Riteks Case Study
RiLock Resin
Mitigating Gas Migration in Low-Temperature Canadian Well Conditions
Overview
A legacy well located in Eastern Canada exhibited gas migration along the exterior of a 20-inch casing string. The casing had been driven to approximately 40 meters without cement in the annular space.
Due to the well's location in a residential area, the remediation solution needed to minimize surface equipment requirements while delivering a high-integrity, long-term seal. The system was engineered using Riteks' proprietary exotherm control technology (W-325) to lengthen and reduce overall exothermic reaction while mixing and placing RiLOCK Resin.
Problem / Challenge
Gas migration was identified along the outside of the driven 20-inch casing, creating a loss of annular isolation. The absence of cement in the annulus allowed a flow path to develop, compromising well integrity.
Key operational constraints
- Low surface and bottom-hole temperatures 50°F (10°C).
- Limited access due to residential location (no pump truck used to mix or pump).
- Requirement for minimal surface footprint
- Need for reliable long-term sealing performance in one application
The remediation required a solution capable of penetrating micro-annuli and irregular void spaces formed during casing installation.
Solution
The selected remediation approach utilized RiLOCK epoxy resin to re-establish annular sealing around the 20-inch casing.
RiLOCK's low viscosity and strong bonding properties enabled deep penetration into micro-annuli and void spaces. The resin system was deployed via gravity fall, followed by a squeeze operation to ensure full coverage within the open annular region.
This approach created a continuous, pressure-tight barrier designed to eliminate the identified gas migration pathway while restoring zonal isolation.
Result
Upon curing, the RiLOCK system formed a rigid, chemically resistant seal capable of long-term exposure to wellbore conditions. The treatment successfully eliminated gas migration and restored well integrity, ensuring a reliable and permanent barrier for abandonment.
Laboratory testing confirmed controlled exothermic behavior and predictable curing performance under low-temperature conditions, supporting reliable field application.
Lab Report
RiLOCK Resin Squeeze — Well Setup & Testing Results
Lab Testing Parameters
Based on well setup
| BHCT | BHST | Time to Temp. | Start Pressure | Final Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55–60°F | 55–60°F | 5 min | 0 psi | 350 psi |
Well Parameters
Field conditions
| MD | TVD | Mud Density |
|---|---|---|
| 131 ft | 131 ft | 8.4 ppg |
Strength (Crush Cube)
Cure temp. 55–65°F / Cure time 3 Days
Pot Life
| Lab Room Temp. | Time |
|---|---|
| 67°F | 7:45 |
Exotherm — Large Paint Can (6.5" ID)
| Lab Room Temp. | Max Temp. | Max Temp. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 67°F | 232°F | 2:07 |
RiLOCK Resin Squeeze Exotherm — Large Paint Can | ≈ 67°F
Move across the chart below to read temperatures hour by hour.
RiLOCK Resin Squeeze Exotherm
Ritek's proprietary W325 product helps lengthen and reduce exothermic reactions
Technical Highlights
- Effective sealing of micro-annuli and irregular voids
- Optimized curing performance at low temperatures 50°F (10°C)
- Minimal equipment requirements for sensitive locations
- High-integrity, pressure-resistant barrier formation
- Long-term chemical and mechanical stability