Cementing in the oil and gas industry involves a meticulous process, and cementing additives play a crucial role in fine-tuning the properties of cement slurries. These additives are carefully selected to control slurry density, rheology (flow behavior), fluid loss, and to impart specialized characteristics for effective cement placement in diverse downhole conditions. Let’s explore the various categories of additives used in cementing:
1. Accelerators: Accelerators are chemicals employed to expedite the thickening process of a cement slurry and enhance early strength development. Typically used in conductor and surface casing applications to reduce waiting-on-cement time (WOC), common accelerators include calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium chloride (NaCl), and seawater.
2. Retarders: Retarders, on the other hand, serve to delay the setting time of a cement slurry, extending its thickening period. They are especially valuable in counteracting the effects of high temperatures. These additives find applications in cement slurries for intermediate and production casings, squeeze and cement plugs, as well as high-temperature wells. Retarders work by adsorbing onto the cement surface, inhibiting contact with water and elongating the hydration process. Common retarders include sugar, lignosulfonates, hydroxycarboxylic acids, inorganic compounds, and cellulose derivatives.
3. Weighting Agents: Weighting agents are substances used to increase the density of the cement slurry. Barite and hematite are commonly employed in this category.
4. Extenders: Extenders are materials that lower the slurry density while increasing its yield, allowing the cement column to cement weak formations without causing fractures. Examples of extenders include water, bentonite, sodium silicates, pozzolans, gilsonite, expanded perlite, nitrogen, and ceramic microspheres.
5. Fluid-Loss Additives: Excessive fluid loss from the cement slurry to the formation can disrupt the proper setting of cement. Fluid loss additives are used to prevent slurry dehydration and reduce fluid loss to the formation. Examples of such additives include cationic polymers, non-ionic synthetic polymers, anionic synthetic polymers, and cellulose derivatives.
6. Dispersants: Dispersants serve to reduce the viscosity of the slurry and may increase free water by dispersing solid particles within the cement slurry. These additives are solutions of negatively charged polymer molecules that attach themselves to positively charged sites on the hydrating cement grains. This results in increased negative charges on the hydrating cement grains, leading to greater repulsive forces and improved particle dispersion.
7. Strength Retrogression: In high-temperature conditions exceeding 230°F, standard cement can develop high permeability and reduced strength. To counter this, silica flour is often added at a concentration of 30-40% by weight of cement. This addition prevents both strength reduction and the development of permeability at elevated temperatures.
8. Lost Circulation Control Agents: These materials are utilized to manage the loss of cement slurry into weak or fractured formations, preventing wastage.
9. Miscellaneous Agents: This category includes a range of additives like anti-foam agents, fibers, and latex, which are employed for various specialized purposes.
In conclusion, the careful selection and application of these cementing additives are essential for ensuring the success and integrity of oil and gas well constructions, allowing for adaptability to a wide spectrum of downhole conditions.
References
Baker, R. (2001) A primer of oilwell drilling: A basic text of oil and gas drilling. 6th edn. Austin, TX: Petroleum Extension Service, Continuing & Extended Education, University of Texas at Austin.
Mitchell, R.F., Miska, S.Z. and Aadnoy, B.S. (2012) Fundamentals of drilling engineering. Richardson, TX: Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Bourgoyne, A.T. (1986) Applied drilling engineering. Richardson, TX: Society of Petroleum Engineers.
