Chap - 03 TESTING
Chap - 03 TESTING
Chap - 03 TESTING
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Water-Mud Testing
The API has recommended standard Water-Based (Oil-Based) Drilling Fluids,”
methods of conducting field and labora- API RP 13B-1, 13B-2 and supplements
tory tests for drilling fluids and detailed (also see 13I for Laboratory Testing
procedures may be found in the API Drilling Fluids, 13J for Testing Heavy
publication, “Recommended Practice: Brines and supplements).
Standard Procedure for Field Testing
Instruments
The density (commonly referred to as
mud weight) is measured with a mud
balance of sufficient accuracy to mea-
sure within 0.1 lb/gal (0.5 lb/ft3 or 5 psi/
1,000 ft of depth). For all practical pur-
poses, density means weight per unit
volume and is measured by weighing
the mud. The weight of mud may be
Figure 1: M-I mud balance.
expressed as a hydrostatic pressure gra-
dient in lb/in.2 per 1,000 ft of vertical Calibration
depth (psi/1,000 ft), as a density in 1. Remove the lid from the cup and
lb/gal, lb/ft3 or Specific Gravity (SG) completely fill the cup with pure
(see Table 1). or distilled water.
2. Replace the lid and wipe dry.
lb/gal lb/ft3 g 3. Replace the balance arm on the
SG = or or base, with the knife edge resting
8.345 62.3 cm3
on the fulcrum.
4. The level-bubble should be centered
Table 1: Conversion table for density units.
when the rider is set on 8.33 lb/gal.
MUD BALANCE If not, adjust using the calibration
Description screw in the end of the balance arm.
Some balances do not have calibra-
The mud balance (see Figure 1) con-
tion screws and must have lead
sists principally of a base on which
shot added or taken out through
rests a graduated arm with cup, lid,
the calibration cap.
knife edge, level vial, rider and coun-
terweight. The constant volume cup is Procedure
affixed to one end of the graduated 1. Remove the lid from the cup, and
arm, which has a counterweight at the completely fill the cup with the
other end. The cup and arm oscillate mud to be tested.
in a plane perpendicular to the hori- 2. Replace the lid and rotate until
zontal knife edge, which rests on the firmly seated, making sure some
support, and are balanced by moving mud is expelled through the hole
the rider along the arm. in the lid.
3. Wash the mud from the outside of
the cup, and dry it.
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Section 2. Viscosity
Instruments
The Marsh funnel is used for routine
field measurement of the viscosity of
drilling mud. The Fann V-G meter is
used to supplement the information
obtained from the Marsh funnel, par-
ticularly with respect to the gel char-
acteristics of the mud. The V-G meter
is capable of giving the apparent vis-
Figure 2: Marsh funnel.
cosity, plastic viscosity, yield point
and gel strengths (initial and timed). Calibration
A) MARSH FUNNEL Fill the funnel to the bottom of the
Description screen (1,500 ml) with freshwater at
70±5°F. Time of outflow of 1 qt (946 ml)
The Marsh funnel (see Figure 2) is
should be 26 sec ±0.5 sec.
6 in. in diameter at the top and 12 in.
long. At the bottom, a smooth-bore Procedure
tube 2 in. long having an inside diam- 1. With the funnel in an upright posi-
eter of 3⁄16 in. is attached in such a way tion, cover the orifice with a finger
that there is no constriction at the joint. and pour the freshly collected mud
A wire screen having 1⁄16-in. openings, sample through the screen into a
covering one-half of the funnel, is clean funnel until the fluid level
fixed at a level of 3⁄4 in. below the reaches the bottom of the screen
top of the funnel. (1,500 ml).
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Intercept =
yield point
300 600
Speed (rpm)
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Section 3. Filtration
Description
The filtration or wall-building prop-
erty of a mud is determined by means
of a filter press. The test consists of
determining the rate at which fluid is
forced through the filter paper. The
test is run under specified conditions
of time, temperature and pressure.
The thickness of the solid filter cake
deposited is measured after the test.
The filter press being used should
meet specifications as designated in the
API Recommended Practice and con-
ducted in the manner suggested. The
API fluid loss is conducted at surface
temperature at 100 psi pressure, and is
recorded as the number of milliliters
lost in 30 min.
Instruments
Figure 5: An example of an API filter press.
This instrument (see Figure 5) consists
of a mud cell assembly, pressure regu- A) API FLUID LOSS
lator and gauge mounted on the top of Procedure
the carrying case or the top part of the 1. Have air or gas pressure of 100 psi
car laboratory unit. The cell is attached available.
to the regulator by means of a coupling 2. Remove the lid from the bottom
adapter by simply inserting the male of the clean and dry cell. Place the
cell coupling into the female filter press O-ring in an undamaged groove,
coupling and turning clockwise 1⁄4 turn. then invert to fill. Any mechanical
Some cells do not have this locking damage could prevent it from sealing.
device, and are just inserted into the Seal the inlet with a finger.
proper coupling. The cell is closed at 3. Fill the cell with mud to within
the bottom with a lid fitted with a 1
⁄4 inch of O-ring groove. Place filter
screen (or grid), by placing the lid paper (Whatman No. 50 or equiva-
firmly against the filter paper and lent) on top of O-ring. Place the lid
turning to the right until hand tight. on the filter paper with the flanges
This forces the sheet of filter paper of the lid between the flanges of the
against the O-ring previously fitted in cell, and turn clockwise until hand
the base of the cell. Pressure is sup- tight. Turn the cell over and insert
plied by a small cartridge of carbon the male cell coupling into the
dioxide gas. A bleed-off valve is pro- female filter press coupling and
vided to release the pressure prior to turn either direction to engage.
uncoupling the cell. Do not use N2O, 4. Place a suitable graduated cylinder
nitrous oxide (Whippets). under the filtrate opening to receive
the filtrate.
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12. Slide back-pressure assembly into 21. Invert cell, loosen cap screws (use
place with slotted lock ring. Allen-head wrench if necessary)
13. Apply 100 psi pressure to the bot- and disassemble. Thoroughly
tom pressure unit with this valve clean and dry all parts.
still closed.
API #I STYLE HTHP FILTER PRESS
14. After the temperature has reached
(HOLLOW TAPERED-TIP STEM)
the desired range (300°F), as noted
by the cell thermometer, increase The standard HTHP fluid loss test is
pressure on top cell regulator from run at a temperature of 300°F (148°C)
100 to 600 psi while maintaining and a differential pressure of 500 psi.
