Magnesium oxychloride cement with hydrophobic pore network for utilizing as oil well cement

Abstract

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) possesses some excellent characteristics, which can be used as oil well cement, to deal with the complex environmental conditions in oil and gas wells. However, the water resistance property of MOC is poor. In this study, a new type of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) with improved water resistance was developed by modifying the pore structure of pure MOC using hydrophobic admixtures. To assess the performance of the new MOC, a range of tests were performed, including compressive strength, softening coefficient, capillary water absorption, pore size distribution, mineral composition and microstructure analysis. The results showed that the pore size distribution of the MOC was altered from a large pore-dominant structure to a small pore-dominant one. The hydrophobic admixture and the gel substance formed on the strength-providing phases prevented them from water erosion, resulting in enhanced strength and water resistance. This new type of MOC has the potential to be used in challenging environments, such as oil and gas wells and underwater structures.