Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Drilling Engineering PE 311

Chapter 2: Drilling Fluid
Field Tests

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Drilling Fluid Density (Mud Weight)
The mud density test is conducted in order to determine the weight per unit volume
of the drilling mud. Mud density must be great enough to provide sufficient
hydrostatic head to prevent influx of formation fluids, but not so great as to cause
loss of circulation, damage to the drilled formation or reduced penetration rates.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Drilling Fluid Density (Mud Weight)
The mud density test is conducted using a mud balance, which consists of a base
and a balance arm with cup, lid, knife edge, rider, level glass, and counterweight.
The cup is attached to one end of the balance arm and the counterweight is at the
opposite end.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Drilling Fluid Density (Mud Weight)
1. Before beginning, check calibration (calibration mark provided on scale for fresh water, 8.33
lb/gal or 1.0 S.G.), and make sure that the cup is clean and dry.
2. Remove the lid from the mud cup and fill the cup to overflowing with the mud to be tested. If
air bubbles have been trapped in the mud, tap the cup briskly on the side until air bubbles break
out.
3. Replace the lid on the cup and rotate it until it is firmly seated. Do not cover the vent hole
with your finger. Make certain that some mud squeezes out the vent hole in the lid.
4. Wash and wipe excess mud from the exterior of the mud balance, covering the vent hole,
then dry the balance. Vent hole must be covered during Step 4.
5. Place the balance in its base with the knife edges on the fulcrum rest.
6. Move the rider until the beam is balanced. The spirit level bubble should be on the center
line.
7. Read the mud weight and hydrostatic pressure or mud gradient at the edge of the rider
nearest the fulcrum (toward the knife edge) .
8. Clean and replace the instrument.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Drilling Fluid Density (Mud Weight)
1. Mud weight can be reported as:
pounds per gallon (ppg);
pounds per cubic foot (lbm/cu ft);
specific gravity (g/cm3).
2. Record the mud gradient in pounds per square inch per foot of depth (psi/ft)
(Mud weight in ppg x 0.052 = mud gradient in psi/ft)
(Mud weight in lb/cu ft)/(144) = mud gradient in psi/ft)

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Funnel Viscosity
The Marsh funnel viscometer and graduated cup are routinely used to measure viscosity.
The marsh funnel is 6 in. in diameter at the top, 12 in. long, and tapers to join a tube 2 in. long
with an inside diameter of 3/16 in. A 10-mesh screen fitted across one-half of the top filters
foreign matter and cuttings from the mud to be tested. The capacity of the funnel to the bottom
of the wire screen is 1500 cc. Its dimensions are such that one quart of fresh water at a
temperature of 70(15) F flows through the funnel in 26 (0.5) seconds.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Funnel Viscosity
Test Procedure
1. Using the graduated cup, take a sample of mud from the flowline or mud pit.
2. Determine the temperature of the mud sample by inserting a thermometer into the sample for
30+ seconds.
3. Make a note of the temperature.
4. Hold the marsh funnel in an upright position with your index finger over the bottom outlet.
5. Pour the mud sample through the screen into the marsh funnel until the mud level just
reaches the underside of the screen.
6. Immediately remove your finger from the bottom outlet, and begin timing with a stopwatch.
7. Measure the number of seconds required for one quart (or liter) of the sample to flow from
the marsh funnel into the graduated cup.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Funnel Viscosity
Reporting Results
Record the funnel viscosity on the API Standard Drilling Mud Report as follows:
Seconds per quart at X F (API Standard); or
Seconds per 1000 cc at X F.
While the most common use is for drilling muds, which are non-Newtonian fluids, the Marsh
funnel is not a rheometer, because it only provides one measurement under one flow condition.
However the effective viscosity can be determined from following simple formula.
a = (t - 25)
a = apparent viscosity in centipoise
= density in g/cm
t = quart funnel time in seconds

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Apparent Viscosity, Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point, Gel Strength
The result of the funnel viscosity test is called the funnel viscosity of the mud. The viscosity of a
mud is made up of two variables: plastic viscosity (PV) and yield point (YP) . These values, as
well as timed gel strength, are measured with a direct-indicating viscometer, such as the
rheometer.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Apparent Viscosity, Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point, Gel Strength
Test Procedure for AV, PV and YP Determination
1. Fill the test cup to the scribed line with the mud sample. (Normally this is the same sample
used in the funnel viscosity test.)
2. Measure the temperature of the mud sample and record it.
3. Loosen the leg lock nut and raise the rheometer assembly.
4. Place the cup filled with mud below the rotor sleeve.
5. Lower the rheometer until the rotor sleeve is immersed exactly to the scribed line on the rotor
sleeve.
6. Tighten the leg lock nut.
7. Start the motor by placing the switch in the high-speed position with the gear shift all the way
down. Wait for a steady indicator dial value, and record the 600 RPM reading. Change gears
only when motor is running.
8. Change switch to the 300-RPM speed. Wait for a steady value and record 300-RPM reading.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Gel Strength
Procedure for Gel Strength Determination
Shut motor off and wait 10 seconds.
Flip switch to the low-speed position and record maximum deflection units in lbf/100 ft 2 as initial
gel. If the dial indicator does not return to zero with motor off, do not reposition.
Repeat 1 and 2, but allow 10 minutes, then place switch in the low-speed position and read
maximum deflection units as the 10-minute gel. Report measured temperature.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Plastic Viscosity and Yield Point

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Plastic Viscosity and Yield Point
Record the results in the API Standard Drilling Mud Report as follows:
Subtract the 300-rpm dial reading from the 600-rpm dial reading. Record this difference as the
PV in centipoise (cp) at X F (or C);

Subtract the PV from the 300 rpm dial reading. Record this difference as the YP in pounds per
100 square feet (lb per 100 sq ft);

Initial (10-second) gel strength is recorded as the first peak dial reading; it is recorded as
pounds per 100 square feet (lb per 100 sq ft) . Ten-minute gel strength is recorded in the same
manner.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
The filtration and wall-building properties of drilling
mud are determined by means of a standard filter
press.
The standard filter press unit consists of a mud
reservoir mounted in a frame, a filtering medium, a
means of catching and measuring the filtrate, and a
pressure source.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
The flow of mud filtrate through a mudcake is described by Darcys law. Thus, the rate of
filtration is given by

Combining with the continuity equation gives

Vf - the volume of the filtrate, cm 3 ; t time, s ; k permeability of the mudcake, Darcy

A the area of the filter paper, cm 2 ; p the pressure drop across the mudcake, atm.
According to API standard, p = 100 psig
the viscosity of the mud filtrate, cp ; h mc the thickness of the filter cake
fsm, fsc the volume fraction of solids in the mud and the volume fraction of solids in the cake
The standard API filter press has A = 45 cm 2; operated at a P = 100 psig (6.8 atm).
The filtrate volume collected in a 30-min time period is reported as the standard water loss.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
Test Procedure
1.

Loosen the T-screw until the filter cell can be removed from the frame.

2.

Remove the filter cell and disassemble it.

3.

Be certain that all parts of the filter cell are dry and clean.

4.

Check to see that the rubber gasket in the base cap is evenly placed.

5.

Check the filtrate tube in the base cap to be certain it is free of obstruction.

6.

Place the screen in the base cap with the wide rim up.

7.

Place wet paper on the top of the screen.

8.

Place the second rubber gasket on top of the filter paper.

9.

Replace the cell body.

10. Turn the cell body clockwise until it securely fastens into the J slots.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
Test Procedure (cont.)
11. Check to see that the rubber gasket is evenly fitted into the top cap.
12. Fill the filter cell to within 1 inch of the top with the drilling mud sample.
13. Check to see that the hole in the top cap is free of obstruction.
14. Place the top cap on the filter cell.
15. Place the cell body into the frame.
16. Tighten the T-screw securely.
17. Place a graduated cylinder under the filtrate tube and adjust the support to keep
the cylinder under the filtrate tube.
18. Close the pressure-relief valve and the regulator valve until the pressure is 100
(5) psi. Start timing immediately.
19. Allow the test to continue for 30 minutes.
20. Read and make note of the amount of filtrate in the graduated cylinder to the
nearest 0.1 cc. Set the filtrate aside for use in conducting other tests.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
21. Open the valve on the regulator by turning counterclockwise.
22. Open the pressure relief valve by moving it to the vertical position.
23. Wait until all pressure is released.
24. Remove the cell from the frame by loosening the T-screw.
25. Remove the top cap and pour the mud out.
26. Remove the bottom cap from the cell.
27. Turn the bottom cap upside down on a solid surface and remove the filter paper.
28. Gently rinse the filter paper and filter cake with water.
29. Measure the thickness of the filter cake to the nearest 1/32 in.
30. Inspect the filter cake for its physical properties such as softness/firmness and
brittleness/flexibility.
31. Wash and dry all parts of the filter press.
32. Reassemble the filter press for storage. Do not put the filter paper and screen in
the filter press when storing.
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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
Record the results of the Standard API Filtration Test on the drilling mud report as follows:
Report the amount of filtrate in the graduated cylinder to the nearest 0.1 cc.
Report the cake thickness to the nearest 1/32 in., and check the box indicating "API."
Report the physical properties of the filter cake (soft or firm, brittle or flexible) The
importance of filter cake quality cannot be overstated. A thin, firm cake is desirable.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
Example: Using the following data obtained using and HTHP filter press, determine the spurt
loss and API water loss.