100 psi on the bottom regulator. Description
Open bottom cell valve one turn, 1. Heating jacket mounted on a stand.
and start timing test. 2. A sample cell rated to a working
15. Maintain 100 psi on the receiver pressure of 1,000 psi (filter area of
during the test. If it rises, drain 3.5 in.2).
a little filtrate to maintain the 3. Thermometer or electronic thermo-
500 psi differential. Maintain couple (readings to 500°F [260°C]).
temperature ±5°F. 4. Top assembly regulator with the
16. After 30 min filtration, close bot- ability to regulate 1,000 psi from
tom cell valve and then close top any pressure source used.
cell valve. 5. Filtrate receiver (100 ml recom-
17. Back off both regulator T-screws and mended) designed to withstand a
bleed pressure from both regulators. working back pressure of at least
18. Drain filtrate into graduated cylin- 500 psi.
der and read volume. Double the 6. Graduated cylinder for filtrate
reading to report. Remove receiver. collection.
19. Disconnect primary pressure NOTE: Extreme caution should be used
assembly by lifting lock ring and in running an HTHP test. Maintain all
slip assembly off. equipment in a safe working condition.
CAUTION: Cell still contains pressure. Testing at temperatures of 300°F
20. Maintain cell in upright position (149°C) or less
and cool to room temperature, then 11. Plug heating jacket into correct
bleed off cell pressure; do not blow voltage for the unit. Place ther-
mud through valve. mometer in the thermometer well
on the outside of jacket.
12. Preheat jacket to 10°F above the
test temperature and maintain if
needed, by adjusting the thermo-
stat. Check all O-rings and replace
as needed.
13. Agitate the mud sample for 10 min
and pour into the cell making sure
the valve stem on the cell body is
closed. The cell should not be filled
closer than 1⁄2 in. from the top of
the lip.
14. Place a piece of filter paper
(Whatman No. 50 or equivalent)
on top of the lip.
Figure 7: HTHP filter press (MB style - API #II).
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Coefficient of
Volume Expansion
for Water at
Saturation Suggested Applied
Aging Temperature Water Vapor Pressure Pressure Back Pressure
°F °C kPa psi kPa psi
212 100 101 14.7 1.04 689 100
250 121 207 30 1.06 689 100
300 149 462 67 1.09 689 100
350 177 931 135 1.12 1,104 160
400 205 1,703 247 1.16 1,898 275
450 232 2,917 422 1.21 3,105 450
Note: Do not exceed equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum temperatures, pressures and volumes.
Table 2: Vapor pressure and volume expansion of water between 212 and 450°F with suggested back pressure.
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Calculation
Calculate:
1. Mud density (g/cm3); SGMUD = mud wt (lb/gal) x 0.11994.
2. Grams of mud in retort: g of mud = Value C – Value B.
3. Grams or cm3 water distilled: Value C – Value D.
Compute volume % solids:
(C – B) – SGMUD x (C – D)
Fraction of solids =
C–B
% solids = 100 x volume fraction solids
Example:
Four measurements from a field mud:
A) 12.70 lb/gal
B) 317.45 g
C) 348.31 g
D) 332.69 g
Thus:
#1 = 12.70 lb/gal [
0.1194
g/cm3
lb/gal ] = 1.523 g/cm 3
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B) METHYLENE BLUE CAPACITY the flask with a glass rod and place
Field procedure for determining on filter paper. The endpoint of the
cation exchange capacity titration is reached when the dye
Equipment appears as a greenish-blue ring sur-
1. Syringe, 3 ml, burette 10 ml. rounding the dyed solids.
2. Micropipette, 0.5-ml. 3. When the greenish-blue tint spread-
3. Erlenmeyer flask, 250-ml ing from the spot is detected, shake
with rubber stopper. the flask an additional 2 min and
4. Burette or pipette, 10-ml. place another drop on the filter
5. Graduated cylinder, 50-ml. paper. If the greenish-blue ring is
6. Stirring rod. again evident, the endpoint has
7. Hot plate. been reached. If the ring does not
8. Filter paper: 11 cm diameter, appear, continue as before until a
Whatman No. 1 or equivalent. drop taken after shaking 2 min
shows the greenish-blue tint.
Reagents
4. Record the ml of methylene blue
1. Methylene blue solution:
solution used.
1 ml = 0.01 milliequivalents
5. Methylene blue capacity of mud
3.74 g USP-grade methylene blue
English system MBC (lb/bbl) =
(C16H18N3SCl•3H2O) per liter.
(cm3 of methylene blue/cm3 of
2. Hydrogen peroxide, 3% solution.
mud) x 5
3. 5 N sulfuric acid solution.
Metric system MBC (kg/m3) =
Procedure (cm3 of methylene blue/cm3 of
1. Add 2 ml of mud (or suitable vol- mud) x 14
ume of mud to require 2 to 10 ml
of reagent) to 10 ml of water in the C) METHYLENE BLUE CAPACITY
Erlenmeyer flask. Add 15 ml of 3% OF SHALE
hydrogen peroxide and 0.5 ml of Methylene blue capacity
5 N sulfuric acid solution and mix (bentonite equiv.)
by swirling before heating. Boil English system MBC (lb/bbl) = CEC x 5
gently for 10 min. Dilute to about Metric system MBC (kg/m3) = CEC x 14
50 ml with water. NOTE: Drilling Cation exchange capacity
muds frequently contain substances in for shales
addition to bentonite that absorb meth- Approximately 1 g of dried ground
ylene blue. Treatment with hydrogen shale is accurately weighed and placed
peroxide is intended to remove the in a 150-ml Erlenmeyer flask and 50 ml
effect of organic materials such as of deionized water is added. The shale
CMC, polyacrylates, lignosulfonates slurry is gently boiled with 0.5 ml 5 N
and lignites. sulfuric acid for 10 min. The slurry is
2. Add methylene blue solution, allowed to cool and is titrated in 0.5 ml
0.5 ml at a time, from the burette increments with 0.01 N methylene
or pipette to the flask. After each blue solution.
addition, insert rubber stopper and
shake contents of the flask for CEC in milliequivalents/100 g shale =
about 30 sec. While the solids are ml of methylene blue
still suspended, remove a drop from g of shale titrated
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5. To the same sample used for mea- drops to 8.3 as measured with the
suring Pf, add 3 to 4 drops of methyl glass electrode.
orange/brom cresol green indicator; Report the phenolphthalein alkalinity
a green color will develop. of the mud, Pm, as the number of ml of
6. Titrate with 0.02 N acid until the 0.02 N (N/50) acid required per ml of
color changes to yellow. This will mud. If 0.1 N acid is used, Pm = 5 x
occur at pH of 4.3. ml of 0.1 N acid per ml mud.
7. The Mf is reported as the total ml
3) PROCEDURE FOR LIME CONTENT
of acid used for Pf plus this last
titration. Determine the Pf and Pm, as described
in the preceding paragraphs.
