How it works | The Cement Support Tool (CST)

Is it possible to achieve success every time?

In the oil and gas industry, setting cement plugs is a critical operation with significant consequences for well integrity and performance.

However, without a firm support, the average failure rate for setting these plugs is alarmingly high, around 50%. This not only leads to increased operational costs but also risks compromising the entire well structure.

Since its introduction in 2002, the Cement Support Tool (CST) has transformed cement plug operations, providing a reliable solution that ensures the cement plug is set with confidence. By expanding to create a robust support base, the CST reduces the failure rate dramatically. With thousands of units deployed globally, the CST boasts a success rate of over 95%, making it a trusted choice for industry professionals.

Investing in the CST means choosing a proven, efficient, and cost-effective solution that enhances the reliability of your cementing operations. With its easy deployment, lack of need for additional tools or training, and versatility in various operational scenarios, the CST delivers unparalleled value, ensuring your cement plugs are set right the first time, every time.

How & Why does it work?

The CST is made of aluminum, fibre glass and strong fabrics, and prevent heavy cement slurry to swap place with well fluid below the cement plug. The CST is folded together like an unbrella when pumped through the drillpipe and tubing before it folds up when exiting the pipe. The CST can fill a hole sized 6" up to 42" depending on the CST model.

Browse the different CST model

The CST does not anchor to the wall or casing as it works as a floating piston in the fluid. There is no limitation to angle or depth. The CST has been used in hole depth >7,000 m (>23,000ft) and well angle up to 90deg from vertical. When using the CST the well must be static below the setting depth of the CST.

Customer Benefits

By choosing the CST, you invest in a proven solution that enhances the reliability, efficiency, and overall success of your cementing operations.

High Success Rate:

CST dramatically reduces the failure rate for setting cement plugs, boasting a success rate of over 95%.

Efficient and Reliable:

Designed for easy pumping through long work strings, CST ensures reliable support for off-bottom cement plugs, simplifying the cementing process.

Flexibility:

Available in five standard sizes and a customized version for coiled tubing, CST covers a wide range of needs in various operational scenarios.

No Extra Tools or Training Needed:

CST is easy to deploy without the need for additional tools or extensive training, making it cost-effective and user-friendly.

Versatility:

CST functions as a floating piston in the fluid, with no limitations on angle or depth, and has been used in hole depths greater than 7,000 meters and angles up to 90 degrees.

Quality Materials:

Made of aluminum, fiberglass, and strong fabrics, CST prevents heavy cement slurry from swapping places with well fluid below the cement plug.

Globally Proven:

With thousands of units deployed globally since 2002, CST is a trusted solution recognized by industry professionals worldwide.

Effective Plugging:

CST expands to create a robust support base, providing effective and reliable plugging in both open and cased holes.

Browse our Cement Support Tool models

The CST is available in five standard sizes, with an additional customized version specifically for coiled tubing. This variety ensures that you can select the perfect size for your specific cementing needs, maximizing the effectiveness and reliability of your operations.

Choosing the right CST size is straightforward and depends on two key factors:

The inner diameter of your work string
The inner diameter of the open or cased hole where the cement plug will be set

Cement Support Tool

BROWN MODEL

Work String Range 2 - 4½" ID
Hole / Casing Size 6 – 16" ID

2”

Cement Support Tool

BLUE MODEL

Work String Range 2 - 5” ID
Hole / Casing Size 7 - 16” ID

2 ½"

Cement Support Tool

GREEN MODEL

Work String Range 2 ½ - 5.16" ID
Hole / Casing Range 7 ½" – 20" ID

2 ½"

Cement Support Tool

ORANGE MODEL

Work String Range 2 ½"-6"
Hole / Casing Range 7 ½" – 20" ID

Cement Support Tool

BLACK MODEL

Work String Range 4" - 6.5" ID
Hole / Casing Range 8" - 42" ID

2 ⅜"

Cement Support Tool

YELLOW MODEL

Coil Tubing CST 2 ⅜"
Hole / Casing Range 4" - 16" ID

FAQ for the Cement Support Tool

Curious about the questions we hear most often?

