AZ ERI

Original Issue: 08.03.2003

Azeri M-I Standard and Procedures Manual Review Date: 06.03.2022

Written By: Next Revision: 06.03.2024

Farida Agamaliyeva
Drilling Solutions Revision: 2
Approved by: LAB 1102 PRO – Measurement of Brine Density by Document Type: Procedure
Nick Hore Hydrometer

1 SCOPE
The density of a brine is defined as the mass per unit volume, and can be quoted in several different units,
depending on application. In this procedure we will use Specific Gravity as our unit of measurement, with
conversion factors for alternatives given later. The composition of a brine (i.e. the concentration of a single salt
or blend of salts) determines its density. The density of brine required is determined from the hydrostatic
pressure required to control downhole formation pressures. Brines will expand with increasing tem perature,
reducing their effective density. Density readings should therefore either be reported at API specified
temperature (70° F, 21,1° C), or the temperature at which the brine density was measured should bennoted.
The procedure given below is as per API Recommended Practice for Testing Heavy Brines (RP13J) Fifth
Edition, October 2014

2 EQUIPMENT
1 x Set of glass hydrometers (See Note 1. below).
1 x Cylindrical sample container of clear glass or plastic. (See Note 2. Below).
1 x Thermometer (Accurate to 1 deg F)
Note 1. Hydrometer scale should be 1.000 to 2.500 S.G. - Graduations 0.002 or less
Note 2. The inside diameter of the cylinder should be at least 1” or 2.5 cm greater than the outside diameter of
the hydrometer used. Also the cylinder should be deep enough that there is at least 1” or 2.5 cm clearance
between the bottom of the hydrometer and the bottom of the cylinder.

3 PROCEDURE
1. Pour the sample into a clean hydrometer jar without splashing so as to avoid formation of air bubbles.
Remove any air bubbles adhering to the surface by touching them with a piece of clean filter paper.
2. Place the hydrometer vertically in the brine, bulb end first, and allow to come to rest.
3. The hydrometer should float freely away from the walls of the hydrometer jar. Read the specific gravity as
the point where the surface of the sample apparently cuts the scale of the hydrometer. If this is out with
the range, remove the hydrometer, select the appropriate alternative and proceed from 2
4. Determine the sample temperature just after reading the hydrometer.

Fig 1. Density by Hydrometer

Date Printed : Wednesday, 21 June 2023 Uncontrolled when printed : controlled copy is located on SharePoint Support website Page 1 of 2
 AZ ERI
Original Issue: 08.03.2003
Azeri M-I Standard and Procedures Manual Review Date: 06.03.2022

Written By: Next Revision: 06.03.2024

Farida Agamaliyeva
Drilling Solutions Revision: 2
Approved by: LAB 1102 PRO – Measurement of Brine Density by Document Type: Procedure
Nick Hore Hydrometer

4 CALCULATIONS
1. Unit Conversions
2. Density (lb./gal) = Density (S.G.) x 8.345
3. Density (pptf) = Density (S.G.) x 433

5 REVISION HISTORY
Rev. Date Description Prepared by Approved by
0 08.03.2003 Original issue Farida Agamaliyeva Nick Hore
1 22.03.2013 Regular revision/changed format Zaur Shikhaliyev Nick Hore
2 06.03.2020 Regular revision Zaur Shikhaliyev Nick Hore

Date Printed : Wednesday, 21 June 2023 Uncontrolled when printed : controlled copy is located on SharePoint Support website Page 2 of 2