Example:
Determine the volume fraction of
If 0.5 ml acid was used to titrate the water in the mud, Fw (decimal fraction
phenolphthalein endpoint, the Pf is 0.5. of water), using the value from the
If an additional 0.3 ml acid was retort test.
used to titrate to the methyl orange Report the lime content of the
endpoint, the Mf is 0.8. mud in lb/bbl calculated from the
BaCl2 procedure: following equation:
1. Measure 1 ml of filtrate into a Lime (lb/bbl) = 0.26 x (Pm - FwPf).
titration vessel.
2. Add 2 drops of 10% barium chloride 4) FILTRATE ALKALINITY: P1 AND P2
solution (NOTE: BaCl2 is poisonous; Equipment
do not pipette with mouth). 11. Standard sulfuric acid solution,
3. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for the 0.02 N (N/50).
Pf titration. 12. Sodium hydroxide solution,
4. As a rule of thumb, if the BaCl2 0.1 N (N/10).
PAlkalinity is one-half or less than 13. Barium chloride solution, 10%.
the previous Pf titration, carbonate 14. Phenolphthalein Indicator.
contamination exists. 15. Deionized water.
Example: 16. pH strips or glass electrode
If 1 ml acid was used to titrate to the pH meter.
endpoint for Pf, the Pf is 1.0. 17. Titration vessel, 100 to 150 ml,
If 0.4 ml acid was used to titrate to preferably white.
the PAlkalinity endpoint with BaCl2, the 18. Pipette: one 1-ml, one 2-ml and
BaCl2 value is 0.5. Thus, carbonate con- one 10-ml.
tamination exists because the BaCl2 is 19. Graduated cylinders: one 25-ml
less than one-half the Pf. and one 5- or 10-ml.
10. Stirring rod.
2) PROCEDURE FOR MUD ALKALINITY (Pm)
Procedure: P1 - P2
Measure 1 ml of mud into the titration 1. Measure 1 ml of filtrate into the
vessel using the syringe. Dilute the titration vessel and add 24 ml of
mud sample with 25 ml of distilled deionized water.
water. Add 5 drops of phenolph- 2. Add 2 ml of 0.1 N sodium hydrox-
thalein indicator and, while stirring, ide and stir well. Measure the pH
titrate quickly with 0.02 N acid or 0.1 with the pH strip or pH meter. If
N acid until the pink color disappears. the pH is 11.4 or greater, proceed
If the sample is so colored that the to the next step. If the pH is less
color change of the indicator is masked, than 11.4, add another 2 ml of
the end point is taken when the pH 0.1 N sodium hydroxide.
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3. Using the graduated cylinder, mea- CO2 present, but it is also sensitive to
sure 2 ml of barium chloride and the flow rate and the total gas volume
add to the titration vessel. Add 2 passed through the tube. Therefore, for
to 4 drops of phenolphthalein more accurate results, the gas exiting
with stirring. the gas train must first be captured in
NOTE: Do not use your mouth to a 1-l bag to allow the CO2 to mix uni-
pipette; the barium chloride solution formly with the carrier gas. The CO2
is poisonous. Dräger tubes are very sensitive to incor-
4. Immediately titrate the mixture rect use. The filtrate must be free of
with standard sulfuric acid to the solids. Therefore, the first spurt of the
first disappearance of the pink color filtrate should be discarded, because it
(or to pH 8.3 with the pH meter). may contain CaCO3 particles that can
The color may reappear after a short cause errors on the high side. The con-
time; do not continue the titration. tents of the bag are passed from the bag
5. Report the alkalinity, P1, as the through the Dräger tube using 10 strokes
ml of 0.02 N sulfuric acid required of the Dräger hand pump. This tech-
to titrate to the phenolphthalein nique will draw exactly 1 l of gas
endpoint. through the tube.
Procedure: P2 (blank) Equipment
1. Omit the filtrate, but otherwise 11. Deionized water.
repeat the procedure for P1, using 12. Octyl alcohol defoamer.
exactly the same quantities of water 13. Sulfuric acid, approximately 5 N,
and reagents. Titrate using the same reagent grade.
procedures as for P1. 14. Garrett Gas Train apparatus.
2. Report the alkalinity, P2, as the 15. Dräger CO2 analysis tube, “CO2
ml of 0.02 N sulfuric acid required 100/a” labeled 100 to 3,000 ppm.
to titrate to the phenolphthalein Factor = 2.5 (be sure to check to
end point. see if the factor has changed).
Calculations 16. Dräger 1-l bag, #762425.
17. Dräger “Multigas Detector” hand
Within limitations, the various ionic
vacuum pump.
alkalinities can be calculated as follows:
18. Glass stopcock, 8 mm, 2-way bore.
When P1 > P2 19. Hypodermic syringes: one 10-ml
OH– (mg/l) = 340 x (P1 – P2) with 21 gauge needle (for acid), one
CO32– (mg/l) = 1,200 x [Pf – (P1 – P2)] 10-ml, one 5-ml and one 2.5-ml.
When P1 < P2 10. N2O gas cartridges (e.g. Whippets).
HCO3– (mg/l) = 1,220 x (P2 – P1) Bottled nitrogen or helium gas can
CO32– (mg/l) = 1,200 x Pf also be used. Do not use Whippets
B) GARRETT GAS TRAIN (GGT) TEST in any other test.
FOR CARBONATES Procedure
Purpose 11. Be sure the gas train is clean, dry
This procedure uses the Garrett Gas and on a level surface.
Train, analyzing the soluble carbonates 12. With the regulator backed off,
on a filtrate sample of water-base drill- install and puncture a N2O car-
ing fluid. The CO2 Dräger tube responds tridge. Do not use compressed
to the CO2 gas passing through it by air or a CO2 cartridge.
turning purple. The stain length is 13. Add 20 ml deionized water to
primarily sensitive to the amount of Chamber 1.
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Precipitate (ml)
liquid properly. 0.90
0.80
e. Plot ml of precipitate vs. potas- 0.70
sium chloride content (lb/bbl) 0.60
Dilute sample
on rectangular graph. 0.50
volume to
0.40
Procedure * keep test result
0.30
<21 lb/bbl.
