Oilwell cement standards - an update
John Bensted
3P Research, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex
Summary
In recent years there have been noteworthy changes to
various oilwell cement standards and some new ones
have appeared on the scene. In this article the current
position of oilwell cement standards is discussed. The
changes in requirements that have arisen are briefly
described.
Introduction
Since the previous article on oilweli cement standards
appeared, there have been important changes to both
existing specifications and some new standards have
appeared. Due to the importance of well cementing in
exploration and production of oil and gas, oilwell
cements normally need to be specified to more stringent
standards than construction cements. In this article
changes in existing oilwell cement standards, plus the
appearance and disappearance of previously employed
standards are discussed, so that the current
specification scene can be more clearly understood on a
worldwide basis.
API specification 10A (Tables 1-3)
The API specification remains the most widely used for
oilwell cements around the world.
API Specification IO is in the process of returning to
the original format of having API Specification IOA
concerning cement specification and a Recommended
Practice API RP 106 d e a l i n g w i t h t h e pressure-
temperature schedules for different well depths and
other optional testing information. Whilst the new editlon
of API Specificatron 10A has already been issued*, the
companion editlon of API RP IOB is not scheduled for
publication until later in 1992. In the meantime the
recommended practices are covered by the non-
specification parts of the last edition of API
Specification 10 3.
Changes in the API Specification from those reported
previously1 are as follows:
0 Cements in Classes A-H have been redefined to
eliminate references to specific well depths (seeTable 1).
0 Class J cement has been deleted.
0 For Class A cement the maximum SO3 content has
been reduced from 3.5% to 3.0% when the tricalcium
aluminate (&A) content is 8% or less.
0 The autoclave expansion test has been deleted.
0 Schedule 1 mandatory testing for Classes A, B and C
cement has been abolished.
0 The free water test has been renamed the free fluid
test.
Otherwise the chemical requirements (Table 2) and
physical and performance requirements (Table 3) remain
unchanged.
Only the Class G and Class H sulphate-resisting
Portland cements are in common use. Classes A, Band C
cements are periodically employed for well cementing
operations in different parts of the world. Classes D, E
and F cement are rarely utilised nowadays.
38
In the latest edition of API Specification lOA, references
to well depths have been removed. This has followed
criticism of the API tables and pressure-temperature
schedules for given well depths on the basis that in
different parts of the world, these depth-pressure-
temperature relationships do not necessarily hold,
Historically these tables were compiled from average
conditions determined by the API, like downhole
temperatures from well data collected mostly from the
South Western United States and Gulf of Mexico regions.
They have been employed as the conditions of API
testing, the standard operating schedules for thickening
time testing in particulars. The problem has been that
depending on the geothermal temperature gradient,
boreholes of the same depth in different geographical
locations commonly exhibit different bottom hole
temperatures. In these cases the standard API
schedules may well be inappropriate, requiring specific
schedules for the area in question to be drawn up. The
new API RP lOB, which is currently being compiled, will
need to address this problem and will include new
pressure-temperature schedules as well as the old ones 1
to try to overcome at least some of these problems. ~
However, the current API tables tend to be mostlyon
the conservative side, so that thickening is normally
extended rather than diminlshed - if the actual g@
thermal temperature gradient varies sharply - which is
safer from the risk option viewpuint. API tables are
normally used as a starter and then modified to take
account of the actual well conditions. The variations in
geothermal temperature gradients in different locations
around the world are facts of life. Since there is no
universality of geothermal temperature gradients. there
can be no accurate universal tables covering all likely
well conditions. New tables may be a better approxi.
mation to the true well conditions than the old tables, but
they too will not be able to be used per se without
reference to well data like temperatures and geothermal
temperature gradients accurately obtained from the field.
Because the different pressure-temperature schedules
and much other information contained in the
specification are optional and/or not part of the
mandatory standard, it makes sense to take them out of
the specification as such and to reinclude them in a
Recommended Practice (API RP IOB).
International Standards Organisation (ISO) Standard
The API Specification for well cement is being fast.
tracked with a view to its becoming an IS0 standard (DIS
10426). If approved by ISO, this standard will then have
the official seal of full international acceptance.
Standard for the former USSR (Tables 4.7)
The latest oilwell cement standard promulgated for the
former USSR (now the Commonwealth of Independent
States), GOST 1581-85, altered the classification system
previously employed. A revised system of designations
has been introduced (Table 4). Lightweight cement is now
officially included, but salt-resistant oilwell cement is
excluded and hydrophobic oilwell c e m e n t i s n o t
considered a separate category of cement any more. The
WORLD CEMENT MARCH 1992
list of permitted additives shows some minor changes Table 2. Chemical requirements
Fable 5). Lightweight and heavyweight additives must
not cause corrosion of the hardened cement block. Cement Class A B C WS GA
Chemical requirements remain unchanged (Table 6). Ordinary grade (0)
Physical requirements have also been revised in a Magnesium oxide (MgO),
