WEIGHT OR DENSITY TEST

The density of the drilling fluid must be controlled to provide adequate hydrostatic head to prevent the influx of formation fluids, but not so high as to cause loss of circulation or adversely affect the drilling rate and damaging the formation. Lonquist offer two testing options; Le Chatelier Flask Testing (API 13-A) or The TRU-WATE™ Fluid Density Balance (API 13B-1) which measures density more accurately.

VISCOSITY

The viscosity of a fluid is defined as its resistance to flow. This can be measured by two methods which follow API 13A or API 13B-1. The Marsh Funnel Test measures viscosity as a ratio of the speed of the sample fluid as it passes through the outlet tube (the shear rate) to the amount of force (the weight of the fluid) that is causing the fluid to flow (the shear stress). The Fann Model 35 Viscometers measure plastic viscosity, yield and the yield point-plastic viscosity ratio.

HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION (pH)

The acidity and the alkalinity of the drilling fluid can be measured by the concentration of the (H+) ion in the fluid. We offer two methods to measure pH. The pH Meter is an electric device utilizing glass electrodes to measure a potential difference and indicate directly by dial reading the pH of the sample which complies with API 13B-1. The pH meter is the most accurate method of measuring pH. However, we can also offer pH reading using pH paper.

FILTRATION & WALL BUILDING

Filtration is the loss of liquid from a mud due to filtration is controlled by the filter cake formed of the solid constituents in the drilling fluid. It consists of measuring the volume of liquid forced through the mud cake for a specific period of time under a given pressure and temperature using a standard size cell. These tests comply with API 13A or API 13B-1. Measuring filtration behavior and wall-cake building characteristics of a mud/drilling material is essential to drilling fluids management and treatment.

SAND CONTENT DETERMINATION

Periodic sand content determination of drilling mud is desirable, because excessive sand may result in the deposition of a thick filter cake on the wall of the hole, or may settle in the hole about the tools when circulation is stopped, thus interfering with successful operation of drilling tools or setting of casting. High sand content also may cause excessive abrasion of pump parts and pipe connections. The sand content of drilling fluid is the percentage (volume fraction) of particles of diameter larger than 74 μm. It is measured by using a sand test kit which complies with API 13B-1.

WET SIEVING

The Wet Sieve test measures particle size and distribution of materials used in drilling fluids, such as barite or bentonite. Wet sieving produces better quality separation than dry sieving. The wet sieve analysis follows API Specification 13A, Specification for Drilling Fluids and Materials.