Dynamic Elastic Properties Research Articles

Evaluation of Physico-Static and Dynamic Elastic Properties of Eucalyptus pellita in Various Thinning Intensities

Evaluation of Physico-Static and Dynamic Elastic Properties of Eucalyptus pellita in Various Thinning Intensities

Dynamic elastic properties, petrophysical parameters and brittleness of hot dry rocks from prospective areas of Central Europe

Dynamic elastic properties, petrophysical parameters and brittleness of hot dry rocks from prospective areas of Central Europe

A Volcanic Tephra-Based Non-Portland Cement System for Well Cementing Sustainability

Summary Although Portland cement (PC) is extensively used in oil and gas well cementing for different applications such as zonal isolation and plugging, it does have technical and environmental drawbacks. PC is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and consumes massive energy while manufacturing. Geopolymer cements, which are made from nontraditional, non-PC ingredients, have garnered attention as potential candidates for oilwell cementing due to their low CO2 footprint and less energy consumption. This work introduces a proposed non-PC system that totally replaces PC using volcanic tephra (VT) and an alkaline solution. The study started by collecting, crushing, and sieving VT until it became a fine VT powder. Rheological properties, thickening time, unconfined compressive strength, and dynamic elastic properties were also assessed for the developed formulation. Sedimentation evaluation was conducted using the API method and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The experimental evaluation included thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and particle-size distribution. The developed 15.8 ppg VT-based geopolymer used a 4 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and VT only. The 24-hour unconfined compressive strength was 2,900 psi, with a Poisson’s ratio of 0.29 and a Young’s modulus (YM) of 1.11 Mpsi. The developed formulation had a thickening time of 3.5 hours at a bottomhole circulation temperature of 170°F without using any retarder. The density variation between the top and bottom sections was only 0.65%. This work introduces a new cement system made of VT without any processing except milling and sieving. This reduces the overall carbon footprint and costs of oilwell cementing operations.

The influence of different diagenesis on the elastic properties of different shale lithofacies: a case study of the upper Permian Wujiaping formation in East Sichuan Basin, China

Understanding the impact of diagenesis on the elastic properties of organic-rich shale reservoirs is essential for evaluating unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs and interpreting seismic data. Recent advancements in the exploration of the Permian Wujiaping Formation in the eastern Sichuan Basin indicate its potential to become a significant succession within the Sichuan Basin. However, the effect of different lithofacies in the Wujiaping Formation on shale elastic properties under varying diagenetic conditions remains unclear, hindering detailed reservoir interpretation. This study employs X-ray diffraction, thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, organic geochemistry, and dynamic elastic property tests to investigate the Wujiaping Formation shale. The results reveal three primary lithofacies types: argillaceous shale, mixed shale, and siliceous shale. Argillaceous shale, subjected to intense compaction, forms a dense rock framework of oriented clay minerals, characterized by low porosity (1.66%), low elastic wave velocity (4122.30 m/s), low elastic modulus (2174.59 m/s), and high Poisson's ratio (32.24 GPa). Mixed shale, dominated by carbonates and quartz, exhibits a rock framework formed through dissolution and cementation, with high elastic wave velocity (5196.54 m/s), relatively high elastic modulus (2975.86 m/s), and moderate Poisson's ratio (58.53 GPa). Siliceous shale, comprising biogenic quartz particles, shows strong resistance to compaction. During hydrocarbon generation, it develops abundant organic matter pores, resulting in the highest porosity (2.36%), high elastic wave velocity (5177.92 m/s), high elastic modulus (2975.86 m/s), and low Poisson's ratio (62.23 GPa). The significant differences in mineral composition and diagenetic processes across the lithofacies lead to distinct elastic properties. This study provides a rock physics framework for the detailed seismic prediction of "sweet spots" in the Wujiaping Formation shale reservoirs and offers new insights into characterizing the diagenesis of unconventional shale reservoirs using geophysical properties.

