Test improves measurement of cement-slurry stability

Abstract

New emphasis must be placed on a cement's settling stability. Many slurries have been found susceptible to settling if designed incorrectly. These slurries include those containing fluid-loss additives, dispersants, large quantities of retarder, combinations of these, and slurries designed specifically for turbulent flow. This paper reports on a testing method that has had considerable impact on the cement-slurry designs used in North Sea. The test was first used to optimize the slurry design for a horizontal liner that was cemented subsequently with success.