Effect of sodium chloride additive on the compressive strength of API class G oil well cement
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Abstract
Oil well cement plays a critical role in maintaining well integrity by providing mechanical support to the casing and preventing fluid migration between geological formations. This study investigated the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) as an additive on the compressive strength of API Class G oil well cement. An experimental laboratory method was employed using six NaCl concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% by weight of cement (BWOC). Cement slurry specimens were prepared with a constant cement mass of 350 g and 154 mL of water, cured for 24 hours, and tested using a hydraulic press to determine their compressive strength. The results showed that the addition of NaCl significantly influenced the compressive strength of the cement. The compressive strength decreased from 372.52 psi for the control sample to 310.43 psi at 1% NaCl, increased to 460.24 psi at 2% and 606.43 psi at 3%, declined to 381.19 psi at 4%, and reached the highest value of 656.41 psi at 5% NaCl. These findings indicated that NaCl acted as a hydration accelerator at appropriate concentrations, promoting the formation of a denser cement matrix and improving compressive strength. Under the experimental conditions of this study, the optimum NaCl concentration for enhancing the compressive strength of API Class G oil well cement was 5% BWOC.
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References
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