Physicochemical study of the hydration process of an oil well cement slurry before setting

Abstract This study deals with the basic phenomena that govern structural development during an oil well cement slurry hydration. This development has been followed from the mixing of cement with water to the beginning of setting. Scanning electron microscopy observations have been carried out, which revealed the form and structure of the hydration products as a function of the experimental conditions (e.g., temperature, stirring conditions). Results are correlated with X-ray diffraction analysis tests, to identify the chemical nature of crystalline formations observed.