First-principles investigation of Cs2TlGaX6 (X = Cl, F) double perovskites: structural and dynamical stability, elastic properties, and optoelectronic characteristics for applications in semiconductor technology

First-principles investigation of Cs2TlGaX6 (X = Cl, F) double perovskites: structural and dynamical stability, elastic properties, and optoelectronic characteristics for applications in semiconductor technology

Dynamic mechanical behavior of CNT-reinforced epoxy under medium-strain rate: A comparative study

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are generally recognized as one of the most effective fillers to improve the properties of polymeric materials. Subjected to dynamic loading, polymer-based materials often exhibit high strain rate sensitivity. This research investigates the effectiveness of CNTs fillers on the mechanical properties of an epoxy resin at low to medium strain rates through conducting a comparative experimental study. Performing tensile and shear tests, the elastic modulus and strength properties of CNT/epoxy and pure epoxy resin are measured at different strain rates. By proposing an empirical logarithmic relationship, the prediction of dynamic elastic modulus and strength properties at any desired low to medium strain rate is facilitated. For measuring the dynamic fracture toughness of CNT/epoxy and pure epoxy resin at medium strain rate, the instrumented charpy impact test based on the Dynamic Key Curves (DKC) method is used. Experimental measurements still imply on significant enhancements in axial and shear properties and also dynamic fracture toughness up to medium strain rates of 150 s−1 by adding small portion of CNTs.

Effect of expanded perlite aggregates and temperature on the strength and dynamic elastic properties of cement mortar

The residential market consumes nearly half of the world’s concrete production, and it is anticipated that 68 % of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050. Researchers have focused their efforts on exploring alternative options to natural aggregates in concrete and mortar. In line with the principles of circular economy, construction and demolition waste has been repurposed for the manufacture of cement-based materials. Volcanic products, which are abundant but underutilized, have been identified as an alternative to recycled aggregates. They offer several advantages over natural river aggregates, including reduced weight, enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation, improved fire resistance and pozzolanic characteristics. While there has been a significant amount of research on the use of expanded perlite as a supplementary cementitious material, studies involving the use of expanded perlite aggregates (EPA) in cement-based construction materials are relatively limited. This paper seeks to address this knowledge gap by investigating the use of EPA in cement-based mortar at both room and elevated temperatures. The study examines the impact of varying replacement percentages (10 %, 20 % and 30 % - by volume) of natural sand with EPA having a maximum grain size of 4 mm, and the exposure temperature of mortar prisms at the age of 28 days. Specifically, temperatures of 100ºC, 150ºC and 200ºC were selected for analysis. The impact of these parameters on the flexural and compressive strength of mortar, as well as its dynamic elastic properties, was experimentally determined. The findings indicate that, at room temperature, higher replacement percentages of natural sand by EPA result in decreased flexural and compressive strengths, by as much as 50 % and 30.71 %, respectively. However, the dynamic moduli values for replacement percentages up to 20 % are similar to those of the reference mix. Conversely, when subjected to temperatures up to 200ºC, significant improvements were observed in the flexural strength values, e.g. over 20 % for temperatures of 150°C and 200°C, with only marginal improvements in compressive strength, 3 % ÷ 20 % for temperatures of 150°C and 200°C, compared to values obtained at room temperature.

Dynamic Mechanical Performance of Sulfate-Bearing Soils Stabilized by Magnesia-Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

Sulfate soils often caused foundation settlement, uneven deformation, and ground cracking. The distribution of sulfate-bearing soil is extensive, and effective stabilization of sulfate-bearing soil could potentially exert a profound influence on environmental protection. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)–magnesia (MgO) can be an effective solution to stabilize sulfate soils. Dynamic cyclic loading can be used to simulate moving vehicles applied on subgrade soils, but studies on the dynamic mechanical properties of sulfate-bearing soil under cyclic loading are limited. In this study, GGBS-MgO was used to treat Ca-sulfate soil and Mg-sulfate soil. The swelling of the specimens was analyzed by a three-dimensional swelling test, and the change in compressive strength of the specimens after immersion was analyzed by an unconfined test. The dynamic elastic properties and energy dissipation of GGBS-MgO-stabilized sulfate soils were evaluated using a fatigue test, and the mineralogy and microstructure of the stabilized soils were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the maximum swelling percentage of stabilized Ca-sulfate soil was achieved when the GGBS:MgO ratio was 6:4, resulting in an expansion rate of 14.211%. In contrast, stabilized Mg-sulfate soil exhibited maximum swelling at GGBS:MgO = 9:1, with a swelling percentage of 5.127%. As the GGBS:MgO ratio decreased, the dynamic elastic modulus of stabilized Ca-sulfate soil diminished from 2.8 MPa to 2.69 MPa, and energy dissipation reduced from 0.02 MJ/m3 to 0.019 MJ/m3. Conversely, the dynamic elastic modulus of stabilized Mg-sulfate soil escalated from 2.16 MPa to 6.12 MPa, while energy dissipation decreased from 0.023 MJ/m3 to 0.004 MJ/m3. After soaking, the dynamic elastic modulus of Ca-sulfate soil peaked (4.01 MPa) and energy dissipation was at its lowest (0.012 MJ/m3) at GGBS:MgO = 9:1. However, stabilized Mg-sulfate soil exhibited superior performance at GGBS:MgO = 6:4, with a dynamic elastic modulus of 0.74 MPa and energy dissipation of 0.05 MJ/m3. CSH increased significantly in the Ca-sulfate soil treated with GGBS-MgO. The generation of ettringite increased with the decrease in the GGBS-MgO ratio after immersion. MSH and less CSH were formed in GGBS-MgO-stabilized Mg-sulfate soil compared to Ca-sulfate soils. In summary, the results of this study provide some references for the improvement and application of sulfate soil in the field of road subgrade.