1. Measure 7 ml of filtrate into cen- 0.20
0.10
trifuge tube. Add 3 ml of the sodium 0.00
perchlorate solution to the tube (if 0 3.5 7.0 10.5 14.0 17.5 21.0 24.5 28.0
potassium is present, precipitation KCl concentration (lb/bbl)
*Not valid for KCl concentrations
occurs at once). DO NOT AGITATE! below 3.5 lb/bbl
Centrifuge at constant speed, approx-
imately 1,800 RPM for 1 min and Figure 15: KCl concentration calibration curve.
read the precipitate volume immedi-
ately. Rinse the precipitate from the adding the sodium perchlorate solu-
tube into a bucket of water. tion. If filtrate volumes other than
NOTE: To ensure all potassium has 7 ml are used, the KCl concentration
been removed, add 2 to 3 drops of the should be calculated as follows:
sodium perchlorate to the centrifuge KCl (lb/bbl) =
tube after centrifuging. If a precipitate is 7
(value from standard curve)
formed, the total amount of potassium ml of filtrate
ion was not measured; sample must be This method was developed as a field
diluted as in Note 2. procedure and should be used in that
2. Determine the potassium chloride respect. It is to aid in maintaining the
concentration by comparing the potassium ion in the mud filtrate at or
precipitate volume measured with above a certain level. It can best be used
the standard curve (see Figure 15). when potassium ion concentration is
3. Report the potassium concentration above 5,000.
as lb/bbl KCl or kg/m3.
Calculations I) NITRATE ION CONCENTRATION
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Calculations
Clear filtrates:
dial reading x dilution factor
mg/l NO3– =
10
Colored filtrate requiring one lime treatment:
dial reading x dilution factor
mg/l NO3– = – (6 x mg/1 NO3– in lime*)
10
Colored filtrate requiring two lime treatments:
dial reading x dilution factor
mg/l NO3– = – 1 – (42 x mg/l NO3– in lime*)
10
*This value is marked on the lime container.
NOTE 1: The 5-ml sample taken at Step 1 does not have to be absolutely color-
less. A slight color can be tolerated if the proper blank is used as specified in
Step 8. Quite often the color is reduced to a satisfactory level by the dilution
that may be required to lower the NO3– concentration so it will fall within the
range of the color wheel at Step 11. An extremely dark filtrate, however, will
have to be decolorized. This is accomplished by diluting 5 ml of filtrate with
deionized water, adding 1 tablespoon of calcium hydroxide, shaking well and
then filtering with funnel. This gives an initial dilution factor of 6. If the fil-
trate is too dark, take 1 ml and dilute to 5 ml with deionized water to see if this
would be a satisfactory sample to use as Step 1. If not take 5 ml and repeat the
above dilution and treatment, and then filter again. This will give a dilution
factor of 36. No further decolorization should be necessary; however, further
dilution with deionized water may be necessary (see Table 5). But this may
not be known until completion of Step 11.
NOTE 2: The readings above 80 on the color wheel give erroneous results.
Therefore, samples having readings above 80 should be diluted and rerun.
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7. Adjust heat for neither too hot, nor 3. If the mud foams or boils over, use
cool enough to allow fluid to be more defoamer. Try to estimate the
pulled back. If the heat from the hot range of the active polymer so the
plate cycles from on to off, the cool- proper amount of whole mud can
ing will allow the boric acid solution be used.
to be sucked from the flask. After the 4. The temperature setting for distilling
25 ml is collected, remove stopper, the solution should be adjusted so it
and drain any liquid into the collec- does not cause boil-over (which
tion flask. Titrate the collection flask invalidates the test). It should boil
contents back to the original red/ the solution gently causing water (or
pink color with the 0.02 N H2SO4 distillate) to condense at the top of
solution and record the amount of the glass tubing. That way, the mud
acid used. is not boiled over into the receiving
8. The concentration of POLY-PLUS can be flask but distillate merely collects in
determined from the correct graph. the tubing and runs down to the
Remember to double the result if a boric acid solution. Again, the tem-
5-ml sample is used. perature setting should be high
Additional guidelines and enough so a steady boil is main-
trouble-shooting tained, preventing the mud flask
1. It is important that the glass tubing from cooling and sucking boric acid
be flush with the bottom of the rub- into this flask.
ber stopper. If the glass tube protrudes
2.50
pinkish-red when going from high Figure 16: POLY-PLUS (liquid) concentration test.
pH to low pH. Also, the boric acid
solution should turn the indicator 3.0
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5. Be sure that the end of the glass 6. When the final titration is per-
tubing is below the surface of the formed, be sure to titrate back to
boric acid solution. It is even better the original color of the boric acid
if a Pasteur pipette is used at this solution. If a light pink was noted,
end instead of a glass tube. The do not continue to titrate to a
opening is smaller therefore the darker pink or reddish color.
chance of allowing ammonia to
escape is reduced.
A) SULF-X (ZnO) AND BASIC ZINC 14. Add 10 ml glacial acetic acid
CARBONATE (ZnCO3•Zn(OH)2) (CAREFUL: Use a vent hood,
Purpose if available).
Zinc oxide and zinc carbonate may be 15. Stir 10 min with mixer or stirrer. If
used to scavenge hydrogen sulfide in neither is available, hand mix with
drilling fluids. In order to determine stirring rod. Thorough mixing is
the available ZnO or ZnCO3 in the essential as the reaction is slow to
mud, the following may be used: take place.
16. Add 15 ml ammonium hydroxide
Equipment
(CAREFUL).
11. Acetic acid, glacial.
17. Check pH. If pH is above 9, proceed
12. Ammonium fluoride, 10%.
to next step. If pH is below 9, add
13. Ammonium hydroxide,
additional ammonium hydroxide
concentrated.
in 5-ml increments until pH is
14. Masking Agent.
above 9, then proceed.
16. Deionized water.
18. Add 3 ml of Masking Agent.
17. Formaldehyde solution (4%).
19. Add 10 ml of ammonium fluoride
18. Calmagite Indicator solution.
solution.
19. Standard Versenate solution.
NOTE: Ammonium fluoride is poiso-
10. Beaker, 150-ml.
nous; do not pipette with your mouth.
11. Graduated cylinders: one 10-ml,
Never mix ammonium fluoride with
one 25-ml and one 100-ml.
an acidic solution.
12. Field mixer with powerstat or
10. Transfer the solution to the
magnetic stirrer with stirring bar.
100-ml graduated cylinder and
13. Syringes: one 10-ml and one 20-ml.
dilute to the 100-ml mark with
14. Plastic funnel, 4 in.
deionized water.
15. Fluted filter paper (S & S No. 588
11. Mix well and filter into a dry,
size 18.5 cm).
clean beaker.
16. pH strips.
12. Take 20 ml of filtrate and place in
17. Volumetric pipettes: one 10-ml
a clean beaker.
and one 20-ml.
13. Dilute with deionized water to
Procedure about 40 ml.
