Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ‫جمهورية العراق‬

Kerbala University ‫وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي‬
‫جامعة كربالء‬
Engineering faculty
‫كلية الهندسة‬
Petroleum Department
‫هندسة النفط‬

‫علي ناصر رحيم‬

‫ صباحي‬- ‫المرحلة الثالثة‬

‫المشرف‬
‫ عبد الكريم‬.‫د‬.‫م‬.‫ا‬
‫مصطفى محمود‬

Wednesday, March 30 2022

Setting and Thickening of Cement

Drilling Engineering Lab.

1
 Topics

 Introduction
 Objective
 Theory
 Test Equipment
 Procedure
 Discussion
 References

2
Introduction

The Atmospheric Consistometer performs basic consistency measurements on cement slurry

samples and conditions (or shears) under elevated temperatures, 200o F (93oC) maximum, at
atmospheric pressure.

This instrument is designed to conform to API Specification 10A, Specification for Cements and
Materials for Well Cementing, and API Recommended Practice 10B2, recommended Practice for
Testing Well Cements.

The formula between torque and cement BC is :

BC = ( T – 78.2) / 20.02

Where :
T – the torque on the paddle in gm cm unit
BC – the cement consistency in BC unit

Slurry consistency is expressed in Bearden units of consistency, Bc, where 100 Bc is equivalent
to the spring deflection observed with 2,080 grams-centimeter of torque (400 grams weight)
using the weight-loaded calibrating device. For further details, refer to API Spec 10.

3
Objective

The Atmospheric Consistometer is used for various tests of oil well

cements as detailed in the American Petroleum Institute
Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements -
Specification 10 (API Spec 10).
The apparatus is used in conjunction with tests for:
• Determination of Water Content of Slurry
• Determination of Fluid Loss
[4]
• Determination of Rheological Properties of Cement Slurries

4
Calibration [2]

Before calibration and operation of the instrument, the paddle should be tested for excessive
friction by running the slurry container without cement inside. If the paddle is bent so that it
rubs on the side, appreciable movement will be shown on the strip chart recorder.

The bearings in the slurry-indicating lid should be checked for excessive friction. Any
abnormality
should be corrected before proceeding with the instrument calibration.

Calibration and operation of the instrument is described in API Spec 10 A/B. This instrument
is equipped with a calibrating spring and can be calibrated using the calibration device. The
calibration device can be purchased separately.

The roller located on the side of the calibration device is raised to a position so that the cord is
level with the lid.

Refer to Figure below for the following steps unless otherwise noted:

1. Place the container lid on the calibration assembly.

2. Place the cord counterclockwise around the lid and attach 400 grams of weight.
3. Connect the wires to the appropriate pins located on the container lid. Position the wires
so they don’t restrict the rotation of the container lid.
4. Pull the weight down slightly and release a few times to obtain an average reading.
5. Adjust the Consistency Calibration Potentiometer located on the back of the instrument
until the recorder reads 100 Bc.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the other slurry container if necessary.

5
Calibration [2]

6
Test Equipment [4]

The Atmospheric Consistometer is used for conditioning cement slurries as specified within
API Specification 10.
Determination of rheological properties, examination of free water content, and evaluation of
the API fluid loss test all require that the cement slurry be pre-conditioned by an Atmospheric
Consistometer.

It CONSISTs OF :

 Mineral Oil, 1 Gallon

 Slurry Cup Shear Pin
 Weight Hanger
 Weight Set, Slotted
 Calibration Stand
 Drive Assembly
 Potentiometer Assembly
 Paddle Assembly
 Slurry Cup Assembly
 Temperature Controller
 Motor
 O-ring, Container
 Retaining Ring
 Rotator Thrust Bearing
 Thermocouple
 Timing Belt
 Heater (115 Volt)
 Heater (230 Volt)
 Slurry Container
 Bottom for Slurry Container

