TITLE: PROPERTIES OF DRILLING FLUIDS

NAME: KOOBEE ASOOH

SN:200315719
COURSE: ENPE 460

Summary

The purpose of the lab is to present test procedures used to determine whether
the drilling fluid has suitable properties for performing their functions. The
apparatus used are Marsh funnel (Model 140), pH meter, Model 35A Viscometer,
Model 88c Resistivity meter and Filter press.
Water based mud was prepared in the lab using bentonite, caustic soda, Exlo
Stayflo, and soda ash.
Drilling mud properties are tested to avoid down hole problems, like blowout and
to make sure the mud performs it functions properly. The summary of the result
are presented in the appendix.

Introduction
Apparatus used are:
Marsh funnel

Mud Balance (Model 140)

pH meter
Model 35A Viscometer
Model 88c Resistivity meter
Filter press

PROCEDURE
1. Mixing Procedures of water base mud samples
First fill the pail with 1.5 liter of tap water
use a stirrer, stir rapidly when adding the following dry ingredients.
0.5g/L caustic 1.5 L= 0.75g
1.5g/L Soda ash 1.5 L =2.25g
45g/L Bentonite 1.5 L = 67.5g
-1.5g/L ExLo Stayflo 1.5 L= 0.75g
Mix until the mud sample is really smooth
2. Measurements of density, marsh funnel viscosity, and pH
o

Using the marsh funnel, the time required for the mud sample to flow through
it is measured; this is a rapid test of the consistency of a drilling fluid. This
test essentially consists of filling the funnel with a mud sample and then
measuring the time required for 1 quart of the sample to flow from the
initially full funnel into the mud cup. The funnel viscosity is reported in units

of seconds per quart.

Using the mud balance;
- The balance cup is cleaned and dried before it is filled with the drilling
-

sample
Drilling fluid sample containing large amounts of gas should be degassed

before a density measurement is attempted

Place the base stand on the surface that is approximately levelled
Fill the balance cup with the sample to be tested. Tap the side of the
balance cup several times to break up any entrained air or gases. Put the
lid onto the balance cup by pushing it downward with a slow rotating

motion until it is firmly sealed. Make sure that some of the test sample is
-

forced out through the vent hole in the lid

Clean any sample from the outside the balance cup and lid
Take the reading from the side of the rider nearest the balance cup. (The
arrow on the rider is pointing to this side). The measurement reading

should be reported to the nearest 0.1lbs/gal. 0.5lbs/cu ft., or 0.01g/cm 3

Empty the sample from the cup. Clean and dry the entire assembly as

soon as possible.
pH Determination
pH is used to express the concentration of hydrogen ions in an aqueous
solution. Using a pH meter,
- Rinse the electrode and temperature probe with de-ionized or distilled
water. Rinsing removes impurities adhering on the electrode body, and
-

activates the electrode if it is dehydrated

Switch on the meter and make sure the meter is in MEAS mode
Dip the electrode and temperature probe 2 inches into the sample. Make
sure the glass bulb of the electrode and of the temperature probe is

completely immersed into the sample

Stir the electrode gently in the sample to create a homogeneous sample
Take the readings when stabilized, this happens when a READY indicator
displays. The READY mode shows the readings are stable within a range
0.01 pH. When this occurs, READY appears on the top left corner of your
display. The reading holds until the measured value fluctuation exceeds
the set limits.

3. Viscosity Profile Measurement using Model 35A viscometer

The model 35A viscometer is used to measure the plastic viscosity, yield
point, and the gel strength
- The stainless steel sample cup provided has a line at the proper 350mL
-

test fluid level. Fill the cup to that line with recently stirred test fluid
A scribed line on the rotor indicates proper immersion depth
The model 35 viscometer is an instrument with the ability to test at six
different speeds. To select the desired speed, set the speed switch located
on the ride side of the base to the high or low speed position as desired.
Then turn the motor on and move the viscometer gearshift knob located in
the center of the top of the instrument to its desired position

