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Self-Healing Cement for H2S/CO2 Environments

This paper discusses the development and implementation of a self-healing cement system designed for use in high H2S and CO2 environments, specifically in carbonate reservoirs. The cement system was tested and applied in 12 wells at the N oil field, demonstrating effective long-term zonal isolation and self-healing properties when exposed to hydrocarbons. The study highlights the importance of advanced cement formulations to withstand aggressive conditions and ensure well integrity over time.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
7 views15 pages

Self-Healing Cement for H2S/CO2 Environments

This paper discusses the development and implementation of a self-healing cement system designed for use in high H2S and CO2 environments, specifically in carbonate reservoirs. The cement system was tested and applied in 12 wells at the N oil field, demonstrating effective long-term zonal isolation and self-healing properties when exposed to hydrocarbons. The study highlights the importance of advanced cement formulations to withstand aggressive conditions and ensure well integrity over time.

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ya7876223
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SPE-201842-MS

First Implementation of Self-Healing Cement Systems in H2S/CO2 Aggressive


Environment Across Pay-Zone

Alexander Sergeevich Sozonov, Vasilii Yurievich Sukhachev, Olesya Vladimirovna Olennikova, Ilshat Ildarovich
Akhmetzianov, Elizaveta Sergeevna Bakhareva, Alexandr Alexandrovich Burkenya, and Tatiana Valerievna
Doronina, Schlumberger

Copyright 2020, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference originally scheduled to be held in Moscow, Russia, 12-14 October
2020. Due to COVID-19 the physical event was postponed until 26 – 29 October 2020 and was changed to a virtual event. The official proceedings were published
online on 26 October 2020.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written
consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may
not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
Carbonate reservoirs are often characterized by high pressure and high content of H2S and CO2. For these
reasons, drilling the reservoir is the most challenging activity for such fields and long-term zonal isolation
across the reservoir section is one of the primary requirements. The work describes the development,
laboratory evaluation, implementation and long-term assessment of self-healing properties for H2S/CO2
resistive, low Young's modulus, expandable cement system. The 2.05 SG cement system was specially
designed and implemented on 12 wells at N oil field for guaranteed long-term zonal isolation of production
reservoirs containing high concentration of H2S and CO2.
The paper includes rationale and details of CO2 and H2S resistive cement system design. Self-healing
was tested by pumping simulated reservoir fluid composition, through induced fracture in cement sample at
downhole conditions. Observed fracture closure leading the gas flow stoppage is a result of cement matrix
in the crack swelling when in contact with hydrocarbons. To address risk of perforations closure and ensure
cement integrity in perforation zone, when in contact with hydrocarbons, cement samples were exposed to
aromatic oil for twenty months. Long-term zonal isolation was assessed by monitoring the cemented wells
for the six years period.
To overcome these problems, self-healing cement system and durable cement systems were developed
to ensure well integrity during the life of the well, providing competent annular pressure seal. Extensive
laboratory work was undertaken to engineer the slurry to the required specifications. Self-healing cement
is based on a responsive material with intrinsic self-healing properties automatically activated upon
hydrocarbon exposure to rapidly seal the damage; within hours the downhole well integrity is restored. This
reduces the potential health, safety and environmental risks and the extra costs associated to remedy these
problems including loss of production.
Self-healing system includes expanding additives and expands after setting, improving cement bonding
and sealing micro annuli that otherwise can cause unwanted gas migration. Due to its improved mechanical
properties and low Young's modulus it can withstand cement sheath stresses during well operations due
2 SPE-201842-MS

