Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-42gr6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T21:12:17.161Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Utilization of Fly Ash in Oil and Gas Well Cementing Applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

Asok K. Sarkar*
Affiliation:
The Western Company of North America P.O. Box 186, Fort Worth, Texas 76101
Get access

Abstract

During cementing operations, the hydrostatic pressure of the cement slurry column is utilized to control the reservoir pressure. However, when the well extends through weak formations, it is often necessary to lighten the hydrostatic pressure of the slurry by lowering the density to avoid hydraulically fracturing the reservoir rock. Densities of cement slurries can be lowered by adding pozzolanic lightweight additives such as fly ash. Fly ashes have found utility in numerous oil and gas well cementing applications, namely: 1) fly ash can be dry-blended with regular Portland cements or hydrated lime for use in primary cementing; 2) lightweight cement compositions can be formulated by adding lime and finely ground quartz to fly ash/cement mixtures; and 3) an ultralight-weight pozzolanic microsphere cement, with densities as low as 0.96–1.64 g/cm3, can be formulated by blending Portland cements with hollow microspheres isolated from fly ash. This paper discusses the physical and chemical properties of each of these cement slurries, along with their relative advantages and disadvantages. Areas of future research are also discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Dinoire, C., “The Application of Direct Cementation in Shaft Sinking,” Trans., North of England Inst. of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, New York City, 31, 19 (19051906).Google Scholar
2. Tough, F.B., “Method of Shutting Off Water in Oil and Gas Wells,” Bull., USBM, No. 163, 1918.Google Scholar
3. “Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements,” American Petroleum Institute, Dallas, Texas, June 15, 1984.Google Scholar
4. Fincher, A. and Goode, J.M., “A New Cementing Material for Deep Hot Holes,” SPE Paper No. 5029 presented at Fall SPE Meeting in Houston, Texas, October 6–9, 1974.Google Scholar
5. Smith, R.G., Powers, C.A. and Dobkins, T.A., “A New Ultra-Lightweight Cement With Super Strength,” J. Pet. Tech., 1438–1444 (Aug., 1980).10.2118/8256-PAGoogle Scholar
6. Harms, W.M. and Sutton, D.L., “UltralowDensity Cementing Operations,” J. Pet. Tech., 61–69 (Jan., 1983).10.2118/9597-PAGoogle Scholar
7. Eilers, L.H., Nelson, E.B. and Moran, L.K., “High-Temperature Cement Compositions - Pectolite, Scawtite, Truscottite, or Xonotlite: Which Do You Want?,” J. Pet. Tech., 1373–1377 (July, 1983).10.2118/9286-PAGoogle Scholar
8. Eilers, L.H. and Root, R.L., “Long-Term Effects of High Temperature on Strength Retrogression of Cement,” SPE Paper No. 5871 presented at SPE California Regional Meeting, Lona Beach, April 8–9, 1976.Google Scholar