number of instances (Table 7). A water/cement ratio of 0.5 maximum % 6.0 6.0
is normally used for all physical tests involving Portland Sulfur trioxide (SO,),
tilwell cements. This is modified for lightweight, heavy- maximum % 3.5 4.5
weight and sanded Portland oilwell cements (see Table Loss on ignition, maximum % 3.0 3.0
7). For heavyweight and sanded oilwell cements a Insoluble residue,
water/cement ratio is chosen which gives a standard maximum % 0.75 0.75
@none spreadability within the range 180-220 mm. Tricalcium aluminate
(3CaO.AI,O,, maximum % + 15
T&le 1. API classes of oilwell cement as defined in API Moderate sulphate-resistant grade (MSR)
kclfication 10A Magnesium oxide (MgO).
maximum % 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
Coverage. This specification covers requirements for Sulfur trioxide (SO,,
manufacturing eight classes of well cements. This includes maximum % 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.0
cfremrcal and physical requirements and physical testing Loss on ignition, maximum % 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
frrocedures. Insoluble residue,
A well cement which has been manufactured and supplied maximum % 0.75 0.75 0.75 0 75
wording to this specification may be mixed and placed in the Tricalcium silicate
field using water ratios or additives at the users discretion. It is (BCaO.SiO,), maximum % + 58
rot i n t e n d e d t h a t m a n u f a c t u r i n g c o m p l i a n c e w i t h t h i s minimum % + 48
specification be based on such field conditions. Tricalcium aluminate
(3CaO.AI,O,), maximum % + 8 8 8 8
Classes and Grades. Well cement shall be specrfred In the
Total alkali content expressed
fallowma Classes (AB.C,D,E.F,G and H) and Grades (0, MSR
as sodium oxide (Na,O)
aul HSR).
-~~ equivalent, maximum % + + 0.75
Classes T y p i c a l High sulphate-resistant grade (HSR)
Magnesium oxide (MgO),
AE and C: The product obtained by grinding Portland cement maximum % 6.0 6.0 6.0 60
clinker. consisting essentially of hydrautic calcium Sulfur trioxide (SO,),
silicates, usually containing one or mdre of the maximum % 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.0
forms of calcium sulphate as an interground Loss on ignition, maximum % 3.0 3.0 3.0 30
addition. At the option of the manufacturer, Insoluble residue,
processing additions* may be used in the manu- maximum % 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75
facture of the cement, provided such materials in Tricalcium silicate
the amounts used have been shown to meet the (3CaOSiO,), maximum % + 65
requirementsof ASTM C 465. minimum % + 48
Tricalcium aluminate
A is intended for use when special properties are not
(3CaO.AI,O,) maximum % + 3 3 3 3
required. Available only in ordinary (0) Grade
Tetracalcium aluminoferrite
(similar to ASTM C 150. Type I).
(4Ca0.AI,0,Fe,03) plus twice
II is intended for use when conditions require the tricalcium aluminate
moderate or high sulphateresistance. Available in (3CaO.AI,O,), maximum % + 24 24 24 24
both moderate (MSR) and high sulphate-resistant Total alkali content expressed
(HSR) Grades (similar to ASTM C 150, Type II). as sodium oxide (Na,O)
c is intended for use when conditions require high equivalent, maximum % + + 0.75
early strength. Available in ordinary (similar to (0)
moderate (MSR) and high sulphate-resistant grades Methods covering the chemical analyses of hydraulic
cements are described In ASTM C114: Standard Methods for
ASTM C 150. Type Ill).
Chemical Analysis of Hydrauhc Cement.
D.E and F: The product obtained by grinding Portland cement When the tricalcium aluminate content (expressed as GA) of
clinker, consisting essentially of hydraulic calcium the Class A cement is 8% or less, the maximum SO3 content
silicates, usually containing one or more of the shall be 3%.
forms of calcium sulphate as an interground
The expressing of chemical limitations by means of
addition. At the option of the manufacturer,
calculated assumed compounds does not necessarily mean
processing additions* may be used in the manu-
that the oxides are actually or entirely present as such
facture of the cement, provided such materials in
compounds. When the ratio of the percentages of Al203 to
the amounts used have been shown to meet the
Fe203 IS 0.64 or less, the C3A content is zero. When the Al203
requirements of ASTM C 465. Further, at the option
to Fe203 ratio is greater than 0.64, the compounds shall be
of the manufacturer. suitable set-modifying agents*
calculated as follows:
may be interground or blended during manufacture.
This product is intended for use under conditions of C3A = (2.65 x % Al203)-(1.69 x % FenOs)
moderately high temperatures and pressures. C4AF = 3.04 x % Fe203
Available in moderate sulphate-resistant (MSR) and C3S = (4.07 x % CaO)-(7.60 x % SiOa)-(6.72 x % Al2O3)-
high sulphateresistant (HSR) Grades. (1.43 x % Fe203)-(2.85 x % SOS)
When the ratio of Al203 to Fe203 is less than 0.64, an Iron-
0 and H: The product obtained by grinding Portland cement alumina-calcium solid solution [expressed as ss(CdAF + CzF)]
clinker, consisting essentially of hydraulic calcium is formed and the compounds shall be calculated as follows:
silicates, usually containing one or more of the ss(C4AF + C2F) = (2.10 x % Al2O3) + (1.70 x % FgO3)
forms of calcium sulphate as an interground
and c3s = (4.07 X % ho)-(7.60 X % SiO$(4.48 X % Al2O3)-
addition. No additions other than calcium sulphate
(2.86 x % Fe203)-(2.85 x % SO3)
or water, or both, shall be interground or blended
+ + The sodium oxide equivalent (expressed as Na20 equivalent)
with clinker during manufacture of Class G/H well
shall be calculated by the formula:
cement. This product is intended for use as a basic
Na20 equivalent = (0.658 x % K20) + % Nan0
well cement. Available in moderate sulphate-
resistant (MSR) and high sulphate-resistant (HSR)
Grades.
However, the basis for oilwell cement compliance
A surtable processrng additton or set-modrfymg agent shall not remains very much as before, being based upon
prevent a well cement from performing its Intended functions. construction cement-type tests in most instances. The

