COVENANY UNIVERSITY

CANAAN LAND, OTA

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING LABORATORY

DETERMINATION OF THE OIL, WATER AND

SOLID CONTENT OF A DRILLING FLUID

By

DURUZOR CHIZOBA (19CN026136)

LAB REPORT NO: SIX
GROUP 4

DATE PERFORMED: 13-05-22

DATE SUBMITTED:17-05-22

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 ABSTRACT
In the Experiment, the percentage oil, water and solid content of a drilling
fluid sample was determined.The retort provides a means for separating
and measuring the volumes of water, oil, and solids contained in a sample
of drilling fluid. A Sample of drilling fluid is heated to vaporize the liquid
components which are then condensed and collected in a graduated liquid
receiver tube. Liquid volumes are determined from reading the oil and
water phases on the graduated cylinder. The total volume of solids, both
suspended and dissolved, is obtained by noting the difference of the total
sample volume versus the final liquid volume collected. Calculations are
necessary to determine the volume of suspended solids since any
dissolved solids will be retained in the retort. Relative volumes of low-
gravity solids and weight materials are also calculated.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT

1.0 INTRODUCTION .....……….…………..............................…..................…....... 4

1.1 AIMS .....................................………………………………….……..……...….4
1.2 OBJECTIVES……………………………………………………………...……4
2.0 EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS ................. …………………..…………...…..5
3.0 PROCEDURE………………………………..………………………..……...…..9
3.1 PREPARING THE MUD……………………………………………..……..…9
3.2 OPERATION………………………………………………………………..….9
3.3 PRECAUTIONS………………………………………………………….……10
3.4 MAINTENANCE………………………………………………………..…….10
4.0 RESULTS.....…………………………………………….................…… .....…10
5.0 DISCUSSION ………………………………………........................….……......11
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................…….......12
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 4.1 …………………………………………..…………………………..…10
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1……………………………………………………..…………………….5
FIGURE 2…………………………………………………………...………………5
FIGURE 3……………………………………………………………..…………….5
FIGURE 4………………………………………………………………..………….6
FIGURE 5………………………………………………………………...…………6
FIGURE 6…………………………………………………………………...………6
FIGURE 7……………………………………………………………………...……7
FIGURE 8………………………………………………………………………..….7
FIGURE 9………………………………………………………………………..….7
FIGURE 10…………………………………………………...……………………..8
FIGURE 11………………………………………………………………………….8

CONCLUSION

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The retort kit provides a means for measuring the water, oil and solids
content in a sample of drilling fluid. A known volume of sample is heated
to vaporize the liquid components which are then condensed and
collected in a graduated cylinder. Liquid volumes are determined from
reading the oil and water phases on the graduated cylinder. The total
volume of solids, both suspended and dissolved, is obtained by taking
note of the difference of the total sample volume versus the final liquid
volume collected. Calculations are necessary to determine the volume of
suspended solids since any dissolved solids will be retained in the retort.
Relative volumes of low-gravity solids and weight materials may also be
calculated.

1.1 AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT

 To determine the percentage (%) oil, water and solid content of a

drilling fluid sample.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF EXPERIMENT

 To measure the weight of the samples using a balance.

 To determine the mud weight of the sample using a four scale mud
balance
 To measure the volume of water using a measuring cylinder.
 To determine the percentage (%) oil, water and solid content of a
drilling fluid sample using a retort kit.

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2.0 EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

1. Retort Kit: provides a method for measuring the percentage (%) of

oil, water and solid content in a drilling fluid sample.

Fig 1: Retort Kit

2. Four scale Mud Balance:  Used to measure the mud weight of a

drilling fluid.

Fig 2: Four scale mud balance

3. Thermometer: Used to obtain temperature readings of drilling fluid.

Fig 3: Thermometer

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4. Beaker (250ml): Vessels in which samples are contained.

Fig 3: Beaker 250ml

5. Measuring cylinder (1000ml): a common piece of laboratory

equipment used to measure the volume of water.

