Drilling Fluids Properties

Lecture - 2

( Second Stage )
Dept. of Oil and Gas Engineering

22 / 3 / 2022 Lecturer: M.Sc. Hussein Aliwi

Each of drilling fluid's Functions can be achieved by controlling specific property, for
example, to get efficient hole cleaning, Drilling fluid's viscosity have to be in certain value,
to control the Formation pressure drilling fluid have to have good Density to generate
Hydrostatic pressure greater than Pore pressure. So, drilling fluid have the following
properties:

• Mud Weight (Density)

• Rheology properties (Viscosity)
• Filtrate Loss
• Solids content
• Acidity or Alkalinity (PH)
Any other property can be considered to be of secondary importance to these. Thus,
when the condition of the drilling fluid is discussed, it should be in terms which
relate to the above fundamental properties.
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1
 Mud Weight (Density)
Question:
• What is Mud Weight (density)?
Answer:
Mud weight or mud density is a weight of mud per unit volume. It is one of the
most important drilling fluid properties because it Generate Hydrostatic Pressure
to Controls Formation Pressure and it also helps wellbore stability. Mud weight is
measured and reported in pounds per gallon (PPG), pounds per cubic feet (lb /ft3),
or gram per cubic centimeter (gm/cc), or other units such as specific gravity or
Kilogram per Liter (kg/L).

• Fresh Water density = 8.34 ppg (1.0 S.G.)

• Oil Base (Diesel) = 7.0 ppg (0.84 S.G.)
• Mud varies from 8.4 to 19.0+ ppg

It is typically expressed in oil field units as pounds per gallon (ppg)

3

Drilling Fluids Properties (Density)

Hydrostatic Pressure (Phy): define as the weight of

fluid’s column at certain depth.

. ∗ ∗

Pore Pressure:
The Pressure of the Fluids inside the rock. There are
three types:
• Normal Formation Pressure
• Abnormal Formation Pressure
• Subnormal Formation Pressure

Fracture Pressure:
The pressure value at which the rock starts cracking.
4

2
 Plotting Pressure VS Depth

Pressure Gradient (Gp): define as the rate of pressure change with the depth, its unit (psi/ft), (Psi/m).

. ∗ → ) . ∗

Equivalent Circulation Density (ECD): is the effective density of a circulating fluid in the
wellbore resulting from the sum of the hydrostatic pressure imposed by the static fluid column and the
friction pressure. (This Value use to Prevent Mud Loses).
TVD
- . ρ0 :Mud Density ppg
*+ , APL: Annular Pressure Loses Friction
. ∗
TVD: Total Vertical Depth ft

Equivalent Mud Density (EMD) Or Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW): is the mud weight needed to
balance formation-fluid pressure, i.e., it is the formation pressure divided by the depth below the Kelly
bushing converted to pounds per gallon (the conversion factor is 0.0519 psi/ft =1 lb/gal).
=>? @ AB
*< ,
. ∗ . ∗

3
Wellbore Stability ( Median Line Principle)
The mid-point between the Fracturing pressure and the Pore
pressure defines the borehole pressure that is equal to the ideal in-
situ stress. Maintaining the mud pressure close to this level causes
least disturbance on the borehole wall.

( P f + Pp )
σa = = Phy
2
The median line principle will be used to define the actual mud
weights to be used in a drilling instable formation.

Fracture Pressure Can be estimated if there is no measured Value:

P  2 Pp 
(min) = 1 / 3  1 + 
Z  Z 
P  Pp 
(max) = 1 / 2  1 + 
Z  Z 
7

Example/ Design Mud Weight suitable for drilling formation at depth 8000ft
in the well has the Pressure curve shown in the figure (assume
∆p=1000psi):

Example/ Calculate recommended mud density to drill Safely formation

at depth 2400m if you know that:
• Pp = 3700psi & Pf = 5750psi
• Annular Pressure Losses = 450psi

Example/ Calculate Pressure For the following cases (formation depth is

2400 m) and recommend suitable mud density:
• Case 1: Mud losses happen while circulation mud to clean the hole
(mud density = 11 ppg). Dry pipe was POOH 300m B.S.
• Case 2: Well flow happen while mud density was (8.9ppg), driller
shut-off the well SIDPP was 500psi.

4
 Density Control and Used Material
Type of situations:
1. Mixing New Mud ( SPUD IN MUD ), Mixing Procedure after Pilot test:
1. Fill the tank with the required amount of freshwater. ( best freshwater - warm , low Salinity )
2. Add Soda Ash to reduce the water hardness for optimum gel hydration to get PH (9-9.5).
3. Add Bentonite and leave to hydrate (around six hours) to get Viscosity about 40cp.
4. Cut the Bentonite concentration to with fresh water.
5. Add Caustic Soda (use a chemical barrel) before pumping down-hole.

