The following tests shall be carried out by the Mud Engineer to guard against possible wrong delivery of bulk material from supply vessels/trucks:

- water/acid test
- weighing method test

The Mud Engineer shall ensure that the type of material is checked before the new delivery is loaded into the rig bins.

Sampling on Arrival

A representative sample can only be obtained when taken from the tanks of the supply vessel/trucks.  Samples may be handed over on arrival of the supply vessel/truck and these samples are acceptable, if they are taken properly from the tanks, without contamination from other tanks or from the lines. If no samples are available the following procedure shall be applied.

1. CLEAN all transfer lines by blowing off.

2. TRANSFER a small amount of bulk product and TAKE a sample from the line as soon as it is certain that the product is coming from the right supply vessel/truck and is not contaminated.

Note: All sampling and testing shall be carried out or fully supervised by the Mud Engineer.

Distinction Between Bulk Solid Materials

Water / Acid Test

1. TAKE some of the sample and RUN it between the fingers under a stream of water. If it is bentonite the sample will hydrate and become sticky between the fingers.

2. POUR some Hydrochloric Acid (diluted) on part of the sample on a watch glass. Bubbling indicates cement, no bubbling indicates barites.

Weighing Method

1. FILL a 100 ml graduated cylinder with sample to the 100 ml mark.

2. KNOCK the cylinder gently on the bench during filling to remove air densifying the contents.

3. WEIGH contents.

4. IDENTIFY contents using following table.

It is recommended to send 10 kg of cement to base for lab test by the cementing contractor.

Wrong Materials Delivered

In the event that the wrong bulk product is delivered to the rig, the Mud Engineer shall ensure:

• no transfer takes place
• samples are sent to the Mud and Cement Laboratory stating:
• date
• rig
• supply vessel/truck
• material (sample) type
• material expected/ordered
• Visually measure bulk by barge eng/well site eng and mud engineer.
• any other relevant information.