I

A Practical Approach to the

Interpretation of Cement Bond Logs
E.L. Bigelow,

SPE, Gulf

oil E&PCo.

Srrlnmav
The cement bond log has been controversial since ita inception. Despite its potential, it is possibly the most
ma@ed logging service available to the industry.
Effective zone isolation between permeable intervals in
a welf requires a cement sheath over an appreciable vertical interval. It is necessary for the annular cement sheath
to provide an effective hydraulic seal to withstand subsequent completion and production operations.
The oil industry has used wireline welf logs to detect
the presence or absence of cement behind pipe for more
than 20 years. Users have attempted, not always successfully, to evaluate the effectiveness of cement bond to
both pipe and formation with cement bond logs.
Cement bond logs do not misIead. Poor interpretation
habits mislead. Knowledge of the well completion and tie
inherent physical restraints placed on the log measurements is needed to evaluate the log properly.
The purpose here is@ dispel some of the myths created
by misguided interpretation practices. Examples of cement bond logs that fall into tfrk category will be
presented.
Introduction
The interpretation of cement bond logs is controversial
for three primary reasons: (1) dependence on and oversimplified use of the pipe amplitude cnrve, (2) lack of
nnderatnnding of the full acoustic waveform, and
(3) failure to compare tie physical restmints of the well
completion to the log measurements. Most misinterpretations are caused by, any or all of these reasons.
As with any loggizrg service, the analyst must understand each measurement-not onIy how it is made, but
also its accuracy or inaccuracy under different circumstances.
Attcmpta to quantify cement compressive strength from
pipe amplitode measurements we commonly met will
skepticism. No argument will be found here. Borehole
conditions must be nenrly ideal to measure attenuation
rates with enough accuracy to arrive at meaningful
calcnfations of cement compressive strength. Detemrination of the bond index from attenuation ratea is subject
to the same rigid judgment of borehole conditions.
Tbe user ddes not need an extensive background in
acoustics to acquire a practicnl understanding of the full
aconstic waveform as presented on modem-day logs. Its
interpretation
is simple, afthougfr
qualitative,
SeveraJ service contractors present a single-receiver
travel time curve. This measurement may have more
Cwyrlght

1985 Society d Petroleum

JULY19S5

Engineers

potential in the evaluation of cement integri~ than the pipe

amplitude curve.
Comparison of the fnff waveform to logs that are sensitive to porosity/lithology can help to evaluate the cement bond Io.g. Caliper information from the open hole
is important. Knowledee of the well mechanics and factr about. as
well aa con~itionsduring, ihe &gent job is extremely important in evaluating the measurements from cement bond
logs.
The piinmiy pu@ose for using cement bond logs in the
oil industry is to determine (1) the presence or absence
of cement over certain depth intervnls, and (2) whether
cement is bonded to the pipe, the formation, or both.
A quantitative evaluation ahonld be made whenever conditions male it possible. When conducive conditions are
not present, rbaa6nable evaluations of cement integrity can
be made using rational, intelligent qualitative methods.
The Acoustic Meaaufing System
The transmitter is the heart of the system. It is alternately switched on and off at a tixed rate. When energized
by a transducer, which canses a sudden physical chnnge
in size, the transmitter vibrates, which in turn produces
elastic compressional waves These vibrational waves are
acoustical coupled from the tmnsmittcr through a special
fluid to a special retaining sleeve, which Wmsfers the
energy to the borehole fluid, propagating wavea spherically in all directions from the transmitter.
Compresaional waves are propagated down the sleeve
of the instrument, vertically through the borehole fluid,
and horizontally across the bottomhole fluid. For cement
bond log purposes, the wave front that moves duectly to
the casing is of primary interest. As it impinges on the
casing, some energy is reflected, while the bakmce is
transferred into the steel, the cement aheath, and the formation. see. Fig. 1.
All materials surrounding the transmitter have been
caused to vibrate. These materials allow .ihe passage of
sound waves through them in the form of elastic waves.
Each type of material exhibita its characteristic effects on
the efnstic waves. These effects inthence wave veloci~,
amplitude, and frequency.
The receiver operates essentially as a traknitter in
reverse fashion. Passage of waves from tie transmitter
through mud, caaing, cement, formation, and back to the
receiver &ltersthe compressional waves. Of primary interest are the creation of shear-type waves in solid materials and the reduction in amplitude of the original
1285

;
.-/1
:

Transmitter

----- 1..l!

IF=

AMPLITUDE
INCREASES

I .
CEMENT

FREE

PIPE

FORMATION
,ARTIAL

BOND

pOORLY

Jr

CEMENTED

1 NO

I
Fig. iPaths

of transmitted

EFFECTIVELY
CEMENTED

sound to the receiver.

