INFLUENCE OF CASING DECENTRALIZATION ON THE THERMO-POROELASTIC INTEGRITY ASSESSMENT OF CEMENT SHEATHS IN OIL WELLS

Autores

  • Maria Clara Medeiros
  • Gleide Karolayne Melo Lins
  • Catarina Nogueira de Araújo Fernandes
  • Thiago Barbosa da Silva
  • William Wagner Matos Lira
  • Charlton O. de Souza

Palavras-chave:

Casing decentralization, Cement sheaths, Structural integrity, Thermo-poroelasticity, Numerical modeling.

Resumo

This study preliminarily investigates the influence of casing decentralization on the structural integrity of the cement sheath in oil wells under thermo-poroelastic conditions. The cement sheath, located between two casings or the casing and surrounding rock formation, performs essential functions, including ensuring casing support, providing hydraulic isolation between producing zones, and maintaining the structural stability of the well. Traditionally, its design is based on thermoelastic models with circular cross-sections and concentric geometry. However, geometric imperfections, such as casing decentralization, can significantly modify stress distribution and compromise the structural integrity of the cement sheath. In addition, the porous behavior of hardened cement, often disregarded, can meaningfully influence its mechanical response. In this context, the methodology comprises: (i) definition of the numerical model; (ii) establishment of material properties and boundary conditions; (iii) verification of the eccentric model; (iv) definition of the case studies; and (v) structural integrity assessment. The results show that decentralization intensifies circumferential stresses in the region of reduced thickness, increasing susceptibility to failure. The inclusion of thermo-poroelastic behavior, although reducing absolute stress levels, amplifies the effects of eccentricity. Thus, this study integrates both factors, providing initial insights for safer and more realistic designs in the oil and gas industry.

Publicado

2025-12-01

Edição

Seção

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