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The long-term integrity of rock-based geopolymers was studied in corrosive environments. The geopolymers were cured for 7 days at ambient conditions. Afterwards, the geopolymers were exposed to crude oil, brine and H 2 S in brine at 100°C and elevated pressures. The compressive strength, tensile strength, weight and volume changes were measured prior and after 3, 6 and 12 months of exposure. The measurements showed a turning point after 6 months of ageing. Whereas the compressive strength and tensile strength started to increase when the specimens were exposed to crude oil and brine, the specimens that were exposed to H 2 S experienced some degradation. Permeability of geopolymers before exposure and after 12 months of exposure to the crude oil and brine was very low. The permeability of the specimens which were exposed to H 2 S was not measureable. Substantial volume changes were observed for the geopolymers which were exposed to H 2 S and brine.

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When a well reaches the end of its life-cycle, it should be permanently plugged and abandoned. Geopolymers have recently attracted attention as potential alternative materials to cement, and hence, have the potential to be used as permanent barriers. This paper presents a brief overview of geopolymers and their chemo-physical properties and how they can be applied to the plug and abandonment (P&A) operation.To give a better understanding of geopolymers, Class C fly ash-based geopolymers were prepared and examined. Fly ashbased geopolymers were produced by the alkali -activation of the Class C fly ash with an activator solution (a mixture of NaOH and sodium silicate solution). The NaOH solution was prepared at three concentrations of 6, 8 and 10 mol/L and it was mixed with the sodium silicate solution at a mass ratio of 1 in order to prepare the activator solution. The fly ash-C to liquid mass ratio was 1.9, typically producing final densities in the range of 2.44 s.g. In order to investigate the effect of curing temperature on the mechanical property of the obtained geopolymer, specimens were cured at two different temperatures (87 °C and 125 °C) under a pressure of 5000 psi. This work studies the effect of curing temperature and NaOH concentration on the mechanical properties of the specimens. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests and Ultrasonic cement analyzer (UCA) tests were carried out to measure the compressive strength development of the specimens. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images were taken to study the microstructure of the specimens. Measurements of pH of ground specimens was performed and based on the obtained results pH alters during the curing time. These measurements will found a basis for selecting the correct material for the P&A operation.

Portland cement has become the prime material used for zonal isolation; sealing annuli between casings, between casing and formation and finally for plug and abandonment (P&A) operations. However, there are concerns regarding Portland cement such as autogenous shrinkage, high permeability after cracks has occurred, gas influx during waiting on cement (WOC) time, instability at high temperature, ductility and durability. Geopolymers have been suggested as an alternative to Portland cement for oil well applications. Geopolymers are inorganic aluminosilicate cementitious materials condensed as result of a complex reaction known as geopolymerization. The current work presents the usability of a geopolymeric material specially designed for oil well cementing applications, known as aplite rock-based geopolymer. The chemical reaction of the geopolymeric slurries was determined using calorimetry measurements. The rheological behavior of the geopolymers, such as consistometer consistency and viscosity were examined besides their mechanical properties. The investigation of mechanical properties included uniaxial compressive strength, sonic strength and tensile strength. The pumpability and setting time have been studied by changing mix design of the geopolymeric slurries along with the addition of selected retarders. Finally, microstructure of the cured geopolymers was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show that slurries have a non-Newtonian behavior like a Bingham material with a small yield stress. The curing pressure reduced the pumpability of the geopolymeric slurries; however, the reason remained unclear. Addition of sucrose by 1.2 wt.% of the total solid content resulted in an optimal accumulative heat release, which showed the highest strength development. Pumpability of the mixes was prolonged by introducing sucrose to the geopolymeric slurries. Tensile strength of the geopolymers was found to be approximately 5 percent of their compressive strengths.