WORLD CEMENT MARCH 1992 39

Table 3. Physical and performance requirements (metric units are given in brackets)
..~ ~
Well Cement Class A B C D E F G H

M IX Water, percent of the wetght of cement 46 46 56 38 38 38 44 38

Fineness* (speclflc surface) mlnlmum m?kg 150 160 220
Free fluld, content, maxlmum, mL 35 35
Compressive S c h e d u l e Curing Curing
strength number temp pressure
test F (C) pst WW Mlnimum compressive strength, PSI (MPa)

eight 100 (38) Atmos 250(1 7 ) 200(1 4 ) 300(2 1) 3OO(62 1 i 3OO(2 1)

hour 140 (60) Atmos 15OO( 10 3) 15OO(lO 3)
curing 6S 230 (110) 3000 (20700) 500(3 5)
time 8s 290 (143) 3000 (20700) 500(3 5)
9s 320 (160) 3000 (20700) 5OO(3 5)
Compressive Schedule Curing Curing
strength number temp pressure
test F (C) PSI Wa) MInimum compressive strength. ps (MPa)

twenty-four 100 (38) Atmos 1800( 12 4 ) 1500( 10 3 ) 2 0 0 0

(138)
hour 4s 170 (77) 3000 (20700) 1 OOO(6 9 ) 1000(6 9)
curing 6s 230 (110) 3OOQ (20700) 2000( 13 8) 1 OOO(6 9)
ttme 8s 290 (143) 3000 (20700) 2000( 13 8)
9s 320 (160) 3000 (20700) lOOO(6 9)
Maxlmum
Speclficatton conststency
Pressure test 1530
temperature schedule mtnute
thickening number stIrrIng
time period
test Bc+ MinImum thlckenlng time. minutes

4 30 90 90 90 90
5 30 90 90
5 30 120 m a x 120 m a x
6 30 100 100 100
8 30 154
9 30 190
. Determined by turbldlmeter apparatus described In ASTM C 115 F/neness of Portland Cement by the Turb/d/meler
+ Bearden units of slurry consistency (B,)
B, - Bearden units of consistency obtalned on a pressunsed conslstometer as defined tn Section 8 of API Spec IOA and calibrated
ai per the same section.