Prepared by: Tan Nguyen

Time, min

Filtrate Volume, cm3

1.0

6.5

7.5

14.2

Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Standard API Filtration Test
Time, min

Filtrate Volume, cm3

1.0

6.5

7.5

14.2

The spurt loss = 2.07 cm3

The API water loss:

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Sand Content Analysis
By definition, solid particles larger than 74 microns (200 mesh) are classified as API sand
[one micron (m) = 10-6m]. These particles can be highly abrasive, and can cause excessive
wear on pump parts, drill bits, and pipe connections. Excessive sand may also result in the
deposition of a thick filter cake on the borehole wall, or it may settle in the hole around the
tools when circulation is stopped.
The sand content set consists of a 200-mesh sieve, a funnel, and a glass measuring tube
calibrated from 0 to 20% to directly read the percentage of sand by volume.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Sand Content Analysis
Test Procedure
1. Pour the sample into the sand content tube until it fills up to the mark labeled "Mud to Here."
2. Add water to the mark labeled "Water to Here." Add oil instead of water when testing oil-base mud.
3. Cover the mouth of the tube and shake vigorously.
4. Pour this mixture through the screen.
5. Add more clear water (or oil, for oil-base mud) to the tube, shake, and pour it through the same screen.
6. Gently wash the sand retained on the screen with a stream of water (or oil, for oil-base mud) to remove
all mud and shale particles.
7. Fit the funnel upside-down over the top of the screen.
8. Turn the tip of the funnel into the mouth of the washed tube.
9. Wash the sand back into the tube with water (or oil with oil-base mud) applied to the back of the screen.
10. Allow the sand to settle in the tube and read the volume percent of sand

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Sand Content Analysis
Reporting Procedures
Report the sand content as percent (%) by volume on the API Standard Drilling Mud Report.
Take into account other coarse solids in the tube by observing their color, size, and shape. If
their volume appears to be significant, subtract their estimated volume from the total
volume.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Oil, Water and Solids Content
Knowledge of a drilling mud's liquid and solids content is important in controlling its
properties. This information often explains poor mud system performance and indicates
whether the mud needs to be conditioned by adding water, treating it with a chemical thinner,
or removing a particular contaminant. Also, proper control of the oil/water ratio and the waterin-oil emulsion in an oil-base mud depends upon a knowledge of the oil content. The
equipment used to measure the oil, water, and solids content of the mud is included in the Oil
and Water Retort Kit.
The test is a distillation of a mud sample that measures condensed oil and water collected
from the retort.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Oil, Water and Solids Content

