3M™ Glass Bubbles for Cementing

Improved production, less remediation, reduced formation damage and better zonal isolation

Low-density cement slurries made with 3M™ Glass Bubbles offer the potential to reduce costs and improve performance compared to alternative solutions. In oil well cements, 3M glass bubbles can help reduce slurry density to below 9.2 pounds per gallon (1.08 kg/l). Unlike low-density cement slurries made by dilution with water or other techniques, cement slurries made with 3M glass bubbles develop quickly with high compressive strengths, minimizing waiting on cement (WOC).

Also, low-density slurries with 3M glass bubbles avoid the multiple staging that is commonly used in wells which require a long column of cement, and where weak exposed formations will not support the hydrostatic head during cementing.

These low-density slurries are an economical alternative for cementing wells that pass through low-fracture gradient zones and can provide several benefits:

• Reduced rig time required compared to multiple stage cementing
• Reduced possibility of formation breakdown
• Reduced possibility of lost circulation
• Increased efficiency of mud removal by allowing pipe rotation or reciprocation
• Increased yield per sack of cement
• Eliminated need for remedial squeeze

In summary, low-density slurries made with 3M glass bubbles HGS series permit cementing a deep well in a single stage, helping save both time and expense while reducing formation damage.