Granite-Based Geopolymers for Zonal Isolation of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Wells – Improvement and Characterization
Original version
Granite-Based Geopolymers for Zonal Isolation of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Wells – Improvement and Characterization by Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Stavanger : University of Stavanger, 2025 (PhD thesis UiS, no. 832)Abstract
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in subsurface formations is crucial for addressing climate change challenges. As global efforts in CCS intensify, ensuring the long-term integrity of CO2 storage is paramount. Wellbore sealants play a pivotal role in preventing leakage and maximizing environmental benefits. However, concerns persist regarding API classes of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), commonly used for annular isolation behind casing and for plugging wells after abandonment. The interactions between OPC and aggressive fluids or conditions could potentially undermine the integrity of CO2 storage over time.
To address these challenges, developing wellbore sealants with enhanced chemical resistance to CO2 is promising. Low Ca-content alkali-activated materials (AAMs), such as geopolymers (GPs), offer advantages including low chemical shrinkage, rapid strength development, and reduced CO2 emissions during manufacturing compared to OPC. Conventional GP synthesis relies on a two-part system where solid precursors are dissolved in high-alkali solutions, which can be problematic in terms of logistics and environmental impact. Recent innovations have led to the development of one-part GPs, which use pre-mixed solid alkaline activators combined with aluminosilicate precursors and require only the addition of water. This method not only enhances user convenience but also mitigates environmental burdens and aligns more closely with established manufacturing processes based on OPC.
Granite-based materials, due to their availability and chemical composition, show high potential as GP precursors. However, confirming the suitability of these GP systems as wellbore sealants in CCS applications requires understanding of their behavior under harsh conditions expected in CCS wellbores, where knowledge gaps exist.
This research aims to examine the performance of a granite-based GP system tailored for CCS applications. The research involves modifying the mixture design initially to achieve appropriate properties for downhole conditions in CCS wellbores, followed by macro- and micro-scale assessments of the GP system’s response to various harsh conditions simulating CO2 storage wellbores.
This project is part of the CEMENTEGRITY Project (ACT3), a collaboration between the University of Stavanger (UiS), and a consortium of industrial and academic entities, including TU Delft, Halliburton, the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Heriot-Watt University, Wintershall DEA, Energiebeheer Nederland (EBN), and ReStone.
This PhD dissertation is structured into two main sections: the first part outlines the research project, while the second includes appended papers presenting detailed scientific findings. The outcomes of this study have been published in eight articles: four peer-reviewed journal papers and four technical conference papers, summarized as follows:
Paper I provides a comprehensive review of GP systems as isolation materials for CCS wellbores. It systematically investigates the main factors influencing the chemo-mechanical durability of various GP formulations. Additionally, the review identifies optimal parameter values affecting the performance of GP systems and critically evaluates existing research gaps, offering recommendations for targeted areas of future scientific investigation.
Paper II and III evaluate the performance of a granite-based GP system as a wellbore sealant for CCS after modifications conducted to optimize fluid properties and the mechanical properties of the hardened material. The studies also assess the impact of Mg content of the mix design, a critical but often overlooked factor, on the GP system’s properties.
Papers IV, V, and VI examine the response of the granite-based GP system to NaCl- and MgCl2-based brines, simulating conditions within CO2 storage wellbores in aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs. The research utilizes imposed-flow techniques and micro-scale analytical methods to assess the impact of brine exposure on the GP material.
Paper VII conducts a comprehensive investigation of the granite-based one-part GP system’s performance under water- and CO2-saturated conditions over 3-6 months, assessing the impact of CO2 on mechanical properties at various scales, along with detailed micro-scale analyses.
Paper VIII investigates the response of the granite-based GP system to thermal shocks, as may occur during CO2 geosequestration. This study analyzes changes to porosity, mass loss, UCS, microstructural and mineralogical composition through SEM, EDS, and XRD.
Has parts
Paper I: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, Paulo Henrique Silva Santos Moreira, “Review on Geopolymers as Wellbore Sealants: State of the Art, Optimization for CO2 Exposure, and Perspectives”, ACS Omega, June 2023, Vol. 8, 26, p. 23320-23345, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c01777.Paper II: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, “Multiscale insights into mechanical performance of a granite-based geopolymer: Unveiling the micro to macro behavior”, Geoenergy Science and Engineering, December 2023, Vol. 231, 212375, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2023.212375.
Paper III: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, Paulo Henrique Silva Santos Moreira, “Effect of magnesium-bearing additives on the properties of a granite-based geopolymer sealant for CCS”, 84th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition, Jun 2023, Volume 2023, p.1–5, https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202310742. This paper is not included in the repository because of copyright restrictions.
Paper IV: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, “Stability analysis of a granite-based geopolymer sealant for CO2 geosequestration: In-situ permeability and mechanical behavior while exposed to brine”, Cement and Concrete Composites, May 2024, Vol. 149, 105511, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2024.105511.
Paper V: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, Paulo Henrique Silva Santos Moreira, “On the effects of brine exposure on mechanical strength of a geopolymer sealant for CO2-geosequestration”, 12th Trondheim Carbon Capture and Storage Conference (TCCS), 19/06-21/06, Trondheim, Norway.
Paper VI: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, “Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Granite-Based Geopolymer Sealants Under MgCl2 Brine Exposure: Implications for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)”, SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference 2025, Stavanger, Norway, Accepted. This paper is not included in the repository because it's not yet published.
VII: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Mahmoud Khalifeh, Reinier van Noort, “Durability Assessment of a Granite-Based One-part Geopolymer System Exposed to CO2-Water Conditions: Implications for CO2 Geosequestration”, Geoenergy Science and Engineering, Under review. This paper is not included in the repository because it's not yet published.
VIII: Seyed Hasan Hajiabadi, Kai Li, Anne Pluymakers, Reinier van Noort, Mahmoud Khalifeh, “Exploring the durability of a granite-based geopolymer sealant for carbon capture and storage: evaluating sealing performance under thermal shocks in brine environments”, 17th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies GHGT-17, October 2024, Calgary, Canada, https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5010201.