JET Manual 37

WCS-Basic
Laboratory Training
and Fluid QA/QC
Version 1.0
JET Manual 37 WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC
InTouch Content ID# 4221755
Version: 1.0
Release Date: January 31, 2007
Owner: Well Services Training & Development, IPC

Schlumberger private

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 Table of Contents

1.0  Introduction 5
1.1 Learning objectives 5
2.0  Safety Considerations 7
2.1 Safety training 7
2.2 Material safety data sheets 7
2.3 Personal protective equipment  7
2.4 Operational safety and service quality guidelines 8
2.5 Key Service Quality Requirements (KSQR) 8
3.0  Laboratory Functions 9
3.1 Performance evaluation 9
3.1.1 Slurries 9
3.1.2 Spacers/chemical washes 9
3.2 Chemical characterization 10
3.2.1 Cement powder  10
3.2.2 Dry blended and set cements 10
3.2.3 Mixing water 11
4.0  Preparing Samples 13
5.0  Slurry Design Tests 15
5.1 LAR 15
5.2 Slurry preparation 16
5.3 Slurry tests 16
5.3.1 Density measurement 16
5.3.2 Free fluid test  17
5.3.3 Fluid loss test 18
5.3.4 Rheology measurement 19
5.3.5 Pumpability and thickening time tests 20
5.3.6 Compressive strength test 23
5.3.7 Other set cement properties 23
5.4 LAR 24
6.0  References 27
7.0  Check Your Understanding 29

JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  iii

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iv  |  Copyright
 1.0  Introduction

Laboratory testing of cements and cementing

materials is an essential part of the cementing
process. Testing of the cement and additives
begins at the manufacturing plant to monitor
product quality. It continues through to the
slurry design stages at Schlumberger and,
in some cases, at the clients’ or independent
laboratories. Laboratory testing of field samples
also aids postjob evaluation.

1.1 Learning objectives

This job execution training (JET) manual
addresses the following to help you understand
laboratory testing of cements and cementing
material.

• laboratory functions
• sample preparation
• slurry design
• slurry properties
• set cement properties
• laboratory testing process.

JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  

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  |  Introduction
 2.0  Safety Considerations
Proper supervision is required during hands-on
training.
Note:
Request assistance from your
supervisor if you are unfamiliar or
uncomfortable with any operation.
All personnel who will be involved with
laboratory equipment must understand the
dangers involved in dealing with materials
and high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT)
equipment. All WS and OFS safety standards
must be complied with and proper procedures
must be followed when working with equipment.
Risk assessments should be performed or
reviewed before all jobs by the personnel
involved in bulking operations. The use of job
safety analyses (JSAs) or hazard and risk
control (HARC) assessments are encouraged.
2.1 Safety training
It is recommended that all personnel working
in cementing Laboratory should review Well
Services Safety Standard 24, Laboratory
Operation, InTouch Content ID# 3313702.
2.2 Material safety data sheets
The material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for
all of the materials that are to be used should
be reviewed before any laboratory test. The
MSDSs will give details on PPE to be worn,
handling precautions to take, first aid measures
to follow, and actions to take if a spill or a fire
occurs.
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  
Caution:
Cement is a caustic material that
can severely damage the eye and
cause skin burns if it is not washed
off immediately.
2.3 Personal protective equipment
The correct personal protective equipment
(PPE) should be worn when performing
laboratory testing. As defined by WS Safety
Standard 24, this PPE includes the following:
• The policy for safety glasses is the same
as the policy for other Well Services
personnel. Safety glasses with fixed
side shields are required at all times as
minimum eye protection.
Note:
This requirement does not
apply to offices, rest rooms, or
other protected areas not in the
laboratory working area.
• Indirect vented chemical goggles must be
worn when you handle chemicals, including
cement, unless these chemicals are in a
sealed container.
• In addition to chemical goggles, face
shields must be worn when doing any of
the following activities:
○ handling hot liquids (liquids of more than
120 degF [49 degC])
○ handling lines or containers that contain
hot liquids
 ○ handling acids or liquids that are under 2.5 Key Service Quality Requirements
pressure
(KSQR)
○ working with glassware and operating The Cementing Key Service Quality
under pressure Requirements (KSQRs), InTouch Content ID#
○ working with flammable liquids where the 4147783, detail the steps that must be taken to
flash point is less than 100 degF. ensure cement jobs are performed right the first
time.
• Goggles or face shields must be worn with
safety glasses when there is danger of
Some of the steps involve laboratory
flying particles.
operations: specifically, the design and
• Visitors must wear safety glasses with side preparation requirements are as follows:
shields while in the laboratory work areas.
• 1.2. Comply with Schlumberger Well
• Laboratory coats with long sleeves must be
Services thickening time requirements.
worn as the minimum protective clothing.
The coats must be fastened to protect the • 1.3. Perform thickening time, free fluid,
body when working in the laboratory. and rheology tests using the additives and
cement that will be used on the job and
○ Nylon protective clothing is not permitted
representative sample/s of water on any of
because of static electricity.
the following applications:
○ Rubber or plastic protective aprons must
○ a. production string, liner, squeeze, plug,
be worn, depending on the type of chem-
deepwater, and high-angle (greater than
ical. Read the MSDS for the required
45º inclination) jobs; or
protective clothing.
○ b. jobs at depth greater than 2,286 m
○ Some types of clothing must not be worn
(7,500 ft) or bottomhole static
in a laboratory. These types include
temperature (BHST) greater than
clothing that exposes a large area of
175 degF [79 degC].
skin (for example, sleeveless tops, short
skirts, or short pants). • 1.4. Follow proper laboratory procedures.
○ Gloves must be worn when handling
chemicals according to the protective
requirements in the MSDS.
• The policy on respiratory protection is the
same as in the PPE standard in WS Safety
Standard 24.