2. Weight up:
Increase Mud density by adding High Weighted Material (High
Specific gravity Material) such as barite, micromax, ilmenite, and
hematite are commonly added to drilling fluids to produce high-density
fluids that could be used to drill deep oil and gas wells.

3. Dilution: Mud Density can be decreased by:

a) Dilution ( add Water or low density fluid like crude Oil ).

b) Solids Control equipment such as an industrial Centrifuge, de-silter, de-sander and shale shaker.

• Fresh Water density = 8.34 ppg (1.0 S.G.)

• Oil Base (Diesel) = 7.0 ppg (0.84 S.G.)

Note: Mud density increase during drilling as a result of entering the high specific particles from drilling Formation
(Cutting), the rate of increasing Mud Density depends on formation's type and ROP.

4. Mixing two Muds: in some cases, When drilling Operations finish and the rig down, Drilling Mud transport to another
rig site to use as an action to save money and reduce the cost . So received mud have to added to the existing mud,
each mud has its specific properties and mixing them together produce new mud with new properties.

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5
 Density Control and Used Material
* Type of situations:
1. Mixing New Mud ( SPUD IN MUD ) .
2. Weight up
3. Dilution
4. Mix two Mud
Main Equation: Assumptions: ,

Volume Weight / Quantity

11

Q1/ Spud in mud (FWB) 800 bbl , The volumetric ratio of solids in the fluid equal 5% , For weighting up until
12.5 ppg, Barite has been added. Calculate the amount of barite necessary to carry out the treatment?

Unit convert ,1m3 = 264.172 gal ,1m3 = 1000 L

1m3 = 35.3147 ft 3 ,1m3 = 61023.7 in3

Note: during drilling, cutting will add to drilling mud, this cutting will increase mud density , so mud density
proportional directly with the amount of cutting entering to drilling fluid, Amount of cutting related to ROP,
Calculate the amount of cutting entering to drilling fluid:
Where::
2 V = amountof cutting (l / 10m3 )
84.45* D * ROP
V= D = Hole Size(in)
Q ROP = Rateof penetration (m / h)
Q = Pump flowrate(l / m)

12

6
 84.45* D2 * ROP
V=
Q
84.45* (12.25)2 * 6
V=
2000
= 38.0 L/m2 of mud

13

Q2/ Calculate Water volume that should be add to mud (1000 bbl, 12 ppg) to decrease its density to 10 ppg, and
what is the final volume?

Answer:
CDE , CF CDG UVW C IJ
∴ IDE JDE , IKLMNO JKLMNO IDG JDG
12 ∗ 1000 , 8.33 ∗ JKLMNO 10 ∗ JDG UVW ∶ JDG JDE , JKLMNO

12 ∗ 1000 , 8.33 ∗ JKLMNO 10 ∗ JDE , JKLMNO )

12 ∗ 1000 , 8.33 ∗ JKLMNO 10 ∗ 1000 , JKLMNO )
12 ∗ 1000 , 8.33 ∗ JKLMNO 10,000 , 10 ∗ JKLMNO

12000 Z 10000 10 ∗ JKLMNO Z 8.33 ∗ JKLMNO

2000 1.77 ∗ JKLMNO

G\\\
JKLMNO =1129 bbl ∴ JDG 1000 , 1129 2129 UU_
E.]]

14

7
 Q3/ Calculate oil volume that should be add to mud (1000 bbl, 12 ppg) to decrease its density to 10 ppg, and
what is the final volume? Compare with Q2.

Answer:
CDE , CF CDG … … UVW C IJ
∴ IDE JDE , Iabc Jabc IDG JDG
12 ∗ 1000 , 8.33 ∗ JKLMNO 10 ∗ JDG
UVW ∶ JDG JDE , JKLMNO

12 ∗ 1000 , 6.83 ∗ Jabc 10 ∗ JDE , Jabc )

12 ∗ 1000 , 6.83 ∗ Jabc 10 ∗ 1000 , Jabc )
12 ∗ 1000 , 6.83 ∗ Jabc 10000 , 10 ∗ Jabc
12000 Z 10000 10 ∗ Jabc Z 6.83 ∗ Jabc
2000 3.17 ∗ Jabc
G\\\
Jabc =630.91 bbl ‫ف س‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ا ل ن م ) ا ء( ا‬ ‫ل) ا ط( ھذه ا‬ ‫فا‬ ‫لا‬
e.E]
1 ‫ر ا ؤال ر م‬ ‫ا م ن لا‬
∴ JDG 1000 , 630.9 1630.9 UU_
16

Q4/ Rig received 70m3 drilling mud ( wet = 1.12 gm/cc), Add this volume to the total mud system volume
(200m3, wet = 1.08gm/cc) and circulate to condition mud. calculate the final mud density and volume.
calculate the time required to achieve this treatment if mud pump output was 2.7 m3/min.?

