Set-Delayed Cement Composition Using Pumice for Wellbore Plugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Set-delayed cement compositions used in subterranean cementing operations face challenges such as gelation issues with Portland cement and limited compressive strength at lower temperatures, making them ineffective in certain subterranean formations.

Innovation Solution

A set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder, optionally including a dispersant and viscosifier, which remains pumpable for extended periods and develops reasonable compressive strengths at low temperatures, suitable for use in subterranean formations with temperatures up to 450°F.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If Portland cement is used in set-delayed cement compositions, then the cement can be stored for extended periods, but gelation issues occur that limit effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage timeVSAvoidgelation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting Portland cement with alternative cementing materials that have different setting characteristics, allowing extended storage without gelation while maintaining reliability in subterranean applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses alternative cementing materials that can be stored for extended periods without the gelation problems of Portland cement, effectively replacing the unreliable material with a more stable composition for long-term storage and transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional cement compositions are used, then they can be prepared in advance and transported, but they do not develop sufficient compressive strength at lower temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation and transportVSAvoidcompressive strength at low temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition to include materials that maintain reactivity and strength development capability at lower temperatures, enabling the cement to be prepared in advance and transported while still achieving sufficient compressive strength in cold subterranean formations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite cement compositions combining multiple materials that work synergistically to provide both extended storage stability and adequate compressive strength development at low temperatures, addressing both the ease of manufacture and strength requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If set-delayed cement compositions are prepared in advance, then capital expenditures are reduced, but on-site bulk storage and mixing equipment are still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapital expendituresVSAvoidon-site storage and mixing equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the rheological and setting parameters of the cement composition to allow stable storage in bulk without requiring complex on-site equipment, reducing both capital expenditures and device complexity by enabling simpler storage and handling systems

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 composition effectively forms a hardened mass with desirable compressive strength and thickening time, suitable for various subterranean cementing operations, including plug-and-abandon operations, while reducing the need for on-site bulk storage and mixing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

set-delayed cement compositions are characterized by remaining in a pumpable fluid state for about one day or longer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSet retardation:

Implementation Method 2

the composition sets into a hardened mass. Among other things, the set-delayed cement composition may be suitable for use in wellbore applications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCement setting and hardening:

Implementation Method 3

set-delayed cement compositions comprising pumice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS9212534B2Plugging and abandoning a well using a set-delayed cement composition comprising pumice

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment a method of plugging a wellbore is described. The method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising pumice, hydrated lime, a cement set retarder, and water; activating the set-delayed cement composition to produce an activated set-delayed cement composition; introducing the activated set-delayed cement composition into the wellbore; and allowing the activated set-delayed cement composition to form a plug in the wellbore that has a permeability of less than 0.1 millidarcy.