Geopolymer Particle Cement Blend for Low-Temperature Well Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cement compositions used in subterranean cementing operations face challenges with varying temperature conditions, pumpability downhole, and setting time, especially with low Portland cement formulations containing high supplementary cementitious material (SCM) content, which can lead to unsuitable curing temperatures and prolonged operation stoppages.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating cured geopolymer particles into low Portland cement formulations, which accelerate curing and reduce the lower temperature limit, allowing for quicker set times and improved mechanical properties, even at low temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If supplementary cementitious material (SCM) content is increased to reduce carbon footprint and improve chemical resistance, then environmental performance and chemical resistance are improved, but curing temperature increases and becomes unsuitable for low-temperature drilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidcuring temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating cured geopolymer particles with specific aluminosilicate structures that enable low-temperature curing. This allows the cement slurry to maintain chemical resistance while curing at temperatures suitable for drilling operations (below 50°C).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining cured geopolymer particles with Portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials. This composite approach allows the geopolymer component to provide low-temperature curing capability while the Portland cement provides strength, and the SCM provides chemical resistance, thus resolving the temperature contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If low Portland cement formulations with high SCM content are used, then carbon footprint is reduced, but setting time increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon footprintVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-curing geopolymer particles before incorporating them into the cement slurry. These pre-cured particles act as active additives that accelerate the hydration and setting process of the low Portland cement, thereby reducing setting time and improving operational efficiency while maintaining the low carbon footprint benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cured geopolymer particles serve as an intermediary that facilitates faster setting in low Portland cement systems. They provide nucleation sites for cement hydration and release alkaline substances that accelerate the setting process, thus bridging the gap between low carbon footprint formulations and rapid setting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional cement compositions are used to ensure pumpability and setting properties, then reliability is maintained, but adaptability to varying temperature conditions and reduced carbon footprint is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement performanceVSAvoidtemperature adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a cement composition that performs multiple functions: the cured geopolymer particles provide both low-temperature curing capability and acceleration of setting, while also contributing to strength development. This multi-functional additive allows the cement to adapt to varying temperature conditions without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rheological and chemical parameters of the cement slurry by incorporating cured geopolymer particles, which modify the slurry's flow properties and chemical reactivity. This enables the slurry to maintain pumpability across a wider temperature range while achieving reliable setting and strength development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The inclusion of cured geopolymer particles enhances strength development, reduces the lower temperature usage limit, and increases the operational range of blended low Portland cement, enabling faster set times and improved dynamic transport efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating cured geopolymer particles into low Portland cement formulations, which accelerate curing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPozzolanic reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20260062603A1Composition including cured geopolymer particles, and methods of making and using thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A composition can include cured geopolymer particles and a particulate cementitious material. The cured geopolymer particles and the particulate cementitious material are a mixed blend. The composition also relates to methods of making and using thereof.