Applicability of Geopolymer Materials for Well P&A Applications

Previous research on application of geopolymers in oil/gas wells is mainly unsuccessful due to failure to achieve a reasonable thickening time. This study presents geopolymer composite mixtures that have high compressive and shear bond strength, enhanceed thickening time, high durability, and reasonable shrinkage. Class F fly ash geopolymers are used for developing samples with different mix designs in this work. Class H Portland cement is used as a controller on all the tests conducted in this work. Tests conducted in this research include: unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear bond strength, thickening time, and durability tests. Results indicate temperature as a crucial factor affecting the thickening time of geopolymer mix slurry. More than four hours thickening time is achieved by optimizing mix design and applying a developed mix of superplasticizer and retarder. UCS testing indicates a high compressive strength after one and fourteen days of curing for geopolymer mixtures. More than 6000 psi strength is achieved in long term (28 days curing). This indicates strength gained over time, for geopolymer mixture, where strength retrogression effects are observed for Portland cements. Results also reveal higher shear bond strength for Geopolymer mix, which can better tolerate de-bonding issues. Additionally, more ductile material behavior and higher fracture toughness, were observed for optimum geopolymer mixes. Final observations confirm applicability of these materials for oil and gas well cementing with circulating temperatures up to 300°F.