RAK: RAK Cement to produce oil well cement

RAK Cement has gained regulatory approval to start producing cement for oil wells, according to a note to investors.

The Ras Al Khaimah manufacturer of ordinary and sulphate-resistant Portland cement, as well as Powercrete, said the American Petroleum Institute has completed its audit and awarded its Monogram badge to the company.

The cement is used in the grouting of both on and off-shore oil wells. It is made from the clinker of Portland cement and cement that has been hydraulically blended. It is able to withstand temperatures of up to 500° Fahrenheit due to the additions of coke, iron ore and iron scrap. It sets very slowly due to organic 'retarders' which prevent it from setting too fast.

Oil well cement comes in three grades: grade ‘O’ is ordinary and the most common; HSR is high sulphate resistant; and MSR is moderate sulphate resistant. The use of each grade depends on the particular range of oil well sulphate environments, temperatures, pressures, and depths.