A Report on Experiment (Mud Density Test)

Introduction

The density or weight of a given volume of mud is determined by using a mud balance.

The mud balance consists of a constant volume sample cup with a lid connected to the balance arm. A level bubble which is built into the beam indicates when the system is balanced. The scale ranges of the 4-scale metal mud balance are;

• 6.5 – 23.0 lbs/gal (ppg)
• 0.79 – 2.72 specific gravity (s.g.)
• 49 – 179 lbs/ft3
• 340 – 1190 psi/1000ft

Apparatus

• 4 Scale mud balance
• Mixer
• Weigh balance
• Beaker
• Measuring cylinder
• 10ml of Syringe
• Bentonite
• Barite

Procedures

Sample 1:

• With a measuring cylinder, I measured 350ml of water.
• With a weighing balance, I measured 35g of Bentonite
• Then I added 35g of Bentonite to the measured 350ml of water. I mixed a mixer to get a homogenous mixture
• I poured the mixture into the mud balance until it was filled.
• I placed the lid on the cup to get rid of excess fluid and any trapped air.
• I covered the hole in the lid with a finger and gently cleaned all the mud from the outside of the cup and arm. Then I dried the balance entirely.
• I adjusted the balance until it was balanced and took the reading immediately
• I took the readings in ppg, S.G, lb/ft3, psi/100ft for M1.

Sample 2:

• Using the weigh balance, I measured 10g of barite.
• I added 10g of barite to the 35g of bentonite and 350ml of water
• I put it into mixer to mixed to get a homogenous mixture.
• I poured homogenous sample 2 into the cup until it was full.
• I replaced the lid on the cup and dried the mud on the lid
• I adjusted the balance until it was balanced and took the readings immediately.
• I took readings in ppg, S.G, lb/ft3, psi/100ft for M2.

Results

Readings

S.G

PPG

Lb/ft3

Psi/1000ft

Sample 1 (M1)

1.48.7 65.05 450.05 Sample 2 (M2) 1.55 8.8 65.1

450

Precaution and Maintainance

Precaution

• I ensured the fans in the lab were switched off to prevent it from altering the weight of the mud
• I ensured my cup was properly clean before measuring a different mixture and also to prevent mixture on the cup to add extra weight.
• I ensured that the 4 scale mud balance was calibrated before I commenced measuring.

Maintainance

Clean and dry thoroughly after each use.

Conclusion and Recommendation

• The density of the different sample were determined in ppg, lb/ft3, S.G, psi/100ft.
• This was gotten using a 4 scale mud balance.

Recommendation

The density of mud must not be high so that it does not affect drilling rate.