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Oil, Water and Solids Content
Test Procedures
1.Lift the upper insulator lid.
2.Lift the retort assembly (upper retort chamber, lower mud chamber, and condenser) out of
the insulator block.
3.Using the spatula as a screwdriver, loosen the lower mud chamber.
4.Remove the lower mud chamber from the retort assembly.
5.Using the corkscrew, remove the used steel wool from the upper chamber.
6.Using the spatula, clean the interior of the upper chamber. Clean the tube leading to the
condenser with a pipe cleaner.
7.Remove the lid from the mud cup.
8.Using the spatula, clean the interior of the mud cup and lid.
9.Clear any obstructions from the vent hole in the lid.
10.Loosely pack the upper chamber with fine steel wool.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Oil, Water and Solids Content
11. Apply a small amount of thread lubricant on the threads of the mud cup.
12. Fill the mud cup level full (10 ml), taking care to avoid creating air bubbles in the mud.
13. Place the lid securely on the mud chamber until excess mud comes through the vent hole.
14. Wipe excess mud off the lid.
15. Hold the retort assembly upright and screw the mud cup lid hand tight on the mud cup.
16. Replace the retort assembly in the insulator block.
17. Place a 10-ml graduated cylinder under the condenser with the discharge tube inserted into the cylinder.
18. Close the insulated lid.
19. Connect the electrical cord to the power supply.
20. Allow at least 30 minutes for the test.
21. Remove the graduated cylinder.
22. Read the volumes of oil and water collected in the cylinder.
23. Calculate the volume of solids as 10 ml minus the volumes of water and oil.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Oil, Water and Solids Content
Reporting Results
Volume percent of water
Volume percent of oil
Volume percent of solid

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Resistivity
The resistivity of water-base muds is measured and controlled to permit better evaluation of
formation characteristics from electrical logs. The determination of resistivity involves the
measurement of resistance to the flow of electrical current through a sample of known
configuration. In the direct-reading resistivity meter, the resistance measurement is converted to
resistivity in ohm meters.
Salt is used to lower the resistivity. Fresh water is the only means of raising resistivity.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Resistivity
The following equipment and materials are required to conduct this test:
1. Mud, filtrate and filter cake
2.

Direct reading resistivity meter for drilling fluids Resistivity Meter. Courtesy of Fann

Instrument Company)
3. Calibrated resistivity cell
4. Thermometer, 32 to 220F

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Resistivity
Test Procedure
1.

Fill the clean, dry resistivity cell with freshly stirred mud or filtrate. Try to ensure no air

bubbles are entrained. Fill the cell to the correct volume according to the manufacturers
procedure.
2. Connect the cell to the meter.
3. Measure the resistance in ohm- meters if using the direct reading meter. The value should be
set to ohms if a not direct meter is being used.
4. Note the temperature of the measurement.
5. Clean the cell, rinse with deionized water and dry.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Resistivity
Report Results:
1. Report the mud resistivity Rm or filtrate resistivity Rmf in ohm-meters to nearest 0.01 units.
2. Report the sample temperature in F.
3. If the reading is in ohms, convert to ohm-meters by:
4. Resistance (ohm-meter) = R (ohms) x K (cell constant, m 2/m)

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

pH
The control of many drilling fluid system properties is dependent on pH (the detection and
treatment of contaminants such as cement and soluble carbonates). pH also affects the
solubility of many thinners and divalent metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, and
influences the dispersion or flocculation of clays.
The relative acidity or alkalinity of a liquid is conveniently expressed as pH. Defined as the
negative logarithm (to the base 10) of the hydrogen-ion concentration, pH units decrease
with increasing acidity by a factor of 10.
pH = - log[H+]
where [H+] is the hydrogen ion concentration in moles per liter. At room temperature, the ion
product constant of water, Kw, has a value of 1x10-14 mol/L.
Kw = [H+] [OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
For pure water, [H+] = [OH-] = 1.0 x 10-7 and hence, pH = 7.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

pH
Example: compute the amount of caustic required to raise the pH of water from 7 to 10.5.
the molecular weight of caustic is 40.
Solution:

Moles of caustic in one liter

N = CM V = 3.161 x 10-4 moles
The amount of caustic required for one liter
m = n x M = 3.161 x 10-4 x 40 = 0.0126 g / liter

