The Ultrasonic Cement Analyzer (UCA) uses the change in velocity of an acoustic signal to determine the compressive strength of a well cement over time. The Static Gel Strength Measurement Device (SGSM) uses a vaned bob submerged in the slurry to determine the static gel strength over time. Together, these two instruments provide a more complete picture of the physical properties of a well cement as the slurry sets.

The all new Model 4005 Automated Twin Cell UCA with optional SGSM automatically controls the temperature and pressure in each cell independently, bringing a new level of precision and control to your cement lab. With the new touch-screen display, you can now run an entire test in standalone mode, without the need for computer software, although the software is still included with the instrument.

The mechanical properties of a material describe how that material behaves when subjected to an applied force. When placed in an oil well, cement is subjected to numerous stresses which impact its ability to both protect the casing and maintain zonal isolation. Lateral stresses within the formation threaten to warp and crush the casing. Expansion and shrinkage caused by temperature and pressure cycles cause brittle cement to develop cracks, which place well integrity at risk as the cement debonds from the casing or formation.

There are four primary mechanical properties of cement that oilfield service companies need to understand to predict the behavior of the set cement under downhole stresses:

The Retort measures the percentage (%) of oil, water, and solids in a sample of drilling fluid or cuttings. The results from a Retort test are essential to properly controlling mud properties such as rheology, density, filtration, and salinity. It is also important for evaluating viscosity control and solids control equipment.

Retort Kits have historically been large and bulky, taking up valuable laboratory space. The OFITE Multi Unit Retort combines five 50 mL Retort units into a single enclosure with a single electrical inlet. It saves space on the counter and only uses one electrical outlet. It also features a convenient stand for 50 mL Receiver Tubes (JP Tubes) and independent temperature control for each unit. The included software records and graphs the temperature of each unit over time.

Advanced oil well cement testing goes beyond compressive strength. The elastic properties (Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio, and Tensile Strength) also play a major role in well integrity. But measuring these properties has always been a challenge. The equipment is often large, complex, and expensive. What is the solution?

The OFITE TLF-112 Triaxial Mechanical Properties Testing System is the first instrument specifically designed to physically measure the four major mechanical properties of oil well cement:

OFITE is excited to be participating in the annual Egypt Petroleum Show in Cairo February 14th – 16th, 2017.  Yahia Ait Hamlat and Moheb Attalla will be representing OFITE, showing our latest technology and discussing service opportunities throughout the Middle East.  Stop by booth 1A84 and learn more about:

• Model 4005 Automated UCA
• EP/Lubricity Tester
• Model 900 Viscometer
• Corrosion Test Cell

We hope to see you there!

Foam cement is a versatile, low-density cementing system used in many oil-well applications. It is commonly used for low fracture gradient or lost circulation problem wells. The formulation is unique compared to other oil-well fluids because it uses three phases of matter. The solid phase consists of cement and other dry additives. The liquid phase is mix water and any liquid additives. And the gaseous phase is, in most cases, nitrogen (N₂) gas.

Adding nitrogen gas to a cement slurry dramatically reduces the density while using the same amount of mix water. Because no extra water is used, foam cement develops sufficient mechanical strength for well-bore application while improving the bonding characteristics. As the temperature increases down hole, the nitrogen gas expands, pushing the foam cement against the formation and casing and creating a stronger bond. Despite the added benefits, expansion also creates challenges for laboratory testing.

Sometimes particle size analysis just has to be done on the rig. Unfortunately, most particle size analyzers are large laboratory models. And taking them into the field is just not convenient. Now there is a better option: the Portable FlowCAM^® Dynamic Imaging Particle Size Analyzer.

The Portable FlowCAM^® features the same powerful particle imaging technology and software as the bench top model in a portable design. The rugged, water-resistant case on wheels makes transportation safe and easy. And it can operate on either 115/230 volt or 12 volt power, so you know there will always be power available.

Excessive torque and drag (ETD) is a common drilling problem, especially in extended-reach wells. ETD can cause lower penetration rates, increased hook-load, damage to downhole tubulars, and failure to reach target zones. While it can have many causes, mechanical friction between the wellbore and tubulars is often to blame. An effective and economical way to reduce mechanical friction is to add lubricating agents to the drilling fluid.

Before choosing a lubricant, it is important to test several options to determine which has the best lubricating properties and chemical compatibility with the drilling fluid. Performance testing involves determining the coefficient of friction (Cf) of the base drilling fluid and comparing it to the Cf with each additive.

Many drilling problems can be traced to the interaction between shale rock materials and drilling fluids. Testing the characteristics of the shale is the first step in developing an appropriate drilling fluid system that will be less reactive and cause fewer problems. One of these characteristics is hardness. Shale hardness can be related to the inhibitive properties of the drilling mud. When shale interacts with a fluid, water will often adsorb, the shale will swell, and fine particles will disperse. These can then reduce the compressive strength or cause the shale to spall or fracture, leading to significant wellbore stability problems. In addition, soft and/or sticky cuttings can cause mud rings, sticking problems, and bit balling.

The Bulk Hardness Tester (#150-87) was designed to evaluate the hardness of a shale sample after it has been exposed to a drilling fluid. In the test, the operator uses a torque wrench attached to a threaded piston to extrude the sample through a perforated plate. The torque required for each turn is recorded and evaluated. The change in torque during the test provides valuable information about the characteristics of the sample. Harder samples will require more torque, while software sample will require less.

The flow-back characteristics of drill-in fluids are critical to the productivity of a well. If the fluid plugs the production screen, it will not only slow down production, but it could also lead to screen erosion and costly remediation. But test flow-back has always been slow and expensive, often delaying rig operations for days or weeks while samples are shipped back to the lab.

With the Production Screen Tester (PST), you can now run flow-back tests right at the rig site with samples of the actual production screen being used down hole. The test is similar to the standard API filter press. You assemble the test cell with the screen sample at the bottom. After filling the cell with fluid, apply pressure to the top and open the valve at the bottom. The test will quickly show whether the screen and fluid are compatible.

Traditional filtration testing has always been limited by testing static conditions. Yet most of the time, drilling fluid is circulating through the wellbore. The movement of the fluid can have significant effects on the filter cake that are not measured by static filtration tests.

The OFITE Dynamic HTHP Filter Press (#170-95) is designed to correct this oversight. A shaft and paddle extend down into the test cell and circulate the fluid during a test. The speed is adjustable, and the motor can be started and stopped periodically to better simulate drilling conditions.

The all new Model 4020-SG Automated UCA/SGSM is a revolutionary instrument that combines two powerful cement measurement methods into a single, easy-to-use device. First, the UCA provides a non-destructive method of testing the compressive strength of a well cement. Second, the SGSM directly measures the static gel strength of the slurry. And both are combined to create the only self-contained Ultrasonic Cement Analyzer / Static Gel Strength Measurement (UCA/SGSM) device on the market.

After the success of our Advanced Four-Unit HTHP Filter Press for 175 mL cells, we have developed a new version.  This one is a two-unit model that accepts 500 mL filter press cells.  Each cell has a separate electronic temperature control and two separate pressure regulators (drive pressure and back pressure).  This allows independent heating and pressurization, while sharing a single power source.

This unit is ideal for high-volume laboratory testing.  While test cells are sold separately, it does include all other accessories necessary to run a test (back pressure receivers, hoses, manifold blocks, graduated cyliners, filter paper, etc.

Our booth is set up and ready go at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas for the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition.  Stop by and see us in booth 2637 Monday, September 28 through Wednesday, September 30.  We will be showing our new BLP-630 Automated Gas Porosimeter, Lubricity Evaluation Monitor, Dynamic HTHP Filter Press, Model 4020-SG Automated UCA/SGSM, and the LISST-Portable|XR Particle Size Analyzer from Sequoia Scientific.  Also hear about our new contract manufacturing service, OFITE Manufacturing Solutions.  We hope to see you there!

We are excited to announce we are now offering the FlowCam® Dynamic Imaging Particle Size Analyzer. With industry-leading image quality and automated statistical pattern recognition software, the FlowCam dynamic imaging particle analysis system is an important tool for detecting, characterizing, and quantifying particles in a variety of oil & gas applications.

The OFITE Circular Cement Expansion Mold measures the expansion or shrinkage of a well cement. It has an external ring with a vertical slit on one side to allow it to expand. Before testing begins, the width of the gap is measured with a micrometer.  Then, after curing, the gap is measured again.

The complete kit includes the mold, micrometer, micrometer stand, and carrying case.  Click here to learn more.

Any instrument that operates at elevated temperatures and pressures creates a safety concern in the lab.  HTHP filter press cells are no different. The traditional design, with its six locking screws around the cap, has been known to trap pressure and become a safety risk.

OFITE has designed a new cell with safety in mind. This modular design is much safer and more convenient. The two-piece cap is threaded, and cannot be opened while the cell is pressurized. And interchangeable caps make it easy to reconfigure the cell for testing with different filter media (filter paper, ceramic disks, or cement screens) with a single cell body.

OFITE is happy to announce our new partnership with Sequoia Scientific Inc.  We are now an official distributor for the LISST-Portable|XR Particle Size Analyzer.  This technology provides portable real time particle size analysis based on laser diffraction.  The battery powered field portable unit analyzes the sample in a wet state to obtain particle size distribution and particle volume concentration.

Primarily intended for use in the oilfield industry, the OFITE Static Gel Strength Measurement Device (SGSM) is designed to measure the gel strength development of cement after pumping operations have ceased. The unique design of the SGSM, combined with the advanced data acquisition software, provides users with a true mechanical static gel strength measurement.