Capillary Suction Time Test

The CST device measures the time it takes

for a given amount of free water from a
slurry to travel radially between two
electrodes on thick, porous filter paper.
 The CST test measures the hydrating and
dispersion properties of shales by simulating
the shear and chemical forces present
during drilling.

Lab Tests

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 Capillary Suction Time Test

For the CST test, the shale-solids

content and mixing time are held
constant, while the chemical
characteristics such as pH and
salinity are varied.

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© 2001 PetroSkills LLC, All Rights Reserved
 Capillary Suction Time
Interpretation:
CST test results are graphed to show the
CST value in seconds versus test fluid type.

The CST value is an indication of cake

permeability. Highly dispersed particles
give low cake permeability and high CST
values. Flocculated particles give high
cake permeability and low CST values.

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© 2001 PetroSkills LLC, All Rights Reserved
 Capillary Suction Time

The CST value depends on solids

type and content of the slurry,
degree of mixing, pH, salinity,
deflocculant or dispersant type
and concentration, and polymer
type and concentration.

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© 2001 PetroSkills LLC, All Rights Reserved
 Capillary Suction Time

CST test results show the

inhibitive effects of various salts
and their concentration on the
dispersion of a shale:

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© 2001 PetroSkills LLC, All Rights Reserved
Capillary Suction Time (CST)

2.9 kg/m3KCI
4.3 kg/m3KCI
5.7 kg/m3 KCI
1.0% KAc
2.0% KAc
3.0 % KAc

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© 2001 PetroSkills LLC, All Rights Reserved