Abstract
Integrated zonal isolation is well-known as a key parameter for safe drilling operation and well completion of oil and gas wells. An extensive research on alternative materials has been conducted in the past concerning primary cementing, overcoming annular leaks, and permanent well abandonment. The present article focuses on geopolymers, expansive cement, pozzolan based sealant and thermosetting resins.
The viscous behavior and the pumpability of the different materials have been investigated and benchmarked with the properties of neat class G Portland cement. The current study includes short-term mechanical properties of the above-mentioned materials. These properties include compressive strength development, Young’s modulus, indirect tensile strength, and sonic strength. The tests are performed in accordance with API 10B-2 and ASTM D3967-16 for all the materials for 1, 3, 5, and 7-day of curing at 90°C and elevated (172 bar) and atmospheric pressures. Our results show a mixed behavior from the materials. According to uniaxial compressive test results, all the candidate barrier materials developed strength during the considered period; however, the geopolymer and pozzolanic-based mixture did not develop early strength. The expansive cement showed an acceptable early compressive strength, but strength reduction was noticed after some time. The strength reduction of expansive cement was also observed for the indirect tensile strength. All the materials become stiffer overtime as they made more strength. For the neat class G cement and expansive cement, the Young’s modulus showed a minimum after 5 days, but it was increased.