Fig. 2Generally accepted
amplitude CUNE,

compressiomd waves; Shear-iype waves travel more slowly than compreasional waves. Shear waves cannot travel
through fluids. The full acoustic waveform may include
both compressional and shear waves, followed by &e arrival of vemical waves coming directly through the
borehole fluid, and additional reflective waves called
Stoneley waves.
Pfpe Ampfitude. In terms of the human ear, amplitude
means how loud. In the case of the cement bond log,
the pipe amplitude ,measurement represents the amount
of energy received at the receiver, which is a fixed
distance (ustiy 3 II [1 m]) ffom the transmitter. The term
attenuation is representative of energy loss during
transmission.
The amplitude measurement is representative of the first
detected arrival at tie receiver. It is the measurement from
which quantitative numbers of cement compressive
streneti and the bond index are derived. Tbe generalIy
accepted qutiltative interpretation of the amplitude curve
is illustrated in Fig. 2, and is as follows.
1. High amplitude indicates that the pipe is relatively
free to vibrate; hence, it is poorly bonded or unsupported.
2. Lower amplitude indicates that tie caaing is more
confined or bonded. The cofilnement causes adsorption
of the wave energy, and hence, lower amplitude.
3. Amplitude readings between maximum and
minimum values are logarithmic functions of the percent
of bond.
This sihgle measurement, and the oversimplified interpretation of it, is the source of most of the tales created
about cement bond logs.
Amplitude can be measured with electrical accuracy,
but the physical restraints of the logging instrument and
ita relationship to casing, borehole, cement, and formation, and their physical relationship to one another, com1286

CEMENT

qualitative

interpretation

of the

plicates the measurement. In cement bond logging,

mechanical energy (transmitter) is transformed intc
acoustical energy during transmission to the receiver.
A number of physical conditions can le+idto erroneous
amplitude interpretations. Some of these, along with
reference sources relating to them, are as follows.
1. Amplitude detection method-jl.xed gate or floating
gate. 1.2 Erroneously high amplitudes can occur with
floating gates.
2. Fast fotion.
This condition occurs earfier thaR,
or at the same lime as, pipe arrival. 1< Amplitu& reading
is questionable at best.
3. Tool eccentenng. Thk condition reduces amplitude. 1-5
4. In.rujjicient curin time for cemenz. This condition
increases amplitude. 3,+
5., Cement sheath < % in. [<2 cm]. With either well
centered or oorly centered casing, thk will increase
amplitude.z~g
6. Microanmdus. This condition imireasea amphtude. 2.4,6.9
7. Gas bubbles. Gas bubbles in the borehole fluid will
decreme the acoustic signal. 5
8. Void spaces in the cement sheath. These wifl increase
amplitude. 6$
9. Pipe thickness. Changes in pipe thickness from one
joint to another will cause different minimum ador maximum amplitude values. 7.s
10. Cement. Cement may be bondixi to the pipe, but not
to the formatio~ fbia results in low pipe amplitude but
pow cement integrity. 6
In addition tGthese factors, comptiym to cement bond
logs on adjacent wells can be @sleading becanse (1) the
eqnipment-tmmducer
we, transmitter-receiver spac.JOURNALOF PETROLEUM
TECHNOLOGY

Fig. 3A floating-gate
$ngle-receiver
Schlumberger).

threshold detection is used for the

travel time measurement
(courtesy

ings, ~ansmittcr frequencies, etc. varies, snd (2) the

operational techniques-tool centering, logging speed,
c~lbrations, etc. 9 vary.
Single-Receiver Travel Time. Tfds measurement is not
always presented by service contractors. Although it is
not a necessity, it is a very convenient measurement to
have when evaluating a cement bond log. It is, very
simply, the time for the first detected amplhnde arrival
at the receiver, through a floating gate.measurement. This
msnns that the logging engineer must physically set a
dmeshold detection level. The ~@Old is us~Y determined whale descending the hole, in free pipe, by checking the maximum tirst arrival amplitude. Detection level
is nonnslly set at less Oum50% of the mnximmn tlcc pip
nmplitide, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
The floating gate remains open across the WOusticsP~trum until an amplitude pulse of sufficient loudness
triggers tie measurement. Obviously, the engineers b,as
setting is important.
If the logging tool is well centered in free, unbended
pipe, the travel, time curve should read a reasonably
precise value, which can be calculated by multiplying the
transmitter receiver spsn by the pipe transit time and adding the pipe ID (ii feet) multiplied by tie fluid transit time.
Pipe signsl is well defined as57 ysec/ft [17 ysec/m].
Transmitter receiver spacing is usually 3 ft [1 m]. Pipe
ID can be easily detsrmiried if casing size snd weight are
known, but it must be converted to fractional, or decimal,
values of feet. care must be taken fOr $e bOrehOlefluid
mansit time, as it will increase numerically from salt water
to fresh water to diesel to oil. An exnmple for 3-ft [1-m]
span, 5-in. [13-cm] ID casing, ad nO~~ fresh dflng
fluid is (3 x57) +(~, x 189)=250 ILSSC.Chsrts that approximate tids procedure also have been published. 11
The travel the curve can be.~sedtO ch~k the cenmring of the tool. With a well-centered tool, it will read a
straight or consistent value for uncemented pipe. See Fig.
4. If an adjacent pipe joint bas a different weight
(thickness), it will change the measured vsl.e slightly,
but that different vnlue also should remain consistent over
the depth interwd of that pipe joint. The alternative, when
the travel time curve is not available, is to check log
repeatabfity. If well centered, acoustic logs should repeat
very closely.
Tool Eccentered. If the tool is eccentered, there will
be irregular readings through indhidual pipe joints that

