Well integrity under hydraulic pulses

This PhD will examine the integrity of the well casing and cement containment under conditions of pulsed flow within the well. Under pulsed stimulation, it is possible that wells might deteriorate faster than in conventional working conditions.

Oil and gas wells are designed and engineered to ensure that they are adequate to stop contaminant leakage to the ground surface or water resources. This PhD will examine the integrity of the well casing and cement containment under conditions of pulsed flow within the well. Under pulsed stimulation, it is possible that wells might deteriorate faster than in conventional working conditions. This project aims to evaluate the response of oil and gas casing and cement to the hydraulic pulses, as well as serviceability and integrity of the wells under pulsed stimulation. Specifically, the project will address the issues related to corrosion of steel casing, fatigue of steel casing, cracking/de-bonding of cement, etc. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be employed to present an integrated framework for evaluating the well integrity under hydraulic pulses, considering all the major deterioration forms.

Based at the University of Strathclyde - this project directly aligns and contributes to strategic areas of the UK funding councils, providing knowledge of interest to academia, industry and regulators. The research builds on critical research mass in CEE department in Oil/Gas and the student will join a large group of 10+ PhDs and PDRA researchers. The PhD will prepare the student with a set of skills that will assist in the assessment and evaluation of well integrity and will inform industry and practicing engineers with regard to the deterioration and serviceability of the wells.