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
Alkalinity is a property which determines the amount of lime in mud. The mud is titrated to
determine the total amount of lime, soluble and insoluble, in the system.
The phenolphthalein alkalinity refers to the amount of acid required to reduce the pH to 8.3,
the phenolphthalein endpoint. The phenolphthalein alkalinity of the mud and mud filtrate is
called the Pm and Pf.
Methyl orange alkalinity refers to the amount of acid required to reduce the pH to 4.3, the
methyl orange endpoint. The methyl orange alkalinity of the mud and mud filtrate is called
the Mm and Mf.
The API diagnostic tests include the determination of P m, Pf, and Mf. all value are reported in
cubic centimiters of 0.02N sulfuric acid per cubic centimeter of sample.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
At pH = 8.3, the conversion of hydroxides to water and carbonates to bicarbonates is
essentially complete.
H+ + OH- = H2O
H+ + CO32- = HCO3As the pH is further reduced to 4.3, the acid then reacts with the bicarbonate ions to from
carbon dioxide and water.
HCO3- + H+ = CO2 + H2O
The free lime is given by: 0.26(P m - fwPf). where fw is the volume fraction of water in the mud
and 0.26 is in lbm/bbl obtained by converting 0.02 N.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
Example: A drilling mud is known to contain Ca(OH) 2. The alkalinity tests are conducted to
determine the amount of undissolved lime in suspension in the mud. When 1 cm 3 of mud
filtrate is titrated using 0.02 N H 2SO4, 1.0 cm3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the
phenolphthalein endpoint and 1.1 cm 3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the methyl orange
endpoint. When 1 cm3 of water before titration so that any suspended lime can go into
solution, 7.0 cm3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the phenolphthalein endpoint. Compute the
amount of free lime in suspension in the mud if the mud has a total solids content of 10%.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
Example: A drilling mud is known to contain Ca(OH) 2. The alkalinity tests are conducted to
determine the amount of undissolved lime in suspension in the mud. When 1 cm 3 of mud
filtrate is titrated using 0.02 N H 2SO4, 1.0 cm3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the
phenolphthalein endpoint and 1.1 cm 3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the methyl orange
endpoint. When 1 cm3 of mud is diluted with 50 cm3 of water before titration so that any
suspended lime can go into solution, 7.0 cm 3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the
phenolphthalein endpoint. Compute the amount of free lime in suspension in the mud if the
mud has a total solids content of 10%.
Solution: Since Pf and Mf have approximately the same value, an absence of any
carbonates or bicarbonates is indicated. Thus, the alkalinity of the filtrate is mainly due to
the presence of hydroxides. The free lime in lbm/bbl is given by
0.26(Pm - fwPf) = 0.26(7.0 0.9 x 1.0) = 1.59 lbm/bbl.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
The following test kits, often incorporated into a portable mud laboratory, can be used to test mud
and filtrate alkalinity:
Chloride and Alkalinity Test Kit
Alkalinity and Water Hardness Test Kit
Chloride, Alkalinity, and Water Hardness
Test Kit
Filtrate Analysis Kit
Filtrate Analysis and Pilot Testing Kit

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
The following equipment is necessary for alkalinity testing:
1. Phenolphthalein indicator solution
2. Sulfuric acid, HH2SO4 (0.02 N)
3. Methyl orange indicator solution
4. Distilled water
5. Polyethylene or porcelain titration dish, 140 ml
6. Pipettes (1 ml x 0.01 ml)
7. Pipettes (10 ml x 0.01 ml)
8. Polyethylene or glass stirring rod

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
Mud Alkalinity (Pm) Test Procedure
1. Measure 1 ml of mud into a titration dish and dilute to approximately 50 ml with distilled
water. Stir well to disperse the mud.
2. Add 2 or 3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator solution.
3.

Add 0.02 Normal sulfuric acid from a pipette, stirring continuously until the color first

changes from red to the color of the mud.

4. Pm is taken as the milliliters of 0.02 N acid divided by the milliters of sample taken.
Reporting Pm
Report Pm on the API Standard Drilling Report as the ml of 0.02 N sulfuric acid required per
ml of mud sample tested to reach the phenolphthalein end point.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity
Filtrate Alkalinity (Pf, Mf) Test Procedure
1.

Measure 1 or more milliliters of filtrate, taken from the API Filtration Test) into a titration
dish.

2.

Add 2 or more drops of phenolphthalein indicator solution, which will turn the filtrate red.

3.

Add 0.02 Normal (N/50) sulfuric acid from a pipette, stirring continuously until the color
of the filtrate changes from red to the original color of the filtrate.
NOTE: In some cases, the filtrate may be so dark that it is necessary to use a pH meter
to determine this first end point. If the filtrate is so dark that the end point is masked, the
end point is taken when the pH, as measured with the pH meter, drops to 8.3.

4.

The volume in milliliters of 0.02 Normal (N/50) sulfuric acid needed to reach this end
point, divided by the volume of filtrate in the sample is called the P alkalinity of the
filtrate, or Pf.

