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

Abdulmalek Ahmed, Ahmed Abdulhamid Mahmoud, Salaheldin Elkatatny*, Dhafer Al Shehri, Korhan Ayranci

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number25914
JournalScientific Reports
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

  • Oil well cementing
  • Qusaiba Kaolinite
  • Rheology
  • Thickening time

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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