2.4 Operational safety and service

quality guidelines
Operational safety and service quality
guidelines are covered in WS Safety Standard
24, Sections 6–12.

  |  Safety Considerations

In general, the two types of laboratory testing
performed on cements and cementing material
are
• performance evaluation
• chemical characterization.
3.1 Performance evaluation
The typical field laboratory is engaged only in
evaluating the performance of cement slurries
through physical measurements of specific
slurry properties under simulated downhole
conditions. This type of evaluation is mainly
used in the slurry design stages of cementing
jobs to measure the specific slurry properties
under downhole conditions and during the
execution stage to monitor the preparation of
blended material.
3.1.1 Slurries
Guidelines for testing cement slurries are in
the American Petroleum Institute (API) and
International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) official publications: Recommended
Practice for Testing Well Cements API RP
10B-2/ISO 10426-2. These publications contain
specification tests for neat cement slurries, as
well as operational testing procedures designed
to encompass all conventional slurries.
Schlumberger specific laboratory procedures
for cement testing are found in CEM Section
6, Cement Testing (InTouch Content ID#
4223312).
The procedures are designed to simulate
downhole conditions for performance testing
in a reasonably equipped field laboratory, and
are based on a compromise between realistic
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  
3.0  Laboratory Functions
wellbore conditions and the practical limitations
of the laboratory environment.
Pressure and temperature, especially
temperature, are the two most important
wellbore conditions that are taken into account.
3.1.2 Spacers/chemical washes
Spacers and chemical washes perform two
important functions in the cementing process:
1. flush (remove) the drilling fluid ahead of
the cement slurry
2. provide a buffer between the cement
slurry and the mud to prevent slurry
contamination.
To accomplish these two critical objectives, the
spacers and washes must be able to clean the
annulus and must be compatible with both the
drilling fluid and cement slurry.
Laboratory testing of these materials must
include procedures to evaluate the cleaning
and compatibility properties. Operational
procedures to evaluate compatibility are
described in API RP 10B-2/ISO 10426-2.
Schlumberger specific laboratory procedures
to test spacers/chemical washes can be found
in CEM Section 2.B.5, Surfactant Selection
(InTouch Content ID# 34526656).
The effects of a spacer or wash on the following
are tested:
• cement slurry thickening time
• cement compressive strength
• fluid-loss control
• cement rheology.
The effects of the contamination of the cement
by the mud are also measured. Volumetric
ratios of mud, cement, and spacer or wash are
specified for the tests.
3.2.1 Cement powder
Neat cement powder (Fig. 3-1) is analyzed
to determine the relative amounts of the four
principal phases (of aluminates and silicates)
present as well as gypsum and other minor
oxides. District laboratories are not normally
equipped to run these chemical analyses.
These analyses are normally performed at the
Client Support Laboratory (CSL).

