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Main Index >Markets > Industrial Applications > Use in
Well Cements
Perlite for Use in Well Cements
Well Cementing
A lubricating mud consisting of water, clay, pozzolans and other materials is used to
facili-tate drilling of oil, gas, water and geothermal wells. This lubricating mud is
forced out through the bottom of the drill casing and the space between the well bore and
the casing is cemented to prevent the intrusion of corrosive waters and other contaminants
into the well.
Why Perlite Cement?
Well cementing materials such as diatomaceous earth, pozzolan, fly ash and glass beads do
not have the lightweight properties exhibited by perlite concrete unless concentra-tions
of bentonite or gel, as it is referred to, are added to the cement. A disadvantage of
large concentrations of gel is that they are not com-patible with heat. Because perlite
cement is not affected by heat and little material is lost in cementing operations due to
its ability to bridge voids, perlite cement provides a more effective and less costly well
cement. The dry weight of perlite is only 8 lb/ft3 (128 kg/M3) as
opposed to 25-100 lb/ft3 (400-1600 kg/M3) - the dry weight of the
other materials.
Advantages of Using Perlite Well Cement
- Lighter density
- Aids in bridging
- Heat compatible
- Lower costs
- Insulating qualities
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