Y Yikarebogha, K C Igwilo, N Uwaezuoke, I U Obibuike and K K Ihekoronye
This study investigates the properties of Tympanostomus fuscatus (periwinkle) shell in high temperature oil and gas cementing operations. Tympanostomus fuscatus shell powder was tested in the laboratory for its potential use in well cementing operations. The shell was calcinated, pulverised and subjected to laboratory test following the API RP 10B recommended oilfield cement testing, with a cement slurry density of 15ppg at concentrations of 25%BWOC, 30%BWOC and 35%BWOC of periwinkle shell powder, with test temperatures of 2000C and 2500C. Characterization such as rheology, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), API fluid loss, was conducted on the sample. The results showed that the periwinkle shell contained Al2O3, CaO, and SiO2, which is the elemental composition to prevent the strength retrogression of cement contraction. Tympanostomus fuscatus shell powder gave similar results with the silica flour based on its rheological properties. Tympanostomus fuscatus shell powder is a potential alternative for silica flour as additive and showed excellent properties for cement strength retrogression, and cement contraction for well cementing oil and gas operation.