1507742243ABUAD-Drilling Fluid Test FieldTest

Drilling Engineering – PTE 313
Drilling Fluids and Cements
Drilling Fluid Field Tests

By
Omotara O.O.
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.
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.
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.

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)

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.
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.
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.
μa = ρ (t - 25)
μa = apparent viscosity in centipoise
ρ = density in g/cm³
t = quart funnel time in seconds
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.
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.
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 ft2 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.
Plastic Viscosity and Yield Point
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.
Standard API Filtration Test
The filtration and wall-building

properties of drilling mud are
determined by means of a standard
filter press. The filtration properties of
drilling muds are a measure of the
ability of the solid components of the
muds to form a thin, low-permeability
filter cake
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.
The flow of mud filtrate through a mudcake is described by Darcy’s law. Thus, the rate
of filtration is given by
Combining with the continuity equation gives
Vf - the volume of the filtrate, cm3 ; t – time, s ; k – permeability of the mudcake, Darcy
A – the area of the filter paper, cm2 ; p – the pressure drop across the mudcake, atm.
According to API standard, p = 100 psig
 – the viscosity of the mud filtrate, cp ; hmc – 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 cm2; 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Example: Using the following data obtained using and HTHP filter press,
determine the spurt loss and API water loss.
Time, min Filtrate Volume, cm3
1.0 6.5
7.5 14.2
Time, min Filtrate Volume, cm3
1.0 6.5
7.5 14.2
The spurt loss = 2.07 cm3
The API water loss:

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. Sand content can be determined by elutriation, settling or sieve
analysis. Of the three methods, sieve analysis is the most preferred because of
reliability of test & simplicity of equipment
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.
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
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.

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 water-in-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.
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.

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.
Reporting Results
•Volume percent of water
•Volume percent of oil
•Volume percent of solid

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.
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 220°F
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 manufacturer’s 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.

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,

m2/m)
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.

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
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.
Alkalinity
At pH = 8.3, the conversion of hydroxides to water and carbonates to

bicarbonates is essentially complete.
H+ + OH- = H2O
H+ + CO32- = HCO3-
As 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(Pm - 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.
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 cm3 of mud filtrate is titrated using
0.02 N H2SO4, 1.0 cm3 of H2SO4 is required to reach the
phenolphthalein endpoint and 1.1 cm3 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 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%.
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 cm3 of mud filtrate is titrated using 0.02 N H2SO4, 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 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%.
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.

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

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

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.
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.
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 Mf end point, including that volume used to reach the Pf 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.
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 AgNO3 concentration usually is used for the

titration.
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 Cl- per liter.
Also, assuming that only sodium chloride was present, compute the
salinity of the filtrate in milligrams of NaCl per liter.
Example: One cm3 of mud filtrate is titrated using 0.0282 N AgNO3 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 Cl- per 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
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.

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.

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Drilling Engineering – PTE 313

Drilling Fluids and Cements

Drilling Fluid Field Tests

The mud density test is conducted in order to

The mud density test is conducted using a mud balance, which

8. Clean and replace the instrument.

1. Mud weight can be reported as:

pounds per gallon (ppg);

pounds per cubic foot (lbm/cu ft);

specific gravity (g/cm3).

(Mud weight in ppg x 0.052 = mud gradient in psi/ft)

(Mud weight in lb/cu ft)/(144) = mud gradient in psi/ft)

2. Determine the temperature of the mud sample by inserting a thermometer into

3. Make a note of the temperature.

Seconds per quart at X °F (API Standard); or

Seconds per 1000 cc at X °F.

2. Measure the temperature of the mud sample and record it.

6. Tighten the leg lock nut.

Procedure for Gel Strength Determination

Shut motor off and wait 10 seconds.

The filtration and wall-building

The standard filter press unit consists

Combining with the continuity equation gives

2. Remove the filter cell and disassemble it.

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

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.

23. Wait until all pressure is released.

26. Remove the bottom cap from the cell.

31. Wash and dry all parts of the filter press.

Time, min Filtrate Volume, cm3

Time, min Filtrate Volume, cm3

The spurt loss = 2.07 cm3

The API water loss:

3. Cover the mouth of the tube and shake vigorously.

4. Pour this mixture through the screen.

7. Fit the funnel upside-down over the top of the screen.

their estimated volume from the total volume.

Knowledge of a drilling mud's liquid and solids content is important in

The test is a distillation of a mud sample that measures condensed oil

1.Lift the upper insulator lid.

3.Using the spatula as a screwdriver, loosen the lower mud chamber.

4.Remove the lower mud chamber from the retort assembly.

7.Remove the lid from the mud cup.

9.Clear any obstructions from the vent hole in the lid.

10.Loosely pack the upper chamber with fine steel wool.

14. Wipe excess mud off the lid.

16. Replace the retort assembly in the insulator block.

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.

•Volume percent of water

•Volume percent of oil

•Volume percent of solid

The resistivity of water-base muds is measured and controlled

Salt is used to lower the resistivity. Fresh water is the only

1. Mud, filtrate and filter cake

3. Calibrated resistivity cell