Thermal Activated Resin to Avoid Pressure Build-up in Casing-Casing Annulus (CCA)

Abstract

Abstract Pressure build up between cemented casings — in drilling and production wells — has been a major challenge all around the world. The cause, in most cases, is a poor cement job that allows fluids to migrate through micro channels from the formation all the way to the surface. This problem has been solved by pumping or squeezing a polymeric based resin — with major bonding properties — that can be accurately designed for a specific setting or curing time, based on the application temperature. This resin is pumped through annular injection ports in the well head. Due to the resin's particle free characteristic, there is no restriction or plugging risk while pumping. Once the resin is pumped down the annuli into the micro channels, it will set or cure and isolate the pressure build up from the source, providing a safe working environment at the surface. Thermal activated resin is a new technology that has overcome a lot of traditional cementing problems. The resin acts as a fluid and can be designed on a wide range of weights and viscosities, and it can also be adjusted to react at a specific formation or ambient temperature. This paper presents case histories on field applications and lab tests to support the efficiency and liability of solving Casing- Casing Annulus pressure build-up scenarios in the Middle East.