careful calibration of pulling speed and pumping rate to prevent fluid contamination. Engineers must consider several crucial factors, including:
- Fluid movement predictions
- Downhole equivalent circulating density (ECD) calculations
- Wellbore complexity and survey data
Three Key Techniques for Success:
- Sacrificial Cement Method – Pumps a small initial volume of cement to absorb potential contamination. This method is ideal for cased holes but not suited for irregular open holes.
- Pump and Pull After Cement Placement – Displaces cement before pulling the pipe. This is particularly useful when dealing with uncertain hole sizes.
- User-Defined Sequences – Tailors pulling speeds and pumping rates for real-time adjustments, providing deeper insights into the operation.
Watch the full video to see these techniques in action here.
Smarter Planning for Better Results
With advanced modeling, engineers can predict fluid tops, pressures, and temperatures—ensuring precision in every step. Simulation tools help refine the process, making complex plug jobs more efficient and reliable.
Learn how digital solutions like PlugPRO can enhance cementing strategies and simplify complex plug jobs by contacting our team.