3.2 Chemical characterization

Chemical characterization typically involves
quantitative or qualitative analysis of the
slurry components before mixing to ensure
their suitability for use. Analytical techniques Figure 3-1. Cement Powder
are used for quality control at the point of
manufacture. Such techniques are also used to 3.2.2 Dry blended and set cements
monitor the quality of the mix water on location.
Dry blended and set cements are tested to
provide a more accurate indication of blend
Characterization of portland cements and
homogeneity than performance testing permits.
cementing materials in the laboratory requires
The determination of additive content is also
application of appropriate analytical techniques.
useful in explaining the performance variations
Characterization provides a chemical and
from one blend to another.
physical description of the sample as a whole
or of the chemical constituents of the sample.

Samples of four materials are typically

examined in a cementing laboratory:

• cement powder
• dry blended cements
• set cements
• mixing water.

Figure 3-2. Dry Blended and Set Cement

10  |  Laboratory Functions

3.2.3 Mixing water
The mixing water is tested to determine the
ionic content such as sulfates and chloride
content. It is also tested for hardness (calcium
and magnesium). These chemicals may affect
specific slurry properties or have adverse
reactions with some cementing additives.

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12  |  Laboratory Functions


A meaningful laboratory evaluation of a
material is not possible unless the testing is
performed using a representative sample of
that material, such as is shown in Fig. 4-1.
Figure 4-1. Mixed Slurry Sample
All chemicals or cement blends should be
sampled (Fig. 4-2) before loading out to
the well site. If this sampling is not done,
representative samples must be sent in from
the wellsite. Samples of the same additive from
different batches may or may not impart the
same properties at a given concentration, so
it is critical that the sample be taken from the
specific batch that will be used at the wellsite.
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  13
4.0  Preparing Samples
Figure 4-2. Taking a Sample
Sampling procedures for sacked and bulk
cement are described in Section 4 of API RP
10B-2 and ISO 10426-2. JET 22, Bulk Plant
Operations, InTouch Content ID# 412780, also
discusses sampling procedures in detail.
The best overall sampling device for blended
cements is a automated diverted flow sampler
(section 7.2.4 in JET 22, Bulk Plant Operations).
This device permits sampling from a complete
cross-section of a flowing stream of material.
All samples should be properly stored. Proper
storage procedures are particularly important to
avoid exposing the cement to the moisture and
carbon dioxide present in the air, which would
significantly affect the cement slurry properties.
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14  |  Preparing Samples

 5.0  Slurry Design Tests

The normal sequence of tests that are 5.1 LAR

performed on a cement slurry is described
in the following sections (see also Fig. 5‑1).
Laboratory tests are requested with a
laboratory analysis request (LAR), and the
results are reported at the end of testing on a
laboratory analysis report form.
LAR
Slurry density
A LAR is submitted to request one of the
following:
• specific information on a particular slurry
• design of a slurry that meets defined
criteria.
This form gives guidelines to the laboratory
staff. A typical request will be for slurry
performance parameters given a specific set of
additives. Concentrations may or may not be
specified.

Free fluid Fluid loss When completing a request, it is important to

test test provide the laboratory staff with all the relevant
well information such as the following:

Rheology • temperature
• depth
Cement- • mud type
Compressive
spacer-mud
compatibility
strength test • mud weight
• casing to be cemented.

Thickening
Information usually entered on an LAR includes
time test the following major headings, with details under
each item:

Laboratory report • well parameters

Figure 5-1. Sequence of Cement Slurry Tests

• composition of slurry
• cement slurry tests requested
• mud-spacer tests requested
• mud-spacer compatibility tests
• other tests required.

JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  15

5.2 Slurry preparation
Sample volume for slurry testing is 600 mL.
The slurry is prepared in a Waring blender.
Because cement is very abrasive, the blender
blades must be inspected before each test. To
mix the slurry, the water is placed in the blender
at 4,000 rpm and agitated for 15 sec. During
this time, all the solids are added to the mix
water. Then the mixer speed is increased to
12,000 rpm and run for 35 sec.
This procedure imparts to the slurry an energy
of mixing exactly equal to 5.9 kJ/kg of slurry.
This energy is called the API mixing energy, a
very important reference.
Note:
This API-specified slurry mixing
procedure is not suitable for
the ultra low-density systems
containing hollow microspheres
(D124) as an extender. The hollow
microspheres can easily be broken
under high shear, so the mixer can
only be operated at low speed.
Since nitrogen is inert, nitrogen slurries are
tested without gas to determine most of the
properties of the slurry; however, density, foam
stability, and compressive strength tests are
performed on the foam slurry with gas.
5.3 Slurry tests
Six primary slurry tests are performed in the
laboratory:
• density measurement
• free fluid test
• fluid loss test
• rheology measurement
• thickening time test
16  |  Slurry Design Tests
• compressive strength test.
In addition, slurries are examined for slurry
sedimentation.
5.3.1 Density measurement
Cement slurry density must balance subsurface
pressures. The two limiting pressures at any
depth downhole are
• pore pressure
• fracture pressure.
When designing cement slurry, density should
be adjusted to have downhole pressure above
pore pressure, to avoid formation fluid influx,
and below formation fracture pressure, to avoid
losses.
Density also has an important effect upon the
cement’s final strength. Normally, the higher
the density of the slurry is, the higher the set
cement’s strength will be. The chemistry of
cement hydration does not stop when the
cement has set. The hydration at ambient
temperature goes on for months and the
cement gains compressive strength all that
time. Downhole, where the temperature is
higher than ambient, it may take a few weeks
before the cement reaches its final compressive
strength. The governing parameter for the
time required to reach final strength is the
bottomhole temperature, bottomhole pressure,
and slurry composition.
The key requirement to accurately measuring
density in a laboratory is to eliminate the effect
of entrained air on the measurement. Air
entrained in the slurry increases the volume;
therefore, the measurement will provide a lower
value for the density than it actually will be
downhole, because the pressures downhole
compress the air.
This effect can be dangerous. If the cementing
engineer believes the density during a job
to be lower than it actually will be, he or she
will increase the slurry density. The resulting
increased density, higher pressure, and shorter
pumping time can be disastrous to the job.
The difference between measuring with air
entrained and without air entrained is 0.2 to
0.3 lbm/galUS for a 15.8-lbm/galUS slurry. To
adjust for the downhole conditions, the density
measurement is taken with the pressurized mud
balance (Fig. 5-2). Pressure is easily achieved
with the little hand pump attached to the
pressurized mud balance. A pressure of 200 psi
(14 bars) is enough to compress the entrained
air so that its effect becomes negligible.
of the cement column. Additionally, solids
can separate from the slurry and migrate
downwards (Fig. 5-3). There, it accumulates
on the bottom of the slurry or the density of the
slurry becomes different from the top to the
bottom. This separation is particularly evident in
slurries containing weighting agents.
These separations can result in incomplete
zonal isolation, especially in highly deviated
wells. Laboratory tests can determine the
extent of the free fluid separation or solids
sedimentation of a particular blend.

Figure 5-2. Pressurized Mud Balance

Density measurements can be made with either

an atmospheric or pressurized mud balance.
As discussed above, the pressurized mud
balance is preferred because it compresses
the air bubbles trapped in the slurry. Density
measurements are made in either pounds per
gallon (lbm/galUS) or kilograms per cubic meter
(kg/m3) specific gravity (SG).

5.3.2 Free fluid test

When a slurry is allowed to stand for some time
without moving (such as when displacement
is complete), mixing fluid may separate from
the slurry and migrate upwards. There, it
accumulates either in pockets or at the top Figure 5-3. Solids Settled in Free Fluid

JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  17

The free fluid test (Fig. 5-4) measures the
tendency of water to separate from a cement
slurry. The procedure uses a 250-mL graduated
cylinder as a simulated wellbore. The test lasts
2 hr and the amount of fluid that sits on top of
the slurry at the end of that time is measured.
5.3.3 Fluid loss test
Fluid loss is the term for fluid filtration out of the
slurry caused by differential pressure across
a permeable formation. Poor fluid loss control
can be responsible for primary cementing
failures because of excessive increases in
slurry density and possible annulus bridging.
In addition, formation invasion by cement
filtrate is damaging and therefore detrimental to
production.

The test consists of subjecting the slurry

to simulated wellbore conditions in a
consistometer (Fig. 5-5). After that, the slurry
is placed in a heated filter press (Fig. 5-6), an
HPHT filter press with a differential pressure
of 1,000 psi, used to accurately recreate
conditions in the wellbore.