Here are some of the common questions that frequently come up. Want more detailed information or have different questions altogether?
Reach out to us - we're here to help you.

Access Guide: How to select the right technology for setting balanced cement plugs?

In what ways can the CST be installed in a well?

The most common way to install the CST is to pump it through the drill pipe work string before the cement is pumped downhole.

That being said, it can also be pre-installed in a pipe and run into the well in front of a coil tubing.

Can the CST be used in cased hole applications? Yes, the CST can be used in both cased hole and open hole applications.

Can the CST be used if there are washouts or uneven hole geometry?

Yes, the CST is designed to fill uneven wellbores provided the maximum wellbore diameter is smaller than the maximum hole/casing diameter for the specific CST.

Can the CST be tagged after it is deployed in the well? The CST is not designed to anchor, and tagging it might move the CST, or in worse case damage it. Hence, we do not recommend to tag the CST.

How much cement can the CST support? As the CST simply separates the cement above and the well fluid below, it can support unlimited volumes of cement.

How much differential pressure can the CST withstand? The CST does not hold differential pressure as it is designed to act as a floating piston and simply separate the cement above and the well fluid below it. The CST will therefore move slightly and find equilibrium state prior to hardening of the cement.

Can the CST be used in highly deviated and horizontal applications? Yes, the CST is not restricted by the deviation of the wellbore. When a cement plug is set in horizontal wells it is important to ensure the cement stay in place also in the top end of the cement plug. A second CST can be used for such application.

Is the CST drillable? The CST is fully drillable. Clients often report back that they didn’t even notice the CST when they drilled out the cement plug.

Can the CST be used in fluid loss applications? Yes, the CST can be set below the loss zone to help divert the loss material into the loss zone.

What is the lead time for CST supply? We normally have the CSTs ready on the shelf and since it can be airfreighted it can be expressed delivered to most location within a week.

What material is the CST made out of? The CST is mainly made out of aluminium, composite and canvas, with a few ounces of mild steel.

What is the shelf life for the CST? When the CST is stored in a dry environment inside the original shipping packaging, the shelf life is set to 5 years. After 5 years, we recommend to dispose the CST or send it back to Perigon for refurbishment.

How is the success rate calculated? Our definition is that when the cement plug is placed at desired depth and the plug’s objective is met, the cement plug is considered as success and thereby the CST has assisted in this success. The CST success rate is 97%.

Setting an environmental cement plug from vessel

Well Cementation and Wellhead Removal Campaign (Rig Chase), with the use of CST.

Hesitation cement squeeze job using CST as base

Complete losses occurred when a major operator in the North Sea was drilling a 16” section below a 17” liner.

Cement squeeze job using CST as base

There had been severe losses when a major operator in the Gulf of Mexico was drilling a 20” section below a 16” casing.

Setting multiple balanced plugs in one run using CST as base

A major operator in the North Sea successfully plugged and abandoned a well with 6 separate cement plugs.

Use of CST as base in a high angle well

A major operator deployed a Cement Support Tool (CST) in a 82° well @ 4205m to use it as a base for a kick-off plug.

CST 2"

CST 2"

CST 2 ½"

CST 2 ½"

CST 4 "

2 ⅜"

A mechanical base for the cement

Is it possible to achieve success every time?

How & Why does it work?

By choosing the CST, you invest in a proven solution that enhances the reliability, efficiency, and overall success of your cementing operations.

High Success Rate:

Efficient and Reliable:

Flexibility:

No Extra Tools or Training Needed:

Versatility:

Quality Materials:

Globally Proven:

Effective Plugging:

Browse our Cement Support Tool models

Cement Support Tool

BROWN MODEL

Cement Support Tool

BLUE MODEL

Cement Support Tool

GREEN MODEL

Cement Support Tool

ORANGE MODEL

Cement Support Tool

BLACK MODEL

Cement Support Tool

YELLOW MODEL

See how the CST works

Download product sheets for all cement support tool models

Curious about the questions we hear most often?

Success Stories with Cement Support Tools (CST)

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