Implementation of Geopolymers in Land-Based Well Plug and Abandonment

作者：Mark Meade, Vanessa M. McDonald, Yeukayi Nenjerama, Chris Parton, R. Angel, Ronal Bejarano, Brian E. Henderson, William Smith, Guillaume Landry, J. L. Rodriguez, E. Sanchez, Saumyendra Vikram Singh, H.R. Andrews, S. Kapoor, B. Engelke · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.2118/228565-ms · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Drilling and Well Engineering、Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques、Grouting, Rheology, and Soil Mechanics

Abstract Recently, geopolymers have been successfully used as an alternative to portland cement in primary well cementing applications. Geopolymers are 3-D networks of covalently bonded aluminosilicate chains that form a hard, durable material. The inherent durability of covalent bonds makes geopolymers attractive for well plug and abandonment (P&A) applications. This paper discusses the process, results, observations, and further potential of successfully implementing geopolymers as an alternative to portland cement for land-based well P&A applications. Locally sourced aluminosilicates were evaluated for up to 3 months of exposure to typical well parameters to identify geopolymer "base designs" that yield long term durability properties exceeding portland cement blends. The functional additives of a "base design" were optimized to create pilot recipes predicated on individual job parameters. Pilot recipes were blended in quantities for the intended application; these field blends were sampled and tested for comparison to pilot recipe test results. These blends were mixed and pumped at the wellsite using conventional cementing equipment and procedures. Pressure, density, and rate were logged during execution to validate adherence to job plan during placement. Screening of geopolymers for P&A applications began in early 2024 and by July 2024, base blends were identified for P&A applications that exceed the durability performance of Portland cement. With a base ...