7
Test Equipment [4]

Switches
Digital Display

Slurry Container

Bottom for Slurry Container

8
Test Equipment [4]

- Potentiometer Assembly for Atmospheric

9
Procedure [5]

1. Remove the slurry container.

2. Open the water supply valve by turning the knob counterclockwise and fill the
bath until it is 1/2” (12.5mm) below the brass rotating sleeve.
3. Close the water supply valve by turning the knob clockwise when the appropriate
water level is obtained.
4. Prepare sample and fill the slurry container as detailed in API Spec 10 A/B.
5. Attach the container lid to the slurry container.
6. Install the slurry container in the instrument. Be sure the bottom roll pin on the
container lid fits into the brass rotator sleeve slots.
7. Turn the container lid until the torque bar fits into the anchor stop.
8. Verify the Mic plug is connected to the appropriate socket located on the front
panel.
9. Turn the master switch on.
10. Use the temperature controller to set the desired temperature or heating
profile. Refer to Set-point Control in the Temperature Controller section for
further details.
11. Turn on the motor switch.
12. Turn on the heater switch.
13. An alarm will sound upon completion of the test (the alarm is factory set to
100 Bc and will independently sound for each cylinder).
14. After completion of the test, the alarm will sound. Turn off the motor
switch.
15. Remove the slurry container. If only one slurry container is removed, the
motor switch can be turned on to finish the other test if necessary.
16. Before draining the water, turn off the heater and power switches.
17. Open the drain valve by turning the knob counterclockwise to remove the
water from the tank.
18. Close the drain valve by turning the knob clockwise.

10
Discussion

Q1. What is the difference between 11 BC and 30 BC?

Ans.
11 BC 30 BC
1. The amount of water resulted is 1. The amount of water resulted is low
normal. or the minimum possible amount.
2. The mixture is considered to has 2. The mixture is considered to has
normal viscosity. normal high when pumping inside the
well.

Q2. When is the best time for thickening to occur ? WHY ?

Ans.
Between 11BC AND 30 BC; 30BC is the beginning time of thickening.
Q3. What is the purpose of water bath ?
Ans.
To cool down heat of the cell caused due to rotation.

Q4. What is the maintenance of this device ?

Ans.

1. The belt and thrust bearings that drive the rotators should be inspected
periodically.
2. The bath should be checked and cleaned annually
3. Containers and paddles should be kept as clean as possible. A light coating of
grease on these components will facilitate cement removal.
4. The unit has four fuses, located on the front panel beneath the four power
switches. If any of the switches stop working, check the corresponding fuse. To
remove a fuse, twist and pull the knob. After replacing the fuse, reinsert it into the
slot and twist it to secure it in place.

11
Discussion

Q5. What are the features and benefits of this device ?

Ans.
 Temperature is measured accurately using a microprocessor-based
temperature controller.
 Rate of water bath rise can be controlled to conform with API Spec 10
requirements or other temperature gradients desired.
 Stainless-steel water bath ensures long trouble-free operation in the normally
corrosive cement testing environment.
 Operational simplicity provides freedom from operator error and a short
training period for new operators.
 Units are designed for trouble-free oil field laboratory operation.
 Direct torque spring readout permits instant determination of the slurry
viscosity in Bearden Units (Bc).
 Standard deadweight calibration is both simple and rapid, aiding
measurement accuracy. (An optional calibrator unit may be purchased.)
 Constant temperature is maintained by a motor-driven stirred water bath that
eliminates any hot spots on the slurry containers.
 Rotational speed of the slurry container is held constant by the drive motor
assembly, which is factory set at 150 rpm.
 A variable speed option is available for studies at slurry container rotational
speeds other than 150 rpm.
 Internal cooling coils provide quick cooling of the slurry.

Q6. What is the purpose of timer?

Ans.
Timers are used to preset the sample conditioning time or to measure the total
thickening time of the sample.

12
Discussion

Q7. What is cement setting time?

Ans.
Setting time is the time required for stiffening of cement paste to a defined
consistency. Indirectly related to the initial chemical reaction of cement with water to
form aluminum-silicate compound. Initial setting time is the time when the paste
starts losing its plasticity.

Q8. What is the difference between setting and thickening?

Ans.
Setting describes the stiffening of the fresh cement paste. Onset of rigidity occurs.
Then thickening begins, which indicates that a useful and measurable strength is
developing. Setting and thickening result from the continuing reaction between the
cementitious material and water.

13
References

[1]. Keller, S.R. et al.: "Deviated-Wellbore Cementing: Part 1.Problems,"

[2]. "Deviated-Wellbore Cementing: Part2.Solutions,"

[3]. "Mud and Cement for Horizontal Wells,"paper SPE

[4]. “Improved Liner Cement ing Techniques for Alaska's Prudhoe BayField,"

[5]. "Mud and Cement far Horizontal Wells", SPE paper15464 presented at the Annual

Technical Conference of the Society of PetroleumEngineers in New Orleans

14