Fig. 4Travel time curve indicates

uncemented pipe.

tool is well centered

[n

M@titd,

108L ECCENTEBED

D~~TIONWE

,,,,
TRANSIT TIME

.!
ECCENTE81NB
EFFECT 0 A!

Fig. SEffect of eccentering on the first amplitude

(courtesy Schlumberger).

Fig. 6Effect
of eccentering
on
(courtesy Schlumberger).

the

acoustical

arrival

signal

1237

JULY19S5

TRAVEL TIME

AMPLITUDE

Fig. 7Both travel time and fixed-gate amplitude measure.

ments are affected by poor tool centering.

Fig. SEarly formation arrivals trigger travel.time

detection level.

are not cemented. This generally reducca the travel me

from 5 to 15 psec (depending on the extent of eccentering), 1,2 piPe ~phmdes may be severely reduced ~der
such conditions. Sec Fig. 5. As much as 50% signal loss
can octi with as little as %-in. [0.6-cm] eccentering. .9
See Fig. 6. An example of an eccentered tools effect ia
shown on the cement bond log in Fig. 7.

Stratch. Travel time stretch occurs when the fust pipe

arrival ia detected in bonded .jntervals. 2 A slight delay
in travel time (2 to 3 Asec) is caused by the attenuated
pip: @p!.itude, as shown in Fig. 12. A cement bond log
example with travel time stretch is illustrated in Fig. 13.

Fast Formation. When caaing is well bonded to fast

formations (Mgh velocity, low travel time), the earlieramiving amplitude pulses trigger early detection. This also
can occur when cccentered casing is in direct contact with
a fast formation. L6w-porositj limestones and dolomites
are typical casea of fist formation (45 to 50 pseilfi, [14
io 15 pscdm] formation signals), which arrive ealier than
caaihg signal (57 psec/ft [17 pscdm]). See Fig. 8.
Cycle-Skipping. When the travel time curve reads a
bigher value than calculated casing times (excludng casing
collars), it is usually the result of well-bonded cement.
Cycle-skipping to later nznplitude arrivals is caused by
the attenuation of pipe arrivals. 2 These later iwrivals are
usually strong formation sigmls, while the pipe arrivals
were flattened, 01 attenuated, by the muffling effect of
the well-bonded cement. Cycle-skipping is illustrated ~
Fig. 9,. (Gas in the borehole fluid also can cause cycleskipping.) A cement bond log example with a cYcleskipping travel time cume is shown in Fig. 10. Note tiat
the amplitude cycle-skips at the same depths as the travel
time measurenicrd. A ilxcd-gate detection would have pmiidcd a more meaningful measurement of pipe amplitude.
Fixed-gate detection forces the amplitude to be measured
within a &ed time along the spectrum, as illustrated in
Fig. 11.

threshold

Full Waveform Signature or

Variable-Density Display
Two presentations of the acou.wic energy spectrum arc
offered by service companies. Both measure ilre same
thing, usually with a 5-ft [1.5-m] transmitter-to-receiver
span. @ illustration of both presentation types on the
same well is shown in Fig. 14. There are advantages to
both types, which are as follows.
L Full Wavqform Signature. This is a display of the
received signal, as observed on the oscilloscope. It is
usually recorded every 1 or 2 ft [0.3 to 0.6 in] ofdepth,
and scaled fzom 200 to 1,200 psec across one track. It
allows the user the advantage of observing the amplitude
of ~ch puke. Some find it more djfficult to use, eapccidly
where. more heterogeneous formation conditions exist,
causiig some inte mixing of the waveforms.
2. Variabla-Density Display. This is a z-axis intehsitymodu@cd signal that displaya amplitude in vajiig shades
from black to white, along with the time vs. depth scales.
The advantage of this presentation is that it allows a more
panoramic view of the borehole-i. e., fcamres that may
not be easily recognizable on a single waveform can be
traced up and down the borehole to reco=tie whether
they represent casing, formation, or mud arrivals A
drawback is the difficulty in reproducing the wmious
shades between white and black effectively, which liita
the abtity to judge the individual pulse amplitudes.
JOGFWALOF

PETROLEUM

TECHNOLOGY

. s ...+
Fig. 9Cycle

skipping

effect (courtesy

Schlumberger).

