Measuring and modeling hydration kinetics of well cements
Scientists present a new method to measure the chemical shrinkage of cements, using an ultrasonic cement analyser coupled with an external pump.
Well cements hydrate under challenging conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. A standard and readily accessible experimental method to follow the hydration kinetics of well cements under these conditions is lacking. In a new study, scientists present a new method to measure the chemical shrinkage of cements, using an ultrasonic cement analyser coupled with an external pump — two common equipment in well cements research laboratories.
Experimental parameters carefully examined
The method measures chemical shrinkage by following the flux of water into the sample to maintain constant pressure. Various experimental parameters such as leakage and sample geometry are carefully examined. Chemical shrinkage results on Class G and Class H cements are in good agreement with various sources, including reported chemical shrinkage, reported activation constants, hydration kinetics measured by alternative methods, and phase assemblage measurements on hardened paste.
The method offers a promising new technique to help advance the fundamental knowledge on the hydration of well cements.
The study can be found in Cement and Concrete Research, Volume 123.
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