Experimental analysis of Mucuna solannie as cement extender additive for oil and gas well cementing

Kevin C Igwilo,Emeka E Okoro,Susan U Iheukwumere,Julian U Obibuike,N Uwaezuoke

doi:10.1007/s13202-020-00979-1

Abstract

Due to the difficulty that the compressive strength of cement slurries formulated with bentonite are not stable at elevated temperature conditions, in addition to other properties at high temperatures, Mucuna solannie commonly known as “Ukpo” was examined as an alternative. API standard procedures were employed throughout the laboratory measurements to determine overall rheological properties, compressive strength, thickening time, and free water of the extenders both at 150 °F (65.6 °C) and 200 °F (93.3 °C) BHCT. Mucuna solannie results gave compressive strength at 24 h as 952 psi (6.56E+6 Pa) and 900 psi (6.21E+6 Pa), free water values of 0 and 0.2 ml, yield point values of 67 lb/100ft2 (32.08 Pa) and 66 lb/100ft2 (31.60 Pa), and 10 min gel strength of 16 lb/100ft2 (7.66 Pa) and 22 lb/100ft2 (10.53 Pa). Bentonite additive gave 24 h compressive strength as 620 psi (4.27E+6 Pa) and 565 psi (3.9E+6 Pa), free water of 4.4 and 4.8 ml, yield point of 56 lb/100ft2 (26.81 Pa) and 46 lb/100ft2 (22.02 Pa), and 10 min gel strength of 16 lb/100ft2 (7.66 Pa) This showed that Mucuna solannie is a better alternative cement extender than Bentonite, especially where optimum free water and compressive strength are needed. Although it is found to be lacking in efficient plastic viscosity and thickening time, it can be resolved by the use of additives such as dispersant and accelerator to complement its properties.

Highlights

Drilling and completion operations cannot be complete without cementing especially in the unconsolidated or stubborn formations
The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of Mucuna solannie in cement slurry formulation as an extender because of its special properties to improve compressive strength, rheological properties, thickening time and free water of the cement
The excessive thickening time of the slurry designed with Mucuna solannie is because of its high rheological properties values and its retarding property

Summary

Introduction

Drilling and completion operations cannot be complete without cementing especially in the unconsolidated or stubborn formations. Well cementing occurs when either or combination of oil well slurry type like neat slurry, uniform cement slurry, or combination of tail slurry and lead slurry (two-stage cementation) is placed in the annulus between the well casing and the geological formations surrounding the wellbore to provide zonal isolation of the formation fluids in the well (Oriji and Dulu 2014). It has been used as the primary sealant in oil and gas wells throughout the world and is manufactured to meet specific chemical and physical standards set up by the API (Arin and Irawan 2003; Salam et al 2013). Notable additives used in oil and gas industry include: accelerators: to increase the hydration

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Conclusion