Nanotechnology in the petroleum industry: Focus on the use of nanosilica in oil -well cementing applications-A review

The usage of nanotechnology has gained widespread attention in the petroleum industry in recent years. Existing studies indicate that incorporation of nanoparticles into the cement matrix improves cement properties such as strength, microstructure and durability. This improvement is attributed to the nanoscale size and high specific surface area of nanoparticles. To fulfill the purpose of this paper, previous studies associated with the role of nanotechnology in the petroleum industry, with specific attention to the use of nanosilica in oil-well cementing applications are reviewed. The effect of silica nanoparticles on both fresh and hardened cement properties are investigated and presented. The study has revealed that the addition of nanosilica improves the performance of cement, ensuring adequate zonal isolation and extended well life. These findings highlight the potential use of nanotechnology in the petroleum industry. In terms of future study, more investigation and experimentation into the use of nanosilica in oil-well cementing is strongly recommended. © 2020