Oil well cement refers to a type of hydraulic cement used to secure the steel casing as well as the wellbore of a gas or oil well to the surrounding rock formation. It is used in the oil and gas industry during drilling and completion operations to provide zonal isolation, which deters the mixing of fluids between various zones of the well. The cement is pumped into the wellbore and permitted to set, creating a barrier that deters the flow of fluids between the various zones. Let’s understand the legalities around BIS certification for oil well cement.
Understanding the Significance of IS 8229:1986
IS 8229:1986 encompasses nine different types of oil-well cement that are used to secure oil-well pipe casing to the surrounding rocks. The cement is classified as class A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and J depending on its intended usage.
Classes A to H are produced by grinding clinker comprising hydraulic calcium silicates. Only one or more types of calcium sulphate can be blended or intergrind with the ground clinker during cement manufacturing.
While manufacturing cement classes D, E, and F, set-modifying agents may be intergrind or blended as per the requirement. Class J cement must adhere to physical norms cited in the standard during manufacturing.
The chemical requirements cited in the standard must be fulfilled by oil-well cement of classes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H when tested according to the specified methods.
Manufacturers must ensure that the oil-well cement adheres to the physical requisites defined in the standard. Apt maintenance of an in-house lab is required, where different tests are being performed as per the methods cited in the standard.
Mandatory tests under BIS certification for Oil Well Cement
The oil well cement as a sample should undergo the following test for quality. These tests are a must to quality for BIS Certification for oil well cement:
- Insoluble Residue test
- Loss on Ignition test
- Fineness test
- Magnesium Oxide test
- The free water content of the slurry test
- Soundness test
- Thickening time test
- Chemical testing test
Packing of oil well cement must adhere to the norms specified in IS 8229:1986. Each bag or drum of oil well cement or its label must bear the ISI Marking, provided that the material adheres to the specification.
To use this mark, the manufacturer must secure a BIS license from the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards). The license is granted based on a comprehensive assessment of production infrastructure, quality control, testing capabilities, etc.
Documents concerning BIS certification for Oil Well Cement
The common documents required for BIS Certification for oil well cement in India include:
- Application form concerning BIS registration
- Factory license copy
- A copy of the business registration such as partnership deed AoA or MoA.Â
- Test reports prepared by the BIS-recognized laboratory
- A list concerning production machinery along with technical specs.
- A flowchart or process diagram concerning the manufacturing process
- A quality control plan or manual
- Testing facility details including equipment and active staff working therein.
- The BIS application fee receipt, if applicable.
- Any other documents required
Process to apply for BIS certification for Oil Well Cement
To apply for BIS certification for Oil Well Cement in India, the following process must be followed:
- Step 1: Obtain a factory License
Secure a factory license from the concerned government agency.
- Step 2: Submit the Application Form
File an application form with the BIS[1] and do not forget to submit the documents and fees. The application can be submitted on the BIS web portal or offline by visiting the regional BIS office and submitting a hardcopy application.
- Step 3: Product Testing
Arrange for product testing at a BIS-certified lab after submitting the application. The lab will conduct tests to ensure that the product meets the relevant BIS standards.
- Step 4. Factory Inspection
After product testing, a BIS officer will inspect the manufacturing premises to ensure compliance with applicable BIS standards.
- Step 5. Grant of License
If the product passes all tests and the production premises meet all norms, a license will be granted to the applicant. The applicant can then use the ISI marking on their product in a prescribed manner.
Compliance with applicable BIS norms must be maintained, and periodic inspections must be undergone to ensure continued compliance
Note: Please note that the exact process and requirements may vary based on production premises and product. Therefore, it is advisable to approach a BIS consultant or official for detailed guidance.
Conclusion
BIS registration is a voluntary certification scheme that signifies quality and safety assurance for products in India. Manufacturers can demonstrate that their products adhere to relevant Indian standards for quality, safety, and performance through BIS registration.  Securing BIS registration can enhance product success by assuring end-users that the product has been tested and certified by a certified lab and meets the applicable Indian standards. This can increase consumer trust in the product, leading to increased sales and market share.
Read Our Article: How To Apply For BIS Certification In India?
