Geothermal wells in the Blue Mountain area of Nevada have experienced problems caused by losses during primary cementing of well casings, often requiring top jobs to
complete. Conventional cement designs were not effective in solving the problem. Also, as deeper casing setting depths were required because of reservoir characteristics, the risk of not achieving good cement jobs increased. Analysis of cement jobs in this geothermal field led to the need for developing nontraditional cement designs. This paper documents the analysis, planning, and execution of foamed-cementing operations used to successfully perform primary 13 3/8-in. casing cement work. Previous cementing practices are presented, as well as the advantages and design of foamed cementing for this application. A post-job analysis and cost comparison of foamed versus conventional cementing is also presented.