11. Stir the mud sample, then measure 14. Add 6 drops of Calmagite
10 ml using syringe. Indicator. If solution is blue,
12. Place in 150-ml beaker. proceed directly to Step 15. If
13. Dilute to 40 ml with deionized solution is red, titrate slowly with
water. Standard Versenate to the regular
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Sample Volumes and Tube Factor to be Used for Various Sulfide Ranges
Sulfide Range Sample Volume Dräger Tube Identification
(mg/l) (cm3) (see tube body) Tube Factor
1.2 - 24 10.0 H2S 100/a 0.12*
(100 - 2,000 range)
2.4 - 48 5.0 H2S 100/a 0.12*
(100 - 2,000 range)
4.8 - 96 2.5 H2S 100/a 0.12*
(100 - 2,000 range)
30 - 1,050 10.0 H2S 0.2%/A 1,500**
10. Adjust the dispersion tube to the train. Take out the flow meter
approximately 0.5 cm above and Dräger tube and plug the holes
the bottom. with stoppers to keep dry. Wash
11. Gently flow CO2 for 15 sec to out the chambers with mild deter-
purge air from the system, then gent and a soft brush. Use a pipe
stop flow. Be sure to start the gas cleaner to clean out the passages
flow slowly so as not to blow the between chambers. Rinse the unit
ball out of the flow meter tube. with deionized water and allow to
You may also want to lightly cover drain dry.
the tube with a finger to make Calculations
sure the ball is not lost. Using the sample volume, the Dräger
12. Slowly inject 10 ml of sulfuric acid tube’s maximum darkened length and
into Chamber 1 through the rub- the factors, calculate the sulfides in
ber septum using the hypodermic the sample:
syringe and needle.
Sulfides (mg/l) =
13. Immediately restart CO2 flow.
darkened length x tube factor
Adjust the rate so the ball in the
ml of sample volume
flow meter tube is between the red
lines (200 to 400 cm3/min). One D) PHOSPHATE
CO2 cartridge should provide 15 Purpose
to 20 min of flow at this rate. The active ingredient in the inhibitors
14. Continue flowing for a total of CONQORT 404 and SI-1000E is an organic
15 min. Record the maximum phosphate. However, inorganic phos-
darkened length before any pre- phates may also be present in the
ceding “front” starts to smear. drilling fluid, thus the test must
Using high-range tubes, and sul- differentiate between organic and
fites in the filtrate, an orange inorganic phosphates.
color may be seen. The orange The following two procedures are
region should be ignored when basically the same, but using different
recording the darkened length. HACH kits.
15. The gas train MUST be cleaned to NOTE: Starch in the fluid may
avoid permanent damage caused prevent the detection of either organic
by the acid used. To clean, remove or inorganic phosphates.
the flexible tubing and the top of
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Calculations
(ml of iodine solution – (factor x ml of sodium thiosulfate)) x 320.2
SO32– (mg/l) =
ml of filtrate
Section 9. Resistivity
Resistivity of the mud, filtrate and fil- 3. Measure the resistance in ohm-
ter cake is sometimes needed in order meters if using the direct reading
to help evaluate the electric logs. meter. The value should be set to
Equipment ohms if a “not direct meter” is
1. Mud, filtrate and filter cake. being used.
2. Direct reading resistivity meter for 4. Note the temperature of the
drilling fluids. measurement.
3. Calibrated resistivity cell. 5. Clean the cell, rinse with deionized
4. Thermometer, 32 to 220°F water and dry.
Procedure Calculations
1. Fill the clean, dry resistivity cell 1. Report the mud resistivity Rm or fil-
with freshly stirred mud or filtrate. trate resistivity Rmf in ohm-meters
Try to ensure no air bubbles are to nearest 0.01 units.
entrained. Fill the cell to the 2. Report the sample temperature in °F.
correct volume according to the 3. If the reading is in ohms, convert to
manufacturer’s procedure. ohm-meters by:
2. Connect the cell to the meter. 3. Resistance (ohm-meter) =
R (ohms) x K (cell constant, m2/m)
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A) REFRACTOMETER
Equipment
1. Refractometer for determining the
glycol volume percent range used in
the mud system. Several types of
refractometers can be used. A com-
monly used type is the Atago N10E.
The instrument measures glycol con-
tents in the 0 to10% range. If for Figure 18: Refractometer.
some reason a range outside of this is
desired, check with the manufactures 6. Record the BRIX reading and using
specifications for a different range. the glycol calibration curve, convert
2. 10-, 20- or 50-ml retort, oil-free steel the reading to glycol volume percent
wool, complete with glassware. in the mud.
7. Glycol percent whole mud = glycol
Reagents
percent from calibration curve x
Glycol used in the drilling fluid.
liquid fraction of the mud. Liquid
Distilled or deionized water.
fraction of the mud is Fw.
Graduated cylinders, storage bottles.
Procedure I B) DUAL-TEMPERATURE RETORT
1. Prepare a glycol in water calibration ANALYSIS FOR GLYCOL SYSTEMS
curve. This curve is made by adding Glycol as the primary inhibitor in the
various volumes percent of glycol in GLYDRILE 2000 system will deplete from
deionized water (typically 1 to 6% the system as it is adsorbed onto shales.
by volume is used). Run each mix- It is therefore important to measure
ture through the retort and plot on a and control the level of the glycol in
linear graph paper the corresponding the drilling mud. This test procedure
BRIX reading vs. the original volume can be used to measure the concentra-
percent of glycol added. BRIX is the tion of all types of glycols. This is not
name of the unit of refractometer an API defined test, but uses the API
measurement for determination of retort procedure.
the glycol. Equipment
2. Run a retort on the drilling fluid. API standard retort test kit, a 50-ml is
3. Record the volume percent liquid. preferable for accuracy. It must be fitted
4. Shake up the liquid collected in the with a temperature control, which will
graduated cylinder from the retort. permit heating at 302°F (150°C) and
5. Place 2 to 4 drops of the liquid 950°F (510°C).
from the retort on the clean refrac-
Procedure II
tometer prism surface. Make sure
1. Place a known volume of mud into
the entire prism is covered with the
the lower cup of the retort cell. It is
liquid and close the cap. Look into
important that this sample contain
the refractometer window with the
as little entrained air as possible. Insert
prism pointed toward a bright light
fine, oil-free steel wool as required
source (see Figure 18).
into the upper part of the cell.
