Mud Alkalinity

PH
 Mud Alkalinity
Alkalinity is the relative acidity or Alkalinity of the
liquid is expressed as (PH ).
PH : define as the Negative Logarithm (to the base
10) of the hydrogen ions concentration .
PH decreases with increasing of acidity by factor of
10 .
PH of Water is ( 7) when the Hydrogen ions
concentration is equal to the Hydroxyl ions
concentration ( H+ = OH+ ).
H+ + OH+ = 14
 Mud Alkalinity
PH
Water

0 14

Acidity 7 Alkalinity

PH Measure using :
PH Meter using electronic road to detect the ph values
PH paper using chemical reactions to report change
colors at different Ph Values.
pH Paper
pH meter
 Alkalinity
Why we are controlling the PH of the mud system ?

1. To prevent drill string corrosion.

2. To achieve the maximum benefits of using mud
additives ex: Polymers Bentonite .. etc
3. To prevent chemical contamination of the mud .
4. To control mud chemical stability >
5. PH value will indicate for soluble Gases at the mud .
 ALKALINITY
PH Increases by adding :
Caustic Soda NaoH
NaOH -------- Na + OH ( Hydroxyl )

While drilling Ph of the mud Lowers at drilling

anhydrites, this results of displacing hydrogen
ions at the structures of the clays in the mud.
Adding water to refreshing the mud will low the
PH .
 Drilling Fluid Tests
pH
ALKALINITY
Determination of the maximum equivalent numbers of an
acid which can react with a base and form a salt.
Titration with acid to a certain end point.

ALKALINITY INDICATORS
Carbonates
Bicarbonates
Hydroxides
Occasionally Borates, Silicates and Phosphates
 Drilling Fluid Tests
Hardness
Calcium
Magnesium
Salt Content
Chlorides
Special Titrations
 Chemical Testing Procedures
Note the units the pipette
measures!
Avoid using the same
pipette for different
chemicals.
Use a syringe for mud or
viscous additives
For caustic additions:
Use a syringe or
Dropper Bottle!