The effect of counterion in lignosulfonates as oil-well cement retarders

Cement retarders are traditionally used to control the fluidity of oil-well cement. In this study, the retardation effect on the cement hydration of two different commercially available lignosulfonates is compared. A calcium and a sodium lignosulfonate were analysed at seven different concentrations. The retardation of the cement hydration process was monitored by way of isothermal calorimetry. The retardation mechanism was better understood by studying the morphology of cement/retarder systems using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform, infrared spectroscopy, ion chromatography and total organic and inorganic carbon analyses were conducted. This paper provides a recommendation for applying the most effective retarder in drilling and well completions operations as well as enhancing the well cementing quality.