| abstract |
A retarded aqueous hydraulic cement slurry is provided containing, in addition to water and a hydraulic cement, a retarder selected from the group consisting of: (a) alkaline earth metal salts of mono- and di-carboxylic acid derivatives of simple sugars, (b) alkaline earth metal salts of borate esters of mono- and di-carboxylic acid derivatives of simple sugars, and (c) mixtures of any two or more of the foregoing. Unexpectedly, the retarder of the present invention is compatible with polyamine type fluid loss agents and with certain thixotropic cements. Also, the retarder is sufficiently water soluble so that it can be prepared as a liquid additive, thereby simplifying mixing procedures in remote locations such as offshore well platforms. |