Section

3a

wbm testing procedures

interpretation
The test reveals the rate of potassium exchange by reactive clay surfaces.
Again the test must be viewed in conjunction with the observed condition of
the cuttings at the shakers. Soft and unconsolidated cuttings could indicate an
increase in potassium level was required even though the test may indicate the
programmed concentration was present.

potassium ion sodium perchlorate method

(steiger method)
discussion
As potassium ion direct reading above
The test is not as accurate as the specific ion meter but has proved useful for
revealing trends and should be used where a meter is unavailable or out of
service.
The test involves precipitating potassium, centrifuging the precipitate formed
and then comparing the volume with a pre prepared standard graph to
determine amount present.

procedures
1) Prepare a standard curve for a range of known concentrations by
Preparing standard solutions over the range of 1 to 8% KCl by adding
the appropriate amount of standard potassium chloride solution (0.5
ml = 1%, the equivalent of 3.5 lb/bbl or 9.99 kg/m3) to centrifuge
tubes and diluting to the 7cc mark with distilled water.
Adding 3 ccs of Sodium Perchlorate solution to each tube.
Centrifuging for one minute at approximately 1800 revs. With the hand
crank centrifuges normally provided offshore some practice will be
required to ensure consistency from test to test.
Plotting mls of precipitate against lb/bbl (kg/m3) of potassium chloride
using rectangular graph paper. Obviously this procedure will only need
to be done once at the commencement of drilling.
Example of KCl Concentration Standard Curve
Example of KCl Concentration Standard Curve
1.6

Millilitres of Precipitate

1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0

% KCl

26