IDE JDE , IDG JDG IDe JDe

1.12 ∗ 70 , 1.08 ∗ 200 IDe JDe

JDe JDG , JDE
JDe 70 , 200 270

1.12 ∗ 70 , 1.08 ∗ 200 IDe ∗ 270

1.12 ∗ 70 , 1.08 ∗ 200 ‫م‬ ‫ف سا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫م ) ا ء( ا‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ھذه ا‬ (‫ل) ا ط‬ ‫فا‬ ‫لا‬
IDe 1.09fg/ii ‫ر‬ ‫لا‬ ‫ن‬
270

Q5 – HomeWork/ Calculate how much Water and Bentonite are required to make 800 bbl of 10.5 ppg, then
calculate the barite are required to increase the density to 12.7 ppg?
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8
 Drilling Fluids Tests
1. Mud Weight / Density By “ MUD BALANCE”
The density of the drilling mud can be determined with the Mud Balance shown below, The cup of
the balance is completely filled with a sample of the mud and the lid placed firmly on top (some
mud should escape through the hole in the lid). The balance arm is placed on the base and the rider
adjusted until the arm is level. The density can be read directly off the graduated scale at the left-
hand side of the rider.

Density Measurement:
Calibrate with fresh water – 8.34 ppg at 68ºF
Mud sample must be uniform and representative
Foamy mud must be defoamed

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Mud Balance is used to measure mud density

Q/ How you can measure the density without Mud Balance?
Q/ How to Calibrate the Mud Balance?
Q/ If you discover that Mud balance Reading not correct, What is your action?

18

9
 Pressurized Mud Balance
Mud weight is normally measured by a conventional mud balance; however, if you have
some air inside a fluid phase, reading from the conventional mud balance will give you an
inaccurate number. Therefore, the most accurate method to measure the mud weight is
with a pressurized mud balance.

19

Rheological Properties
Rheo – flow
logia – study of
Rheology: is the study of deformation and flow of matter. The study of rheology is Important because it allows the drilling
fluid to be specifically analyzed in terms of fluid flow profile, viscosity, hole cleaning ability, pressure loss, equivalent
circulating density - in general, wellbore hydraulics.

Rheological Properties:
1. Viscosity ( MFV, Apparent, Effective, Plastic).
2. Yield Point.
3. Gel Strength.
Functions related to Rheological Properties:
1. Hydraulic Optimization (∆P).
2. Hole Cleaning.
3. Transport cutting to the surface.
4. Suspended cutting in hole when mud pump Shutdown./ in tanks.
Material: To get the Rheological Properties for an drilling fluid we have to add active material
20
like (BENTONITE).

10
 1. Viscosity (µ)
What is Viscosity?
• A define as the resistivity of fluid to flow. Viscosity is the measure of the internal friction of a fluid.

proportional factor which describe the relationship between

Shear Rate & Shear Stress is viscosity .
t vw
∴ s ∗
u vx
k qr Flow regime / Flow profile
But j l
, mno p qO

∴ j sp
Linear Equation , Viscosity is the slop of the straight line , vw
that mean Viscosity is constant if P & T are Constant x vx vw/vx
• Viscosity, by definition, is the ratio of shear stress (τ)
to shear rate (p).
Units: A poise is a very large number and therefore, viscosity is
Shear Stress Shear Strain 23
typically reported in centipoise (100 centipoise = 1 poise).

∴ j sp
This relation true if the fluid has constant viscosity at constant pressure
and temperature , which is called Newtonian Fluids
∴s j/p
Linear Equation, Viscosity is the slop of the straight line, that mean
Viscosity is constant if P & T are Constant.

Note :
1. if fluid has no Viscosity ( µ=0) , that mean its flow without exert any stress. (not exist)
2. If fluid viscosity very high, that mean it need high Shear Stress to deform or flow.
3. Between the above two case, the relation between Shear Stress & Shear Rate is directly proportional.
22

