Section

3a

wbm testing procedures

10) Heat for 60 minutes during which time approximately 20 to 25 ml of

distillate should collect.
11) The temperature setting at which to distil should be so as not to cause
boil over (which invalidates the test), but to give a gentle boil which
causes distillate to condense at the top of the glass tubing. Hence the
distillate isnt boiled across but merely collects in the tubing and runs
down to the boric acid solution. Do not try to adjust the temperature
too much during heating as it can induce a pressure differential and
suck back the distillate, invalidating the test. Experience will show what
temperature setting on the hot plate is the most effective. Once this has
been established simply set the hot plate to that setting and leave it for
the duration of the test.
12) The boric acid solution should now be yellow.
13) Titrate the acid back to its original starting colour with the 0.02 N sulphuric
acid solution and record the amount of acid used.

calculation
The result will be read from a standard graph that has been prepared using
a known concentration of the particular PHPA to be used. It is recommended
to use powdered PHPA, as this is usually 100% active, whereas liquid PHPA
usually has between 30 40% active constituent.

Example of PHPA concentration curve

Example of PHPA Concentration Curve
2.5

PHPA (lb/bbl)

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0
1

10

Millilitres of N50 Sulphuric Acid

interpretation
This test will establish the rate at which PHPA is being depleted from the
system and thus allow the treatment rate to be varied accordingly.
Maintaining the correct level of PHPA will decrease overall mud expenditure
by reducing the amount of dump and dilute treatments required to maintain
key mud properties such as filtration and viscosity.
As well as regularly doing this test it is essential to observe the cuttings at the
shakers. The cuttings should have a glossy appearance and remain discrete
when squeezed into a ball and then released. If this is not the case then,
no matter what the test result indicates, the PHPA concentration should be
increased.

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