Table 4. Standard designations for USSR oilwell cements thickening time IS set by the cement manufacturer for not
less than 10% of the batches supplied in a quarter (three
Cement month period), but no test procedure is defined, nor are
PTsT Portland oilwell cement. limits recommended. Compressive strength is not
Constituents included. Cement assigned to the higher quality
DO: Portland oilwell cement without additives category is not defined. There is no defined basis for
D20: Portland oilwell cement with up to 20% mineral batch-to-batch consistency for any of these cements,
additives. unlike the API specification for Class G and Class H
When the maximum additive content is over 20%, this c e m e n t , w h e r e S c h e d u l e 5 t h i c k e n i n g t i m e m u s t be
maximum additive content is added to the cement
within the range 90-120 minutes (only a 30 minute
designation.
leeway).
For lightweight and heavyweight cements the additive
content is not included in the cement designation. Regulations for accepting Portland oilwell cements
are set out in GOST 22236-85. Packing, marking
Temperature transporting and storage are carried out in conformance
Designation of temperature of use in accord with
with GOST 22237-85. The manufacturer guarantees thal
GOST 25597-83 is:
50: for low and normal temperatures the Portland oilwell cements meet all the requirementsof
100: for moderate temperatures this standard and that all regulations governing trans
150: for higher temperatures. portation are met to the time the customer receives thq
b u t f o r n o t m o r e t h a n 3 0 d a y s . W i t h c e m e n t s o f tha
Density of cement paste
obl. lightweight higher quality category and hydrophobic cements, th
ut. heavyweight guarantee is for not more than 60 days after their supply.
gf. when a hydrophobic additive is included. Following the changes from the USSR to the CIS. the
Designation of density is not included in the standard GOST standards are still currently being used as such.11
designation of cements with normal to average cement is likely, however, that in the future the independent
paste densities. republics will adopt their own standards. Thus GOST
Standard 1581-85 will probably be redesignated or replaced in due
GOST 1581-85. course in the member states of the CIS.

Examoles
a) Pdrtland oilwell cement without additives, for low and
normal temperatures, hydrophobic is: Chinese Standard (Table 8)
PTsT-DO-5Ogf GOST 1581-85. Increasingly in Chlna API Class G or H oilwell cement is
b) Portland oilwell cement for moderate temperatures, light- b e i n g m a n u f a c t u r e d a n d u s e d In w e l l cementlnl
weight is: PTsT-100 obl GOST 1581-85. operations. However, some IS still produced accordingte

40 WORLD CEMENT MARCH l%l!

Table 5. Limites for permitted additives

Additive Types (% max)

--
Mineral Additives

ggbs or Active incl. Quartz

Total etps Volcanic & Sand Calcareous Heavy-
Cement Additives (GOST Sedimentary (GOST (Limestone) Lightweight weight
Designation W) 3476-74) (OST 21.9-81) 225551.77) * * + ++

PTsT-DO - .- - - -
PTsT-D20 6-20 20 20 10 10 - -
PTsT.obl to 70 - - - - to 70 -
PTsT-ut to 70 - - - - - to 70
PTsT-D50 20-50 - - 50 - - -
(Sand)
ggbs - ground granulated blastfurnace slag
etps - electrothermophosphorous slag
* - Incl. residual 10% max
** - in accord with standard technlcal documentation
+ - cement paste density 1400-1650 kg/m3
+7 - cement paste density 1950-2300 kg/m3
To lowe; hygroscoplcity up to 0.3% (dry wt) trlethanolamine or other hydrophobic agent is permitted.
-.

Table 6. Chemical requirements of USSR cements Table 8. Chinese Standard

% (a) Chemkzal requjrements

Max % max
_- ~. MgO in clinker 5
MgO in clinker 5 SO3 in cement 3.5
SO, in cement 3.5
(b) Phys~al requirements
75oc 95oc
Chemical analysis of clinkers and cements is carried out in
Cement Cement
accord with GOST 5382-72. Gypsum - in accord with
s.g. of slurry used in testing 1.80 1.80
GOST 4013-82.
residue on 0.080 m2 Sieve (%) 15 max 15 max
Core spreadability (mm) 195 min 220 min
Table 7. Physical requirements Initial setting time (minutes) 105-210 180-270
Final setting time (minutes
PtsT Types PTsT obl PTsT ut PTsT after initial setting time) 90 max 90 max
DO and D20 (lightweight) (heavyweight) sanded
48 hour bending strength at
atmospheric pressure (kglcmz) 55 min 55 min
Initial setting time(hours) - minimum
3 2 2 2 2
100 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
1.54 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75
the standard GB202-78, using the test procedures of
Final setting time (hours) - maximum GB206-78. This standard has certain similarities to the
50 10 18 12 12
underlying ideas of GOST 1581, except that it defines the
100 5 8 6 6
5 8 6 6 two basic cements in terms of test temperature - 75 OC
150
50 9 16 10 - and 95 C. The colder cement is defined for use in wells
100 4.5 - - - down to 1500-2500 m with testing at 752 3 OC, whilst the
hotter cement is defined for use in wells of depth
Bending strength (MPa) - minimum
50 2 days 2.7 0.7 1.0 2.0 2500-3500 m with testing at 95 _f. 3 OC. The test
100 1 day 3.5 - - - temperatures correspond roughly with an average
100 2 days - 1.0 2.0 4.0 defined bottom hole circulating temperature4 for the well
150 1 day 3.5 - - - depths in question. As with GOST 1581, the test
150 2 days - 1.0 2.0 4.0 procedures are broadly based upon those used for
100 1 day 4.5 - - - construction cements (Table 8).
MJ 2 days - 1.2 2.5 -
150 2 days - 1.2 2.5 -
Indian Standard (Table 9,iO)
Cone spreadability (mm) - minimum Technically, the Indian Standard 15:8229-1986
ME@-150 180 - - - Specification for Oil-Well Cement is based upon the
W 210 - - -
- - chemical and physical requirements of API Specification
210 -
10 before significant changes were made to that
Water separation (free water) (%) - maximum specifications6; viz. nine classes of oilwell cement (A-H
3.5 - 4 3.5 and J) are defined in terms of well depth rable 9),
Fineness (% passing mesh No.008: GOST 3584.83) chemical requirements include 3.5% SO3 maximum for
85 85 85 85 Class A cement regardless of &A content, autoclave
expansion tests for Classes A-H cements (0.80%
ml 80 80 80 ii maximum), Schedule 1 thickening times for Classes A, B
and C cements (90 minutes minimum). Fineness for
For cement of assigned higher quality category. Classes A, B and C cements is defmed by the more
The density of PTsT (lightweight) cement shall be within
commonly available Blaine specific surface method and
the range 1400-1650 kglcm3.
The density of PTsT ut (heavyweight) cement shall be within not by the Wagner turbidimetry procedure of the API
the range 1950-2300 kg/mJ. Specification - each of these classes has a minimum
The manufacturer shall set the thickening time of the cement surface area requirement of 225 mVkg. Apart from the
paste for not less than 10% of the batches supplied in a above, the mandatory chemical and physical (cementing)
quarter. requirements are the same as for API Specification lOA,

