Characterizing Curing Cement Slurries by Electrical Conductivity

Abstract

Summary Electrical conductivity is a parameter that can be used to monitor the entire hardening process of oilwell cement slurries. The theoretical relationship among conductivity, porosity, cement chemistry, and ion content is discussed. The theory is confirmed by experiments; the decline in the slurry conductivity is primarily a function of porosity decrease and, thus, the degree of hydration. The applied results show that the electrical conductivity of curing slurries reflects strength development and that rapid hydration will reduce the risk of gas migration.