11
Depending on the relation between Shear Stress & Shear Rate, There are
different types of fluids they are as follows:

1. Ideal Fluid: A fluid which is incompressible and has no viscosity falls in the category of an
ideal fluid. Ideal fluid is not found in reality so it is termed as an imaginary fluid since all the
fluids that exist in the environment have some viscosity. There is no ideal fluid in reality.
2. Real Fluid: A fluid which possesses at least some viscosity is termed as real fluid. Actually,
all the fluids existing or present in the environment are called real fluids. Some of its
examples are petrol, air etc.
3. Newtonian Fluid: If a real fluid obeys the Newton’s law of viscosity i.e. the shear stress is
directly proportional to the shear strain or velocity gradient then it is known as a Newtonian
fluid. Some of its examples are water, air, alcohol, glycerol, thin motor oil etc.
4. Non-Newtonian Fluid: If the real fluid does not obey Newton’s law of viscosity i.e. if the
shear stress is not proportional to the shear strain or velocity gradient then it is called Non-
Newtonian fluid. Some of its examples blood, saliva, Soap solutions, cosmetics, and
toothpaste etc.
5. Ideal Plastic Fluid: A fluid having the value of shear stress more than the yield value and
shear stress is proportional to the rate of shear strain (velocity gradient) is known as ideal
plastic fluid.
23

In Petroleum Industry, almost deals with the following types:

* According this definition: Fluids Classify into two groups:
1- Newtonian fluids (water, gases, oil products, fracture fluids, low solid
mud).
1. Constant viscosity at certain pressure and temperature.
2. Start flow with the minimum force value ( Minimum Share stress
leads to Minimum Share Rate ).
3. No permanent internal structure.
Newtonian fluids have Viscosity

2- Non-Newtonian fluids (drilling fluids, cement slurry, colloidal

suspension).
1. Viscosity changes depending on pressure and temperature.
2. Viscosity depends on flow history ( previous shear rate ).
3. Have permanent internal structure.
4. Apparent Viscosity depends on an additional flow parameter (shear
rate).
Non-Newtonian fluids have Apparent Viscosity
24

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Drilling Fluids consider as Non-Newtonian Fluids, So its have Apparent Viscosity

Units
A poise is a very large number and therefore, viscosity is typically reported in centipoise (100 centipoise = 1 poise).
25

In the oilfield, the following terms are used to describe drilling

fluid viscosity and rheological properties:

• Marsh Funnel Viscosity ( , )

y z
• (Apparent , Effective , Plastic) Viscosity (cP or mPa-s)
{|
• Yield Point ( )
} ft2
~•
• Gel Strengths ( )
E\\ ft2

26

13
Marsh Funnel Viscosity (MFV)
The Marsh funnel is a simple device for measuring viscosity by observing the time it takes a known volume of
liquid to flow from a cone through a short tube. It is standardized for use by mud engineers to check the
quality of drilling mud.
In American practice (and most of the oil Industry) the volume collected is a quart. If
water is used, the time should be 26 +/- 0.5 seconds. If the time is less than this the
tube is probably enlarged by erosion, if more it may be blocked or damaged, and the
funnel should be replaced.

The it is used to make a very quick test of the viscosity of the drilling mud.
Used in the field as a relative indicator of fluid condition.
Cannot be used to quantify the rheological properties of the mud, such as
the Yield Point or Plastic Viscosity.
Marsh Funnel results do not used in any mathematical calculations or Models.

Q/ How to calibrate the Marsh Funnel?

Q/ How to compare between Viscosities without Marsh Funnel?
Q/ if Marsh funnel reading was not correct, what you have to do?
27

Apparent Viscosity (sm)

Apparent Viscosity: from the previous equations its clear that as a result of combining the effect of Plastic
viscosity and yield point. Any change in Plastic Viscosity or yield point leads to change apparent viscosity. Also to
decrease if fluid flow velocity are increased.

Apparent Viscosity depends on the previous flow condition or flow history ( Velocity ) therefore in the calculation
we use Effective Viscosity (µe), (in hydraulic calculation).

The Apparent Viscosity is reported as one-half the mud viscometer reading at 600 RPM (Ø600).

Reasons of change drilling fluid viscosity:

1- Change in the viscosity of continuous phase.
2- Change in internal structure inversely or normally for the solid drilling mud material (new
partials enter to drilling fluid).
3- Partial or total damage for the additives ( new active material enter to drilling fluid).
28

14
Plastic Viscosity (s€)
Plastic viscosity: Is that part of the resistance to flow in mud caused by the friction between
suspended particles and the viscosity of the base liquid, also It is due to mechanical friction of the
solids in the mud as they come in contact with Each other and with the liquid phase of the mud.