41
Table 9. Classes AdJ oilwell cement defined in terms of
well depth
Class Typical use
Surface to 6000 ft (1630 m) where special properties
A
are not required. Ordinary-type Portland cement
only (ASTM Type 1, BS12 ordinary Portland
cement).
Surface to 6000 ft (1830 m) where conditions
B Cement0 Portland Para Pozos Petroliferos (Portland
require moderate or high resistance to sulphates.
C Surface to 6000 ft (1630 m) where high early
strength development is required. Ordinary type or
moderate or high sulphate resistant types.
D For depths between 6000 and 10 000 ft (1830 to
3050m) under conditions of moderately high
temperatures and pressures. Moderate or high
sulphage resistant types.
E For depths between 10 000 and 14 000 ft (3050 to
4270 m) under conditions of high temperatures and
pressures. Moderate or high sulphate resistant
types.
F For depths between 10 000 and 16 000 ft (3050 to
4880 m) under conditions of extremely high
temperatures and pressures. Moderate or high
sulphate resistant types.
G and H Surface to 8000 ft (2440 m) as manufactured or can
be used with accelerators or retarders to cover a
wide range of well depths. Moderate or high
sulphate resistant types.
Both classes are defined as basic cements in
which no additives other than calcium sulphate or
water or both shall be interground or blended with
the clinker during manufacture. Class H differs
from Class G typically in being coarser ground
cement.
For depths between 12 000 and 16 000 ft (3660 to
4880 m) as manufactured where extremely high
temperatures and pressures exist or can be used
with accelerators or retarders to cover a wider
range of well depths. No additions other than a
calcium sulphate or water or both shall be
interground or blended with the clinker during
manufacture.
80 t&y have not been separately reproduced in the
Tables. The requirements for Class J cement (now
deleted from the API specification because it is not
currently used in the USA and various other countries)
are tabulated separately for convenience (Table 10).
Although Class J cement is not defined in terms of its
mineralogical content, following the original API
format5.6, it is in reality a dicalcium silicate-silica cement,
sometimes with additions of calcium hydroxide as well..
Indonesian Standard
The Indonesian Standard SII, 2204-88 Semen Pemboran
Oilwell Cement) is an Indonesian version of API
specification 105$j with nine defined classes of oilwell
:ement A-H and J. Chemical and physical requirements
rable 10. Class J cement
1) Chemical requirements
None are specified.
>) Physical requirements
Water content for cementing tests is as directed by the
cement manufacturer.
Schedule 6 thickening time (minutes)* 180 min
Schedule 9 thickening time (minutes)* 180 min
Compressive strength - MPa
Schedule 8s - 12 hours 3.5 min
Schedule 10s - 24 hours 6.9 min
- 7 days l t
Thickening time tests must show less than 30Bc in the 15-30
minute period of the test (thickening time = 100 Bc).
l Compressive strength after 7 days shall be no less than 24
iours compressive strength on Schedule 10s.
12
are as for API Specification 105.6, except for the surface
areas of Classes A, B and C cements. Here, as well as the
respective minimum values of 150, 160 and 220 m*/kg
from the Wagner turbidimetric procedure, the
corresponding minimum Blaine method values of 260,
280 and 320 mzlkg are also given.
Argentinian Standard
The Argentinian Standard Norma IRAM 1 518-1987
Cement for Oilwells) is basically a Spanish language
version of the API Specification 10, First Edition, July
1982 5, defining nine basic classes of oilwell cement, A-H
and J. The most noteworthy difference (as with the Indian
and Indonesian standards) concerns the minimum
surface area for Classes A, B and C cement. The
minimum values required here are 250,250 and 400 m2lkg
as determined by Norma IRAM 1 623 (a Blaine-type
procedure).
Brazilian Standard
The Brazilian standard NBR 9831- Cimento Portland
