Consistometer HTD8040

Cements have numerous applications in the drilling, completion, work-over, and abandonment of wells. For each application, the cement is designed with special properties and is given additives that provide predictable slurry density, volume, viscosity, compressive strength, and thickening time. Thickening time, or the time a cement slurry remains able to be pumped into the well, is the most critical properties in designing a cement. A short thickening time is desired, while maintaining the special properties of the cement's design. The thickening time of a cement can be measured in a laboratory by testing a sample of the cement slurry in a Pressurized Consistometer. The elapsed time between an initial application of pressure and temperature on the slurry sample and the development of 100 Bearden units of consistency (Bc) is the thickening time for the sample at a particular specification test schedule [Table 8.2, API Spec 10(1. The Pressurized Consistometer incorporates a rotating, cylindrical Slurry Cup equipped with a stationary paddle assembly enclosed in a pressure chamber designed for a working pressure of 275 MPa (40,000 psi) at a maximum temperature of 315°C (600°F). (An air-operated hydraulic pump generates pressure to the cylinder assembly.) The hydraulic system incorporates a reservoir, piping, valves and filters. Heat is supplied to the chamber by a 5000-watt, internal, tubular heater controlled by the automatic temperature control system program. Thermocouples are provided for determining the temperatures of the oil bath and cement slurry.