Atmospheric Conditioning of Cement

Once dry cement is mixed with water, a complex chemical reaction begins. The chemical reactions have a tremendous effect on the physical performance properties of the cement slurry. The addition of other chemicals to the cement mixture further complicates the reaction process as these additives affect the slurry properties. Blends are modified in order to increase or decrease the thickening time, alter the rheologies, or change the fluid loss properties.

Laboratories need the capacity to gauge the performance of the cement slurry in order to accurately predict how that slurry will perform under conditions that are found in an oil well. One of the tools that technicians have at their disposal to prepare slurries for additional testing is the atmospheric consistometer. Originally conceived as an instrument to test the thickening time of cement slurries, the atmospheric consistometer is often used to condition the slurry for additional testing.

With a nominal rotation speed of 150 rpm, the atmospheric consistometer is capable of utilizing an oil or water bath to heat fluids up to target temperatures below 180°F (82°C). The cement slurry is then maintained at that temperature until slurry conditions match the desired test conditions. OFITE Atmospheric Consistometers are manufactured to be in compliance with API Spec 10A and RP 10B2 standards.