Destinado & Cimentacao de Pocos Petroliferos (Portland
Cement Intended for the Cementation of Oilwells) is a
national standard for Class G cement, both MSR
(medium sulphate-resistant) and HSR (high sulphate-
resistant) types.
Chemical requirements are the same as those given in
API Specification 10A for MSR and HSR Class G
cements2 with the addition of a maximum limit for free
lime of 2.0%. It is well known that high free lime
adversely affects the rheological behaviour and retarder
response of oilwell cement+, but this is the first time the
problem has been officially recognised by a standards
body in imposing a mandatory limit.
Physical requirements are the same as those in API
Specification 10A for MSR and HSR Class G cements2
together with rheological parameters for Schedule 5
thickening conditions, based on the use of Fann-type
rotational viscometers. In the API and similar related
standards, the only effective rheological parameter is the
15-30 minute consistency maximum of 30 Bc (30 UC) in
the designated thickening time schedules. The Brazilian
requirements go further in seeking to define what is
acceptable rheological behaviour and what is not so, for
Class G cement slurries being used in practice in the
country. These rheological limits are given in Table 11,
where they are shown along with the mixture of imperial
and cgs units commonly used in well cementing for
comparison purposes.
Bulgarian Standard (Table 12)
The Bulgarian Standard BDS 8996-71 Portland Cement
for Oilwells is based upon similar concepts to earlier
editions of the USSR Standard GOST 1581. Two basic
grades of oilwell cement are defined, one for cold wells
(up to 40 C) and the other (a sulphate-resisting cement)
Table 11. Rheological properties of Class G cement slurries 8s
in the Brazilian Standard
27OC(BPF) 52%(125v)
10 seconds gel strength at
3 rpm - Pa (lb/lOOfts) 12(25) max 12(25) max
10 minutes gel strength at
3 rpm _ Pa (lb/lOOft*) 16.8(35) max 16.8(35) max
Consistency after 1 minute at
3 rpm - Pa (lb/lOOfts) 9.6(20) max 9.6(20) max
Consistency after 5 minutes at
3 rpm - Pa (lb/lOOfts) 9.6(20) max 9.6(20) max
Plastic viscosity- Pas (cP) 0.055(55) max 0.055(55) max
Yield point - Pa (lb/lOOfts) 14.4.33.5(30-70) 14.4-38.3(30&l,
Maximum increment of 10
minute gel strength with
temperature rise from
27 %(85 F) to 52 X(125 OF).
Pa (lb/lOOft2) 4.8(10) max
Table 12. Bulgarian Standard Hungarian Standard (Table 13)
a) Chemical requirements (% maxima) The Hungarian Standard MSZ 470218-90 for deep drilling
Cold well Hot well (oilwell) cement has been extensively revised. Three
cement cement classes of oilwell cement (A, N and M) are defined:
MgQ 4.5 4.5 A- for use in cold wells at temperatures -5 OC to 15 OC
so3 3.5 3.5
Loss on ignition 2.0 2.0 N-for use in normal wells at temperatures 15 OC to 50 OC
Insoluble residue 1.5 1.5 M- for use in moderately hot wells at temperatures 50 OC
C3A - 5.0 to 100 OC
C,A + C,AF - 22.0 Each of these classes can include ordinary, high
b) Physical requirements (water/cement ratio 0.5) sulphate-resisting and composite oilwell cements.
Cold well Hot well Chemical requirements for these cements are MgO of
cement cement clinker 5.0% maximum and lime saturation factor (Isf)9*lJ
Initial set, min.(hours) 2 1.75
Final set, max.(hours) 10 4.5 on the clinker of 0.85 minimum, but surprisingly no direct
Bending strength (2 days) min. SC3 limit as such for the finished cement. The ordinary
(kgf/cm*) 27 62 Portland cements contain no additives, the high
Cone spreadability, min.(mm) 160 160 sulphate-resisting Portland cements are limited to 20%
Rate of filtration of cement paste, maximum 500 ml130 (by mass of clinker) ground granulated blastfurnace slag
minutes at 1 atmosphere pressure. or pulverised fly ash or natural pouolan, whilst for the
composite cements no specific limits are quoted for
There must be an even change in volume when the cement these additives.