Figure 5-4. Free Fluid Test

As interest in deviated wellbores increases,

many laboratories are evaluating free fluid
development by orienting the graduated cylinder
at the well’s angle of deviation. Typically, an
increase in free fluid is observed in these
situations.
Figure 5-5. Consistometer
For additional information, consult Section 15 of
API RP 10B-2 and ISO 10426-2.

Section 15 of API RP 10B-2 and ISO 10426-

2 describes a test to determine the degree of
slurry sedimentation. Most laboratories use the
free fluid test, and make visual observations of
any distinct settling that may occur.

Some companies, however, have developed

simple equipment to perform this test, such
Figure 5-6. Filter Press
as the BP (British Petroleum) settling test
apparatus. The regional technology center
should normally be equipped with it.

18  |  Slurry Design Tests


Note:
For high-temperature conditions,
a back-pressure receiver can be
used with, for example, 250 psi.
The pressure at the top of the cell
in this case would be 1,250 psi
because of the 1,000-psi differential
pressure.
The permeable formation is simulated by 325-
mesh screen supported on a 60-mesh screen
(Fig. 5-7). The test continues for 30 min.
This test tests the slurry under purely static
conditions. No provision is made by API for
measuring dynamic fluid loss.
Figure 5-7. Screens
If the slurry dehydrates completely in less than
30 min, the dehydration time is noted and a
conversion factor is used to determine the value
for fluid loss.
F30 = 2 x Ft x (5.477 / √t )
where
• F30 is the filtrate at 30 min
• Ft is the filtrate at time t
• t is the time in minutes.
For example, if the filtrate at 7 min = 24 cm3,
then F30 = 99.4 cm3 filtrate.
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  19
F30 = 2 x Ft x (5.477 / √t )
F30 = 2 x 24cc x (5.477 / √7 )
F30 = 99.4 cm3 filtrate
5.3.4 Rheology measurement
A slurry’s flow properties are controlled to
• facilitate mixing
• optimize mud removal efficiency
• minimize displacement pressures.
The slurries are normally Bingham plastic fluids.
A Bingham plastic fluid is characterized by the
following two parameters:
• a yield point Ty, with units of lbf/100 ft2. The
better the dispersion between the hydrating
cement grain is, the lower the yield point Ty
will be.
• a plastic viscosity, Pv, with units of cp
(centipoise). The more solids are in a slurry,
the higher the Pv will be.
Slurries with a low yield point Ty (well
dispersed) between 5 and 15 lbf/100 ft2 are
easy to mix.
In the laboratory, a rheogram (a curve of
the shear stress versus the shear rate) can
be drawn using a rheometer (a rotational
viscometer). Using the rheogram values, the
best fit rheological model is calculated with the
CemCADE* cementing design and evaluation
software’s fluid module.
The rheology of a cement slurry is calculated
by correlating shear stress (pumping pressure)
against shear rate (pumping rate). A viscometer
provides rheological measurements at the
bottomhole circulating temperature (BHCT), if
the temperature is below 190 degF (because
water evaporates at higher temperatures) and
atmospheric pressure. Information on these
tests can be found in Section 12 of API RP
10B-2 and ISO 10426-2.
The viscometer should have eight speeds:
600, 300, 200, 100, 60, 30, 6, and 3 rpm,
but the highest (600 rpm) is not used
because it creates a turbulent flow and
particle centrifugation, resulting in unreliable
rheological information. Figure 5-8 shows a
rotor-bob viscometer. The speed of the rotor is
proportional to the shear rate of the fluid, while
the bob’s angle of deflection is proportional
to the shear stress. With the information from
this test, the rheology of the fluid can be
determined.
Figure 5-8. Viscometer
For Bingham plastic fluids, plastic viscosity
Pv (cp) and yield point Ty (lbf/100 ft2) can be
calculated by simplified formulas:
Pv=(θ300 - θ100) x 1.5
Tv=θ300 - Pv
where
• θ300 and θ100 – viscometer reading at 300
and 100 rpm
The low rpm (3 rpm) of the viscometer is used
to determine the gel strength of the fluid at
10 sec and 10 min.
20  |  Slurry Design Tests
5.3.5 Pumpability and thickening time
tests
The cement slurry has to maintain its fluidity for
the duration of the cement job. The thickening
time (TT) measures how long the slurry will be
pumpable.
Important:
The desired thickening time for
slurry is the larger of the estimated
