Controlling Pumpability of Geopolymers for Downhole Placement

Abstract

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the prime material used to manufacture concrete and as a barrier material in well construction. Cement has its own advantages such as pumpability, setting, bonding to steel and formation, etc. On the other hand, it has some drawbacks including but not limited to flexibility, long-term durability, permeability, etc. Geopolymer binders are potential alternative materials to Portland cement. They have not been field tested yet but obtained laboratory results have shown their potential as alternative barrier materials. The objective of this study is to control the setting time of certain geopolymers by adding different dosages of retarders, at different wellbore conditions. The BHCT selected for this study is 50, 60, and 70℃, which is relevant to the North Sea area. As the temperature increases from 50, 60 and 70℃, the slurry sets quicker and retarders can postpone the setting time. UCA (Ultrasonic cement analyzer) results showed the effect of temperature and static conditions on setting time and sonic strength development.