The plastic viscosity depends on:

1- Type and Size of solids present in the mud.
2- The concentration and size of solids present.
3- viscosity of continuous phase of drilling fluids.
Plastic viscosity increase if concentration of solid are increased as a result of drilling (cutting).
Treating Mechanically by:
Run solid control equipment in mud system (de-sander, de-silter, mud cleaner, centrifuge, using screen mesh
120*120 and above).
Add continuous phase ( water ).
Plastic Viscosity in centipoise (cP) or milliPascal seconds (mPa-s) is calculated from mud viscometer data as:
29

Plastic Viscosity
• High PV
• Fluid is viscous with excessive colloidal solids.
• Low ROP

• To lower PV Increase of PV direct related with increases of

• Reduce solid content YP, also with increases of annular pressure
• Increase size of solid losses and decreases of ROP value.
• Change shape of solid

30

15
Temperature Effects
• Viscosity varies with temperature.
• Base oils and synthetics thin more appreciably under elevated temperature
conditions.
• Each of the different oil- and synthetic-base fluids is affected somewhat differently
by temperature.

31

2. Yield point (YU)

• The first part of the resistance to flow in mud caused by the attractive force among colloidal
particles in drilling mud (A measure of the attractive forces between particles due to positive
and negative charges ). It is considered as Measure the forces causes mud to gel in case of
motionless & it Shows a minimum level of stress must be provided before mud flow (Expressed
in lb/100 ft2 ).
depends on: 1- Volume & concentration of solids.
2 - Properties of solids surface.
3 - Electrical environment in the fluid.
• Yield point increase by adding the active material like ( bentonite, clay, salt, cement).
• Treating chemically by add thinners which adsorbs on the clay surface then minimize
the attractive force.
Common units:
• lbf/100 ft2
• Pa 32

16
Measure Rheological Properties by “ VISCOMETER”
Also known as direct – indicating Viscometer or Fann V-G meter, an instrument used to measure Viscosity (Apparent,
Effective, Plastic) and Gel Strength of Drilling Mud. The direct-indicating viscometer is a rotational cylinder and bob instrument.
Two speeds of rotation, 300 and 600 rpm, are available in all instruments, but some are 6-3 or variable speed. It is called
"direct-indicating" because, at a given speed, the dial reading is a true Centipoise viscosity.

33

Testing Procedure:
The test is conducted at a range of different speeds:
600 rpm; 300 rpm; 200 rpm; 100 rpm; 6 rpm and 3
rpm.
The standard procedure is to
1. lower the instrument head into the mud sample
until the sleeve is immersed up to a scribe line.
2. The rotor speed is set at 600 rpm and after
waiting for a steady dial reading this value is
recorded (degrees).
3. The speed is changed to 300 rpm and again the
reading is recorded.
4. This is repeated until all of the required dial
readings have been recorded.
5. The results are plotted as shown in Figure 8. If
there is a linear relationship between shear
stress and shear rate (i.e. Bingham plastic) the
following parameters can be calculated from the
graph:
34

17
 s• ‚ƒ\\ - ‚e\\
1
sL ‚
2 ƒ\\
„… ‚e\\ Z s•

Then:
„… ‚ƒ\\ Z s• Z s•
‚ƒ\\ Z 2s•

2sL Z 2s• 2 sL Z s•
1
sL s• Z „…
2
3 sL :apparent viscosity cp
„M „ s• : €_m‡Wˆi wˆ‡i‰‡ˆW„ i€
4 … „… :yield Point Ib/100ft
35

Exercise
• Mud engineer on the rig is checking the rheology of the mud. He tells you that the
Fann reading at 300 RPM is 20 and at 600 RPM is 32. What are the PV and YP?

Calculate PV:
Solution:
• •J i• ‚ƒ\\ Z ‚e\\
32 Z 20 }

• Calculate YP
Ž• lb/100 ft2 ‚e\\ Z •J
20 Z 12 •

36

18
 Effective Viscosity Calculation
There are TWO models used to calculate the Effective viscosity for drilling fluid:
1- Bingham Plastic model: The most commonly used fluid model to determine the rheology of
non-Newtonian fluid is the Bingham plastic model (Normal mud, weighted mud, cement slurry).

’ sL : apparent viscosity
•‘ • , s• : €_m‡Wˆi wˆ‡i‰‡ˆW„
“”
“> „… : yield Point

Calculate the Effective Viscosity in the Annulus / laminar Flow:

• ’ Z
•? • , sL : effective viscosity CP
—˜ : ™‰_š oˆmgšWšx ˆni™
—› : Pipe Diameter inch
V: Annular Velocity ft/min

37

2- Power–Law Model: (Mud treated by thinner, low filtration material, emulations

inversely ( water in oil ), normal emulation ( oil in water ), brains mud, low solid content mud.

B
“” n: flow behavior index
• ž, žŸB K: ¢‰niˆ‡Wšni„ ˆnoš£
“>

¤¥
B •. • ∗ z=
¤•
¤•
ž B
}}

Effective viscosity fluids that are subject to the Power law model be much less than the
effective viscosity of the fluid that subjected to the law Bingham plastic model.
38

19
39

40

20
 41

3. Gel Strength
Gel Strength: defined as The strength of internal structures which are formed
in the mud during static conditions.
- Internal structures are caused by the attraction between particles in the
drilling fluid, and also by the friction between the particles and the fluid.
- Gel strengths generally increase with time.