job time plus 120 min or 1.5 times
the job time.
Examples of desirable thickening times:
1. For a neat slurry with a job pump time
of 2 hr, the TT test should be reached
at 4 hr (2 x 1.5 = 3 or 2 + 2 = 4; greater
value is 4).
2. For an extended slurry with a job pump
time of 5 hr, the TT test should be
reached at 7 ½ hr (5 x 1.5 = 7.5 or 5 + 2
= 7; greater value is 7.5).
Short TT may result in CLIP (cement left in
pipe). However, excessive TT will result in
long WOC (wait on cement) and poor early
compressive strength of set cement, so the TT
should be just long enough to perform the job
safely.
To calculate the proper TT, some simple rules
should be in the mind of the cementer:
• Start timing the cement as soon as it
touches water.
• Stop timing the cement when no further
movement of the slurry is expected.
Example—surface casing cement job:
To calculate the ideal TT for a surface casing
cement job, one looks at the job procedure:
 1. Flash lines (5 min): lead and tail cement
are still dry.
2. Pressure test surface lines (15 min):
lead and tail cement are still dry.
3. Drop bottom plug (5 min): lead and tail
cement are still dry.
4. Mix/pump lead slurry (60 min): lead
cement touches water; tail cement still
dry.
5. Mix/pump tail slurry (20 min): tail
cement touches water.
6. Drop top plug (5 min): both lead and tail
slurries should be pumpable.
7. Pump displacement, etc. (50 min): both
slurries should be pumpable.
8. Bump plug, pressure test casing,
etc. (15 min): both slurries should be
pumpable.
9. Bleed back pressure, check returns,
etc. (10 min): both slurries should be
pumpable.
Calculate the ideal TT as follows:
• job time for lead slurry:
add steps 4 to 9
= 60 + 20 + 5 + 50 + 15 + 10
= 160 min
• job time for tail slurry
add steps 5 to 9
= 60 + 20 + 5 + 50 + 15 + 10
= 100 min
• TT of lead slurry
= 160 + 120 = 280 min
or
= 160 x 1.5 = 240 min
=> greater value is 280 min
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  21
• TT of tail slurry
= 100 + 120 = 220 min
or
= 100 x 1.5 = 150 min
=> greater value is 220 min.
Example—cement plug job:
To calculate the ideal TT for a cement plug job,
one looks at the job procedure:
1. Flash lines (5 min): lead and tail cement
still dry.
2. Pressure test surface lines (15 min):
lead and tail cement still dry.
3. Batch mix slurry (40 min): cement
touches water.
4. Pump water ahead (10 min): slurry
should be pumpable.
5. Pump cement slurry (20 min): slurry
should be pumpable.
6. Pump water behind (5 min): slurry
should be pumpable.
7. Pump displacement (30 min): slurry
should be pumpable.
8. Bleed back pressure, check for returns
(5 min): slurry should be pumpable.
9. Disconnect treating line from drillpipe
(10 min): slurry should be pumpable.
10. Pull out of the hole above the top of
the cement (60 min): slurry should be
pumpable.
11. Rig up treating line to drill pipe (10 min)
slurry should be pumpable.
12. Circulate remaining cement out of
drill pipe (120 min): slurry should be
pumpable.
In this case, the pumping and displacing
cement slurry time is very short, but all the
operations before and after should be taken into
account. Calculate the ideal TT as follows:
• job time for cement slurry:
add steps 3 to 12
= 40 + 10 + 20 + 5 + 30 + 5 + 10 + 60 + 10
+ 120
= 300 min
• TT
= 300 + 120 = 420 min
or
= 300 X 1.5 + 450 min
=> greater value is 450 min.
TT tests determine the length of time a given
slurry remains fluid under the simulated
conditions of downhole pressure and
temperature. These conditions are simulated by
using a pressurized consistometer (Fig. 5‑9),
which measures the consistency of the test
slurry contained in a rotating cup. The test
results are recorded in Bearden units of
consistency (BC). There is no direct conversion
factor of these units to more common units of
viscosity such as centipoise.
Figure 5-9. Pressurized Consistometer
The TT test ends when the cement slurry
reaches a consistency of 100 BC. However,
70 BC is considered to be the maximum
pumpable consistency. Above 70 BC, the
22  |  Slurry Design Tests
pumping pressure will increase dramatically,
and the consistency of the cement may result in
fracturing of the formation.
Temperature and pressure can both have a
pronounced effect on measured thickening
time (Fig. 5-10). During job execution, flowing
cement slurry is exposed to continuously
changing pressure and temperature.
