Technical Notes - Measurement of the Permeability of Set Cement

A satisfactory well-cementing composition must retain its fluidity long enough to be pumped into Place; then it must develop within a reasonable length of time sufficient strength and impermeability to anchor the casing in position and to form an effective seal between the casing and the formations. These properties may be evaluated by pumpability, strength (compressive or tensile), and permeability tests. Laboratory test procedures for the determination of pumpability time and strength development have been outlined previously and are readily available,1 but a satisfactory and convenient laboratory procedure for the measurement of the permeability of set cement has not been developed heretofore. some permeability data have been obtained previously by passing air through dried cement specimens.2 such a procedure is unsatisfactory because the drying of set cement alters it physical and chemical properties and subjects it to conditions dissimilar to well conditions. A more realistic method would be one wherein the cement remains water-saturated durin