Resin: An Alternative Barrier Solution Material

Abstract

Abstract Assured well integrity and the reduction of associated drilling problems has been a recurrent challenge for operators over the years. Conventional cement does not always endure the mechanical stresses and requirements placed on it by a wellbore and it often falls short in providing permanent isolation beyond the production life of a well. Unconventional alternatives, such as thermosetting resins, are now available and can be used to solve a variety of drilling and production barrier problems, filling the niche where conventional methods have failed. The plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells along with their associated depleted reservoirs is now an urgent matter whose antiquated methodologies are in need revision. Many previously abandoned wells are now leaking due to cement failure. As a result, many operators seek to employ alternative materials that are more resilient and reliable when permanently abandoning a well. However, as quite often is the case in all facets of industry, the introduction of new technology faces speculation and must overcome a variety of administrative controls before being adopted and implemented into the field. As a result, intensive effort is being spent on research to further validate the technical viability of polymer resins and advocate industry progression in this novel direction. This paper explores the benefits of resin application for plug and abandonment operations in place of conventional systems from a methodological and laboratory perspective.