Consequently, the measurement of the
circulating temperature and pressure profile
in the wellbore is very difficult. The highest
temperature and the highest pressure in the
wellbore may not occur in the same location.
API RP 10B-2 and ISO 10426-1 contain
schedules that specify the rate at which
temperature and pressure are increased, as
well as the final temperature and pressure
during the test. Such schedules have been
derived from field data on wells with differing
temperature and pressure gradients and are
designed to more accurately simulate the
conditions of the cement placement.
Temperature degF
Time (min)
Figure 5-10. Thickening Time Test Curve
Although simulating the dynamic wellbore in
the laboratory is very difficult, refinements in
procedures and improvements in equipment are
aiding in more realistic laboratory evaluations
of slurry performance. Computer simulations,
such as the CemCADE temperature module,
provide more realistic evaluations of the
bottomhole cementing temperature.
5.3.6 Compressive strength test
The compressive strength test is used to
determine the strength of set cement under
downhole conditions.
To accomplish this test, either a curing bath
(Fig. 5-11) or chamber and a mechanical press
are required.
Figure 5-11. Curing Bath
A curing bath may be used to set the cement
at atmospheric pressure and temperatures up
to 180 degF (82 degC). A curing chamber is
used to set cement at pressures up to 3000 psi
and temperatures up to 460 degF [238 degC].
Maximum value is a function of the equipment
limitations and downhole conditions.
The test consists of three phases:
1. Sample slurry is formed into cubes of
cement.
2. The cubes of cement are then placed in
the bath or chamber and allowed to set
under downhole conditions.
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  23
3. The mechanical press crushes the
cubes and thereby determines the
compressive strength.
Another method available for determining
the compressive strength is the ultrasonic
cement analyzer (UCA). This device monitors
compressive strength development by
measuring transit time of ultrasound (400 kHz)
through a slurry sample. Since compressive
strength of conventional cement systems is
directly proportional to sound wave transit time,
the UCA allows a nondestructive, continuous
measurement of compressive strength over an
extended period of time.
Customers particularly appreciate compressive
strength test results. Based on these tests, the
customer decides when to drill the cement and
saves valuable rig time.
5.3.7 Other set cement properties
The four other properties of set cement that can
be tested are
• Young’s modulus
• tensile strength measurements
• strength retrogression
• permeability.
These tests are not routinely conducted in
a field laboratory. If they are required, the
samples must be sent to the area CSL.
5.3.7.1 Bonding
When considering the bonding properties of set
cement, the relationships between the cement
and the casing, the cement and the formation,
and the cement to itself are important. To
achieve good bonding, 100% of the mud
must be removed. Slurries and spacers
must be designed to accomplish this task. In
some cases, a special cement system like
WELBOND* improved bonding cement system 5.4 LAR
must be used.
After cement slurry formulation or analysis, a
LAR is produced. The LAR is divided into three
5.3.7.2 Sulfate resistance parts:
Certain cements are susceptible to attack by • Part 1 lists the information requested,
formation fluids containing high amounts of summarizes the results, and gives
magnesium and sodium sulfate. This attack conclusions and recommendations.
results in decreased compressive strength and
increased stress cracking. • Part 2 gives the specific laboratory tests
and results.
UCA compressive strength tests are used to • Part 3 includes any appendixes.
estimate effect of sulfate attack on set cement.
Table 5-2 summarizes test parameters and
instrumentation with the corresponding
5.3.7.3 Strength retrogression procedure documentation.
When the bottomhole static temperature
(BHST) exceeds 110 degC (230 degF), cement
undergoes internal chemical reactions that
result in long-term degradation of the set
cement. Silica sand, or silica flour, is added
to prevent this strength degradation. UCA
compressive strength tests determine the
effectiveness of the quantities of silica sand
used.

