Applications and role of Nano-Silica particles on altering the properties and their usage for oil well cementing

Drilling activities in the hydrocarbon supply chain are complicated and costly processes. In recent decades, due to the enormous potential to improve various fundamental properties in hydrocarbon well cementing, nanotechnology has earned broad attention for use in petroleum energy sector. The usage of nanotechnology in the field of hydrocarbon cementing grout also offers assistance to most of the complex challenges associated with oil well cementation. By using nano-silica in oil well cementing process, cement properties such as durability and strength are improved. The nano-silica particles are emerging as a better replacement for traditional additives such as silica and calcium chloride, since much less is needed. Increment in cement properties occur considering the width and size of these very-fine particles and nano-silica’s large specific surface area. As a multifunctional additive, nano-silica acts. Fresh and hardened cement properties are enhanced by the existence of these nano-silica particles. As nano-silica particles are incorporated in the slurry paste of cement, it is observed that there is a decrease in the time of thickening process, increase in physical properties such as compressive strength, a decrease in porosity as well as permeability in hardened cement, and substancial decrease in fluid loss. The addition of particles of nano-silica enables effective cementation. It also enhances integrity of the wellbore. By forming C–H-S gel to eliminate excessive CH in cement slurry, nano-silica forms refined pore, denser and compact microstructure cement for efficient ring sealing.