Geometric effects on impact mitigation in architected auxetic metamaterials

Lightweight materials used for impact mitigation must be able to resist impact and absorb the maximum amount of energy from the impactor. Auxetic materials have the potential to achieve high resistance by drawing material into the impact zone and providing higher indentation and shear resistance. However, these materials must be artificially designed, and the large deformation dynamic effects of the created structures must be taken into consideration when deciding on a protection concept. Despite their promise, little attention has been given to understanding the working mechanisms of high-rate and finite deformation effects of architected auxetic lattice structures. This study compares the static and dynamic elastic properties of different auxetic structures with a honeycomb structure, a typical non-auxetic lattice, at equivalent mass and stiffness levels. In this study, we limit the investigation to elastic material behavior and do not consider contact between the beams of the lattices. It is demonstrated that the equivalent static and dynamic properties of individual lattices at an undeformed state are insufficient to explain the variations observed in impact situations. In particular, the initial Poisson’s ratio does not determine the ability of a structure to resist impact. To gain a thorough comprehension of the overall behavior of these structures during localized, high rate compression, the evolution of the elastic tangent properties under compression and shear deformation was monitored, leading to a more profound understanding. Observations made in one configuration of stiffness and mass are replicated and analyzed in related configurations.

Correlations Between Dynamic Elastic Properties and P-Wave Velocity for Different Rock Types

Correlations Between Dynamic Elastic Properties and P-Wave Velocity for Different Rock Types

BARIK: laboratory programme within the framework of the development of an extended Hoek–Brown-based anisotropic constitutive model for fractured crystalline rock

Abstract. The disposal of heat-generating radioactive waste in deep geologic formations is a global concern. Numerical methods play a key role in understanding and assessing the disposal scenarios of radioactive waste in deep geological repositories. However, the complexities of the thermal, hydrological, mechanical, chemical, and biological processes associated with the disposal of radioactive waste in porous and fractured materials constitute significant challenges. One of the most challenging issues in this field is the complex material behaviour of fractured crystalline rock. The presence of fractures makes the rock anisotropic, nonlinear, and dependent on loading paths. Additionally, the Biot coefficient cannot be considered constant throughout the critical and subcritical fracture development regions. These factors make the development of an accurate constitutive model for fractured crystalline hard rock a critical component of any deep geological disposal project. Furthermore, to demonstrate the integrity of the “containment effective rock area” in crystalline host rock, the qualitative integrity criteria must be quantified so that numerical simulation can be performed with concrete numerical values. Part of this assessment for a crystalline host rock is a dilatancy criterion, which is currently based on the Hoek–Brown constitutive model. This contribution provides an overview and first results of the laboratory programme, which was performed as a part of the research project. The aim was to generate a fundamental and extensive dataset for an anisotropic material used for verification and validation purposes of the newly developed constitutive model. The rock material for the test programme was “Freiberger gneiss” because of its pronounced anisotropic properties regarding deformation and strength as well as the good access to obtain a larger amount of sample material. A wide range of basic tests have been performed, e.g. determination of density and porosity, measurement of ultrasonic wave velocities to get dynamic elastic properties, Brazilian tests, and uniaxial compression tests to obtain strength data. Additionally, a large number of more complex multi-stage triaxial compression tests with examination of the post-failure region and hydromechanical coupled triaxial compression tests have been conducted or are in progress. The hydromechanical part, in particular, plays an important role in examining and quantifying the evolution of the micromechanical damage process, which changes the permeability and Biot coefficient and therefore the effective stresses inside a saturated rock material. Tests were conducted with different orientations of the structural planes in relation to the loading directions.