Gel Strength Measurement

Stir the sample thoroughly at 600rpm, and set gears to the neutral

position and turn motor off

Set the gear at 3 rpm while waiting the desired gelling time (10seconds

initial gel, 10 minute 10 min gel or final gel)

Record the maximum dial reading before the gel breaks (peak dial
reading) and allows the dial reading to decrease. This reading is the gel
strength in pounds per 100square feet for the gel time used

4. Measurement of Resistivity
o Testing SEMISOLID Samples (Filter cakes, mud solids)
- Prepare samples of uniform moisture content
- Fill the SLOT on the outer surface of the cell completely with a semisolid
-

sample
Reattach the sample cell onto the pins on the meter
Insert the temperature probe in the wall in the sample cell, set the MODE
switch to TEMP and allow the temperature reading to stabilize. This will
take at least three minutes if meter and sample are not at room

temperature
Set the MODE switch to RES, read and record the resistivity in ohmmeters
Remove the sample cell and clean with distilled water
Using the nomograph , convert resistivity values to concentration of

chlorides
Testing FLUID samples (Liquids, filtrates, drilling fluids)
- Remove the sample cell from the resistivity meter and fill it with the test
sample. When filling the cell with filtrate, fill and discharge the sample
several times before the final filling. Make sure there are no air bubbles in
-

the sample.
Follow steps 3 through 7 in the above procedure

5. Control of Mud weight

Barium sulphate is the primary additive used to increase the density of clay/
water mud. The ideal mixing calculation s allow the determination of the
amount of mud and weight material required to obtain a specific volume of
mud having a specified density
- Design a control of mud density
- Make 500 ml of a new sample (mud#2) from the original mud sample
- Repeat all the tests as shown above from steps 2 to 4
- Compare the tested results for both mud samples
- Filtration of the new sample using the following procedure
6. Filtration of Mud Sample

The filter press is used to determine the filtration rate through a standard
filter paper and wall building properties of drilling fluids. To operate the filter
press with a compressed gas pressure source, follow the following steps;
- Assemble the clean, dry parts of the filter cell
- Secure the cell to the base cap by rotating it clockwise
- Fill the cell with the test sample to within approximately (6mm) of the
-

top. Set the filter press cell assembly in place within the frame
Check the top cap to make sure the rubber gasket is in place. Place the
top cap, already connected to the pressure source, onto the filter cell and

secure the cell in place with the T- screw

Place a dry graduated cylinder under the filtrate tube, either on the

support or in the clip

At the end of 30 minutes, close the pressure source valve and back off the
regulator, open the safety bleeder valve. This releases the pressure on

the entire system

Measure the volume of the filtrate collected in the graduated cylinder and
record the filtrate loss in milliliters as the API ( 30 minute) filtrate loss of
the drilling fluid, or using the following equation to calculate the standard
water loss from 7.5 min test results;
V30 =2(V7.5 Vsp) + Vsp

Where Vsp is a spurt loss volume filtrate, often observed before the porosity and
permeability of the filter cake stabilizes.
- Loosen the T- screw remove the cell top and then remove the cell from the
-

frame
Discard the drilling fluid
Dissemble the filter cell and carefully remove the filter cake and filter

paper from the base cap

With a gentle steam of water, carefully wash excess drilling fluid from the

cake
Measure and record the thickness of the filter cake to the nearest 1/32

(0.8mm)
Record the properties of the filter cake such as texture, hardness,
flexibility, etc.

PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

Old Mud

From Table 1.1 in the appendix, the Marsh funnel viscosity was estimated to be
62.47seconds/quart. This is used to test for the consistency of the mud. Also took a
sample of three trials while measuring the mud density. The average of the three
trial resulted to

avg =

8.55ppg with an average specific value of

SG avg=1.02 .

The PH value was determined to be 10.98 at a temperature of 25C. The

4

concentration of the mud was found to be 9.5 10 mol /l . The dial reading at
600rpm and 300rpm was estimated to be 51.5 and 37 respectively. The initial and
final gel strength were measured to be 10 lb/ ft

and 24 lb/ ft

respectively. The

plastic viscosity was calculated to be 14.5cp and the yield point was estimated to

be

22.5

lbf
.
100 f t 2

Check appendix for sample calculation.

