The Application of Breakthrough Pressure in the Evaluation of the Sealing Ability of Cement–Casing Interface and Cement Matrix in Underground Gas-Storage Wells

Abstract

This paper proposes an evaluation system for the sealing ability of cement–casing interface and cement matrix, which was developed based on a permeability testing device and a model that predicts the breakthrough pressure of cement sheath matrix and interfacial transition zone (ITZ). It was found that the breakthrough pressure of ITZ was much smaller than that of cement matrix. Moreover, compared with water-based drilling fluid, oil-based one led to lower breakthrough pressure of ITZ even after the flushing treatment. Meanwhile, latex, resin and elastic materials enabled a substantial rise in the breakthrough pressure of cement matrix. However, compared with the latex, resin and elastic cement, the expansive cement had higher breakthrough pressure of ITZ, indicating an improvement on the interface sealing ability. Additionally, a small enlargement rate of the hole diameter and long effective bond were able to prevent gas storage wells from leakage.