Fig. 4 OCycle skipping to later arrival because of attenuated

pipe signal. Amplitude also skips because it was
recorded with a floati rig-gate detection system.

Fig. 11 Fixed-gate
vs. floating-gate
amplitude
ents (courtesy schlumberger).

measure.

Fig. 12Stretch

(courtesy

Fig. 13Attenuated
first arrival
stretch. in travel time.

Schlumberger).

causes

slight

delay,

Fig. I&Cement
bond log with both variable-density
waveforms displays.

or

and full

1289

JULY 1985
..-

TIME

Fig. 15ldeaiizsd

acoustic

waveform.

Before delving into the interpretation aspects of the

acoustic energy spectmm, it is prudent to explain them
us simply as possible. To tie uninitiated, the variable density log (VDL) display is nothing more than a bunch of
wiggling lines of variable shading that are more or less
parallel. Neither the wiggles, their shading, nor their location convey any meaning to the novice. Even to those well
acquainted with commercial acoustic logging, there is
much in the display that is puzzling.
Aa idediied picture of the acoustic wave train is shown
in Fig. 15. It is the type of tmcc that might be observed
for a single tmusmitter tiring. Signal mnplitade is shown
in the ordinatq time (measured from the instant of
transmitter firing), in the abscissa. It is well established
that thk bssic waveform consists of four different types
of wave amivuls. These are, in order of their arrival (left
to right) the following: (1) the compressional wave (Pwave), (2) the shear wave or Rsyleigh wave (S-wave),
(3) tie mud wave (M-wave), ad (4) the Sto.eley wave
(St-wave).
Since the Rayleigh wave and sheur wave travel with
nearly the stie velocity, they are commouly lumped
together in the nomenclamre and ususlly referred to as
shear waves. For interpretation of cement quality, I have
no preference for whut they we called, only that they are
recognizable as being different from the P-waves. Shear
detection is representative of cement integrity in the overwhelming majority of cases.
The compressional wave is tmrmnhted through particle motion forward and backward in the dmtion in which
the wave travels. The compressiomd waves (P-waves)
may be transmitted through the mud column, pipe, cement, and formation.
When acoustical energy is introduced to a formation,
the molecules of rock initially vibrate in a compressive
manner. Immediately following, the compressive wave
molcades in the rock vibrate in a shew manner. In solid
materials, the shew wave contains a very high percentage of acoustic energy, but this wave travels at a much
slower rate than the compressive wave. Siice fluid in the
borehole camnot support a shear wave, one-half cycle of
energy from the transmitter travels to the side of the hole
as a compression wave (P-wave). At the cement/formation interface, both compressional and shear waves are
propagated into the solid with some energy reflected
because, of the change in acoustic impedance. This impedance is proportional to PV, the product of density and
velocity. Greater changes in acoustic impedauce cause
larger amounts of reflected energy.
1290

Fig. 16Formation
waves.

compressive

waves and formation shear

Shear wave differs from compressional wave because

it has a slower velocity. Shear travel tine is appruximatcly
1.6 to 1.9 times longer than compressional travel time.
The shesr wave usually has higher amplitude, but since
gases and Iiquids hsve no shear strength, they wilf not
support a shear wave. The shear wave is transmitted
through particle motion perpendicular to the wave path.
The particle motion of the Rayleigh wave k elliptical.
Each purdcle moves forward and backwurd und from side
to side in a more or les circalar or elliptical path The
Rayleigb wave is strongest near the borehole and diminishes rapidly away from the borehole.
The mud wave is the comprcssional wave traveling
through the mud cohunn from the transmitter tu the
receiver. Fortunately, trsnsit time timugh the fluid column is longer than through the pipe or formations of interest, and mud waves occur late and do not usually
interfere with subsequent interpretation of the log.
The Stoneley wave is a low-frequency interface wave
travefing slong the borehole wafl and dowu the sonde axis.
These arrive even kter than the mud waves.
To study the features of a single wavetrain, alf of the
above wave arrivsls are quite useful. However, for practical oil patch application, it is necessary to investigate
along vertical inter-wls of formation. Features that may
not be recognized on a single waveform me quite often
very obvious when many waveforms arc examined
simultaneously. In other words, you cant S= the forest
when the end of your nose is up against a tree trunk. It
is necessary to step back a few paces to get a panoramic
view. This can be accomplished with either VDL or fulf
waveform signsture.
Shew waves csn be identified by looking for two
featares. Fkst, changes in shear wave arrival time will
not afways parallel changes in compressional wave arrival
time. Second, an increase in the train amplitude, which
is indicated by a greater contrast in the VDL dsddlight
JOURNALOFPETROLEUM
TECHNOLOGY

