Natural gas is an important resource in modern society. This gas is found beneath the surface of the Earth. That means that wells must be drilled in order to access natural gas reserves.
A lot of wells that have been drilled will be abandoned at some point. Companies can't just walk away from these wells. Each abandoned well must be properly plugged to prevent any contamination.
Using the right material to plug a well can mean the difference between containment and dangerous leaks. Check for the following characteristics before you decide which material you will use to plug your abandoned gas wells in the future.
1. Low Permeability
Since the primary reason abandoned wells are plugged is to prevent them from contaminating the surrounding environment, it makes sense that a material with low permeability must be used to properly plug a gas well. A material with low permeability will not allow the transfer of gases or liquids between the outside environment and the interior of the well.
Some examples of materials that have low permeability include thermoplastic polymers, cement, and polymer gels. Using one of these materials to plug an abandoned gas well can prevent the well from harming the environment over time.
2. Resistance to Downhole Fluids
Gas wells are usually not plugged directly on the surface. Instead, a plug is constructed at a predetermined depth in the well. It's essential that the material you choose for your well plug is capable of resisting damage caused by downhole fluids.
Many fluids can find their way into a plugged well. Hydrocarbons, brine, and carbon dioxide are just a few of the fluids that might trickle into an abandoned well. Your plug materials must be sturdy enough to stand up against the temperature and pressure changes that come with downhole fluids. Resins, cements, and polymers are all capable of resisting damage caused by downhole fluids.
3. Long-Term Integrity
The safety of an abandoned gas well depends on the durability and performance of the material used to plug the well. It's essential that you use only materials that have a proven track record of retaining their structural integrity over time. The material should have a low probability of cracking or separating from the walls of your abandoned well.
Quality plug materials will not erode over time. You will need to factor in the climate and location of the well to determine which environmental elements pose a threat to the integrity of a plug material.
If you need help with gas well abandonment, contact a professional.
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