5.

To the same sample, add 2 or 3 drops of methyl orange indicator solution. Methyl purple
(or bromo cresol green methyl red indicator) may be used on very dark filtrate samples.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Alkalinity

6.

Continue to add 0.02 Normal (N/50) sulfuric acid while stirring continuously until the
sample turns from yellow to salmon pink

7.

This second end point is called the M alkalinity of the filtrate, or Mf. This is the total
volume of acid in milliliters per volume of filtrate sample used to reach the M f end point,
including that volume used to reach the P f end point.

Reporting Pf and Mf
Report Pf on the API Standard Drilling Mud Report as the ml of 0.02 N sulfuric acid per ml of
filtrate required to reach the P end point. Report Mf as the ml of 0.02 N sulfuric acid required per
ml of filtrate to reach the M end point, including that required to reach the P end point.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Chloride Concentration
Salt can enter and contaminate the mud system when salt formations are drilled and when
saline formation water enters the wellbore. The chloride concentration is determined by
titration with silver nitrate solution. This causes the chloride to be removed from the solution
as AgCl, a white precipitate.
Ag+ + Cl- = AgCl
The endpoint of the titration is detected using a potassium chromate indicator. The excess
Ag+ present after all Cl- has been removed from solution reacts with the chromate to from
Ag2CrO4, an orange-red precipitate. A 0.0282 N AgNO 3 concentration usually is used for the
titration.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Chloride Concentration
Example: One cm3 of mud filtrate is titrated using 0.0828 N AgNO 3 and 9 cm3 of AgNO3
solution are required to reach the endpoint of the titration as indicated by the potassium
chromate indicator. Compute the concentration of Cl - present expressed in milligrams of Clper liter. Also, assuming that only sodium chloride was present, compute the salinity of the
filtrate in milligrams of NaCl per liter.

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Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Chloride Concentration
Example: One cm3 of mud filtrate is titrated using 0.0282 N AgNO 3 and 9 cm3 of AgNO3
solution are required to reach the endpoint of the titration as indicated by the potassium
chromate indicator. Compute the concentration of Cl - present expressed in milligrams of Clper liter. Also, assuming that only sodium chloride was present, compute the salinity of the
filtrate in milligrams of NaCl per liter.
Solution: 0.0282 N AgNO3 = 0.0282 Moles/liter AgNO3
nAgNO3 = CMV = 0.0282 x 9/1000 = 2.538 x 10-4 moles = nNaCl
Concentration of Cl- : CM = n/V = 2.538 x 10-4 / 1cm3 = 2.538 x 10-4 moles/ml
Mass concentration: m = n x M = (2.538 x 10-4 x 1000) moles/L x 35.5 x 1000 = 9000 mg/L

Prepared by: Tan Nguyen

Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Chloride Concentration
The chloride content kit in the portable mud laboratory is used to conduct the chloride test.
pipette, 1 ml;
pipette, 5 ml;
pipette, 10 ml;
silver nitrate solution, 1 ml equivalent to .1 or 0.1 g Cl;
distilled water;
potassium chromate solution;
polyethylene or porcelain titration dish;
polyethylene or glass stirring rod.

Prepared by: Tan Nguyen

Drilling Engineering Fall 2012

Field Tests of Drilling Fluids

Chloride Concentration
Test Procedure
1.

Pipette 1.0 ml of filtrate sample into a titration dish and dilute it to 40 to 50 ml with distilled water.

Add 4 or 5 drops of potassium chromate indicator solution.

2. While continuously stirring with a stirring rod, add standard silver nitrate solution slowly, drop by
drop, until the sample turns from yellow to a definite red color (or to the first definite color change.)
a. Use 0.1 silver nitrate solution if you expect a chloride concentration of 5000 ppm or less.
b. Use 0.01 silver nitrate solution if you expect a chloride concentration of more than 5000 ppm.
The number of ml of standard silver nitrate solution used to reach the end point is multiplied by 10.0
when using the 0.1 silver nitrate solution, and by 1000 when using the 0.01 silver nitrate solution.
Reporting Results
Check the "chloride" box on the APT Standard Drilling Mud Report and report the chloride content of
the sample as mg/l (ppm) chloride.

Prepared by: Tan Nguyen