5.3.7.4 Permeability
The permeability of a set neat Class G cement
(15.8 ppg) is below 0.001 mD for a temperature
below 230 degF [110 degC]. Permeability tests
can be run when using lightweight systems to
ensure that zonal isolation will be achieved.

24  |  Slurry Design Tests

Table 5-2. Summary of Test Procedures, Instrumentation, and References
Test category Equipment Procedure reference

Sampling Diverted flow sampler ASTM C702, API SPEC 10 (3)

Slurry preparation Two speed propeller mixer API SPEC 10 (5)

Thickening time Atmospheric consistometer, Pressurized API SPEC 10 (8)

consistometer
Fluid loss HPHP fluid loss cell API SPEC 10 (app. F)

Compressive strength Water bath, curing chamber, hydraulic API SPEC 10 (7)
press
Free water 250 ml graduated cylinder API SPEC 10 (6) app. M

Permeability Water permeameter API SPEC 10 (app. G)

Rheology Rotational viscometer API SPEC 10 (app. H)

Static gel strength Rotational viscometer API RP 13B (section 2)

Expansion Bar mould, cylindrical sleeves ASTM C 151

Spacer/wash/cement Rotational viscometer, fluid loss cell API SPEC 10 (app. P)

compatibility consistometer, hydraulic press
Particle analysis (portland cement) Blaine permeameter ASTM C 204

Chemical analysis of dry blends UV absorbtion, spectrophotometry ASTM C 114

Chemical analysis of mix water Wet chemical method API RP 45

JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  25

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26  |  Slurry Design Tests

 6.0  References

These sources will provide more information on

cement laboratory procedures:

• Well Services Safety Standard 24:

Laboratory Operation, InTouch Content ID#
3313702
• CEM Section 6, Cement Testing, InTouch
Content ID# 4223312
• CEM Section 2.B.5, Surfactant Selection,
InTouch Content ID# 3452656
• Key Service Quality Requirements for
Cementing, InTouch Content ID# 4147783
• JET 22, Bulk Plant Operations, InTouch
Content ID# 412780
• Schlumberger Cementing Guidelines
Handbook (ITM-1091), InTouch Content ID#
4223745
• API RP 10B-2, Recommendations for
Cement Testing, American Petroleum
Institute
• ISO 10426-2, Petroleum and natural gas
industries—Cements and materials for
well cementing—Part 1: Specification,
International Organization for
Standardization, 2005.

JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  27

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28  |  References
 7.0  Check Your Understanding
1. Which test measures the slurry
dehydration during and immediately after
slurry placement?
A. fluid loss test
B. density measurement
C. rheology measurement
D. free fluid test
2. Which test determines the length of
time a slurry remains in a fluid state
under simulated downhole pressure and
temperature?
A. compressive strength test
B. thickening time test
C. fluid loss test
D. slurry sedimentation test
3. Why are slurry flow properties controlled?
Select three correct answers.
A. to increase the yield point
B. to minimize displacement pressures
C. to lower turbulent flow pumping rates
D. to facilitate mixing
4. The key requirement in density
measurement is to eliminate the entrained
air effect on the measurement
A. true
B. false
JET 37 - WCS-Basic Laboratory Training and Fluid QA/QC  |  29
5. Which test determines the strength of set
cement?
A. fluid loss test
B. slurry sedimentation test
C. compressive strength test
D. thickening time test
6. What parameter determines how long the
slurry will be pumpable?
A. bridging time
B. job time
C. thickening time
D. cementing time
7. What is the result of free fluid separation
in deviated wells?
A. seepage losses
B. loss of compressive strength
C. incomplete zonal isolation
D. dehydration of cement slurry
8. Slurry density has no effect on the cement
final compressive strength.
A. true
B. false
9. All chemicals or cement blends should be
sampled before loading out to the wellsite.
A. true
B. false
10. What is responsible for primary cementing
failures due to excessive increases in
slurry density and possible annulus
bridging?
A. poor compressive strength
B. fracture pressure
C. low pump rate
D. poor fluid loss control
11. Which of the following is the preferred
method of density measurement?
A. pressurized mud balance
B. atmospheric mud balance
12. What is the API mixing device with a high-
shear, propeller mixer called?
14. Calculate thickening time required to
perform the following job.
1. Pump spacer. 20 min
2. Drop bottom plug. 10 min
3. Mix/pump cement slurry. 40 min
4. Drop top plug. 10 min
5. Pump displacement. 50 min
6. Pressure test casing. 10 min
7. Bleed back pressure,
check returns 10 min
A. 240 min
B. 120 min
C. 350 min
D. 40 min

A. fusing blender
B. mix blender
C. Waring blender
D. Lynn blender

13. What unit of measurement does the fluid

loss test result have?
A. cm3
B. mL
C. mL/30 min
D. cp

30  |  Check Your Understanding