A comparative study on two cement slurry densities measurement techniques in oil well cementing

Abstract

The density of the cement slurry used in oil well cementing is vital to the realization of the technical and economic goals of the well construction process. Also, the  measurement technique used in the process can impact on the costs incurred both to the operators and the service providers. This study compares the measurement of  cement slurry density using a radioactive density meter and a mass flowmeter. Cement slurries of predetermined densities - 1.501SG (specific gravity), 1.681SG and fluids of 1.0SG (water), 0.867SG (diesel) and 0.0SG (air) were used in both instruments. The measurements were analyzed using Z-Statistic. Whereas, the level of accuracy  obtained from both instruments is similar, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for using either instrument is not the same. Knowledge of TCO will help organizations make  optimal instrument selection decisions when they are faced with contending technical options.