Total Hardness and Chloride Content in Water Based Mud

“Total Hardness” or “Water Hardness” is a measurement of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg
2+) ions in water base mud. The total of both soluble ions of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium
(Mg 2+) is given by titration with standard Vesenate solution.
What will be happening if you have a lot of total hardness in your drilling mud?
 Bad mud cake (thick and mushy)
 High fluid loss
 Flocculation of clay content
 Less polymer effectiveness
 Ineffective chemical treatment
For most of the water base mud, the acceptable value of total hardness must be below 300
mg/L. If the lime drilling mud is used, it is acceptable to have a higher valu,e but is should be
kept below 400 mg/L.

Chloride Content in the water based Mud:

The chloride comes from salt in the formation, and chloride concentration can be determined
by titration with a silver nitrate solution. The amount of chloride must be checked frequently. If
there are any abnormal changes in the chloride content, it can be an indication of drilling into a
salt formation or taking water influx from the reservoirs.

Why is it so important to maintain the amount of chloride in the drilling fluids?

The chloride is used to prevent a shale swelling problem.

How can the chloride content be maintained?

The chloride content in the drilling fluid can be maintained by adding salts such as potassium
chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl). If potassium chloride (KCl) is used, it is imperative to
have sufficient potassium ions to react with the clay content from the formation. Generally, 3 –
4% KCL is recommended for normal drilling. However, it may require increasing the
concentration of KCl if you are drilling into formations which have a lot of reactive clay content.

Methylene Blue Test (MBT)

Methylene Blue Test (MBT) or Cation Exchange Capacity is used to determine the amount of
reactive clay (clay-like materials) in a water base mud. A methylene blue dye (a cation dye) is
utilized for this test because it powerfully magnetizes the negative ions in the clay. Typically,
the test is reported in terms of the reactive clay concentration in pounds per barrel, bentonite
equivalent.

Same as other mud properties, tracking the MBT and observed for trend changes are required
in order to maintain good mud conditions. If an increase in MBT is observed, it indicates that
the drill solid concentration in the drilling mud increases. For a good drilling operation, the MBT
should be kept at 15 lb/barrel or less.