ThermaSet® - the Gas Tight Solution

The development of ThermaSet® started around 1990, using SINTEF , the largest research group in Scandinavia. A systematic study was conducted, where many types of materials were investigated. From a total evaluation of the exposure, that the material had to sustain and endure, a specific thermosetting material was eventually chosen.

The fact that weight, viscosity and curing time can be accurately regulated, is a revolution to the industry. Add the range of Specific Gravity, starting from below 0.7 (5.8 lb/gal), and you have got a solution to a lot of down hole problems, once thought incurable.

ThermaSet® has the ability to be designed in a full range of densities and viscosities, pumpable through narrow channels, withholding mechanical properties that way exceed those found in traditional cement. When ThermaSet® cure, the material transform rapidly from liquid to solid. Designed setting time will always refer to the time it is subjected to down hole temperature, and it will never set up unless subjected to the right temperature over the specific time, for which it was designed.

The Ageing Test of ThermaSet®, performed at SINTEF, show that the vital Tensile Strength is exceedingly stronger than that of Portland G cement, used to seal off oil & gas wells throughout the world. ThermaSet® can withstand approx. 6 times the Flexural Strain. E-modulus show a far superior elasticity, and a highly increased Compressive Strength is demonstrated. Rupture Elongation is 6 times higher in ThermaSet®. Why choose otherwise ?

Properties of ThermaSet® vs. Portland G Cement

Look at the radial crack pattern in the cement. When production commence, the well heats up due to the flow of warm oil. As a result, the casings will expand and cause tangential tensile stresses in the cement. Due to low tensile strength and essentially no fracture elongation, the cement will fracture. ThermaSet® will withstand such stresses.

The picture show just the two-dimensional situation. Imagine what happens along the entire length of the well. This is precisely why so many wells are leaking. They can probably still be mended with ThermaSet®, but when planning a new well, you would find it highly beneficial to use ThermaSet® from the start.