to changes in the operating temperature and pressure. For a formation where hydrocarbons are not present
to trigger the self-healing mechanism, the durable cement system is the solution to use. It has suitable
components to optimize its mechanical properties to withstand pressure and temperature cycling. The slurry
had a fit for purpose thickening time and rheology accomplished with excellent fluid loss control, static and
dynamic stability for proper placement. Yard trials confirmed designed slurry compatibility with surface
field equipment.
Self-healing was achieved in the reservoir fluid composition, when tested at 60 degC and 34.5 MPa.
Micro gaps or fissures, which might occur in the cement sheath along life of the well, would be efficiently
closed and sealed. Cement also demonstrated ability to preserve integrity after exposure to aromatic oil for
twenty months. This confirmed system applicability for placement across reservoir perforation zone.
Mechanical properties of the cement were tested. Cement developed compressive strength of 25 MPa,
tensile strength of 3.3 MPa, young's modulus of 7 GPa compared to 10 GPa for conventional systems same
density. Lowered Young's modulus in conjunction with 1% cement self-expansion post setting provided
additional guarantee of high-quality zonal isolation.
Experience of pumping the system for 12 wells showed excellent mixability and pumpability in the field.
Cement logging tools confirmed high quality of zonal isolation. Wells have shown absence of sustain casing
pressure for six years.
The CO2 self-healing and resistant cement overcomes the deficiencies of conventional cement slurry in
carbon dioxide environments. Using of self-healing cement systems historically showed superior long-term
zonal isolation efficiency. However, there is no available information on efficiency and performance of such
systems in high H2S/CO2 environment. Application of such system is limited for production zones. This
work shares unique experience of design execution and performance evaluation of self-healing system in
described complicated conditions.
Moreover, the paper presents correlation of advanced laboratory testing methods with long-term cement
performance in real well conditions.

Introduction
Hydrocarbon development will have to be increased in the nearest future to match the worlds consumption.
As a result, new reservoirs with demanding environments will be exploited. These may include deep wells,
chemically aggressive production fluids, high temperature and pressure and many others. It was estimated
that 40% of the globe remaining reservoirs contain 2% mol. CO2 and more than 100 ppm H2S (E. Lécolier
2008). These inclusions make wells exploitation more difficult as they damage well construction materials
over time. Special attention must be given to the well design and materials used to ensure long-term zonal
isolation.
Primary cementing is a key part of the well construction. Well cementing objectives are the following:
zonal isolation, casings support and protecting the casings from corrosion. The cement must be able to
withstand pressure and temperature fluctuations and aggressive formation fluids attack such as H2S and CO2
rich fluids. Cement-sheath failure may lead to loss of zonal isolation with HSE and economic consequences:
production rate decline or temporary stop of production for remedial cementing, or in some cases loss of the
well. Therefore, it is essential to design cement systems that can resist all attacks of aggressive formation
fluids on cement sheath and well integrity.
One of the ways to accomplish such requirements is use of self-healing cement systems, which
historically showed higher potential in providing good quality long-term isolation (P. Cavanagh 2007).
These materials self repair if micro annulus, internal cement crack or other flow path are created and are
exposed to the hydrocarbons. This paper shares the implementation of not only self-healing system but
also a system which can withstand H2S/CO2 environment and system that can be applied across a pay zone
without the risk of perforations closure over the time due to self-healing properties of the cement.
SPE-201842-MS 3

The following list of requirements was set for the new fluid development to be able to guarantee improved
long-term hydraulic isolation (Al-Yami et al. 2017):
– must be able to withstand H2S and CO2 chemical attacks
– prevent fluid migration after placement and before cement sets
– cement formulation needs to withstand the wellbore stresses from pressure and temperature cycles.
Increasing elasticity/ductility of cement will help reduce potential also for micro-annulus formation
– set cement should have expansion property
– perfect dynamic and static stability (no free water, no solids settling or sedimentation)
– low cement matrix permeability – initial and long-term
– API Fluid Loss: ≤ 50 mL in 30 min