samples are boiled in water. Many oilwell cements used in Hungary are in fact
Up to 1% by weight of grinding aids may be added during the tested to API Specification requirements.
clinker-gypsum grinding process, as long as the properties of
the cement are not deleteriously affected.
Romanian Standards (Tables 14,15)
There are two Romanian Standards for oilwell cements,
We 13. Physical requirements for Hungarian Class A, N & M STAS 1544-81 Well Cement Type Sl and STAS 925390
oilwell cements Well Cement Type S2-RS (RS indicates sulphate-
resistant). These standards show some similarities with
Test Class A&N Class M API Specification lOA, in that Sl is akin to a Class A
0.09mm (90 micron) sieve residue cement with its setting times controlled to give
IS), max 15 20 reasonable batch-to-batch consistency, whilst S2-RS is
Blaine surface area (m*/kg), min 250 220 like HSR Class G cement (Table 14). The thickening time
Cone spreadability (mm), min 200 200 test requirements are like those for API Class G cement
20 * 2% 75 * 3oc (Schedule 5). The compressive strength and free water
Initial setting time (hours), min 2 1.75 tests are also similar to the corresponding tests given for
Final setting time (hours), max 10 4.5
Bleed water (O/O), max.
API Class G cement. The chemical limits for SP-RS
. 3.5 3.5
I Bending strength (MPa), min 2.7 (2 days) 4.5 (1 day)
cement (Table 15) resemble those for HSR Class G
!Thickening time to 50 units of cement, except for the lower MgO limit (4.0%), the higher
:consistency (minutes), min 90 90 alkali limit (1.1 O/O) and the lack of a specific ~~~~ + 2 x
C3A maximum requirement.
IA water/cement ratio of 0.5 is used in these tests, where
:applicable.
Table 15. Romanian Standards - Chemical requirements
Cement type Sl SS-RS
Bble 14. Romanian Standards - Physical requirements % %
knent type Sl SZ-RS 5.0 4.0
MN
fineness: specific surface area so3 3.0
tm?g), min - Loss on ignition 2
2800
setting times at 60 A 2OC (minutes) Insoluble residue 1.0 if;05
- Initial 95-140 - Alkalis (Nap0 equivalent) i.i
- 48.0-65.0
- Final 140-185 - c3s
lending strength at 60 & 2% (N/mm*) C3A 13.0 3.0
- 1 day, min 5 - All values are maxima, except for C3S where the permitted range
- 3 days, min 6 - is given.
We spreadability (mm), min 170 -
eparation of water from the paste
YD), max 5.0 - Polish Standard (Tables 16,17)
Sitration (cm*/30 minutes), max 850 -
Jie Chatelier ,expansion (mm), max
The Polish Standard EN-62 6731-07 was introduced to
10 10
Thicken\ng tnne (minutes\ - 9%120 cover cements used in drilling, but now appears to have
fa\\en \aTge\y \nto W+~se. Neuefihe\ess i t h a s been
Compressive strength at 8 hours and
atmospheric pressure (MPa), min included here for completeness. It considers three
- WC - 2.1 drilling cements (Types A, B and C) to cover the well
- 60% - 10.3 depth 0 - 6500 m and temperatures 20 OC - 200 OC. For
Free water (ems) - 3.5 temperatures ranging from 100 OC - 200 OC, pressures of
Water/cement ratios employed for testing are 0.5 for Cement St 360 - 950 atmospheres are also included. The three
and 0.44 for Cement SP-RS.
cements are defined thus:
Type A-to cement exploration column pipe
Type B -to cement intermediate column pipe
for hot wells (40 OC to 90 C). The chemical requirements Type C -for final cementing.
are greater than those of GOST 1581. Most of the
physical tests are more like those required for These three types of cement do not appear to be defined
construction cements, e.g. setting times, bending in terms of specific depth requirements in the Standard.
strengths, cone spreadability (see Table 12). Unlike the This Standard shows significant differences from GOST
majority of other East European oilwell cement 1578 and has different limits for the various tests
standards, BDS 8996 has not been updated in recent specified where there are superficial resemblances (see
years. Table 16). In addition there is the free water test for Types