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then tighten the set screws snugly and/or filtrate will be near the tem-
against the cap. Next, install the perature at which the test is run and
outlet valve stem with a safety slowly opening the reservoir drain
valve into the end of the cell cap valve will minimize any splattering of
and close the valve. Then holding the fluid and potential contact with
the valve assembly, place the cell eyes, fingers and hands.
into the heating jacket until it bot- 18. Once the desired hydraulic pressure
toms out. Rotate the cell clockwise is applied, apply some pressure to
until the cell locks in place over the back pressure receiver not to
the alignment pin that is in the exceed 50 psi and slowly open the
bottom of the heating jacket. safety valve. After 30 sec, slowly
16. Install a metal thermometer in the open the drain valve on the reser-
thermometer well in the top of the voir and collect the mud and/or fil-
cell. Place the filtrate reservoir onto trate that comes out into a small
the top of the valve stem assembly glass beaker and continue to collect
ensuring that the small valve O-ring the fluid until the reservoir just
is in good condition and lock the blows dry. This should be recorded
reservoir in place by installing the as the spurt loss.
safety retaining pin. Next install 19. Close the drain valve on the receiver
the back pressure receiver device reservoir and maintain the desired
onto the top of the valve stem and pressure on the cell with the
lock into place with the safety hydraulic pump. The pressure will
retaining pin. Connect the quick decrease during the filtration of the
connect from the hydraulic pump mud so additional pressure will be
to the valve stem on the inlet end applied to the cell in order to main-
of the cell before applying pressure. tain a constant pressure. Maintain
Apply 200 psi on the cell and leave the pressure on the cell for 30 min
the valve on the pump closed. As occasionally bleeding of the liquid
the cell is heating up, there will collected in the reservoir. After
be an increase in pressure in the 30 min are completed, record the
cell due to the heating up of the total amount of liquid recovered
hydraulic oil in the cell. Maintain (excluding the spurt loss). Close the
the 200 psi pressure by releasing drain valve and open the pressure
the built-up pressure by opening release valve on the pump. While
the valve on the hydraulic pump. the back pressure is still applied,
17. Heat the cell to the desired tem- opening the pressure release valve
perature. The test temperature for on the pump will push the floating
this series of tests will be 150°F. piston to the bottom of the cell and
Record the time it takes to heat up allow for recovering of the hydraulic
to the desired temperature. Close oil back into the pump. Turn off the
the pressure release valve on the power to the heating jacket.
pump and apply the desired pres- 10. After the oil has been recovered in
sure to the cell with the hydraulic the pump, close the safety valve.
pump. Apply 1,500 psi working Remove the hydraulic quick con-
hydraulic pressure to the cell with nect from the cell. Close the back
the hydraulic pump. pressure source valve and then
NOTE: When working with the bleed off the back pressure from
heated, pressurized cell, ensure that all the receiver. After the pressure has
are wearing safety glasses. The mud been completely removed from
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the reservoir, remove the safety 12. Recover the disk and filter cake
retaining pin and remove the back and wash off same very lightly
pressure device from the reservoir. with freshwater or base oil if an
11. Either allow the cell to cool while oil mud is tested and measure
still in the heating jacket or carefully the filter-cake thickness in 32nd
remove the cell from the heating of an inch. The total fluid loss is
jacket and allow to cool by allowing calculated as follows:
to come to room temperature or Total fluid loss (ml) = spurt loss (ml) +
place the cell in the sink and cool 2 x (30 min fluid recovery (ml))
off with water. After the cell has
completely cooled off, hold the cell
such that the safety valve stem is
not pointing toward yourself or oth-
ers. Slowly open the safety valve to
remove any trapped pressure in the
cell. Repeat this process several times
to ensure that all pressure has been
released. Remove the top cell cap
of the cell and then turn the cell
upside down in the sink. Remove
the hydraulic end cap (bottom cell
cap) to expose the floating piston.
Screw the T-bar wrench into the pis-
ton and push down to force out the
mud and the disk out the opposite
end of the cell.
NOTE: This should be done care-
fully as too much applied pressure
will cause the mud to splatter out.
Completely disassemble the cell and Figure 19: Permeability plugging apparatus.
clean and dry the entire apparatus.
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LV prefix designates the proper spring The fluid sample should be tested at the
torque for the viscosity ranges M-I same temperature as the other rheologi-
desires. Also Input voltage and fre- cal properties. Stir the sample while
quency should be indicated when heating to equalize the temperature
ordering. The units are available in throughout the sample. A Hamilton
115, 220 or 230 volts AC and 50 or Beach-type mixer with a rheostat may
60 cycle frequency. be used. Stir at a slow rate to avoid over-
Other necessary equipment includes shearing the fluid which may result in
the large heating cup (3.25 in. diame- polymer degradation. Avoid entrapping
ter by 4 in. deep) and a mixing device air while stirring. Entrapped air will
to heat the fluid sample evenly. result in erroneous readings.
Location Initializing the Viscometer
Locate the Brookfield where a stable While heating the sample, remove the
power supply is available. It should be rubber band holding the viscometer
located where vibrations from the rig are shaft in place. The viscometer uses a
minimal. Rig vibrations may contribute gem bearing and calibrated spring.
to inaccurately low LSRV measurements. Avoid impact and twisting of the shaft.
Dust may damage the electronics or the Always replace the rubber band when
bearings so a dust-free atmosphere not using the viscometer.
should be located. Turn on the viscometer. The digital
Setup screen will display the operations as
Remove the viscometer from the case. the viscometer autozeroes itself. The
Install gear assembly on stand with following screen descriptions are for
rack and insert Brookfield viscometer the LVDV-II+ viscometer, the most
post in assembly and tighten clamp widely used model.
screw. Level viscometer by rotating it When the power is on the screen will
slightly on the stand and/or by adjust- flash “Brookfield DV-II+ LV Viscometer,”
ing feet. Use the bubble level on the then “Version 3.0.” The screen then
top as a guide. automatically changes to “Remove spin-
Plug the temperature probe into the dle Press any key.” Press any of the yel-
receptacle on the back of the viscome- low keys and the display changes to
ter. Make sure the power switch on the “Autozeroing Viscometer.” After autoze-
rear of the viscometer is OFF. Plug the roing the screen will display “Replace
power cord into the receptacle on the spindle press any key.” Select the appro-
back of the viscometer and plug into priate cylindrical spindle for the desired
appropriate AC socket. “The AC input viscosity. Most applications will use
voltage and frequency must be within the the Number 2 spindle. Note that the
appropriate as shown on the name plate spindles are marked on the neck.
of the Viscometer.” NOTE: The LVDV-II+ Attach the spindle by threading it
must be earth grounded to ensure against onto the shaft. These are left-handed
electronic failure! threads. Hold the shaft in one hand
This is a delicate electronic instrument. to prevent damage to the spring and
Care should be taken to avoid power surges bearing while tightening the spindle.
and frequency variations. Disconnect the After tightening the spindle, press one
viscometer when not in use. of the yellow buttons on the key pad.
Pour the FLO-PRO fluid to be tested to The default display will appear on
within a 1⁄2 in. of the top of the heating the screen.
cup and heat to desired temperature.
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Clean up
Turn off the viscometer. Remove the
spindle, then the guard leg. Wash them
thoroughly. Replace the guard leg and
reinstall the rubber band on the shaft.
Keep the viscometer away from water
and dust and unplug it when not in
use to avoid power surges.
Calibration
Calibration fluids are available from
Brookfield and their agents. The vis-
cometer should be calibrated regularly.
The procedures are outlined in the
Brookfield Digital Viscometer
Operating Instructions Manual, which
is included with the viscometer. This
manual also contains more detailed
information not discussed here.