Fig 4: Measuring cylinder 1000ml

6. Weighing balance: a common piece of laboratory equipment used in

the measuring the weight of samples.

Fig 5: Weighing balance

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 7. An Electronic Mud Mixer and Cup: Equipment used to
homogenize samples prior to testing

Fig 6: Mixer and cup

8. Bentonite: An absorbent swelling clay formed from the swelling of

volcanic ash.

Fig 7: Bentonite

9. Barite: A mineral consisting of Barite sulphate.

Fig 8: Barite

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10. Deionized Water: also known as distilled water.

Fig 9: Deionized Water

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3.0 PROCEDURE

3.1 PREPARING THE MUD

Sample A
 Weigh 25g of Bentonite.
 Weigh 10g of Barite.
 Weigh 5ml of Crude oil.
 Measure 400ml of Water.
 Mix the Bentonite, Barite and crude oil thoroughly in Deionized
water using a Mixer.

3.2 PROCEDURE

 Record the Temperature of Sample A.

 Using a Four scale Mud balance, determine the mud weight in ppg.
 Pack steel wool into the chamber; to prevent solid contamination in
the liquid receiver.
 Slowly fill the retort mud cup to the brim.
 Place the lid on top, some of the mud should come out through the lid
hole to avoid entrapped air.
 Wipe away any excess liquid on the mud cup and on the threads.
 Lubricate the mud cup threads with Never-seez lubricant.
 Hand tighten the mud cup onto the retort chamber and then attach it to
the condenser.
 Carefully place the retort chamber into the heater block.
 Place the liquid receiver on the clip of the condenser.
 Observe the liquid exiting the liquid receiver until required
temperature of 9500F is reached.
 Remove liquid receiver and allow it to cool. Record the amount of oil,
water and solid.
 Turn off the retort and allow it to cool.

3.3 PRECAUTIONS

 I ensured to lubricate the threads of the condenser and retort cup.

 I made sure not to touch the equipment during operation to avoid
burns.
 I ensured to fill the retort cup to the brim to avoid trapped air.
 I ensured to scrape out any deposits in the retort cup before use.

3.4 MAINTENANCE

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 Clean and dry the retort chamber and condenser. Ensure that the spout
and hole in the lid of the mud sample chamber are free of barriers.
 Check the threads on the retort for any damage before the next use.
 Change the steel wool; to prevent solid build up.

4.0 RESULT
Table of values

Volume of Water collected 46ml

Volume of Oil collected 4ml
Volume of Solid collected 50-(46 + 1)= 3ml

Table 4.1

Sample Volume= 50ml

Mud Weight= 8.4 ppg
Mud Temperature= 210C
Mass of Residue= 2g
First Drop of water Temperature= 3780F
Time of First drop of water= 10mins 17secs

1. Volume Percent of Oil (%), Vo = 8%

2. Volume Percent of Water (%), Vw = 92%
3. Volume Percent of Solids (%), Vs = 0%
4. Volume Percent of Suspended solids, Vss =

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5.0 DISCUSSION

WHAT IS THE SOLID CONTENT OF A DRILLING FLUID

The concept of the solid content of the drilling fluid is The percentage of
the solid substance in the drilling mud volume it is called the solid
content of the drilling mud, which is usually expressed by percentage.

WHY MUST OUR SOLID CONTENT BE DETERMINED

The solid content of the mud controls the pressure differential across the
zone of crushed rock beneath the bit. Increasing the solid content
decreases the filtration rate and therefore increases the differential
pressure also an increase in the differential pressure results in a decrease
in the penetration rate.

THE SOLID PHASE IN THE DRILLING MUD

It can be divided into two types:

1. The useful solid phase refers to the solid needed to control the drilling
mud, such as bentonite powders, chemical treatment agents, and
weighting agents, etc.

2. The useless solid phase refers to the solid other than the useful solid
phase, such as drilling cuttings, inferior bentonites, and sand, etc.

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CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

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