VARIABLE
TIME

DENSITY

1200

IN .ec/ft

I!lii!sll
- - 1
PIPE ARRIVALS

FORMATION

STRAIGHT
BANDS

(0..., at. reldi+

comma.,time]

ARRIVALS

WAVY
OR

INCONSISTENT
(A

VS. DEPT

fmcti.n .1

,.ms:t,llitholw,

l~,WALS

STRAIGHT
BAHDS

(0<..,,,

t..,tint

Awes)

a ,d.tivd,

,b.,

,,.

d.,,h)

Fig. 17A pratilcal approach to identifying the importanl

features on a variable-density
display.

wave pattern, will be noted. Shear waves normally have

about 1.5 times the amplitude of compressional
amplitudes. Sec Fig. 16.
Do not be dkturbed over failure to find shear wave arrival. This is often the case, particularly in low-velocily
formations. The amplitude of the shesr curve maybe so
low that it is masked by the late compressional arrivals.
This is usually the case when the compressioml transit
time of the formation is greater thnn 100 psec/tl [30
psecim].
The mud wave can be reco@zed by its rather constant
time of nmival. Since the distsnce between transmitter and
receiver is tied mrd the borehole mud acoustical properties do not nonnalfy change, one wmdd expect the mud
arrivaf to trace a strsight line. However, interference wifl
sometimes distort the mud arrival slightly so that it is not
perfectly stmight. Afso, chonges in hole size have a slight
effect on the mud wave arrival time and a large effect on
its amplitude. The larger the pipe ID, the greater the mud
wave amplitude. Mud waves u.vunllyappear on the VDL
at approximately 190 (fluid transit time) multiplied by the
trmrsmittsi-receiver spaciug (i.e., 190X5=950 psec for
a 5-ft [1.5-m] span).
A more generalized and practical approach to idendfying the important features on a VDL is shown in Fig. 17.
Pipe, formstion, and mud signals are identified. If these
three sigrmfs can be identified from one another, a practical determination of the presence or absence of cement
can be ascertained.
P@c signals will occur at a relatively constant time. If
recorded on a 5-ft [1.5-m] span, pipe arrival time shoufd
equal (5x57) plus the pipe ID (ii feet) times the fluid
transit time.
With the less sensitive scale on waveform recordings
(1OO ~sec pcr chart division), it is more difticuk to
recognize eccentering effrzts, but the user can predict with
reasousble certainty where pipe arrivals shordd occur on
the time scale.
Mud signals also occur at relatively predictable times
(fluid travel time times the T-R spsn), fortunately much
later than pipe amivnls.
Formation arrivals usuaUyoccur somewhere io between
O@-velociw formations are the exception). They are m
acoustical measurement of formation transit time, just Iikc
the openhole sonic log, amd, therefore, are sensitive to
lhhology/poroshy charges. Formation P-waves will show
changes-in mirror image-to changes on sonic travel
time. As illustrated in Fig. 18, a correlation to openhole
JWY 1985

Fig. 18Openhole sonic log is a mirror image of variabk density, which makes It apparent that an acoustic coupling to the formation is present.

porosity/lithology sensitive logs cau be made. The

openhole log is usually a more sensitive scale. Even
without such a comparison, formation signal can be rcco.@
because it wilf eventually reflect changes in arrival time vs. depth. There is no reason for pipe or mud
signals to change more than 4 or 5 @c (hardly noticeable
on the insensitive VDL scofe).
When fast formations are encountered, determination
as to whether the tool-measured formation signsl or pipe
signal can be ascertained by tracing the first arrival
up/down the log (panoramic view). Changes in mrivol
time wilf be observed only if it is formation signal. See
Figs. 16 nnd 18.
Qrmfitative