Address:
Brookfield Engineering
Laboratories, Inc. Figure 20: Brookfield viscometer and thermocup.
240 Cushing Street
Stoughton, MA 02072, USA
Tel: 617-344-4310
Fax: 617-344-7141
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Section 4. Filtration
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the top pressure unit and 100 psi 4. Place the cell into the heating jacket
(690 kPa) to the bottom pressure unit with both top and bottom valves
while keeping the valves closed. Open closed. Transfer the thermometer to
the top valve and apply 200 psi the cell thermometer-well.
(1,380 kPa) to the mud while heating 5. Place the pressure unit on the top
to the selected temperature. valve and lock in place. Lock the
5. When the sample reaches the bottom pressure receiver to the bot-
selected temperature, increase the tom valve. For testing at tempera-
pressure of the top pressure unit to tures from 300 to 400°F (149 to
600 psi (42.18 kg/cm2) and open 204°C) apply 300 psi (21.1 kg/cm2)
the bottom valve to start filtration. to both pressure units with the
Collect the filtrate for 30 min main- valves closed. Open the top valve
taining the elected temperature and apply 300 psi (21.1 kg/cm2) to
within ±5°F. If back pressure rises the mud while heating.
above 100 psi (7.03 kg/cm2) during 6. When the temperature of the sample
the test, cautiously reduce the pres- reaches the selected test temperature,
sure by drawing off a portion of the increase the pressure of the top pres-
filtrate. Record the total volume. sure unit to 800 psi (56.2 kg/cm2)
6. The filtrate volume should be cor- and open the bottom valve to start
rected to a filter area of 7.1 in.2 filtration. Collect the filtrate for
(45.8 cm2). If the filter area is 3.5 in.2 30 min, maintaining the test tem-
(22.6 cm2), double the filtrate volume perature at ±5°F. Maintain the initial
and report. back pressure during the test; cau-
7. At the end of the test, close both tiously reduce the pressure by draw-
valves. Back the T-screw off and ing off a portion of the filtrate. Allow
bleed pressure from both regulators. sufficient time for all filtrate to drain
CAUTION: Pressure in the filter cell from the receiver, and record the
will still be approximately 500 psi total volume. Time of heating of the
(35 kg/cm2). Maintain cell in upright sample in the filter cell should not
position and cool to room temperature exceed one hour.
before disassembling. CAUTION: Testing at high tempera-
Procedure for temperatures between tures and high pressures will call for
350 to 400°F (149 to 204°C) added safety precautions. Pressuring
1. Connect the heating jacket to the systems and filtrate receivers should
correct voltage for the unit before be equipped with suitable safety relief
the test is made. Place a thermome- valves. Heating jackets should be
ter in the thermometer well. Preheat equipped with both an overheat safety
the heating jacket to 10°F above the fuse and thermostatic cutoff. Vapor
selected test temperature. Adjust the pressure of the liquid phase of muds
thermostat to maintain the desired becomes an increasingly critical design
temperature. factor as test temperatures are raised.
2. Stir the mud sample for 10 min. CAUTION: Pressure in the filter cell
3. Prepare the cell with the stirred mud will still be approximately 500 psi
sample taking care not to fill the cell (35 kg/cm2). Maintain cell in upright
closer than 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) from the position and cool to room temperature,
top to allow for expansion, then place bleed all pressure before disassembling.
the appropriate filtration medium.
3 Testing
Section 5. Activity
The equation for the activity curve using calcium chloride salt is:
AW = 1.003 + [(4.66079 x 10 –3) x (% by wt CaCl2)] – [(7.2903 x 10 –4) x
(% by wt CaCl2)2] + [(5.6323 x 10 –6) x (% by wt CaCl2)3]
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6. Clean electrical probe and repeat test. 7. Record the average of the two meas-
The two readings should not differ urements as the electrical stability.
by more than 5%. If the readings dif-
fer by more than 5%, check meter
and electrical probe for malfunctions.
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19. Defoamer: octanol (CAS # 111-87-5). 11. Connect the rubber hose from the
10. 25-ml graduated cylinder. regulator to the dispersion tube.
11. Carrier gas — CO2 cartridges, Connect the rubber hose from
or preferably, nitrogen. Do Not chamber 3 to the Dräger tube.
use N2O. DO NOT START GAS.
12. Sample injection tube: 6-in. (15.2- 12. Draw into the syringe the whole
mm) long PTFE (Teflon or equiva- mud sample volume plus 0.5 ml of
lent) needle or equivalent. excess mud. The excess mud com-
Procedure pensates for the hold-up volume
11. Start with a clean, dry Garrett inside the injection tube.
Gas Train. 13. Insert the syringe into the dip
12. Modify the Garrett Gas Train by tube, and using a rubber band,
inserting the sample injection tube secure the syringe plunger to the
through the rubber septum so that dip tube. This will prevent the cit-
the bottom end of the dip tube is ric acid-defoamer mixture from
approximately 1⁄2 in. from the bot- traveling up the dip tube when
tom of chamber 1. The dip tube is pressure is applied.
used so that the mud sample can 14. Gently flow gas through the disper-
be injected directly into the citric sion tube for 10 to 15 sec to purge
acid solution. air from the GGT. Regulate the
13. Arrange the magnetic stirrer and flow of gas to avoid frothing of the
stirring bar (in chamber 1) so that solution in chamber 1. Check for
the bar will rotate freely. leaks and for proper operation of
14. Install CO2 cartridge. the flowmeter.
15. Add 20 ml of 2 molar citric acid/ 15. Turn on the magnetic stirrer.
isopropyl/demulsifier solution to Adjust speed so that a vortex is
chamber 1. formed. Carefully lower the disper-
16. Add 10 drops of octanol defoamer sion tube into the liquid to a point
to chamber 1. just above the stirring bar.
17. Break tips of H2S Dräger tube and 16. Lower the injection tube so that the
insert into the Garrett Gas Train bottom is slightly below the disper-
holder on the extreme right side. sion tube. This will allow the oil
The arrow indicating the gas flow mud to be injected into the vortex.
should be pointing down. Place 17. Slowly inject a measured amount**
an O-ring on the Dräger tube. (see Table 6 on page 3.38) of oil-base
18. Insert the flowmeter in the other mud into chamber 1 through the
holder with the air flow arrow injection tube. Increase the speed of
pointing up. Place an O-ring on the stirring bar to improve disper-
the flowmeter. sion and to prevent oil mud from
19. Install the top of the Garrett Gas sticking to the walls. Continue to
Train and tighten all screws to seal. stir for 1 min.
10. Adjust the dispersion tube so that
the tube is positioned above the
liquid level.