Dynamic elastic properties of the hard coal seam at a depth of around 1260 m

Dynamic elastic properties of the hard coal seam at a depth of around 1260 m

A novel semi-analytical model for pore volume compressibility in oil-bearing sandstone formations

Rock compressibility is an essential parameter in many petroleum engineering applications, specifically in reservoir modeling. It is an independent variable that is not measured in conventional core analysis but can be estimated through correlations or using hydrostatic or triaxial tests (if available). In this research, a new semi-analytical model was reconstructed to estimate the isothermal rock compressibility in sandstone formations. The newly derived model was validated using raw data collected from the upper sandstone member/Zubair formation of several oil fields in southern Iraq.In this research, analytical equations and some empirical correlations were used to formulate a semi-analytical model to predict the isothermal rock compressibility. The derivation started with the equations of dynamic elastic properties of Young's Modulus and Poisson's ratio parameters to derive the static state of these two parameters. Specifically, Johan Fuller's correlation was utilized to find the static Young's Modulus, which was used with Poisson's ratio to compute the static bulk modulus. In the final step of the derivation, the compressibility equation was simplified to be a function of porosity only, which eliminates the effect of the static bulk modulus.The predictions of the derived model were compared with laboratory test measurements of pore volume compressibility, porosity, and elastic rock properties, and an acceptable matching was achieved. To support the accuracy and robustness of the new model, the results were compared with several available empirical correlations, and better matching was obtained by computing the Absolute Percent Error (AAPE), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Absolute Root MSE (ARMSE).Consequently, the new pore volume compressibility equation matches lab-measured data significantly. However, the lab-measured data showed poor compatibility with available equations in the literature. Therefore, this model should be accurate and robust for compressibility estimation in other oil-bearing consolidated and unconsolidated sandstone formations. Additionally, the newly derived equation is simple, uncomplicated, and easy to use.

Correlations between Uniaxial Compressive Strength and Dynamic Elastic Properties for Six Rock Types

The assessment of the behavior of the ground is highly critical for any geotechnical and geological projects. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is an essential mechanical parameter for any rock mass characterization, whereas the elastic properties of rocks help us understand the deformational behavior of the rocks. However, the determination of these parameters is challenging, time-consuming, destructive, and expensive and requires a skilled workforce. In contrast, the dynamic elastic properties require P-wave velocity (VP), S-wave velocity (VS), and density (ρ) for calculation, which are easy, quick, nondestructive, and cost-effective to determine. Therefore, in this paper, to understand the behavior of different rocks, UCS has been correlated with the dynamic elastic properties, including dynamic bulk modulus (KD), dynamic shear modulus (GD), dynamic Young’s modulus (ED), and dynamic Poisson’s ratio (µD) for carbonate, serpentinite, shale, sandstone, volcanite, and ignimbrite rocks incorporated from the databases of eight previous studies. Based on the lithology, different correlation equations have been proposed to predict the UCS from dynamic elastic properties using simple regression (SR) analysis. From SR analysis, it was observed that the coefficient of correlation (R) values depended on the type of rock. The R-values for the overall rocks, including all six rock types, for different correlations, were observed to be inferior to the R-values obtained on the basis of lithology. The principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the dimension of the data sets, and the trendline obtained for each rock type was observed to be dependent on the lithology. Moreover, descriptive statistics were also used to validate the lithological control for six different rock types.

Lithofacies Types and Physical Characteristics of Organic-Rich Shale in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, Xichang Basin, China.