Mud Design

20 g of mudis required be added 500 ml inorder raise the mud density 8.55 ppg 9 ppg
Check Appendix for sample calculation
New Mud
The mud density was estimated for three samples and was found to be 8.8ppg with
a specific gravity of 1.05. The pH determination was measured to be 10.22@ 25C.

Also, Thus concentration

O H =10

=16.5 105 mol /l . The dial reading at

of

10.2214

600rpm and 300rpm was measured to be 58 and 38 respectively. The initial and
2

final gel strength was estimated to be 7.5lb/ ft 25lb/ ft

was calculated to be

20 cp .

. The plastic viscosity

Yield point , was estimated be 18 lbf /100 ft .

Mud filtrate Volume

The summary of the mud filtrate volume against time is seen in table 1.2. The spurt
loss volume was estimated to be
calculated to be 8.4 cm

V sp =0 cm3 .

V 30=9.3 table 1.2

and it was

, a difference of 0.9.

Resistivity
The mud resistivity was found to be

Rm=4.48 m

and the mud filtrate

Rmf =3.32 m. The

T m=74.9 T mf =75.3 . chart C m=

13 g 750 gram
19 g 1100 gram
,
@75 chart Cmf =
,
@75
kg
gal
kg
gal

hmc=2.2mm

Conclusion
The lab procedures were properly followed to test for while estimating the property
of the drilling mud. It is required to test the property of a drilling mud so as to avoid
blowout, and also to make sure drilling mud performs its functions properly.

Reference
Dr Bill (2014). ENPE 410 lab Manuel for fall 2014.University of Regina

Appendix
Summary of the results obtained directly from laboratory measurement.

Measurement of mud property

Marsh Funnel Viscosity
Mud density (in lb/gal ) and
specific gravity

Old Mud PH@25

Results Obtained
62.47seconds/quart

Density obtained before barite was added

Trials Densities
Specific
(lb/gal)
gravities
1
8.6
1.03
2
8.5
1.01
3
8.5
1.02
10.98@ 25C

New mud density

New Mud pH@25

Viscosity

Summary table

Trials
Density
1
8.8
2
8.8
3
8.8
10.22 at 25o C

Specific gravity
1.05
1.05
1.05

Rpm
600
300

New Mud
58
38

Old mud
51.5
37

Table
1.1-

Sample calculation for old mud

Plastic viscosity ( PV ) ,u p =600 300 =51.537=14.5 cp

Yield point , = 300 u p =3714.5=22.5 lbf /100 ft

Sample calculation for the Mud Weight Design

Average mud density,

avg =8.53 ppg , SG avg=1.02, m 1=1.02

Assuming we want to raise the mud density to 9ppg

SG 2 =

9
=1.05, m 2=1.05
8.53

SG of barite=4.2, s=4.2 1000

If 500ml is used

0.5(1.051.02)
( sm 2 )
=0.00476 L
=
(4.21.05)
Vm 1( m2 m 1)

V s=
m= s V s=4.2 ( 1000 ) ( 0.00476 )=20 g
20 g of mud is required be adde d 500 ml inorder raise the mud density 9 ppg

New

Sample calculation for new Mud

Plastic viscosity ( PV ) ,u p =600 300 =5838=20 cp

Yield point , = 300 u p =3820=18 lbf /100 ft

V(ml)
t(mins)
1
0
2
2
3
4
4
6.5
4.2
7.5
5
10
6
13
7
17
8
23
9
28
9.3
30
Table 1.2-Mud filtrate volume with time

Mud filtrate volume vs t(mins)

10
8
6
V(ml)

V(ml)

4
2
0
0

10

15

20

t(mins)

25

30

35

Resistivity

Rm=4.48,T m =74.9 . chart C m=

13 g 750 gram
,
@75
kg
gal

Rmf =3.32, T m=75.3 . chart Cm =

hmc=2.2mm

19 g 1100 gram
,
@75
kg
gal