CT investigation on oilwell cement deterioration caused by H2S along a leaking channel under high temperature: Insights for geothermal applications

The alteration of oilwell cement due to H 2 S poses a significant threat to wellbore structural integrity in geothermal environments. However, laboratory studies on the cement deterioration process caused by H 2 S flow along a leaking channel under high-temperature conditions remain scarce. In this study, computed tomography (CT) scanning was utilized to assess the morphological changes and alteration patterns of oilwell cement caused by H 2 S flow in multiple dimensions. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were applied to elucidate the microscale mechanisms responsible for the H 2 S-driven alteration. The results show that: H 2 S flow along the cement channel results in increased matrix porosity and enlarged pore sizes, which are especially evident in regions adjacent to the channel. Chemical etching and secondary crystal growth contribute to the expansion of channel dimension and roughening of channel surface. Consequently, the permeability of the cement matrix exhibited a marked increase of 45% over a period of 14 days. At the microstructural level, compared to uncontaminated oilwell cement, which exhibits a homogeneous texture and fine particle composition, exposure to H 2 S leads to the formation of a heterogeneous and fractured structure within the cement. As a result of sulfidation reactions, a surface layer approximately 1 millimeter in thickness forms on the cement, which is depleted in calcium and enriched in silicon. The identification of metallic sulfides elucidated the chemical mechanisms responsible for the deterioration of cement properties. The flow of H 2 S through the channel within the cement causes significant alteration of the structure compared to other alteration modes.