Drilling Fluids

The API fluid loss test is used only with Water Based Muds. The test is used to determine the static filtration characteristics of the mud and the need for treatment with fluid loss additives. Fluid loss must be maintained within the programmed specification to limit potential for differential sticking and formation damage inside the reservoir. API Fluid Loss – Water Based Mud Testing

Solids present in the mud will directly affect mud and well costs, and can affect drilling rates, hydraulics, rig equipment, and is also a major cause of stuck pipe and lost circulation.  Volume, size and type of solids present in the mud can influence the: mudgradient viscosity and gel strengths fluid loss filter cake. Mechanical Solids Control – Introduction

The minimum stock requirements listed in the following tables shall be at the rig site prior to spud and maintained at all times. Note: The approval of the Superintendent Operations is required to continue operations if these stocks are not available on site. Offshore Stock Requirements Item Minimum Requirement Barite 70 tons Cement 1 000 Minimum Stock Requirements

The main use of this test is to indicate trends, and signal changes, in fluid viscosity during the drilling operation.Funnel viscosity values are dependent both on fluid type and temperature, therefore, results should not be compared between different operations. Equipment Marsh Funnel and receiving jug with the one quart level clearly marked. Reporting Report in Funnel Viscosity – Mud Testing

Rheology is a fundamental mud property determining circulating pressures, suspension capabilities and carrying capacity. It must be checked regularly and controlled very carefully to ensure it is maintained within the range specified in the drilling fluids programme. Plastic Viscosity (PV) indicates solids content and, therefore, general condition of the mud. For a specific mud, at Rheology – Mud Testing

The HTHP test is used mainly with Oil Based Mud although it may be used with water based mud under certain circumstances such as in high temperature wells or wells which exhibit a high risk of differential sticking. HTHP testing of water based mud is not routine and shall be specified in the Drilling Fluids High Temperature / High Pressure Test (HTHP) – Mud Testing

This is a simple test designed to measure the level of particles in the mud of greater that 200 mesh or 75 microns. Mud additives are generally of smaller particle size, unless specialised materials such as sized Calcium Carbonate are added to the mud. Consequently, material reported as sand tends to be very hard and Sand Content – Mud Testing

Important test for determination of the drilled solids content of the mud and therefore for identification of requirements for dilution and / or changes to solids removal equipment set-up. In the test, a known volume of mud is distilled from a heated chamber, by way of a condenser to be collected in a measuring cylinder. Solids Content – Mud Testing

pH control is important with all water based mud systems to ensure proper functioning of chemical additives and to limit the potential for corrosion. pH must be maintained within the range specified in the drilling fluids programme. Equipment Use of a calibrated pH meter is the preferred method of measurement. Good quality pH paper, accurate pH – Water Based Mud Testing

Test to determine nature and source of alkalinity in the mud and give an indication of mud condition. Correct interpretation of the results will highlight Carbonate / Bicarbonate contamination of mud which can lead to increased gel strength and YP. One sample of filtrate is used for determination of Pf and Mf; the Mf is Alkalinity (Pf, Mf & Pm) – Water Based Mud Testing