Enhancing the properties of high-density oil well cement with Qusaiba kaolinite

High-density cement slurries used in oil well cementing often face challenges such as particle settling, poor rheological properties, permeability, and compressive strength degradation, which can compromise zonal isolation and well integrity. This study focuses on using kaolinite, a clay mineral, as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2024-10, Vol.14 (1), p.25914-15, Article 25914
Main Authors: Ahmed, Abdulmalek, Mahmoud, Ahmed Abdulhamid, Elkatatny, Salaheldin, Al Shehri, Dhafer, Ayranci, Korhan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/166/898
639/166/986
Cement
Humanities and Social Sciences
Kaolinite
multidisciplinary
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
Oil well cementing
Oil wells
Permeability
Porosity
Qusaiba Kaolinite
Rheology
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Slurries
Thickening time
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Summary:High-density cement slurries used in oil well cementing often face challenges such as particle settling, poor rheological properties, permeability, and compressive strength degradation, which can compromise zonal isolation and well integrity. This study focuses on using kaolinite, a clay mineral, as an additive due to its potential to improve the performance of high-density cement by modifying key properties. Several concentrations of kaolinite were examined to evaluate their influence on several cement properties such as rheology, thickening time, permeability, porosity, and compressive strength. Additionally, it assesses the impact of kaolinite on cement sheath solids settling using both conventional methods and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results revealed that an optimal concentration of 1% kaolinite by weight of cement (BWOC) significantly reduced particle settling by 74.4%, enhanced compressive strength by 13%, and lowered permeability and porosity by 74% and 7%, respectively. Additionally, kaolinite improved rheological properties by an 8.4% reduction in plastic viscosity, a 19.4% increase in yield point, and a 30% increase in gel strength. Kaolinite also acted as a retarder, increasing thickening time. These improvements contribute to better cement sheath integrity and wellbore stability, highlighting kaolinite’s potential as an effective additive for high-density cement.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-76914-9