Influence of structural properties on the suspension performance of ultra-high temperature stabilizers

Abstract

One of the key challenges preventing the exploration and development of ultra-deep oil and gas deposits is the settlement instability of cement slurry at extremely high temperatures. In the previous work, an ultra-high temperature suspension stabilizer was created to enhance the cement slurry's high temperature settlement stability. This work investigates its mechanism from the standpoint of structural characteristics based on the prior research. Thermal stability tests and calculations of the pyrolysis activation energy were used to examine the structural features of the suspension stabilizer. The viscosity-temperature relationship, the microstructure of the suspension stabilizer solution, the molecular structure change of the suspension stabilizer in the solution environment, and the interaction energy with water molecules were all studied in conjunction with contemporary material testing techniques and molecular dynamics simulation calculations. The findings indicate that: 1) The bulk structure of the suspension stabilizer has a pyrolysis temperature of 330 °C, which indicates a degree of heat resistance; 2) In a solution environment, the viscosity of the solution is a critical factor in determining the stability of the cement slurry's sedimentation, which is dependent on the integrity of the amide group in the suspension stabilizer. The cyclic functional group's ortho action prevents the amide monomer from hydrolyzing in the ultra-high temperature suspension stabilizer. The cement slurry has good sedimentation stability because the hydrogen link between the retained amide group and the water molecule has not entirely broken down, and the solution still has some viscosity.