Potential applications of nanomaterials in oil and gas well cementing: Current status, challenges and prospects

Well construction operation is a crucial process that relies on the success of cementing job. Cementing failure could lead to catastrophic aftermaths and huge capital loss to the exploration and production (E&P) companies. In recent years, nanotechnology application in the petroleum industry has increased due to favorable results and compatibility with different E&P activities. Particularly for well-cementing operations, nanomaterials have been evaluated to understand the mechanism, performance, and economic viability. In this review, a brief introduction of nanotechnology, including the preparation and properties of nanomaterials is illustrated. Applications of nanoparticles in the oil and gas industry are also depicted to highlight the potential uses of nanomaterials in cementing. The effects of nanomaterials on different cement properties like density, viscosity, fluid loss, thickening time, and mechanical properties are discussed. The mechanisms of alteration of cement properties upon the addition of nanomaterials are depicted. Nanomaterials such as SiO2, MgO, TiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, and graphene-oxide have been used as potential cement additives for the improvement of cement properties. This review also sheds light on critical facts like optimal concentration and size of nanomaterials; inclusion of binary and ternary system-nanomaterials in cementing. Furthermore, it discusses the recent advancements, prospects, challenges, and economic viability of nanomaterials in well cementing. However, a lack of scientific rigour in the application of these nanomaterials has been observed. It is expected that the current review will help the newcomers in this research field to gain a quick idea about the development of the field and its way forward.