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Measurement of Drilling Fluid Rheological Properties by Rotating Viscometer Method (CAT#: STEM-PPA-0015-YJL)

Introduction

In the drilling industry, almost every step requires drilling fluid. The drilling fluid’s properties have a significant impact on drilling efficiency and safety. The successful completion and cost of an oil well depend mainly on the drilling fluid’s performance. The physical and chemical properties of drilling fluid, such as its density and rheological properties, have a significant impact on the processing and control of well conditions. A high-viscosity drilling fluid is desirable to transport cuttings from downhole up to the surface and suspend weighting agents (such as barite). However, if the viscosity is too high, the friction is high, which may hinder the circulation of the mud, resulting in excessive pump pressure, reducing the drilling speed and hindering the solids removal equipment.




Principle

The principle of the rotating viscometer method to measure the force acting on a rotor (torque) when it rotates at a constant angular velocity (rotational speed) in a liquid. Rotating viscometers are used for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian (shear-independent viscosity) or non-Newtonian liquids (shear dependent viscosity or apparent viscosity). Rotating viscometers can be divided in 2 groups, namely absolute and relative viscometers. In absolute viscometers the flow in the measuring geometry is well defined.
The measurements result in absolute viscosity values, which can be compared with any other absolute values. In relative viscometers the flow in the measuring geometry is not defined. The measurements result in relative viscosity values, which cannot be compared with absolute values or other relative values if not determined by the same relative viscometer method. Different measuring systems are available for given viscosity ranges as well as several rotational speeds.

Applications

Mineral oil industry; Food industry; Cosmetic/pharmaceutical industry; Petroleum industry; Chemical industry

Procedure

1. Pour the liquid into the measuring cup.
2. Insert the spindle into the liquid.
3. Rotate the spindle and measure the resistance.

Materials

• Sample Type: liquid, gel-like, or semi-solid everyday substances