42

21
 Gel Strength provide the following indicators:
1- Provide an indication of the pressure required to initiate flow after the mud has been
static for some time.
2- Provides an indication of the suspension properties of the mud and hence its ability to
suspend cuttings when the mud is stationary.
3- Provides an indication of the effect of surge/swab pressure on the formation during
pipe tripping.

Physically:
The gel strength of a drilling fluid is a measure of the minimum shearing stress necessary to
produce slip-wise movement.
Gel strengths and Yield Point are both a measure of the attractive forces in a mud system.
But (gel strength in static conditions, yield point in flow conditions).

Therefore, A decrease in one usually results in a decrease in the other; therefore, similar
chemical treatments are used to modify them both.
43

44

22
Generally, Gel strength classify into two classes:

Progressive – Strong
Fragile – Weak

Then according this classification, there are 4 types:

1. Progressive–strong: If you have highly progressive

gel strength fluid, there will be a lot of pressure
required to break circulation. Once high pumping
pressure is applied, it could lead to break formation
and results in lost circulation issue.
2. Fragile – strong:
3. Progressive – weak:
4. Fragile – weak:

Favorite type is (Progressive – weak) because it provide fast

force to suspended cutting and prevent its to fill down and low
pressure required to break gel.
45

Gel Strength Test

The gel strength can be measured using the Fann V-G meter. By measuring the minimum stress
required to have share rate.
1- After the mud has remained static for some time (10 secs) the rotor is set at a low speed (3 RPM)
and the deflection noted. This is reported as the initial or 10 seconds gel.
2- The same procedure is repeated after the mud remains static for 10 minutes, to determine the 10
minute gel. Both gels are measured in the same units as Yield Point (lbs/100 ft2 ).

Problems with Gel Strengths

• Air or gas may become entrapped in the fluid.
• Excessive pump pressures are required when breaking circulation after a trip.
• Reduction in the efficiency of solids-removal equipment.
• Excessive swabbing while tripping out of the hole.
• Excessive pressure surges while tripping in the hole.
• Inability to get logging tools to the bottom of the hole. 46

23
 Mud Filtration / Filtrate Loss
One of the most important properties of a drilling mud is the filtration
rate or water loss, which is the measure of the relative amount of mud
sheath deposited on the permeable wall of the hole then form (MUD
CAKE). A low pressure filter press is an instrument which meets API
specifications for filtration measurements.

The invasion zone depends on several characteristics of both the drilling

fluid and the formation:
1. Hydrostatic pressure of drilling fluid at this point .
2. The porosity & permeability of the formation.
3. Solids content and particle size distribution in the drilling fluid.
4. Viscosity of the liquid phase.

* And there are other parameter effect on filtration rate like:

1. Time.
2. Temperature ( reduce viscosity ).
47

Relationship between Filtrate and Pressure

Generally, Filtration proportional directly with pressure until value when mud cake become more
compact then the permeability of mud cake will decrease which lead to decrease the rate of filtration.

Relationship between Filtrate and ROP

Filtration proportional directly with Rate Of Penetration, because the “Chip holding pressure” will
decrease, then cutting will easily lift the bottom of the hole.
Chip Hold Pressure: The different pressure between hydrostatic pressure and pore pressure, if hydrostatic
pressure was extremely greater than pore pressure, drilled chip (cutting) will face difficulty to go up then
holds in its site then re-drilled which lead to low penetration rate.

Filtration Types:
1- Static Filtration:
When drilling fluid is not circulating in the wellbore and there is no pipe movement. With static filtration, the
filter cake continues to increase in thickness while the rate of filtration decreases.

2- Dynamic Filtration:
When the mud is circulating. The cake builds until the rate of deposition equals the rate of erosion. At this point
the rate of filtration becomes constant. 48

24
 Summary
• High filtrate volumes:
– Differential sticking of drillstring.
– Formation damage.
– Borehole instability.
– Bit balling.

• Low filtrate volumes:

– Decreased drill rate.
– Increased cost.

49

Mud Filtration / Filtrate Loss Test

• API Filter Press
• Measure water loss by applying 100 psi to mud
through a filter paper
• Amount fluid collected in 30 min
• Filter cake thickness and description
• Called “API water loss test”

50

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 Filtration Test

51

4- Solid ( Sand Content)

Soluble and insoluble solids in the drilling fluid system are referred to as solid content. They include chemical additives,
weighting agents and drilling cuttings. The concentration of these solids increases while drilling. There are three types of
solid content::
1. Soluble solids - These are mainly salts that are added to the drilling mud to stabilize the well and stimulate the
formation of the filter cake.
2. Insoluble high-gravity solids (HGS) - These include weighting agents such as calcium carbonate and barite
that are added to adjust the density of the mud.
3. Insoluble low-gravity solids (LGS) - These are also known as drilled solids. Rock cuttings are examples of
drilled solids.

