Degradation of well cement by CO2 under geologic sequestration conditions

Environ Sci Technol. 2007 Jul 1;41(13):4787-92. doi: 10.1021/es062828c.

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to assess the durability of cements in wells penetrating candidate formations for geologic sequestration of CO2. These experiments showed a significant variation in the initial degradation (9 days of exposure) based on the curing conditions. The high-temperature (50 degrees C) and high-pressure (30.3 MPa) curing environment increased the degree of hydration and caused a change in the microstructure and distribution of the Ca(OH)2(s) phase within the cement. Cement cured at 50 degrees C and 30.3 MPa (representing sequestration conditions) proved to be more resistant to carbonic acid attack than cement cured at 22 degrees C and 0.1 MPa. The cement cured at 50 degrees C and 30.3 MPa exhibited a shallower depth of degradation and displayed a well-defined carbonated zone as compared to cement cured under ambient conditions. This is likely due to smaller, more evenly distributed Ca(OH)2(s) crystals that provide a uniform and effective barrier to CO2 attack.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Geological Phenomena
  • Geology*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide