Section 4

Cementing Technology Manual Cement Accelerators

Section 4

Cement Accelerators

Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) ................................................................................................................ 4-5
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) .................................................................................................................4-11
Cal-Seal ........................................................................................................................................ 4-13
Diacel A (Sodium silicate) ............................................................................................................. 4-16
ECONOLITE ................................................................................................................................. 4-17
Densified Cement Slurries ............................................................................................................ 4-18
Seawater ....................................................................................................................................... 4-19

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Cement Accelerators
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Notes:

4-2 January 1996

 Section 4
Cementing Technology Manual Cement Accelerators

Section 4

Cement Accelerators

Introduction
Where low temperatures are encountered, such as
in shallow wells, wells at winter conditions, or sea-
floor temperature, cement sets slowly. To speed the
setting and save time and money, cement accelera-
tors are added to the slurry. Table 4-1 lists the com-
monly used accelerators.

In general, most organic compounds retard the

setting of cement and inorganic compounds acceler-
ate it. Some compounds, like sodium chloride, accel-
erate when used in one proportion (2 to 10%) and
retard in another proportion (18 to 37%).*

Calcium chloride and sodium chloride have been

used successfully in all classes of cement for years.

Cal-Seal, a controlled-setting gypsum cement, is

sometimes mixed with Portland cement to speed the
setting time in very shallow wells or where ex-
tremely rapid setting is required. It allows only a
few minutes’ pumping time.

When cement containing Diacel LWL for fluid-loss

control is used in moderate-to-low-temperature
wells, an accelerator is needed to counteract the
retarding effect of Diacel LWL without affecting its
low fluid-loss properties. Diacel A meets both re-
quirements. For other low fluid-loss additives, such
as HALAD®-9, calcium chloride is a compatible
accelerator. Lightweight cement slurries prepared
with ECONOLITE have reduced thickening times
compared to similar weight slurries prepared with
other low-density additives, e.g., bentonite,
gilsonite, pozzolans.

A more detailed discussion of each accelerator fol-

lows.

* Percent by weight of water.

January 1996 4-3

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Table 4-1: Commonly Used Cement Accelerators

Amount Used
Accelerator (% bwoc) How Used

Calcium Chloride (CaCl2 ) 1 to 4 Dry or with Water

a
2 to 10
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Dry or with Water
1.5 to 5

Hemihydrate forms of gypsum

5 to 90 Dry Only
(Plaster of Paris) Cal-Seal

Sodium Silicates 1 to 10
Dry or with Water
(Diacel A) (ECONOLITE) 1 to 3

Densified Cement Slurries b 0.5 to 1.0 Dry or with Water

(With Dispersants and Reduced Water)

Seawater - As Mixing Water

a
Percent by weight of water
b
For more information, see Cement Friction Reducers.

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 Section 4
Cementing Technology Manual Cement Accelerators

Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)

Description and Primary Function: Calcium chlo-
ride is the most widely used and accepted accelera-
tor for all classes of cement. It is widely used in
shallow, low temperature formations to speed the
setting of cement slurries. CaCl2 decreases thicken-
ing time, increases early strength, and shortens
waiting-on-cement time.

Secondary effects: Calcium chloride decreases

slurry viscosity at low concentrations and increases
slurry viscosity at high concentrations.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid contact

with skin and eyes. Avoid inhaling dust.

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 40°F to 120°F (4°C to 49°C)

Concentration: 2 to 4% bwoc; equivalent liquid 40

gal/100 sk (2%)

Special Information:

Usage Restrictions: When using cold mixing water,

it is better to add regular CaCl2 to the mixing water
rather than to the dry cement.

Effect on Slurry Properties:

1. decreases viscosity at low concentrations and

decreases thickening time
2. increases viscosity at high concentrations, early
strength, and water loss

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Table 4-2: Properties of Calcium Chloride

CaCl2 CaCl2 CaCl2 CaCl 2

Properties Anhydrous Regular Powder Liquid

Part No. 890.50812 890.50811 890.50810 890.50844

Specific Gravity 1.96 1.96 1.96 1.29

Form solid pellets solid flakes solid powder liquid

Color white white white clear, colorless

How Packaged 80-lb sk 10-lb sk 100-lb sk 5-gal container

Bulk Density 64 lb/cu ft 56 lb/ cu ft 51 lb/ cu ft 10.7 lb/gal

Water Requirement none none none none

Absolute Volume (gal/lb) 0.0612 0.0612 0.0612 0.0926

Solubility in Water at 20°C (gm/100 ml H2 O) 60 98 42 miscible

Odor none none none none

Flash Point - - - -

Freeze Point - - - 40°F

Pour Point - - - 25°F

pH 10 10 10 10

Activity - - - 33%

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Water 0.46; 5.2 gal/sk Slurry Weight 15.6 lb/gal

(19.7 L/sk) (1.87 kg/L)
12.0

10.0
Pumping Time: Hours

8.0
1%

6.0
Standard
Cement
2%

4.0

3%
2.0

40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F

4°C 15°C 27°C 38°C 49°C
Temperature - % Calcium Chloride bwoc
1% CaCl2 2% CaCl2 3% CaCl2

Fig. 4-1: Effect of Calcium Chloride (1,2, and 3%) on Thickening Time of Standard Cement (all slurries
pumped to 49 Bc on Howco Consistometer).

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Water 0.38; 4.3 gal/sk Slurry Weight 16.4 lb/gal

(16.2 L/sk) (1.96 kg/L)
12.0

10.0
Pumping Time: Hours

8.0
1%
2%
6.0
Premium
Cement
3%
4.0

2.0

40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F

4°C 15°C 27°C 38°C 49°C
Temperature - % Calcium Chloride bwoc
1% CaCl2 2% CaCl2 3% CaCl2

Fig. 4-1: Effect of Calcium Chloride (1,2, and 3%) on Thickening Time of Premium Cement (all slurries
pumped to 49 Bc on Howco Consistometer).

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Water 0.44; 5.0 gal/sk Slurry Weight 15.8 lb/gal

(18.9 L/sk) (1.89 kg/L)
12.0

10.0
Pumping Time: Hours

8.0

1% Premium
6.0 (fine)
Cement

4.0
2%
3%
2.0

40°F 60°F 80°F 100°F 120°F

4°C 15°C 27°C 38°C 49°C
Temperature - % Calcium Chloride bwoc
1% CaCl2 2% CaCl2 3% CaCl2

Fig. 4-1: Effect of Calcium Chloride (1,2, and 3%) on Thickening Time of Premium (fine) Cement (all slurries
pumped to 49 Bc on Howco Consistometer).

January 1996 4-9

4-10
Curing Temp
5,000
Curing Temp 120°F (49°C)
Standard Cement (w/c=0.46)
4,500 100°F (38°C)
Curing Temp 1% 2% 3%
Premium Cement (w/c = 0.38)
Section 4

4,000 80°F (27°C)

1% 2% 3%
Premium (fine) Cement (w/c = 0.44)
Cement Accelerators

3,500
1% 2% 3%
3,000
Curing Temp
2,500 60°F (15°C)

2,000
1% 2% 3%
1,500

24 hr, psi (mPa)

Curing Temp
1,000 40°F (4°C)

500 1% 2% 3%

0
7.50 7.00 6.50 4.50 4.00 3.00 2.00 1.50 1.50 2.00 0.75 0.75 1.50 1.00 0.75 Initial Set, hr
8.00 8.00 7.50 5.00 4.50 4.00 2.50 2.00 2.00 2.50 1.50 1.50 2.00 2.00 1.50 Final Set, hr
Cementing Technology Manual

Fig. 4-2: Effect of Calcium Chloride (1, 2, and 3%) on Compressive Strength Development of Portland Cements.

January 1996
 Section 4
Cementing Technology Manual Cement Accelerators

Effect on Slurry Properties:

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) 1. decreases viscosity and thickening times at low
concentrations and decreases final strength
Description and Primary Function: When calcium 2. increases density and water loss
chloride is not available, sodium chloride can be
used as a cement accelerator. Sodium chloride is
used at low concentrations to accelerate cement.
High concentrations of sodium chloride retard most
cements.

Secondary Effects: Sodium chloride improves

bonding of cement to shales and minimizes damage
in zones sensitive to fresh water.

Interaction with Other Additives: A defoamer

should be added to dry blend or to the mixing water
to minimize foaming and entrained air.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid getting

NaCl in the eyes. Avoid creating and inhaling dust.

Properties:

Additive: Sodium Chloride Salt

Part No.: 516.00158

Specific Gravity: 2.17

Form: crystalline solid

Color: white

How Packaged: 80-lb sk

Bulk Density: 71 lb/cu ft

Water Requirement: none

Absolute Volume: varies with concentration

Solubility in Water: @ 20°C, 35.7 g/100 ml H 2O

Odor: none

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 50°F to 120°F (10°C to 66°C)

Concentration: 1.5 to 5.0% bwoc; 3 to 12% by

weight of mixing water

Special Information: NaCl will not accelerate as

much as 2 to 4% CaCl2. Seawater contains 20,000 to
40,000 ppm chlorides and will have an accelerating
effect similar to 1% CaCl2 added to a cement slurry.

January 1996 4-11

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Cementing Technology Manual

Table 4-3: Effect of Sodium Chloride on the Thickening Time and

Compressive Strength of Standard Cement
Water Ratio: 5.2 gal/sk (19.68 L/sk)
Slurry Weight: 15.6 lb/gal (1.87 kg/L)

Thickening Time (hr:min)

Casing Cementing Tests for Simulated Well Depth, ft (m) of

1,000 2,000 4,000 6,000

Sodium Chloride
% (305) (610) (1,219) (1,829)

0.0 4:40 4:12 2:30 2:25

2.0 3:05 2:27 1:52 1:13

4.0 3:05 2:35 1:35 1:20

Compressive Strength
At API Curing Pressure and
At Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature of
Temperature of
Curing 95°F (35°C) 110°F (43°C)
Time NaCl 40°F (4°C) 80°F (27°C) 800 psi (5.52 mPa) 1,600 psi (11.03 mPa)

hr bwoc psi mPa psi mPa psi mPa psi mPa

12 0 70 0.48 405 2.79 1,065 7.34 1,525 10.52

24 0 940 6.48 1,930 13.31 2,710 18.69 3,680 25.37

48 0 2,100 14.55 3,920 27.03 4,810 33.23 5,280 36.40

12 2 290 1.10 960 6.62 1,590 10.96 2,600 17.93

24 2 1,230 8.48 2,260 15.58 3,200 22.06 3,420 23.58

48 2 3,540 24.41 3,250 22.41 3,900 26.89 4,350 29.99

12 4 280 1.93 1,145 7.89 1,530 10.55 2,575 17.75

24 4 1,390 9.58 2,330 15.07 3,105 21.72 3,400 23.44

48 4 3,325 22.93 3,400 24.13 3,825 26.37 4,125 28.44

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Effect on Slurry Properties:

Cal-Seal 1. decreases density, thickening time, and final
strength
Description and Primary Function: Cal-Seal can be 2. increases viscosity, the amount of water needed
blended with Portland cements to shorten setting for mixing, and early strength
time and improve the expansion characteristics of
Portland cements.

Secondary Effects: Cal-Seal produces rapid initial

cement set at low temperatures and increased ex-
pansion of the hardened cement.

Interaction with Other Additives: Sodium chloride

can be used to accelerate the set of Cal-Seal mix-
tures. Sodium citrate, HALAD®-9 or HR® retarders
can be used to retard the set.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid contact

with eyes and skin. Avoid creating and inhaling
dust.

Properties:

Additive: Cal-Seal

Part No.: 890.50131, sk; 516.00335, bulk

Specific Gravity: 2.70

Form: solid powder

Color: white

How Packaged: 100-lb sk

Bulk Density: 75 lb/cu ft

Water Requirement: 0.048 gal/sk

Absolute Volume: 0.0444 gal/lb

Solubility in Water: @ 20°C, 0.2 to 0.8 g/100 ml/

H 2O

Odor: none

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 40°F to 170°F (4°C to 66°C)

Concentration: 5 to 90% bwoc

Special Information:

Usage Restrictions: Placement temperatures higher

than 60°F result in exceptionally short pumping
times for most Cal-Seal blends.

January 1996 4-13

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Cementing Technology Manual

Table 4-4: Slurry Properties

a
Water Ratio /100
lb of Blend Slurry Weight Slurry Volume
Cal-Seal/Cement Ratio
3
(sk of Cal-Seal/100 sk of cement) gal L scf lb/gal lb/cu ft kg/L ft /100 lb L/100 lb
b
5/100 5.5 21 0.74 15.6 117 1.87 1.25 35.4
b
10/100 5.5 21 0.74 15.5 116 1.86 1.26 35.6

25/100 b 5.5 21 0.74 15.4 115 1.84 1.27 35.9

b
40/100 5.5 21 0.74 15.3 114 1.83 1.28 36.2
b
60/100 5.5 21 0.74 15.2 114 1.82 1.28 36.2
b
100/100 5.5 21 0.74 15.1 113 1.81 1.29 36.5
c
90% 5.5 21 0.74 14.9 111 1.78 1.31 37.1
c
80% 5.5 21 0.74 14.8 111 1.77 1.32 37.4
c
90% 4.8 18 0.64 15.4 115 1.84 1.22 34.5
c
80% 4.8 18 0.64 15.3 114 1.83 1.23 34.8

a
Water and slurry volume based on 100 lb of Cal-Seal-Cement blend.
b
100-lb sk of Cal-Seal/94-lb sk of cement.
c
90 lb of Cal-Seal/10 lb of cement or 80 lb of Cal-Seal/20 lb of cement.

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Table 4-5: Thickening Times in Minutes to 70 Bc Units of Viscosity

a
Cal-Seal sk/100 sk of Cement 40°F (4.44°C) 60°F (15°C) 80°F (27°C)

5 180+ 180+ 180+

10 82 44 9

25 67 38 9

40 51 34 9

60 45 30 9

100 32 27 9

Cal-Seal only - - 28

Standard Cement only - - 180+

b
90% - 5.5 43 44 25
b
80% - 5.5 31 43 28
b
90% - 4.8 29 39 21
b
80% - 4.8 21 33 18

a
100-lb sk of Cal-Seal/94-lb sk of cement.
b
Water/solids ratio for blend, 90 lb of Cal-Seal/10 lb of cement and 80 lb Cal-Seal/20 lb of cement.

January 1996 4-15

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Cementing Technology Manual

Diacel A (Sodium silicate)

Description and Primary Function: Diacel A is a
special type of sodium silicate used to speed the set
of cements containing Diacel LWL.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid contact

with skin and eyes. Avoid creating and inhaling
dust.

Properties:

Additive: Diacel A

Part No.: 70.15525

Specific Gravity: 2.62

Form: powder

Color: white

How Packaged: 100-lb sk

Bulk Density: 60.3 lb/cu ft

Water Requirement: none

Absolute Volume: 0.0458

Solubility in Water: @ 20 °C, soluble

Odor: none

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 50°F to 120°F (10°C to 49°C)

Concentration: 1 to 5% bwoc

Special Information:

Usage Restrictions: Store in a dry place to preserve

quality.

Effect on Slurry Properties:

1. increases early strength and slightly increases

viscosity

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Cementing Technology Manual Cement Accelerators

ECONOLITE
Description and Primary Function: ECONOLITE is
normally used to prepare lightweight cement slur-
ries. A more detailed description of its use can be
found in the chapter on lightweight slurries.

Secondary Effects: ECONOLITE acts as an accelera-

tor.

Interaction with Other Additives: ECONOLITE is

not recommended for use with calcium chloride or
high concentrations of sodium chloride.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid getting

ECONOLITE on skin and in the eyes. Avoid creat-
ing and inhaling the dust. Handle with gloves,
respirator, and eye protection.

Properties:

Additive: ECONOLITE

Part No.: 70.15250

Specific Gravity: 2.4

Form: fine powder

Color: white

How Packaged: 100-lb sk

Bulk Density: 75 lb/cu ft

Water Requirement: varies with concentration

Absolute Volume: 0.0499 gal/lb

Solubility in Water: @ 20°C, soluble

Odor: none

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 80°F to 200°F (27°C to 93°C)

Concentration: 1 to 3% bwoc

Special Information:

Usage Restrictions: Powdered ECONOLITE cannot

be used to produce liquid ECONOLITE.

Effect on Slurry Properties:

1. increases viscosity and the amount of water

needed for mixing
2. decreases thickening time, early strength, final
strength, and durability

January 1996 4-17

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Cementing Technology Manual

Densified Cement Slurries

(with dispersants and reduced water)

Description and Primary Function: Besides adding

accelerators, there is another way to speed the set-
ting of cement. Densify the slurry by reducing the
amount of mixing water. Densified slurries are
especially useful for cementing surface pipe in cold
weather and for setting plugs which call for short
pumping times and very rapid strength develop-
ment. CFR-2 or CFR-3 are commonly used for this
application.

Secondary Effects: Densified cement slurries pro-

duce high early strength for tailing out primary
cement jobs or for setting cement plugs.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid contact

with eyes and skin. Avoid creating and inhaling
dust. CFR-2, if incompletely combusted, will form a
toxic gases.

Properties:

Additive: See CFR-2 or CFR-3 (Dispersants)

Form: solid

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 40°F to 150°F (4°C to 66°C)

Concentration: 0.50 to 1.0% CFR-2 or CFR-3 mixed

with 3.1 to 3.4 gal/sk

Special Information:

Usage Restrictions: It is used to densify and accel-

erate by reducing water.

Effect on Slurry Properties:

1. increases density, early strength, and durability

2. decreases viscosity, the amount of water needed
for mixing, thickening time, and water loss

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Seawater
Description and Primary Function: In coastal areas
it is sometimes necessary or beneficial to use seawa-
ter for mixing cement. Seawater contains 1.5 to 2.0%
soluble chlorides which accelerate the set of all
types of cement slurries. Acceleration is similar to
that achieved with 1% calcium chloride.

Secondary Effects: Seawater increases the early

strength of set cement.

Safety and Handling Procedures: Avoid getting

seawater in the eyes.

Properties: Seawater is used as mixing water. It is

available on the location at no cost.

Normal Range of Use in Wells:

Temperature: 40°F to 160°F (4°C to 71°C)

Special Information:

Effect on Slurry Properties:

1. increases density, viscosity, early strength, and

water loss
2. decreases thickening time

January 1996 4-19

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Cementing Technology Manual

Table 4-6: Pressure-Temperature Thickening-Time Tests

8,000-ft Squeeze Cementing Schedule
BHST - 200°F: BHCT - 159°F
Slurry Weight Salt Thickening Time
lb/gal kg/L % hr:min

16.5 1.98 0 3:03

17.0 2.04 0 2:51

17.5 2.10 0 2:12

16.5 1.98 18 2:35

17.0 2.04 18 2:12

17.5 2.10 18 1:54

4-20 January 1996

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Table 4-7: Comparison of Effects of Seawater and Fresh Water on Thickening Time
and Compressive Strength of Standard and Premium Cement Slurries
Water ratio: 5.0 gal/sk (22.7 L/sk)
Curing time: 24 hr
Compressive Strength
at Curing Pressure and Temperature of
Thickening Time

hr:min 50°F (10°C) 110°F (43°C) 140°F (60°C)

at Well Depth, ft (m) 0 psi (0 mPa) 1,600 psi (11.03 mPa) 3,000 psi (10.68 mPa)

6,000 8,000

(1,829) (2,438) psi mPa psi mPa psi mPa

Standard Cement

Fresh Water 2:25 1:59 435 2.00 3,230 22.27 4,025 27.75

Seawater 1:33 1:17 520 3.58 4,105 28.30 4,670 32.20

Premium Cement

Fresh Water 2:59 2:16 380 2.62 1,410 9.72 2,575 17.75

Seawater 1:47 1:20 460 3.17 2,500 17.24 3,085 21.27

January 1996 4-21

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Cementing Technology Manual

Table 4-8: Seawater Analysis (Set Chemicals)

(Constituents are given in mg/L)
Gulf Cook Inlet, Trinidad, Persian Gulf Gulf Sable
Constituents of Mexico Alaska W. I. (Kharg Is.) of Suez Island

Chloride 19,000 16,600 19,900 23,000 22,300 18,900

Sulfate 2,500 2,000 2,400 3,100 3,100 2,260

Bicarbonate 127 140 78 171 134 140

Carbonate 12 0 27 24 11 -

Sodium and
10,654 9,319 11,170 13,044 12,499 10,690
Potasium

Magnesium 1,300 1,080 1,300 1,500 1,570 1,199

Calcium 400 360 408 520 464 370

Total
Dissolved 33,993 29,499 35,283 41,359 40,078 33,559
Solids

pH 8.2 8.0 8.3 8.2 8.2 7.3

Specific
1,026 1,027 1,027 1,031 1.03 1,022
Gravity

Temperature

°F 75 71 70 74 75 -

°C 24 22 21 23 24 -

4-22 January 1996