Cementing oil and gas wells require materials that, not only meet performance standards but also fairly different from those encountered in conventional processes. The search for alternative materials for cementing oil wells has increased worldwide. It is desirable that these alternative materials make cement sheath stronger, durable, flexible, cost-effective and more resistant to shocks. This research aimed at evaluating the performance of fresh nano zeolite as an additive for shallow oil well cementing operations. Laboratory tests were conducted on a base cement slurry mixed with different concentrations of fresh nano zeolite from 1% bwoc to 3% bwoc at a Bottomhole Circulating Temperature (BHCT) of 80°F (27°C) to determine physical properties such as compressive strength, thickening time, rheology, free fluid, and fluid loss. The results showed that the compressive strength of the cement slurries improved significantly at 12 hours than 24 hours curing period at 87°F (31°C). As the concentration of fresh nano zeolite increases less time was required to reach 50 psi, 100 psi and most importantly 500 psi which is needed to resume drilling operations. An increase in concentration of fresh nano zeolite at 80°F (27°C) resulted in an increase in the thickening time of all the cement slurries. This shows that fresh nano zeolite has a high retardation effect. Generally, the addition of fresh nano zeolite from 1% bwoc to 3% bwoc improved the carrying capacity of all the cement slurries. Test results also showed that increasing the fresh nano zeolite concentrations resulted in a decrease in rheological values which is a characteristic of a dispersant. Plastic viscosity values were observed to have an increasing trend generally with an increasing concentration of fresh nano zeolites. All the cement slurries were below 100 cP and therefore pumpable. The addition of fresh nano zeolite to the base cement slurry increased the free fluid of the cement slurries. The fresh nano zeolite didn't have any effect on fluid loss and therefore does not exhibit characteristics of a fluid loss agent.

Some commercial businesses in urban areas such as Tarkwa are such working environments which have immense potential of being risk-prone as a result of the usage of energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). With an ever increasing human population in these urban areas, coupled with a high rate of energy consumption for survival, it is evident that commercial businesses in these urban areas are on the rise with or without requirements of industry standards with regards to LPG usage. Injury free working environment is an essential element for any successful venture. It is necessary to develop risk assessment strategies to decide on priorities and to set objectives for eliminating hazards and reducing risks. The research focus is on assessing the risks or otherwise dangers that are likely to be associated with the usage of LPG by some separate commercial business entities designated within Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality. The data obtained from the businesses studied through the use of questionnaires indicated that all the business entities utilise LPG as major source of fuel or energy. This poses some amount of threat where fire and explosion are concern in their situated locations. This research, in order to identify the extent of existing risk, drew a comparison to associated standards by using a check list. The list entailed numerical values on experts’ viewpoints. The risk rate is obtained and subsequently businesses are ranked in accordance with their risk level or rate as high, medium or low. More than 65 % of the businesses studied lacked adequate good housekeeping and forecourt conditions, hence reducing the chances of clear escape routes. The research revealed that about 27 % of the businesses assessed were low-level risky, 40 % were moderately risky and 33 % highly risky.