Interpretation

Several authors have presented exampIes of cement bond

logs showing free, rrncementedpipe or conditions of good
bonding. Illustrations of microanmdus, channeling, fast
formation, and loggiug before cement cures are welf
documented. 1-6,9, lo
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the effects on
cement bond logs from conditions such as pipe eckenter~g, bond to pipe but not to formntion, and too thin a cement sheath, and how they may be rrxogti,
so the user
can make a rational interpretation.
Ilxentered Casing. This condition is not uncommon.
Many production strings are run with very few, if any,
centralizers. When cenwaliiers are placed on the casing,
they are used sparingly over a relatively short depth interwl. fn sddltion to this, most boreholes are not perfectfy
straight. As a result, the casing tends to lie on the low
side of the hole, either in direct contact witl the formation or close enough so as to limit the thickness of anY
cement sheath on the low side.
The cement bond log illustrated iu Fig. 19 exemplifies
this condition. A 9%-in. [25-cm] borehole was cased with
7-in., 23-ibm [17.8-cm, 104 kg] pipe. The hole remained
reasonably in gauge during drilliug. The cement bard log
was run 7 days after cemendng. No centmdizers are present above 6,800 ft [2073 m]. The log was run under
600-psi [4136-kPa] surface pressure.
1291

BEFORESQUEEZE
Aumst 19

G.!
F.

AFTERSQUEEZE
Smteraber 2
S,,mac
AM,lmm8,ECTF.!6

A
.

*
CL

I
Pig. 19Both casing and formation arrivals appear. proba.
ble cause is eccentered casing. Cement sheath is
probably adequate.

The seismic spectnrm (VDL) indicates pipe imrivals at

about 390 #sec. Free pipe amplitude (up the hole) is about
85 mV. Over tire interval shown, pipe amplitude readings
vary between 15 and 60 mV. The travel time curve reads
about273 psec through the pipe joints shown. The seismic
spwtnrrn correlates to gamma raylneutron lhhologyl
porosity changes. Shear waves are present, as indicated
by the nonparallel bands at 6,620 ft. Strong acoustic coupling to the formation is therefore apparent.
The section of log shown must be interpreted as having good cement integrity. Amplitude readings are
misleading since the pipe is likely eccentercd, leaving a
tMn cement sheath on the low side. At 6,480 and 6,520
ft [1975 md 1987 m], the casing is probably lying against
the formation on the low side of the hole. A quantitative
interpretation of cement compressive strength or bond index is not appropriate in thk case.
This evaluation can be made only if knowledge of the
well completion, cement job, and logging operation is integrated into the interpretative process. Admittedly, the
possibtity of channeling remains, but experience dictates
tbe probability that adequate zone isolation is provided.
A similar exornple is shown iR Fig. 20. From 9,200
to 9,450 ft [2804 to 2880 m], the original cement bond
log was misinterpreted as beirrg a poor cement job,
resulting in m expensive offshore squeeze job. Althorrgh
pipe amplitude reads between 3 and 30 mV, the travel
time curve consistently shows stretch or cycleskipping.
Free pipe amplitude (up the hole) was 40 mV and free
pipe travel time was 325 ~ec. Both formation compressive waves and shear waves appear on the seismic
spectrum (VDL). The log was run under 500-psi
[3447-kPa] pressure 3 days atier cementing.
The 12%-in. [31-cm] borebole had astring of 9~-in.
[24.5-cm], 47-ibm [21-kg] casing set through it, without
1292

Fig. 20initial cament bond log run 3 days later after cementing. No casing centralizers were used over the intervals of interest. Tfris sandstone reservoir has
fairly uniform porosity of about 28% The squeeze
job required 4,700-psi [324-kPa] pressure for accep.
tance of an estimated 5 to 7 sacks.

cenmalizers. Porosity through the reservoir sand was about

28%, which relates to about 95- to 100-usec formation
signal.
Knowing this, the user can expect, at best, unentered
trive with an excemionallv thin cement sheatlr on the low
;i~e of the hole.
Formation P-waves should occur at about 600 psec,
which they do. Formation shear waves should occur at
about 600 x 1.6 or about 950 psec, which they do.
A qualified judgment of cement would then be tiat it
is probably good. The amplitude is not an adequate measurement under the given cmrditions 7.9 and should not bc
used for any quantification or, for that matter, qwditication of cement integrity.
Unfortunately, the cement quality was originally judged
to be poor on the basis of the anrpfitude reading. It was
necessary to pressure up to 4,700 psi [32 401 kpa] to get
the iaterwd to accept aRy squeeze cement, and even then
it wordd take ooly a very few sacks.
A subsequent cement bond log was run, and indicates
exceptionally good cement bond over the interval after
squeeze. But at what price? Was it redly necessary? The
offshore rig time (14 days), as well as the squeeze perforating and cementing were not cheap, and the cement
integrity most likely was adequate before.
Sheaths
Centered
Pipe.
It is well
Thirr Cement
documented that pipe attenuation rates are reduced exponentially (Fig. 21) when the ammfar cement sheath
becomes less thtr % in, [2 cm] in thickness. 7-9 The
previous examples, with eccentered casing, illustrated
this.
JOUkNAL

OF

PETROLEUM
TECHNOLOGY

EXPFNMiNIAL
POINTS
/.