Cement Corrosion in the Presence of CO2


Cement corrosion due to reactions with CO2 is well documented. Carbon dioxide can impact set cement
structural integrity. The following basic reactions describe this process (Nelson, E.B 2007):
1.
2. Ca(OH)2 + H+ + HCO3̄ → CaCO3 + 2H2 O
3. CSH phase + H+ + HCO3̄ → CaCO3 + amorphous silica gel
4. CO2 + H2 O + CaCO3 → Ca(HCO3)2
5. Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2 ⇌ 2CaCO3 + H2 O
Step 1: Dissolved carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid.
Step 2: With time carbon dioxide fluid diffuses into the cement matrix. Dissociated acid reacts with free
calcium hydroxide.
Step 3: Reaction with CSH phase.
Step 4: Calcium carbonate is converted to water-soluble calcium bicarbonate in presence of excess carbon
dioxide.
Step 5: Dissolved calcium bicarbonate may react with calcium hydroxide, forming calcium carbonate
and water.
As a result, cementitious material from the cement matrix is leaching, porosity and permeability are
increasing, and compressive strength is decreasing. At a well scale it means loss of zonal isolation.
Carbon dioxide corrosion of Portland cements is thermodynamically favored and cannot be prevented.
There are solutions that utilize synthetic cementitious materials, but they are not cost effective for most of
the cases. Most practical approach is to lower the rate of degradation of Portland cement by utilizing the
following techniques:
– reducing the water-to-cement ratio
– utilizing optimized particle-size cement systems
– addition latex
– addition pozzolanic materials that leads to reduced Portland cement amount

Cement Corrosion in the Presence of H2S


The metal oxides are subjected to reactions with H2S. Metal oxides are usually used in cement systems as
a weighting agent when it is required to use high density slurry to control high pore pressures, unstable
wellbores, and deformable or plastic formations. Most common weighting agents are hematite (Fe2O3)
and Manganese Tetroxide. They are known by their high reactivity with H2S, the chemical reaction leads
to increased permeability of the cement matrix (Y. Fakhreldin 2009). When the reaction occurs, metal
4 SPE-201842-MS

sulfides are formed. These reactions are called sulfidation. Reaction with hematite leads to iron sulfide,
which is present in several crystalline forms, that have different sulfur to iron ratio. Manganese Tetroxide
produces manganese sulfide MnS or manganese sulfate (MnSO4) depending on the reaction conditions.
Further Mn3O4 is slowly attacked by water and dissolves in diluted acids to give manganese salt.
The metal oxide reactions increase the permeability of set cement. They also increase the severity of the
carbonation process. Therefore, Fe2O3 and or Mn3O4 containing cement are not recommended to be used
in the CO2 and/or H2S containing environment.

Description of Well Section


The production section one of twelve wells is described in Table 1.

Table 1—Production section characteristics.

Configuration Production Liner

Bottom Hole Static Temperature 105 degC (221 degF)

Open Hole size 203.2 mm (8.5 in)

Previous casing OD 254 mm (10 3/4 in)


Weight 144.4 kg/m (97.1 lb/ft)
MD 4046 m (13274.3 ft)

Liner OD 177.8 mm (7.0 in)


Weight 52.1kg/m (35.0 lb/ft)
MD 4116 m (13503.9 ft)
Top of Liner 3940 m (12926.5)

Deviation 20°

Drilling fluid Oil based mud


Density 2.00 kg/L (16.68 lbm/gal)

Spacer Density 2.03 kg/L (16.93 lbm/gal)


Job volume 7.0 m3 (44 bbl)

Slurry design and testing methods


Considering the above technical challenges following approaches including best practices were
implemented in the design of the cement system used for zonal isolation of the production zone of 7 in
liner of well N:

Particle size distribution optimized blend formulation


Optimization of blend components particle sizes and proportions allows to obtain cement system with
significantly higher solid volume fraction (SVF) in comparison to conventional slurries. The result of
increased SVF – is significantly lower permeability of set cement matrix. This decreases the rate of
portlandite and CSH-gel deterioration as well as rate of calcium leaching in sour gas media. Increased
SVF also to design high slurry density despite utilization lightweight functional blend components without
introduction of weighting materials that lead to H2S corrosion.