The shale of the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Xichang Basin is the main replacement horizon for the shale gas exploration being conducted in the Sichuan Province, except for the Sichuan Basin. The fine identification and classification of the types of shale facies are important for shale gas exploration and development evaluation. However, the lack of systematic experimental studies on rock physical characteristics and micro-pore structures leads to a lack of physical evidence for the comprehensive prediction of shale sweet spots. Therefore, the present study used different means, such as core observation, total organic carbon content (TOC), helium porosity measurement, X-ray diffraction analysis, and mechanical properties analysis, in combination with the analysis of the whole rock mineral composition and characteristics of shale, for the identification and classification of the lithofacies of the shale layer, the systematic petrology and hardness measurement of the shale samples with different lithofacies, and discussion of the dynamic and static elastic properties of the shale samples and the control factors. It was revealed that nine types of lithofacies existed in the Wufeng Formation- the Long11 sub-member in the Xichang Basin, among which moderate organic carbon content-siliceous shale facies, moderate organic carbon content-mixed shale facies, and high-organic carbon content-siliceous shale facies were the best lithofacies with the optimum reservoir conditions, providing sufficient space for shale gas accumulation. The siliceous shale facies mainly developed organic pores and fractures, and the pore texture was excellent overall. The mixed shale facies mainly developed intergranular pores and mold pores, with a preference toward pore texture. The argillaceous shale facies mainly developed dissolution pores and interlayer fractures, and the pore texture was relatively poor. The geochemical characteristics of the organic-rich shale samples with TOC > 3.5% revealed that the sample was composed of microcrystalline quartz grains as the rock support framework, while the intergranular pores were located between the rigid quartz grains, which exhibited hard pores in the analysis of their mechanical properties. In the relatively organic-poor shale samples with TOC < 3.5%, the quartz source was mainly terrigenous clastic quartz, and the sample was composed of plastic clay minerals as the rock support skeleton, while the intergranular pores were located between argillaceous particles, which exhibited soft pores in the analysis of their mechanical properties. The difference in the rock fabric of the shale samples resulted in an ″initial increase followed by a decrease″ trend of velocity with quartz content, with the organic-rich shale samples exhibiting low velocity-porosity and velocity-organic matter content change rate, and the two kinds of rocks were easier to distinguish in the correlation diagram of the combined elastic parameters such as the P-wave impedance-Poisson ratio and the elastic modulus-Poisson ratio. The samples dominated by biogenic quartz exhibited greater hardness and brittleness, while the samples dominated by terrigenous clastic quartz exhibited lower hardness and brittleness. These results could serve as a basis for logging interpretation and seismic ″sweet spot″ prediction of high-quality shale gas reservoirs in Wufeng Formation-Member 1 of the Longmaxi Formation.

The Ultrasound Window Into Vascular Ageing: A Technology Review by the VascAgeNet COST Action.

Non-invasive ultrasound (US) imaging enables the assessment of the properties of superficial blood vessels. Various modes can be used for vascular characteristics analysis, ranging from radiofrequency (RF) data, Doppler- and standard B/M-mode imaging, to more recent ultra-high frequency and ultrafast techniques. The aim of the present work was to provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art non-invasive US technologies and corresponding vascular ageing characteristics from a technological perspective. Following an introduction about the basic concepts of the US technique, the characteristics considered in this review are clustered into: 1) vessel wall structure; 2) dynamic elastic properties, and 3) reactive vessel properties. The overview shows that ultrasound is a versatile, non-invasive, and safe imaging technique that can be adopted for obtaining information about function, structure, and reactivity in superficial arteries. The most suitable setting for a specific application must be selected according to spatial and temporal resolution requirements. The usefulness of standardization in the validation process and performance metric adoption emerges. Computer-based techniques should always be preferred to manual measures, as long as the algorithms and learning procedures are transparent and well described, and the performance leads to better results. Identification of a minimal clinically important difference is a crucial point for drawing conclusions regarding robustness of the techniques and for the translation into practice of any biomarker.

Лабораторные исследования упругих материалов подшпального основания трамвайных путей

Purpose: Study of elastic properties of subballast mats at dynamic impact. Methods: To calculate the optimal parameters of these inserts, mathematical model was created using the Autodesk Robot software package. To estimate durable behavior of subballast mats in track structure, the research of “Elapor” and Sylomer (Getzner, Austria) mats’ elastic-dynamic properties was pursued, Material samples were selected from experimental section a year past after laying with the purpose to define exploitational conditions effect on investigated geosynthetic materials. Vibration parameter measurements were held with the help of acetometer kit and registering device MIC-026. Results: Vibration extinguishing mat “Elapor” shrinks practically right away and further its elasticity dynamic module changes slightly (that’s characteristic for synthetic rubbers) and Sylomer mat behaves more “flexible”. Practical significance: Pursued research allows to assess application efficiency for elastic materials of slipper base as a mean of struggle with negative phenomenon (noise, vibration), appearing at tram carriage motion.

