Suitability of Tire Waste for High Density Well Cementing

Abstract Wellbore cementing is crucial for ensuring structural integrity; however, high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) reservoir conditions often render conventional cement formulations ineffective. Ilmenite, a weighting agent, is used to increase cement density and address HPHT challenges; however, it faces issues such as sedimentation and suboptimal property performance. This study assesses the impact of incorporating tire waste into heavy weight ilmenite based cement, examining its effects on plastic viscosity, compressive strength, Young's modulus, and particle settling behavior. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to assess the high density ilmenite based cement modified with tire waste additives. The study employed plastic viscosity measurements to evaluate slurry flow characteristics, compressive strength testing to determine mechanical durability, and Young's modulus analysis to examine elastic properties. Particle settling behavior was investigated using density variation techniques to assess the stability of the slurry. Performance comparisons were systematically made between control samples without tire waste and modified samples containing tire waste to quantify the effects of the additive. The research also incorporated particle size distribution analysis (PSA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for comprehensive material characterization of the components used in the study, including Class G cement and tire waste. The results reveal that tire waste significantly enhances slurry flowability as it reduces the plastic viscosity of the cement slurry by 59% compared with the cement sample without tire waste. It also enhances cement durability, with a 58% increase in compressive strength, resulting in a more robust cement sheath. Furthermore, tire waste reduces Young's modulus by 18%, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the cement and supporting long-term wellbore stability. Additionally, it reduces density variation from 1.9% to 0.5%, promoting a more uniform cement structure. These outcomes highlight tire waste as a valuable additive, providing environmental and cost benefits while improving the performance of heavy weight ilmenite based cement in demanding HPHT environments.