Enhancing Void And Fracture Filling With An Expandable Silicate-Based Grout

Kelly Soucy, Michael McDonald, Brett Cramer

In the proceedings of: GeoEdmonton 2018: 71st Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 13th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Soil Mechanics and Foundations (Ground Improvement)

ABSTRACT: Grouting often requires a tight sealing material to fill, block and prevent communication between the isolated sections. Achieving a tight seal in a void space, fracture or crack is an on-going challenge as chemical and cement grouts often lose volume upon setting. This paper will describe the chemistry, development and application of a novel expandable silicate-based material. Similar to Portland cement, the system uses powder metals for the in-situ generation of hydrogen to make closed cell foam. In contrast to Portland cement, the silicate-based system is designed to be fit for purpose and can be formulated to expand and set from a few minutes to days. The degree of expansion can be controlled from a few percentages to five times the original volume. Final compressive strength is dependent on several factors including degree of expansion. As a new class of material, extensively laboratory testing took place under the broad categories of HS&E characterization, formulation development, performance properties and qualitative analysis. To better focus the development effort, the geotechnical, mining and oilfield industry were consulted to determine testing and performance requirements. Industry feedback provided a wide variation in performance properties especially in the area of set times, but there was consensus in that the product needed to be safe and environmentally friendly, easy to use on-site and cost effective. This paper will provide an overview of the methodology and test results. The paper will discuss initial trial results where the expandable silicate-based plug was used in the Western Canadian oilfield to seal fractures in the reservoir. Based on lab and field results, the fit for purpose of expandable silicate-based sealant would be well suited for geotechnical applications requiring water cutoff , abandonment, and sealing of annular or void spaces.

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