
Model 415C & 415SGS Instruction Manual
D01669102
April 2019, Revision A
5
1
Introduction
1.1 Model 415C
Model 415C pressurized consistometer is able to test cement slurries at
temperatures up to 400ºF/204ºC and pressures to 15,000 psig / 103 MPa. The
instrument is designed to perform thickening time tests in accordance with API
specifications and recommended practices. If the instrument is also fitted with gel
strength testing software it also is designed to perform static gel strength tests in
accordance with API specifications. The consistometer slurry cup assembly uses a
rotating paddle and a stationary cylindrical slurry cup assembly / pressure vessel.
Pressure is applied to the vessel using mineral oil and an air driven hydraulic pump.
A 1500-watt heater surrounding the slurry cup outside the pressure vessel supplies
heat to the pressure chamber. A sidewall thermocouple is provided for determining
the temperature of the cement slurry.
The slurry cup paddle is rotated through the use of an electric motor and a magnetic
drive unit. The rotational speed of the slurry cup is set to the API prescribed speed
of 150 rpm. Variable speed option is available for testing at RPM’s from .0005 to
250.
The consistency of the cement slurry is measured through a servo motor which
monitors the torque applied to the paddle in maintaining a constant rpm. The
rotational force is proportional to the consistency of the cement slurry and is
measured through the servo drive and customized software. The consistency is
indicated and displayed on a plot generated by the data acquisition system (DAQ).
The consistency values are recorded in Bearden Units of consistency (Bc).
Fann pressurized consistometers are equipped with a state-of-the-art temperature
controller and data acquisition system that provides unparalleled ease of use for the
operator. The parameters of interest may be displayed in either English or SI units.
Temperature control and data acquisition are programmed through the use of a
touch screen monitor. A separate PC and keyboard/mouse are not required but can
be attached for added functionality. The plots may also be downloaded to a USB
flash drive or network folder for transfer to a separate computer.
The equation for consistency as a function of torque (g-cm) is Bc = .05 x T - 3.91.
So at a torque value of zero it's at least theoretically possible for the Bc be negative.
In reality, the torque can never be zero. Even if there is air in the slurry cup there
will be some drag on the paddle from friction, etc. When instruments only had
voltmeters in the past, there was no way to ever make the Bc negative since the
voltage was never negative. Now that computers have data scaling, they can be
calibrated to indicate almost anything. The API consistency equation clearly states
that consistency could start negative on ultra-thin slurries.