Rheological study of heavy cement grouts with physical and chemical characterization of barite powder

This study aims to prepare heavy cement grouts mixtures with different contents of barite powder. Different analytical techniques were used to characterize barite. The Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed that barite has C3ν as a symmetry site. The scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray, and X-ray fluorescence showed that barite is the main mineral appearing as platelets. The study of physical properties of mixtures showed that 15% of barite can maintain a normal consistency (5–6 mm). The setting time was inversely proportional to BaO content. The steady-state flow was conducted using a controlled-stress rheometer. The obtained results showed that the mixtures exhibit shear thinning behavior and the presence of barite leads to different rheological behavior as a function of the percentage used. The critical shear rate was proportional to barite content in mixtures prepared by addition and inversely proportional in those prepared by substitution. Concerning yield stress, substitution by 15% leads to a best formulation characterized by low yield stress compared to controller grout.