Decreased concentration of portland cement


Significant quantity of functional additives, chemically inert to sour gases were introduced in cement
blend formulation. It allows to minimize amount of portland cement and its hydration products: CSH-
gel, portlandite and tetra-calcium aluminoferrite which are subjected to CO2 and H2S degradation. This
eventually increases set cement bulk resistivity of cement matrix to the corrosion processes.
SPE-201842-MS 5

Utilization of pozzolanic materials


Addition of pozzolanic materials (such as fly ash, silica fume, volcanic ash etc.) effectively decrease the
amount of portlandite in set cement as well as significantly reduces permeability and increases strength of
cement matrix. Main component of pozzolanic material is active form of SiO2 which reacts with portlandite
resulting additional CSH-gel phase (Nelson, E.B 2007). Pozzolanic reaction can be described as follows:

Typical application of pozzolans with API cement is as an extender for lightweight slurries. Usual density
of the material is 2.0-2.7 SG that is lower than cement density of 3.2 SG. In this way utilization of pozzolans
keeps constant slurry density and decrease water/solid ratio in the cement slurry. Eventually, increasing of
corrosion resistance is achieved not only by eliminating portlandite, most affected to corrosion, but with
substituting part of cement by pozzolanic material inert to the aggressive media.

Utilization of nanosized latex gas control additive


There are different types of polymer emulsions grouped under common name – latex. Usually it is
suspension of globular polymer particles with diameter of 200-500 nanometers. Chemical nature of the
polymer may significantly differ. Usually the material obtained from emulsion-polymerized vinyl acetate,
vinyl chloride, acrylics, acrylonitrile, ethylene, styrene or butadiene. Latex emulsion industry proven to
provide excellent fluid-loss control and reliable gas migration control during cement setting. The latex
particles not only provide particulate plugging of cement porous and slow down migration of corrosive
substances through cement porous, but also consolidate to form a plastic film that surrounds and coats the
CSH phase providing additional corrosion resistivity. Such mechanism works in synergy with pozzolanic
materials provides significant reduction of corrosion rate (Nelson, E.B 2007).

Self-healing properties with reservoir fluid containing CO2 and H2S


Historically, self-healing cements are thoroughly tested with different types of hydrocarbons and showed
reliable ability to swell and seal when contacted with hydrocarbons. In the wellbore, in case of damage to
cement matrix that leads to hydrocarbon flow through the channel, the swelling and self-healing mechanism
gets activated, leading to closing the cracks.
For the specific reservoir under discussion, fluid composition includes significant (18% mole)
concentration of H2S. Since there was no experience of self-healing cement application with exposure to
such amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas, there was a need to conduct an assessment in high H2S environment.
Testing in gas with high amount of H2S will help to detect any detrimental impact and see if swelling ability
is affected. Indeed, cement will face sour gas containing a high amount of hydrogen sulfide that can attack
and dissolve the matrix if it is not designed properly.

Testing procedure
Cement sample was cured in water media for five days at 105 degC and 20.7 MPa [3000 psi], then cylinders
were cored with a length of around 60 mm and width of 22 mm. Cores were then subjected to mechanical
force to produce a fissure along the length of cylinder and perpendicular to the flat ends (Brazilian test
method), Figure 1. Fissured core samples were then placed in steel tube holders and sealed as shown in
Figure 2.
6 SPE-201842-MS

Figure 1—Cored cement cylinder and sample after fissure is created.

Figure 2—Test tube with cement sample ready for self-healing test.

Crack width was then tested using nitrogen to determine the crack width and to ensure gas flows through
these narrow paths. The Table 2 details each core parameters.

Table 2—Cores characteristics.

Crack width Diameter


Height mm
μm mm

Sample 1 90 21.78 59.88

Sample 2 92 21.77 59.91

Sample 3 60 21.78 59.87

Sample 4 64 21.81 59.91

Test tube shown in Figure 2 is inserted in a Hassler-sleeve type core holder, Figure 3.
SPE-201842-MS 7

Figure 3—Self-healing test equipment characteristics, schematics and pictures.

The equipment used for testing is constructed out of type 316 stainless steel. The operating conditions for
fluid containing 18% H2S were therefore limited to a maximum temperature of 60 degC as per the NACE
specifications for such grade of steel. Pressure also was limited to 34.5 MPa [5,000 psi], however the setup
is designed to work up to 68.9 MPa [10,000 psi].
As the study involves high levels and large volumes of H2S, all necessary safety measures were
implemented including supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA).
Reservoir fluid is rich in C5+ and is liquid under downhole conditions. Fluid molar composition is:
C1 = 47%
H2S =18%
CO2 = 5%
C5+ = 18%
Tests in liquid reservoir fluid would last longer as the viscosity of the fluid will make it difficult to flow
through the small fissure and flow rate would be very slow. Therefore, fluid composition was modified by
substituting most of C5, C6 and all C7+ by methane (C1), post agreement with the customer. Modified gas
molar composition is:
C1 = 56%
H2S =18%
CO2 = 5%
C5 = 1.8%
C6 = 0.8%
Modelled PVT diagrams are presented on Figure 4.
8 SPE-201842-MS

Figure 4—PVT diagrams of the reservoir fluid (left) and the modified fluid (right).

