Sealant selection for the life of the well

Annular-sealant mechanical properties are critical factors in well success. High-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) conditions place unique demands on the mechanical design of a sealant. Finite element models (FEM's) were used to determine the influence of wellbore stability and the effect of loading on sealant integrity. Sealant mechanical properties considered were elasti city, and tensile, shear, and bonding strengths. Typical oilwell cement, la tex, foamed, and hybrid slurries were investigated. The study indicated a s trong relationship between sealant behavior, formation in-situ stresses, fo rmation properties, and well-completion parameters.