Y-

1
,

!
3

I
2

CEMENT THICKNESS

I
4

INCHES

Fig. 21 Thin cement sheaths affect the amplitude measurements exponential y (courtesy Schlumberger).

It is also PossI%leto bnve reasonably well<entered pipe,

witl the mrmdar space cemented, but have a thin (<%-in.
[<2-cm]) cement sheath:
The cement bond log examples in Fig. 22 are such a
case. A 5-in. [13-cm] liner was set in a 5%-in. [15-cm]
borehole. The borehole was reasonably in gauge through
competent carbonate, reservoir rocks.
Centered Instrument. The cement bond log on tbeleft
of Fig. 22 was mn a few ,&ys after cementing. When this
is compared to the operrhole sonic log, it is obvious that
tbetravel time curve is triggering on fast formation 2rrivals (as early as 220 psec). Pipe nrrival time is about
250 psec. .Pipe anivaf on the variable-density display is
about 365 @sec. Fonm.tion-compressive arrivals will
occur at approximately the sane time on the VDL since
pipe aignrd (57 psec) nnd forn@ion signal (50 to 55 psec
from the sonic log) are nearly equal. Pipe amplitude
ranges from a nr@rnum of about 1 mV to a rnax@un
of about 85 mV across the interval shown.
When it is considered that collars should help centralize
casing in the smafl liole, itis unlikely that the cement
sheath cmr be more than M in: [1 cm] thick around the
casing periphery. Therefore, it is next to impossible .to
get a valid nkzwurement of cement quality from the
amplitude measurement.
The VDL nnd travel time curve both indicate excellent
acoustic coupling to the formation. Cement integrity i.v
probably e~cellent.
Eccenter@d Instrument. The well was squeezed some
dktance above this zone and relogged witka smaller cenient bond log tool about 9 months later. Pipe anival time
with this pmtictikw tool should be about 235 and 350p,
respectively, for travel time and vmiable densi~. The tool
was run without centralizers (which was obvioW on the
travel time curve in tkee pipe up the hole), resul~ng in
a completely invalid amplitude curve (see Fig. 6). The
low amplitude readings mny be seen on the cement bond
log in the right of Fig. 22.
Both variable density logs exhibit very strong formation compressional arrivals @-waves) .md formation sh~
arrivals (S-waves). The P-waves can be easily interpreted
as such when a pmoramic view is taken. Between 12,500
and 12,900 ft [3g10 and 3932 m], the first VDL arrival
J~Y 1985

Fig. 22Amplitude curves on both cement bond logs are not

relkable for interpretation of cement quality. Cement
sheath is too thin, which has a severe effect on attenuation rate. The second log was recorded with
an eccmrtered tool that caused exce-ive
loss in
amplitude.

can be traced up or down the interval, and it can be seeri

to change in time of arrival. Pipe si=ti would remain
consistent. C0mpmi20n of the sonic log (more seuaitive
scale) with the VDL wilf also indicate mirror image shifts
where porosity/Mbology vary.
The cement job must be judged to be good from either
log, despite the fact tit both amplitude curves ae invalid for interpretation purposes.
,.

Good Bond to Pipe; No Bond to Formation.

Casing
periphery cai be totally aurronnded by a reasonably thick
~> # fi. [>2 ml) hwdencd sheath of cement, which is
not in contact with the formation. The condition is not
uncommon, but otlen goes unrecognized.
It can be expected to occur across the frtce of permeable
zones, since mudcake is a mtnral enemy of cement. Cement does not bond to mudcake. As mudcake dries, it
shrinks away from the cement, creating a void between
cement and formation.
The resultant void space presents unfavorable conditions for acoustic coupling because very little acoustic
energy will rernzin ,ti the cazing. The cement will attenuate the transmitted energy. Because of the poor
acoustic coupling to the formation, any energy transmitted into and rcccived tkom the formation will be very
weak.
As shown on tie full waveform signamre in Fig. 23,
both casing arrivals and formation arrivals over the intmkds fiom 10,320 to 10,390 ft [3146 to 3167 m], 10,410
to 10,445 ft [3173 to 3134 m], 10,470 to 10,495 ft [3191
to 3199 m], and 10,505 to 10,520 ft [3202 to 3206 m]
are either missing or very weak. Pipe amplitude over those
intervals is low. An interpretation of cement inte~iv
bawl on smplitnde ofly wordd be a serious mistake. Mud
arrivals occur at about 950 pzec. Pipe arrival time for 7-in.
1293

TRAV
400
(

Openhole caliper information is helpful in the interprtition of any cased hole log. Knowledge of borehole deviation is important.
Knowledge of times, methods, and the physicallmechanical aspw!ts of the logging operation and wefl completion are important factors in evaluadng the log
responses. Judgment then can be made as to whether a
quantification of cement bond cm be made reliably from
amplitude measurements. If not, a qualiikd evaluation can
be made from either the fulf waveform or variable-density
display, and if it is avaifable, the single-receiver travel
time.
Acknowledgments

Fig. 23Cement is bonded to casing but not to the formation over some of the permeable interval shown.

[18-cm], 40-lbm [18-kg] caaing should read about 260

p..secon the travel time curve and about 375 ysec on the
fuU waveform. Any compressive strength or bond index
calculations under these conditions we misleading bscause
cement integrity is actually poor.
Conclusions
It has been demonstrated that cement bond logs are often
misinterpreted because of oversimplified amplitude interpretation methods. One cause is lack of understanding or
neglect of the full acoustic waveform, whether full wave
signature or vmiable density display.
Several physicallmechanicd conditions that are not uncommon k most wells can cause pipe amplitude readkzgs
that are invahd to tise to auantifi
.
. or aualify
.
. cement integri~.
The single-receiver travel time is beneficial in the interpretation of cement bond logs. It offers the advantages
of (1) a check for tool centering in poorly cemented pipe,
(2) distinguishing fast formation arrivals from pipe mfivals, and (3) indicating cement integrity where stretch
or cycle-skipping occur.
AJthough many users shy away from full waveform
signature or variable-density dkplays, the interpretation
of either picsentation is relatively simple.
Correlation of the VDL to openhole or cased hole logs
@at am aenaitive to porosity/lithology changes can quickly
show the user that there is amacouatic coupling to the formatidn. For a reasonably strong coupling to occur, cement must be present over at least a majority of the annuku
space.

1294

I thank Gulf Oil E&P Co. for granting permission to pubfiah this material. Individual thanks are owed to Williim
R. Cook, B.B. McGlotfdin, J.L. Potter, and M.J.
Manning for their counsel and editorkl criticism in putting this paper together. Lym Cain deserves the credit
for transforming the handwriting into a legible document.
References
1. Fertl, W.li., Piking..,
P. E., and Scott, J. B.: A Look at Cement Bond Logs,. J. Pet Tech, (June 1974) 607-17.
Scfdumberger (March
2. The Essentialsof Cement Evaluation,
1976).
3. WaJker, T.: A Fufl-Wave Display of Amu.sri. Signal in Cased
Holes,, >-f. Pet. Tech.(Aw3.1968) 811-24.
4. Brown, H. D., Grijalva, V. E., and Raymer, L. L.: New Developments in Sonic Wave Train Dwlay and A@sk
in Cased Holes,s,
pai=r p,=nl~
at ~. 1970 Spm
~nmti Logtis Symp~siw
LOS Anzele.s. May 3-6.
5.FiLzge~d,D,D., Mffihee, B. F., and McGuire, J. A.: Guidelines
for 90% Accuracy i Zone Isolation Decisimi$, xpaper SPE 12141
presented atthe1983 SPE .krm.af Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Fmncism, Oct. 5-S.
Cement Bond Log,,> Dresser Atlas (19S1).
6. .4c0ustic
7. Gmsmangin, M., Ko!esh, F, P,, and Majmi, P.: aA Sonic Method
for Anrd@mg the Qmlity of Cememation of Boiehole Casings,s,
AfME, 233.
J. Pet. Tech, (Feb. 1961) 163-71; Tm.,
8. Paxdue> G.H. etuf. : +Cement Band Log-A SJudy of Ccmmt Casing
Variables, ,3. Pa Tech. (May 1963) 545-55; Tmm. , AJME, 228.
9. McGhee, B.F. and Vacca, H.L. : Gtidetines for JIDpCOVd MmitorQemtios,
, pil~,
PH?JWJ
at the 1980 SPWLA
ing of C!mmtirvs
Annual Logging Symposium, Lafayeti.e, LA, July S-11,
10. Bmckdorfer. R.A.. Jacobs. W. R.. and Mason. JeamPierre CBL
Evaluation of Fo& C&n&Ed and Symhetk Cemented Casings, ,
fNLW.
1984) 1917-22.
J. Pet. Td.
11. Cased Hole Applicaticm$,,x Schlumbecger (1975).

S1 Metric Conversion Factors

ft X 3.048*
in. X 2.54*
.Covwsio famr i, exact.

E01 = m
E+OO = cm
.lPT

Odglnti rmnumbt
dwd
in tie Smie@ of Pelmleum Engheeri .(+.. May 21, 1S%.
Paper accepted for publlcatim Feb. j, 1985. RWsed manuscript received April 12,
19S5, Paper [S?E 13342) firsl presanted at the ! 985 SPE Can fornia Regional ME+!ing
held 1 Bakersfield March Z7-29.