Publications

Geomechanical modeling to predict wellbore stresses and strains for the design of wellbore seal repair materials for use at a CO2 injection site

Sobolik, Steven R.; Gomez, Steven P.; Matteo, Edward N.; Dewers, Thomas D.; Newell, Pania N.; Stormont, J.C.; Reda Taha, M.M.

This paper presents results of three models simulating the hydrological-mechanical behavior of a CO2 injection reservoir and the resulting effects on wellbore system (cement and casing) and seal repair materials. A critical aspect of designing effective wellbore seal repair materials is predicting thermo-mechanical perturbations that can compromise seal integrity. Three distinct computational models comprise the current modeling effort. The first model depicts bench-top experiments of an integrated seal system in an idealized scaled wellbore mock-up being used to test candidate seal repair materials. This model will be used to gain an understanding of the wellbore microannulus compressibility and permeability. The second is a field scale model that uses the stratigraphy, material properties, and injection history from a pilot CO2 injection operation to develop stress-strain histories for wellbore locations from 100 to 400 meters from an injection well. The results from these models are used as input to a more detailed model of a wellbore system. The 3D wellbore model examines the impacts of various loading scenarios on a wellbore system. The results from these models will be used to estimate the necessary thermal-mechanical properties needed for a successful repair material.