Mechanical Performance of Polystyrene-Based Nanocomposites Filled with Carbon Allotropes

Numerous studies have been performed on different aspects of the mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites; however, the results obtained still lack a comprehensive comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of composites containing nanofillers of different shapes and concentrations and subjected to different static and dynamic loads. Carbon nanofillers were shown to provide the most significant improvement in the elastic properties of polymer composites. In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of polystyrene-based nanocomposites filled with carbon allotropes of different shapes: spherical fullerene particles, filamentary multi-walled nanotubes, and graphene platelets, fabricated by the same technology. The influence of shape and concentration of dispersed carbon fillers on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of composites in different stress–strain states was evaluated based on the results of tensile and three-point bending tests, and ultrasonic and dynamic mechanical analysis. Comparison of the static and dynamic elastic properties of nanocomposites allowed us to analyze their variations with frequency. At low concentrations of 0.1 wt% and 0.5 wt% all nanofillers did not provide significant improvement of elastic characteristics of composites. More efficient reinforcement was observed at the concentration of 5 wt%. Among the filler types, some increase in composite rigidity was observed with the addition of filamentary particles. The introduction of the layered filler provided the most pronounced rise in the composite rigidity. The weak frequency dependence of the mechanical loss tangent, which is characteristic of amorphous thermoplastics, was demonstrated for all the samples.

Sensitivity of seismic attenuation and dispersion to dynamic elastic interactions of connected fractures: Quasi-static finite element modeling study

Prediction of seismic attenuation and dispersion that are inherently sensitive to hydraulic and elastic properties of the medium of interest in the presence of mesoscopic fractures and pores, is of great interest in the characterization of fractured formations. This has been very difficult, however, considering that stress interactions between fractures and pores, related to their spatial distributions, tend to play a crucial role on affecting overall dynamic elastic properties that are largely unexplored. We thus choose to quantitatively investigate frequency-dependent P-wave characteristics in fractured porous rocks at the scale of a representative sample using a numerical scale-up procedure via performing finite element modelling. Based on 2-D numerical quasi-static experiments, effects of fracture and fluid properties on energy dissipation in response to wave-induced fluid flow at the mesoscopic scale are quantified via solving Biot's equations of consolidation. We show that numerical results are sensitive to some key characteristics of probed synthetic rocks containing unconnected and connected fractures, demonstrating that connectivity, aperture and inclination of fractures as well as fracture infills exhibit strong impacts on the two manifestations of WIFF mechanisms in the connected scenario, and on resulting total wave attenuation and phase velocity. This, in turn, illustrates the importance of these two WIFF mechanisms in fractured rocks and thus, a deeper understanding of them may eventually allow for a better characterization of fracture systems using seismic methods. Moreover, this presented work combines rock physics predictions with seismic numerical simulations in frequency domain to illustrate the sensitivity of seismic signatures on the monitoring of an idealized geologic CO2 sequestration in fractured reservoirs. The simulation demonstrates that these two WIFF mechanisms can strongly modify seismic records and hence, indicating that incorporating the two energy dissipation mechanisms in the geophysical interpretation can potentially improving the monitoring and surveying of fluid variations in fractured formations.

Evaluation of hematite and Micromax-based cement systems for high- density well cementing

Weighting materials such as hematite are used to increase the density of cement slurries for different applications. Density variation (DV) across the cement column due to heavy particles sedimentation is a critical problem that results in disruption in hardened cement properties such as porosity and strength. In this work, two heavy-weight cement systems using Micromax and hematite were evaluated in terms of rheological properties, fluid loss, compressive and tensile strength, petrophysical properties and dynamic elastic properties. This study especially focused on the sedimentation problem associated with using hematite as a weighting material in well cementing. Different advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and computerized tomography (CT) scan were used to investigate the potentiality of using Micromax to solve this problem. NMR, and CT-scan confirmed the results of the conventional method of DV that showed that the Micromax-weighted cement is more homogeneous with only 1.4% DV vertically along the samples. The Micromax-based system had lower porosity and permeability as compared to the hematite-based system. The Micromax-based cement was more flexible than the hematite-based system in terms of the elastic properties. Both cement systems showed a very similar performance regarding rheological and fluid loss properties. Micromax proved its potentiality to minimize the sedimentation problem encountered while maintaining the other recommended cement characteristics.