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18. Use a rubber band to secure the and passages with warm water and
plunger of the syringe in place. a mild detergent. Wash the disper-
Restart gas flow. Adjust the rate so sion tube and injection tube with
that the flowmeter shows between an organic solvent such as acetone
200 and 400 ml/min by keeping and then with water. Occasionally,
the flowmeter ball between the red the dispersion tube may require
marks on the flowmeter. soaking in an acid to remove
19. Observe changes in appearance of calcium carbonate deposits. The
the Dräger tube. Note and record organic solvents can crack the
the maximum distinct darkened lucite body of the GGT.
length (in units marked on the Using the sample volume, the
tube) before the front starts to Dräger tube darkened length, and
“feather” or smear. Continue flow- the Dräger tube factor, calculate
ing for a total of 15 min, a second sulfides in the sample.
gas cartridge may be required. GGT sulfides (mg/l) =
20. Clean the GGT immediately after darkened length x tube factor
use to minimize deterioration of
sample volume (ml)
the plastic. Clean the chambers
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Pilot Testing
In drilling fluid engineering work, be noted chemical solubility and effec-
calculations are based upon the oil- tiveness may be enhanced by actual
field barrel. The oilfield barrel con- circulation conditions, i.e. temperature
tains 42 U.S. gal. Mud treatments are and pressure. Therefore, it is advisable
generally made by adding a certain to stage the addition of chemical treat-
number of pounds (or fractions of ment over two or more circulations to
a pound) of material to the oilfield avoid over-treatment. For example, 60
barrel of mud. to 70% of the planned addition can be
For pilot test and laboratory work, made on one circulation and adjust-
an oilfield barrel would be difficult to ments to the total amounts made prior
handle. It is much more convenient to adding the remaining chemicals.
to work with a much smaller sample Additions of lime to a clay-base mud
of fluid. Instead of working with a bar- are an example of a treatment difficult
rel of fluid one works with a “barrel to pilot test without heat aging to
equivalent.” A barrel equivalent con- simulate downhole conditions.
tains 350 ml of fluid. This representa- Equipment
tive amount for one barrel is obtained 1. Balance accurate to 0.1 g.
as follows: 2. Hamilton Beach-type mixer or
An oilfield barrel has a volume of equivalent.
42 U.S. gal. It would hold 350 pounds 3. Samples of chemicals to be tested
of fresh water. Three hundred and (preferably obtained at the rig site).
fifty g of water would occupy a volume 4. Equipment to perform mud check.
of 350 ml in the metric system. Thus, 5. Roller oven complete with aging
350 ml can represent the 42 U.S. gal, cells if the sample is to be heat aged.
or oilfield barrel. If 1 g of a material is Procedure
added to this barrel equivalent, this
A sample of the fluid to be tested is
would be the same as adding 1 lb of
collected and a base mud check run
material to an oilfield barrel. If a liq-
and recorded. Based on the properties
uid is added to the final barrel, then
recorded a judgement is made as to
the specific gravity of the fluid must
the type and amounts of treatment
be taken into account. For example,
chemicals necessary to achieve the
if a fluid has a specific gravity of 1.2,
desired results.
then only 0.83 ml will be needed for
Since the agitation imparted to the
1 g or 1 lb/bbl. The specific gravities
mud sample during the addition of
of most materials are contained either
treating chemicals can by itself alter
in Product Bulletins or the Material
the fluids properties, a “control” sam-
Safety Data Sheets.
ple should be stirred for an equivalent
Purpose amount of time and the properties
By using these reduced quantities of recorded for comparison.
materials several possible treatments Careful notation of the order of addi-
can be tested economically prior to tion of all treatments should be kept.
treating the mud system as a whole. The reasoning for this is most evident
This procedure is useful not only when by the example of the properties dis-
contamination arises, but also to eval- played by fluid samples containing
uate treatments when an alteration of water, bentonite and NaCl. If the salt is
fluid properties is planned. It should added first hydration of the bentonite
is suppressed and the fluid properties
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1 1
Specific ⁄4 ⁄2 1 1
Product Gravity Teaspoon Teaspoon Teaspoon Tablespoon
Benex 1.2 0.90 1.80 3.60 10.80
Caustic soda 2.13 1.25 2.50 5.00 15.00
CMC 1.60 0.50 1.10 2.30 6.60
Desco 1.60 0.75 1.50 3.00 9.60
Diaseal M >2.0 0.80 1.60 3.20 12.60
Drispac 1.50-1.60 0.60 1.20 2.40 7.60
DUO-VIS 1.5 0.75 1.50 3.00 10.00
FLOXIT 1.4 0.40 1.00 2.00 6.50
GELEX 1.2 1.00 1.75 3.50 11.00
Gypsum 2.32 1.30 2.30 4.90 12.60
Ironite sponge 4.30 1.50 3.50 8.00 25.00
KOH 2.04 1.00 2.50 5.00 15.00
KWIK-THIK 2.3-2.6 1.00 2.00 4.00 12.00
Lime 2.20 0.60 1.30 2.40 7.70
Lo Loss 1.5 0.50 1.50 3.00 9.00
LO-WATE 2.8 1.00 2.25 4.50 13.00
MF-1 1.2 0.50 1.50 3.00 10.00
M-I BAR 4.20 2.08 4.17 8.33 25.00
Mica 2.75 0.50 0.80 2.00 5.80
Mixical 2.70 1.00 2.50 5.00 15.00
M-I GEL 2.30-2.60 0.98 1.95 2.90 6.70
MY-LO-JEL 1.45 0.63 1.25 2.50 7.50
Phos 2.5 1.00 3.00 6.00 20.00
POLYPAC 1.5-1.6 0.50 1.00 2.00 8.00
Potassium chloride 1.98 1.90 3.10 6.10 19.10
Quebracho 1.10-1.40 1.00 2.00 4.00 12.00
RESINEX 1.65 0.75 1.50 3.00 10.50
Salt 2.16 1.50 3.00 6.00 18.00
SALT GEL 2.20-2.40 0.70 1.50 3.00 8.80
SAPP 1.90 1.15 2.30 4.60 13.80
Soda ash 2.51 1.60 3.00 6.00 17.80
Sodium bicarbonate 2.16 0.72 1.45 2.90 8.70
Soltex 1.2-1.5 0.50 1.00 2.00 6.00
SP-101 1.05 0.75 1.50 3.00 10.00
SPERSENE 1.20 0.50 1.00 2.00 6.00
Starch 1.50 0.60 1.00 2.00 5.80
TANNATHIN 1.60 0.85 1.70 3.40 10.20
THERMPAC 1.50 0.50 1.00 2.00 8.00
VG-69 1.57 1.00 2.00 3.00 9.00
XCD polymer 1.5 1.00 1.90 3.60 10.70
XP-20 1.83 1.17 2.33 4.67 14.00