Cementing Weighting Materials

Hematite is the most commonly used weighting material. It increases the cement slurry density due to its high specific gravity (4.9 - 5.3). Hematite's fine particle size reduces abrasion on equipment and increases the compressive strength of cement more than most other weighting materials.

Ilmenite increases the cement slurry density due to its high specific gravity (4.5 - 5). Ilmenite with a fine particle size prevents abrasion on equipment, minimizes solid segregation while maintaining above the acceptable cement strength for deep well operations.

Hausmannite (Manganese Oxide) is increasingly being used in oil & gas well cement systems as a weighting material due to its unique properties. It has an average particle size smaller than cements, allowing its particles to fit within the cement matrix, displacing entrained water, resulting in a lower viscosity and more stable slurry.