WORLD CEMENT MARCH 1992 43

Iable 16. Polish Standard - Physical requirements for Types A, Acknowledgements
B & C cements The author washes to express hrs apprecrahon to Peter J
~- Jackson of Sampling and Scientrfrc Servtces, Rugby. England
sg. of Cement slurries should normally be 1.3 - 2.2. for helpful discusston and to BP for permission to publish this
Cement passing through sieve No.200 (O/O), min. 99. work.
Cement passing through sieve No.80 (O/O), min. 90.
Rate of filtration of cement paste (ml130 minutes), max. 180. References
Cone spreadability (mm), min. 150. 1. BENSTED. J. Oilwell Cements - Standards in Current Use
Settlement water (free water) Type A (%), max. 10 WorldCement August 1988, pp 310-319.
Type B (%), max. 7 2. AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE: Specification for Well
Type C (%), max. 5 Cements. API Spec/hcat/on 70A, 21st Edition, September 1991
Initial set (hours) 2-6 Amerrcan Petroleum Institute, Washington DC (1991)
Final set - Not more than 2 hours after initial set. 3. AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE. Specification for
0 Setting depends upon temperature and pressure up to 950 Materials and Testrng for Well Cements, API Spec/f/cat/on 10,
atmospheres and 200C (depending on depth). 5 t h Edition, J u l y 1 9 9 0 . A m e r i c a n P e t r o l e u m I n s t i t u t e ,
Washington DC (1990).
0 Addition of further cement should occur within 2-4 hours of 4. BENSTED, J; HAYNES, P.E., HENDERSON, E.. JONES, k,
addition of intial cement, otherwise the initial cement SMALLWOOD, T.B. Chemical Aspects of OIlwell Cementmg
lot will set. Speoal Pub/~cation No 45: Chemicals /n the O/I Industry (Editor
Compressive and bending strengths at atmospheric pressure OGDEN, P H) pp 42-60. London. Royal Socrety of Chemistry
and temperature depending upon depth* (kg/cm*): (1983)
5. AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE: Specification for
Cement Compressive strength Bending strength Materials and Testing for Well Cements, API Spec/f/cat/on 10,
24 hours 48 hours 24 hours 48 hours 1st Edition. Julv 1982. Washrnaton DC. American Petroleum
__~.-.
Institute (1982).
Type A 20 30 a 18
6. AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE: Soecification for
Type 0 30 50 15 25
Materials and Testing for Well Cements, API $eclfIcatlon 70,
Type C 40 80 22 35
4th EdItIon, August 1988. Washington DC. Amerrcan Petroleum
Compressive strength at pressure and temperature depending Institute (1988)
upon depth (kglcmz): 7. BENSTED, J A Review of Novel Cements with Potentral for
Use In OIlwell Cementing. Special Pubhcat/on No 67 Chem/cak
Cement 24 hours 48 hours
,n the 011 lndusfry. (Editor: OGDEN P H) pp 37-56. London. Royal
Type A 18 25 Society of Chemistry (1988).
We B 25 40 8. BENSTED, J Oilwell Cements. World Cement October 1969,
Type C pp 346-357.
(Bending strength3i not examfjfed here). 9. TAYLOR, H F.W Cement Chem/stry London. San Dreg&
___. ~ Academrc Press (1990)
l See Table 17 10. KEIL, F Zement-Herstellung und E/genschaften iCemeN
M a n u f a c t u r e a n d Properties) B e r l i n . Herdelberg. Springer
A, Band C cements. Verlag (1971)
Other Polish Standards made use of for carrying out
the various tests on the oilwell cement types are RN- Enquiry no. 19
571MGi E-32001, PNIB-04300 and PNIB-04302.
Temperature and pressure data for simulated well
depths are given in the Standard and shown in Table 17.

WORLD
There are no chemical requirements specifically
stated in the Standard BN-62 6731-07 for Types A, B and
C cements. However, construction sulphate-resisting
cements in Poland have maxima of 5.0% for lvlg0 in
clinker, 3.0% for SO3 in cement (3.5% for PSR II 45) and
5.0% (PSR I 35) or 8.0% for (PSR II 35, PSR II 45) for CsA
CEMENT
(Standard PN-80/B-30002).

Miscellaneous comments
Following the unification of Germany, the GDR Standard
Can we help you with
TGL 28101101 June 1980, which covered the use of
sulphate-resisting Portland cements for gas- and oilwell- Back issues?
cementing, is now obsolete. In Germany the API Speci-
fication 10A is utilised. Reprints of any articles?
Conclusion
In recent years there have been many changes involving
Run ons?
the different oilwell cement standards and their require-
ments for the cements. The present situation has been
clarified in this paper and some possible future develop-
ments outlined. Call us for estimates
Table 17. Polish Standard - Temperature, pressures and depths
__-. and rapid follow up
Temperature Pressure Well Depths
-.. .~~
OC
20
atm
1
m
O-800
service.
35 1 600-l 700
50 1 1400-2400

Telephone:0252 703900
75 1 1800-2600
100 360-550 2600-3400
120 450-580 3200-3700
140
160
480-680
540-780
3500-4500
4000-5200
Fax:0252 703901
180 600-880 4500-6000
200 620-950 5500-6500
_ _ _ _

44 WORLD CEMENT MARCH 19%