Gilsonite As a Solution To Leaky Wellbores
As complexity of wells, environmental regulations and the need to be as economically efficient as possible in the petroleum industry increases, it is more prevalent than ever to ensure and maintain wellbore integrity. The purpose of the cement sheath is to maintain wellbore integrity by providing total isolation between surrounding formations and the wellbore. One factor opposing the purpose of a cement sheath is hydrocarbon migration through a micro-annulus located at either the cement/casing interface or the cement/formation interface. Hydrocarbon migration hazards can be as minor as a few psi increase at surface to total blowout which in turn can be timely to repair, if possible, and create unwanted environmental concerns which ultimately effect economic returns.