STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR OF SHCC CEMENT SHEATH IN OIL WELL SUBMITTED TO STEAM INJECTION: EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

Steam injection technique is applied in reservoirs containing heavy-oil to enhance its production by reducing the viscosity of the crude oil. However, the high temperature gradient induces a state of stresses that may lead to the failure of the concrete sheath. This study deals with the use of Strain Hardening Cementitious Composite (SHCC) as cement slurry that could Improve the behavior of the concrete sheath in face of the thermal loadings. An experimental test rig was developed to simulate the thermal effects in a model of the concrete sheath. Moreover, a conventional cement system (CS) was also tested for comparison purpose. The results showed that the SHCC has better performance than the CS in what concerns cracking thermal gradient and crack opening. However, although SHCC is a self-consolidating concrete, its rheology is not yet adequate regarding the properties required for well cementing.