Solids contained in a mud system, generally considered to be detrimental to the drilling operation because they
produce high plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strengths and build poor-quality filter cakes. They also occupy space
that is needed for barite in high-density muds. Drill solids cause excessive wear in the mud pumps and
other rig equipment. Solids control is aimed at economically and efficiently removing drill solids. This implies removal as
soon as possible after they enter the mud system, while the particles are at their largest size.

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Impacts of solids in drilling mud on operations:
1. Rate of penetration — The rate of penetration will reduce if there is a high concentration of solids in the drilling
muds. It will be ill-advised to reduce the level of chemical additives and weighting agents because they maintain mud
properties. However, drilling solids should be continuously removed from the mud.
2. Equivalent circulating density (ECD) — This is the effective density exerted by the circulating mud against the
formation. It takes into account the mud density and the annular pressure loss. Solids increase the equivalent
circulation density. Excessive ECD leads to lost circulation and fracture of the formation.
3. Surge/swab pressure — High concentration of solids in the mud can lead to excessive surge/swab pressure. In turn,
excessive surge/swab pressure leads to lost circulation, partial mud loss and formation fracture.
4. Differential sticking — High concentration of low gravity solids in the mud will make the filter cake thick and sticky.
Such filter cakes will differentially stick across permeable formations.

Controlling drilling solids in drilling fluids:

Insoluble low-gravity solids pose the greatest danger to the drilling fluid; they slowly depreciate the mud properties.
Furthermore, removal of some drilling solids from the mud is difficult.
For example, if the solid particles are less than five microns in size, they cannot be isolated from the mud by mechanical
means.
Due to the great danger posed by drilled solids, it is a good practice to test the level of drilled solids in the mud at least
twice daily. The concentration of drilled solids in the mud should not exceed 6-7 percent
53

Solid ( Sand Content) Test

This simple test is used to determine The percentage of sand in
the mud. The information is used to make adjustments in solids
control equipment. Sand causes excessive wear on mixing
equipment, drill string, and on pump parts.

Test Method
1. Using a 200 mesh sieve and a graduated tube.
2. The glass measuring tube is filled with mud up to the scribe line.
3. Water is then added up to the next scribe line.
4. The fluids are mixed by shaking and then poured through the sieve.
5. The sand retained on the sieve should be washed thoroughly to remove and remaining
mud.
6. A funnel is fitted to the top of the sieve and the sand is washed into the glass tube by a fine
spray of water.
7. After allowing the sand to settle the sand content can be read off directly as a percentage.
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5- Acidity or Alkalinity (PH)
Defined as the negative logarithm (to the base 10) of the hydrogen-ion concentration. In drilling fluid
(PH) represent the guide of chemical treatment.

Acid water Alkaline

pH 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
H-OH Drilling mud

PH value are important to:

• Some additives active at certain range of (pH) .
• High (pH) value caused corrosion for the surface connections and mud pumps .

Reasons of changing in PH Value:

• Drilling out cement :
• Drilling formation contain high concentration of H ions .
55

Measurement:
Measurement of PH is routinely made by comparing the color developed on immersing a paper strip
impregnated with certain dyes (indicators) with the color of reference standards.

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 SUMMARY: Drilling Fluid Functions & Properties
• The Main Functions of Drilling fluids and the properties which are associated with fulfilling these
functions are summarized in Table below.

Function Property Material

Barite ,CaCo3 , hematite
1-Control Formation Pressures /support walls Density
(INERT)
Rheological Properties :
Bentonite , CMC ,
2-Clean the Hole & Cutting transportation. (Yield Point , Apparent Viscosity ,Plastic Viscosity , gel
( active material )
strength)
Flow rate , mud type
3-Cooling and Lubrication of bit & drill string Density , Velocity , thermal capacity
(continuous phase )
4-Minimize Formation Damage . Mud Cake Properties , Viscosity PACR

5-Transmit Pump HP to bit Velocity , Density , Viscosity Hydraulic , geometry

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SUMMARY: The Relation Between Mud Functions and Mud Properties

Drilling Fluid Functions Main Property How ?

