Cement bond logs (CBL)

The cement bond logging tools have become the standard method of evaluating
cement jobs since they not only detect the top of cement, but also indicate how
good the cement bond is. The CBL tool is basically a sonic tool which is run on
wireline. The distance between transmitter and receiver is about 3 ft . The logging
tool must be centralised in the hole to give accurate results. Both the time taken
for the signal to reach the receiver, and the amplitude of the returning signal, give
an indication of the cement bond. Since the speed of sound is greater in casing
than in the formation or mud the first signals which are received at the receiver
are those which travelled through the casing. If the amplitude (E1 ) is large (strong
signal) this indicates that the pipe is free (poor bond). When cement is firmly
bonded to the casing and the formation the signal is attenuated, and is
characteristic of the formation behind the casing.
 Variable Density Log (VDL)
The CBL log usually gives an amplitude curve and provides an indication of the
quality of the bond between the casing and cement. A VDL (variable density log),
provides the wave train of the received signal (Figure 28), and can indicate the
quality of the cement bond between the casing and cement, and the cement and
the formation. The signals which pass directly through the casing show up as
parallel, straight lines to the left of the VDL plot. A good bond between the casing
and cement and cement and formation is shown by wavy lines to the right of the
VDL plot. The wavy lines correspond to those signals which have passed into and
through the formation before passing back through the cement sheath and casing
to the receiver. If the bonding is poor the signals will not reach the formation and
parallel lines will be recorded all across the VDL plot. The interpretation of CBL
logs is still controversial. There is no standard API scale to measure the
effectiveness of the cement bond.
There are many factors which can lead to false interpretation:
• During the setting process the velocity and amplitude of the signals varies
significantly. It is recommended that the CBL log is not run until 24 - 36 hours
after the cement job to give realistic results.
• Cement composition affects signal transmission
• The thickness of the cement sheath will cause changes in the attenuation of the
signal
• The CBL will react to the presence of a micro annulus (a small gap between
casing and cement). The micro annulus usually heals with time and is not a critical
factor. Some operators recommend running the CBL under pressure to eliminate
the micro annulus effect