A Numerical Simulation Study of the Impact of Microchannels on Fluid Flow through the Cement–Rock Interface

Microchannels located at the cement–rock interface can form potential pathways for formation fluid leakage in oil and gas wells. The effects of geometric shape, quantity, inclination angle microchannels on flow through cemented rock samples were explored. Finite element 3D models established based modified micro-CT images obtained from physical samples. volume rate different sections was extracted after simulations. numerical results showed that with presence a single microchannel, total could be higher than base case by as much 9%. Microchannel contact cross-sectional areas found to two most important factors affecting rate. overall increased increasing area, microchannel. cases having same area but shapes decreasing number sides shape (from circular triangular) due area. simulation also revealed relative magnitude permeability may influence each section.