Investigation of the influence of drilling fluid and geothermal water on the degradation process of composite casing

Investigation of the influence of drilling fluid and geothermal water on the degradation process of composite casing

 

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Investigation of the influence of drilling fluid and geothermal water on the degradation process of composite casing

Funding source: European Union (NextGenerationEU)

Project Leader: Assoc. Prof. Borivoje Pašić, PhD

Duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029.

Budget: EUR 98.285,10

Project summary

The proposed research project is aimed at the development and characterization of composite casings that could represent a viable and technically acceptable alternative to steel casings in demanding well conditions, with a special emphasis on geothermal reservoirs. Such reservoirs are characterized by elevated temperatures, the possibility of the presence of corrosive fluids, and occasionally elevated pressures, which ultimately significantly limits the service life of steel casings that must secure the well throughout its entire operating life. Current practice and scientific literature indicate the potential advantage of using composite materials, but existing knowledge is fragmented, incomplete, and often insufficiently applicable in real field conditions. The project will be carried out in several phases. In the initial phase, after reviewing scientific and professional literature, the most promising commercial materials (different types of fibers and matrix) will be selected and purchased and their combination into composites will be carried out. After that, the basic mechanical properties of the materials (hardness) will be tested in order to define the initial characteristics. The next step involves exposing the material to borehole fluids (different types of drilling fluid and geothermal water) at simulating borehole conditions in laboratory cells that allow temperature and pressure control. Changes in physical-mechanical properties, chemical degradation and microstructure of the material will be analyzed using electron microscopy.

Team members:

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Members from faculty:
Borivoje Pašić

Assoc. Prof. Borivoje Pašić, PhD – project manager

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Assist. Prof. Petar Mijić, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Igor Medved, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet

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Full Prof. Katarina Simon, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Full Prof. Lidia Hrnčević, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Full Prof. Vladislav Brkić, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Assoc. Prof. Sonja Koščak Kolin, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Assist. Prof. Katarina Žbulj, PhD

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Croatia

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Karim El Sabeh, PhD

Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet

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Assoc. Prof. Karolina Novak Mavar, PhD

Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet

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External collaborators:
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Prof. emer. Nediljka Gaurina-Međimurec

Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet

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Matija Malnar, dipl.ing.

Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet

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