The modified composition remains gaseous at 60 degC and 34.5 MPa [5,000 psi], was used to test self-
healing properties of the set-cement system.
In a first step of testing, nitrogen gas passed through the sample to calculate the initial size of the fissure.
Then, the modified gas composition was pressurized at 5,000 psi before entering the cell. Pressure gradient
was recorded while constant gas flow rates were applied. A pressure gradient increase indicates fissure size
reduction and therefore swelling of the system.
Fracture thickness was calculated from pressure gradient and flow rate measurements. The following
hypotheses were made:
– Flow is laminar
– Gas flows through a homogeneous fracture.
– Sample is under isothermal conditions.
– Gases are not mixed into the core.
– Pressure drop due to valves, fittings, elbows, bends, expansions,
– Contractions are ignored.
– The flow is fully developed.
– Fracture surfaces are smooth.
For simplicity and comparison purposes, fracture was modeled as a slot presented in Figure 5. Equation
used to calculate "c" - the fracture width, is shown below.

Figure 5—Fracture scheme into cement core used to calculate c: fracture width.

Where: Q: Flow rate (kg/h)


ρ: Fluid density (kg/m3)
p: pressure (MPa)
SPE-201842-MS 9

b: sample diameter (m)


c: facture width (m)
μ: fluid viscosity (P)

Optimized mechanical properties of flexible and expandable cement (FEC)


FEC with increased elasticity and lowered Young's modulus has more potential to keep integrity under
mechanical stresses during well operations. Moreover, in case of expandable additives application
there is risk of appearance of cement-casing microcannulas if cement Young's modulus is higher than
formation Young's modulus. However, cement self-expansion after setting in synergy with elastic properties
significantly increase hydraulic sealing reliability (J.A-lThuwaini 2010). Cement matrix elastic properties
is usually imparted by cement blend components and slurry additives.
Therefore, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the system were evaluated with cycling load test. The
tensile strength was evaluated with Brazilian tests - is the maximum load that sample can withstand before
breaking in tension. MTS model Insight 200 load frame equipped with a load cell and axial plus radial
displacement transducers was used to evaluate the mechanical properties. Strain rate was set constant at one
millistrain per minute while deformation was measured.

Unconfined compressive strength (UCS)


Crush tests experiments consist of axially loading cylinder of material past failure and determining the peak
load (or UCS) at failure. The compressive strength is the maximum absolute value of the axial stress during
compressive loading before failure. The cylinder diameter was 1 in [25.4 mm] and height was 2 in [50.8
mm].

Young's Modulus
Similar to the crush test, the second series of tests consists of determining Young's modulus by cycling the
sample in its elastic domain. Young's modulus corresponds to the ratio stress/strain in the elastic range.

Tensile test (Brazilian test)


The testing setup is presented on Figure 6. The disc is installed on the platen of the load frame with metal
jaws to distribute the load. Brazilian test is performed on 2 in [50.8 mm] diameter and 1 in [25.4 mm]
thickness disk of set cement. In this method, the thin disk is loaded across the diameter until it splits. The
load frame with metal jaws is used to distribute the load on a thin and straight height of the cylinder. The
load at failure - F is related to the cement tensile strength TS by the following relationship: where
D is the disk diameter and e its thickness.
10 SPE-201842-MS

Figure 6—Metal jaws setup for measuring tensile strength.

