Improving the rheological properties of alkaline-activated geopolymers using water-free fluids

Abstract

Geopolymer systems are quite successfully used in such operations as industrial and civil construction, production of fire - resistant concrete, isolation and disposal of radioactive waste, etc. The oil and gas industry was no exception. They are one of the most promising alternatives to Portland cement in insulation operations. They allow achieving sufficiently high performances of well construction strength, corrosion resistance, and in some compositions these parameters significantly exceed those of Portland cement. In recent years, a significant amount of research has been carried out aimed at the development of geo polymer compositions for cementing oil and gas wells, which showed that these systems have strength characteristics comparable to Portland cement, low permeability, resistance to drilling mud and reservoir conditions, and the ability to self-repair. However, despite all the advantages of Geo polymer systems, their most significant disadvantage is poor regulation of rheological properties. Geo polymers (GP) with low ash content do not provide the proper rheological characteristics for the use in insulation operations. Low values of pumpability of solutions are still a serious restriction for wide practical implementation. The use of geopolymer solutions with the correct selection of the compositional composition capable of demonstrating significant improvements in strength and rheological parameters as a result of mixing with anhydrous drilling fluids is a very promising solution to this problem. The paper presents the results of research on the additives of non-aqueous fluids such as oil- based and synthetic-based drilling fluids and inverted emulsion drilling fluids on rheology of geo polymers. The obtained results allow stating that the rheological parameters of geo polymer compositions improve up to comparable values with Portland cement, which considerably extends the range of application of these solutions to use in operations of primary, squeeze cementing and well workover.