1- Pressure Formation Control Density Hydrostatic Pressure
Yield Point Cutting Transportation by Suspend the
2- Hole Cleaning
Rheological Plastic Viscosity cutting
Properties Apparent Viscosity Bit Hydraulics / Remove the cutting from
3- Improve ROP Gel Strength bottom by Jetting Force
4- Bit Cooling Water / Oil Heat Transfer capacity
5- Lubrication for bit and Drilling
% Oil Build a Thin film of equipments
string
6- Maintain Wellbore Stability Filtration Mud Cake on wall/Support
7- Minimize Corrosion / Chemical
PH Provide alkaline sol
effect

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SUMMARY: According Hole condition, Comparison Between Surface Hole Mud and
Production Hole Mud
SURFACE HOLE PRODUCTION HOLE
Condition Requirement Condition Requirement
Soft Formation. High Filtrate , thick mud cake Hard Formation. Low Filtrate , thin mud cake
Big bit Size . Small bit Size .
High Viscosity Low Viscosity
High Quantity Low Quantity
Progressive – strong Gel
Progressive – Weak Gel
Strength
Big size of cuttings Small size of cuttings Strength
High viscosity
low viscosity

Low Pore Pressure Low Mud Density High Pore Pressure High Mud Density
Progressive – strong Gel Progressive – weak Gel
Shallow Deep
Strength Strength
No complex layers High Filtrate Complex Layers Low Filtrate
Using more complex chemical
Low Temperature Using genetic additives High Temperature
additives
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SUMMARY: Variation in Mud Properties between Surface hole and production hole

Property Function Surface Hole Production Hole

D Pressure Control Low High
MFV Field Indicator for viscosity High Low
Yp Hydraulic Control / Cutting
High Low
PV Transportation
10 sec Gel
Static Condition /Pump shut-off High Low
10 min Gel
API Filtration Mud cake High Low
pH Corrosion / Chemical effect 8-9 9 - 10
Solid 6-8 % 6-8 %
Sand Erosion <1 % <1 %
Oil Lubrication / Viscosity Low High
Ca + + Cation Exchange / Mud stability < 400 ppm < 400 ppm

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Field Example for Mud Program
Depth Casing/Liner
Hole Diameter Mud Density
RKB-MD Diameter Mud Type
(Inches) (ppg)
(ft) (Inches)
0 -350 30” 36” 9.5 FWB
350 - 5000 20” 26” 9.5 FWB – FCL or equivalent
5,000 - 9,200 9.5 FWB – FCL or equivalent
13 3/8 ” 17 ½ ”
9,200 – 11,100 9.5 - 12.0 FCL-CL or equivalent
11,100 - 12,100 12.0 - 16.3
9 5/8 ” 12 1/4 ” FCL-CL or equivalent
12,100 -14,000 16.3 -16.8
14,000 -19,000 7” 8½” 16.8 - 17.9 FCL-CL or equivalent

61

General Review (Mud Properties) ( Not required )

VIRTUAL HYDRAULICS® MD: 6000 ft Operator: Petronas

SnapShot
©1996-2001 M-I L.L.C. - All Rights Reserved
TVD: 6000
Bit Size: 8.5
Date: 19/09/02
ft Well Name:
in. Location:
Country:
KL 1
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Geometry Depth Density (lb/gal) Temp (°F) AV (ft/min) Hole Clean Ind Pressure Loss (%)
MD / TVD (ft) Csg / H Dia (in.) (ft) 10.4 10.6 10.8 11.0 11.2 11.4 11.6 11.8 12.0 128 130 132 134 136 0 200 400 600 0 VG 0.25 G 0.50 F 0.75 P 1.00 0 25 50 75 100

316
Drill String

Bit
1000

Annulus

DRILLING FLUID
ECD Ann
2000 VERSAPLUS
Mud Weight 10.5 lb/gal
Test Temp 120 °F

SYSTEM DATA
Flow Rate 650 gal/min
3000
ROP 50 ft/hr
RPM 100 rpm
ESD DS WOB 10 K lb
Nozzles 14-14-15
4000 9-5/8 4000 Nozzles
8.681
337 PRESSURE LOSS (psi)
Bingham Plastic (R600-R300)
Drill String 951

5000 Bit 1863

Bit On/Off 100
Annulus 400
Surface Equip 50
U-Tube Press 12

6000 8-1/2 6000 Total System 3376

ESD ECD +Cut
Csg Shoe 10.51 11.56 11.59
TD 10.53 11.82 11.86
Lecturer:- Majid Abdalsadiq Jaafar - Petroleum Eng. BOC VRDH - Version 2.6 62
File - CAK-B2!.MDB
7000

31
The Mud Report
• All of the functions of drilling fluid are reflected by the data on the Mud Report.
• There are many service companies provides Drilling Fluid/Drilling Mud, such as MI-
SWACO, Baker Hughes, Halliburton and WeatherFord.

63

The Mud Report

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32
The Mud Report

65

The Mud Report

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