Durability of cement self-healing cement system in oil


Self-healing cements are initially designed to be placed above a hydrocarbon reservoir and eliminate
protentional migration of hydrocarbons through cement sheath. Utilization of self-healing cement across
pay zone require optimization of swelling degree when contacted with hydrocarbons to avoid closure of
perforations and disintegration of cement matrix because of excessive swelling. At the same time ability of
cement system to self heal should not be deteriorated.
The durability test aims at evaluating the integrity of the cement system when it is immerged in oil. The
minimum requirement for the system to pass this durability test is to keep its integrity with no signs of
cracks in the cement core. Samples are tested in the following conditions:
– Samples were cured during 5 days at 105 degC and 20.7 MPa [3000 psi],
– Samples are cylinders of 1 in [25.4 mm] diameter and 2 in [50.8 mm] height,
– Samples are left static and in full contact with oil at room temperature and pressure, Figure 7.
SPE-201842-MS 11

Figure 7—Six cores left in oil for several month.

Samples were studied after twenty months oil exposure.

Conventional Lab Tests


The regular lab tests such as rheology, thickening time, fluid loss, free fluid, expansion and stability tests
were performed to optimize slurry properties for successfully placing it in the annulus. Tests were performed
accordingly to API 10B-2 and API 10B-5. Viscous spacer fluid composition and surfactant content were
optimized for effective mud removal as well as casing and formation cleaning and water-wetting.

Results
Self-healing properties with reservoir fluid containing CO2 and H2S
Typical results of self-healing properties testing for self-healing and neat cements are presented on Figure
8. During the tests with dry natural gas, a significant decrease of flow rate (from 425 mL/min to 0.52 mL/
min) was recorded in less than one hour with self-healing cement. Testing with nitrogen did not trigger
self-healing, confirming consistency of the crack geometry during several hours. Neat cement did not
demonstrate crack closure under the same conditions.
12 SPE-201842-MS

Figure 8—Example of flow tests with dry hydrocarbon gas under pressure with flow rate
at the end of nitrogen injection (red) and flow rate following natural gas injection (green).

The H2S and CO2 resistant self-healing cement tested with modified reservoir fluid, showed qualitatively
similar good results with crack closure during several hours. Based on other tests performed separately, the
cement system demonstrates good self-healing characteristics in original reservoir fluid.

Mechanical properties
The cement system has a maximum compressive strength of 25 MPa. Young's modulus is determined by
cycling the sample in its elastic domain.
The Figure 9 shows that sample goes back to its original deformation after loading and unloading cycle.

Figure 9—Raw data of cycling test performed on the sample.

Two values of Young's modulus describe the system behavior, depending on load:
1. In a range of 5-8 MPa load Young's modulus equal to 7GPa, that is 30% lower than typical value for
conventional slurry with same density.
2. In a range of 9-18 MPa load Young's modulus equal to 9GPa.
SPE-201842-MS 13

Tensile strength was found to be 4 MPa.

Durability of self-healing cement system in oil


Results after twenty months of immersion in oil are presented on Figure 10. Cores of set cement kept their
integrity with no sign of excessive swelling or cracks.

Figure 10—Cement cores after twenty months in oil.

Slurry properties
Slurry properties proposed for 7 in liner job are presented in Table 3. The slurry was based on Class G
cement and was prepared with sea water.

Table 3—Slurry properties.

Bottom Hole Circulating Temperature, degC (degF) 85 (185)

Bottom Hole Static Temperature, degC (degF) 105 (221)

Density, kg/L (lbm/gal) 2.05 (17.08)

Mixing Rheology (Bingham Plastic model)

Ty, Pa (lbf/100ft2) 28.0 (58.6)

PV, mPa*s (cP) 154.1 (154.1)

Rheology at Bottom Hole Circulating Temperature (Bingham Plastic model)

Ty, Pa (lbf/100ft2) 18.3 (38.3)

PV, mPa*s (cP) 78.0 (78.0)

10 sec gel, Pa (lbf/100ft2) 9.1 (19.0)

10 min gel, Pa (lbf/100ft2) 20.5 (42.8)

API Free Fluid at Bottom Hole Circulating Temperature, mL < 0.2

API fluid loss at Bottom Hole Circulating Temperature, mL 22

API Sedimentation test [top-bottom], kg/l (lbm/gal) 0.01 (0.08)

