Effect of nano-silica and curing conditions on the reaction rate of class G well cement exposed to geological CO₂-sequestration conditions

Chemical reactions of class G oil well cement submerged in CO₂-saturated brine were experimentally investigated to evaluate the effects of nano-silica and curing conditions. The progression of depths of reaction zones (depletion, carbonation, and degradation zone) with reaction time up to 62 days were quantitatively measured based on 3D X-ray CT in conjunction with the chemical analysis. The results show that there were no significant difference in the progress of carbonation zone regardless of the curing conditions and nano-silica. The measure of reaction depth for tested specimens concludes that the curing at the high pressure and temperature is more effective to prevent the depletion zone from progressing into the cement interior than the addition of the nano-silica, supported by XRD and NMR results. Image-based measurements, coupled with chemical analyses, quantified the evolution of the reactive zones in the oil well cement, providing insights into the underlying reaction mechanism.