ISO 10426-5:2024

Overview

ISO 10426-5:2024 is an international standard developed by ISO for the oil and gas industry, including lower carbon energy applications. This standard, part of the ISO 10426 series, focuses on the determination of shrinkage and expansion in well cement formulations. It specifies laboratory test methods to evaluate dimensional changes-shrinkage or expansion-that occur in cement slurries during the curing process under various conditions, including atmospheric and elevated pressures, and assesses the stress generated by expansion under confined environments at elevated temperature and pressure.

Accurately determining the volumetric stability of well cement formulations is crucial in oil and gas well construction and integrity. This standard provides reliable test procedures to help industry professionals assess the performance of cements and additives, optimize slurry designs, and enhance operational safety.

Key Topics

• Shrinkage and Expansion of Well Cements: Evaluation of changes in external volume or dimensions resulting from the curing of cement slurries.
• Test Methods: Procedures for measuring shrinkage or expansion:
  • Under free access to water at atmospheric pressure (Annular ring test)
  • Under impermeable conditions using a membrane or sealed bag
  • Under elevated temperature and pressure in confined environments (informative annex)
• Equipment and Apparatus: Specification of moulds, water curing baths, temperature-measuring systems, consistometers, electronic scales, and re-sealable bags suitable for testing.
• Measurement and Calculations: Guidance for measuring dimensional changes and calculating percentage shrinkage or expansion.
• Impact on Well Integrity: Relationship between dimensional stability of cement and the integrity of zonal isolation, prevention of micro-annulus formation, and sealing effectiveness.

Applications

This standard has significant practical value for organizations involved in well design, construction, integrity, and abandonment within the oil, gas, and lower carbon energy sectors. Key applications include:

• Well Integrity Validation: Ensuring that cement formulations maintain hydraulic isolation between geological formations and protect against crossflow and casing pressure.
• Plug and Abandonment Operations: Determining expansion and stress generation to optimize cement plugs used for permanent well abandonment.
• Additive Evaluation: Assessing the efficacy of expansion additives in counteracting hydration shrinkage and improving long-term well performance.
• Quality Control & Research: Standardizing laboratory testing processes for R&D and quality assurance in both routine field operations and specialized research laboratories.

Related Standards

ISO 10426-5:2024 is closely linked to other foundational documents and industry practices, including:

• API Specification 10A: Cements and Materials for Well Cementing - provides requirements for cement used in well applications.
• API Recommended Practice 10B-2: Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements - outlines testing procedures for cement mixers and evaluators.
• Other Parts of ISO 10426 Series: Cover broader aspects of cement properties, testing methods, and additives relevant to the oil and gas sector.

By adopting ISO 10426-5:2024, organizations benefit from harmonized, reliable methods for evaluating well cements' shrinkage and expansion. This supports regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and safety in well construction and maintenance, especially as the industry transitions towards lower carbon energy solutions.