Circumferential expansion in 14 days, % 1.0

Thickening Time

Time to 70 Bc, h:min 7:22

Yard test
This slurry was specifically designed for the 1st time and has not been used anywhere before. Besides, the
self-healing cement technology was used outside of its typical working envelope at that time – meaning,
14 SPE-201842-MS

the additives were not tested by developers in this density range. In other words, the new application was
pushing the limits of the technology.
It was important to get practical experience before using the slurry on the actual well. It was also critical
to ensure that:
– the slurry mixes well with conventional cementing equipment, does not require any specific
modification to the equipment;
– slurry is pumpable with cementing unit assigned to the project;
– develop specific pumping procedures, raise awareness of the pump operators, so that they are
competent to execute the jobs
In order to generate the hands-on experience, and to ensure any fine-tuning is done before the system is
deployed into the actual well - the decision was taken to perform a yard test.
Blend was prepared at the base, loaded into a silo. The batch-mixing and pumping equipment was rigged
up in the yard and performed a trial mix. Slurry was found to be easily mixable and pumpable; density
reached the designed level with no anomalies reported. Green light was given to implement the technology
in the field.
It is worth to mention, that initially it was planned to batch mix the whole volume of slurry for the job.
This was because of high SFV for the slurry, and technical concern, that blend might not be water-wetting
well enough if mixed on-fly. Later, the practice showed that the blend can be also batch mixed in small
portions in the cement unit mixing tab or even pumped on the fly, however at a reduced mixing rate.

Bonding log analysis and long-term performance


Cement bond logs demonstrated good coverage of cement, and high quality of zonal isolation.
Thanks to its engineered resistance to H2S and CO2, the resilience of the cement stone is exceptional,
and the wells cemented with the system in 2014 are successfully producing since 2017. The wells did not
require any remedial work.

Conclusions
The work objective was to develop special cement system with the following properties:
– self-healing but stable in hydrocarbons
– H2S/CO2 resistive
– elastic with low Young's modulus
– self-expanding
To achieve these goals complex laboratory and engineering approach was used:
– self-healing was achieved in the reservoir fluid composition, when tested at 60 degC and 34.5 MPa.
– cement also demonstrated ability to keep integrity in aromatic oil for twenty months. This confirmed
system applicability for placement across reservoir perforation zone.
– mechanical properties of the cement stone were tested. Cement has developed compressive strength
of 25 MPa, tensile strength of 4.0 MPa, young's modulus of 7 GPa against 10 GPa for conventional
systems same density.
– system has shown 1% self-expansion post setting of cement.
Unique laboratory tests have proven cement to be fit for purpose and fit for implementation in real
field conditions. Experience of pumping this new developed system for 12 wells showed no operational
challenge. Cement logging tools confirmed high quality of zonal isolation. Wells have shown absence of
SPE-201842-MS 15

sustained casing pressure for more than six years. This work shared unique experience of design execution
and performance evaluation of self-healing system in complex reservoir fluids and well conditions.

References
1. Al-Yami et al. 2017. Engineered Fit-For-Purpose Cement System To Withstand Life-Of-The-Well
Pressure And Temperature Cycling: A Solution To Casing-Casing Annular Pressure. Abu Dhabi
International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2017 November 13-16.
2. P. Cavanagh, Suncor Energy Inc., and C.R. Johnson, S. LeRoy-Delage, G. DeBruijn, I. Cooper,
D. Guillot, SPE, H. Bulte, and B. Dargaud, Schlumberger. Self-Healing Cement—Novel
Technology To Achieve Leak-Free Wells. Paper SPE/IADC 105781. Presented at the 2007 SPE/
IADC Drilling Conference held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 20–22 February 2007.
3. Y. Fakhreldin, A. M. Ruwehy, J. Irvine-Fortescue, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Salim
Taoutaou, SPE, Bipin Jain, SPE, Sultan Al kalbani, Schlumberger. The Use of Specialized
Cement to Ensure Long Term Zonal Isolation for Sour Wells in South Oman. Paper IPTC 13400.
Presented at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Doha, Qatar, 7–9
December 2009.
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