Slurry Test Kit, Model 833

Instruction Manual

Manual No. 341963, Revision C

Instrument No. 210392
April 2012

Fann Instrument Company

Slurry Test Kit Instruction Manual

2012 Fann Instrument Company
Houston, Texas, USA
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or
copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical) without first receiving the
written permission of Fann Instrument Company, Houston, Texas, USA.
Printed in USA.

The information contained in this document includes concepts, methods, and apparatus
which may be covered by U.S. Patents. Fann Instrument Company reserves the right to
make improvements in design, construction, and appearance of our products without prior
notice.
FANN and the FANN logo are registered trademarks of Fann Instrument Company in the United
States and/or other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in the operating instructions are the
exclusive property of the respective manufacturers.

Contact FANN
Phone
TELEPHONE: 281-871-4482
TOLL FREE: 800-347-0450
FAX: 281-871-4358
Mail
Fann Instrument Company
P.O. Box 4350
Houston, Texas, 77210 USA
Location
Fann Instrument Company
15112 Morales Rd Gate 7
Houston, Texas, 77032, USA
Online
www.fann.com
fannmail@fann.com

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Table of Contents
1

Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Document Conventions ..................................................................................... 4

Safety ......................................................................................................................... 6

Viscosity Measurement .............................................................................................. 7

3.1 Procedure .......................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Calibration Check .............................................................................................. 8

Density Measurement ................................................................................................ 9

4.1 Procedure .......................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Calibration........................................................................................................ 10

Sand Content Measurement .................................................................................... 11

5.1 Procedure ........................................................................................................ 11

pH Measurement ..................................................................................................... 13

Water Hardness Measurement ................................................................................ 14

Instrument Care ....................................................................................................... 15

Parts List .................................................................................................................. 16

10 Warranty and Returns .............................................................................................. 17

10.1 Warranty .......................................................................................................... 17
10.2 Returns ............................................................................................................ 17

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Introduction
The Slurry Test Kit Model 833 is a portable kit with materials and equipment for
measuring slurry properties. With this kit, the user can obtain laboratory-quality
measurements of Marsh funnel viscosity, specific gravity or density, pH, water
hardness, and sand content.
These tests comply with API Recommended Practice for Field Testing Water
Based Drilling Fluids, API RP 13B-1.

1.1

Document Conventions
The following icons are used as necessary to distinguish elements of text.

NOTE. Notes emphasize additional information that may be

useful to the reader.

CAUTION. Describes a situation or practice that requires operator

awareness or action in order to avoid undesirable consequences.

MANDATORY ACTION. Gives directions that, if not observed,

could result in loss of data or in damage to equipment.

WARNING! Describes an unsafe condition or practice that if not

corrected, could result in personal injury or threat to health.

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ELECTRICITY WARNING! Alerts the operator that there is risk of

electric shock.

HOT SURFACE! Alerts the operator that there is a hot surface and
that there is risk of getting burned if the surface is touched.

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Safety
Safe laboratory practices and procedures should be observed while operating and
maintaining the Slurry Test Kit.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Follow your waste management procedures.

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Viscosity Measurement
The Marsh funnel is a rugged, easy to operate instrument that measures slurry
viscosity. Users can make rapid, on the spot measurements in the lab, field, or
drilling rig. The rate of gelation and the density of the slurry considerably influence
the viscosity measurement. Frequent reporting of the funnel viscosity makes it
possible to observe sudden changes in the slurry viscosity and to take corrective
action when necessary.
Funnel viscosity is the ratio of the speed of the slurry as it passes through the outlet
tube (shear rate) to the force (weight of the slurry) causing the slurry to flow (shear
stress). Funnel viscosity is reported as the seconds required for one quart of slurry
to flow out a full funnel.
Equipment:

Marsh funnel

Measuring Cup (graduated)

Stopwatch

Thermometer

The Marsh funnel should be clean and dry before beginning this
procedure.

3.1

Procedure
1. Collect a fresh slurry sample.
2. Hold the funnel erect with a finger over the outlet tube, and pour the slurry into
the funnel through the screen until the slurry level reaches the bottom of the
screen. (The screen will filter out the larger particles that could clog the outlet
tube.)

When the funnel is filled to the proper level, it holds more than
one quart of slurry.

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3. Quickly remove your finger from the outlet tube, and at the same time, begin
timing the slurry outflow.
4. Allow one quart (946 ml) of slurry to flow from the Marsh funnel into a
measuring container.
5. Record the seconds it takes for the quart of slurry to flow from the funnel.
Report this value as the Marsh funnel viscosity. Also record the temperature of
the slurry sample.
3.2

Calibration Check
Periodically check the calibration of the Marsh funnel by measuring the viscosity
of fresh water. The Marsh funnel viscosity of one quart of fresh water at 70oF 5oF
(21oC 3oC) is 26 0.5 seconds.
If the funnel is out of calibration, clean it using a pipe cleaner to make sure that
nothing is obstructing the outlet. If the funnel continues to give an incorrect reading
for fresh water after cleaning, then the outlet tube has probably been damaged and
the funnel should be replaced.

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Density Measurement
The Fann four scale Mud Balance Model 140 is an accurate, self-contained
measuring device used to determine the density of a slurry.
The measuring range is 6 to 24 pounds per gallon or 0.72 to 2.88 specific gravity.
The Mud Balance has a constant-volume sample cup with a lid that is connected to
a balance arm. The balance arm has four graduated scales:

4.1

pounds per gallon

specific gravity

pounds per cubic feet

pounds per square inch per 1,000 feet of depth

Procedure

The balance cup should be clean and dry before filling it with
slurry sample.

1. Slurry samples containing large amounts of gas should be de-aerated before

measuring the density. A Fann Deaerator (P/N 206814) is available for optional
purchase.
2. Place the base stand on a level surface.
3. Fill the balance cup with the sample. Tap the side of the balance cup several
times to break up any entrained air or gases. Put the lid onto the balance cup,
pushing it downward while slowly rotating until it is firmly seated. Make sure
that some of the sample is forced out through the vent hole in the lid. (This
action helps release entrained air or gas.)
4. Wipe off any sample from the outside of the balance cup and lid.
5. Fit the knife edge of the balance arm into the fulcrum, and then move the rider
along the arm to balance the assembly. The mud balance is horizontal when the
level bubble fluctuates an equal distance to either side of the center line.

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6. Take the reading from the side of the rider where the arrow points. Report this
measurement to the nearest 0.1 lb/gal, 0.5 lb/ft3, or 0.01 g/cm3 (equivalent to
the specific gravity).
7. Empty the sample cup. Clean and dry the entire assembly as soon as possible.
4.2

Calibration
The mud balance calibration can be checked using water. At 70oF (21oC), fresh
water should give a reading of

1.00 specific gravity

8.34 lb/gal

62.3 lb/ft3

This position on the balance arm is marked with a longer scale division line or
water line. Small amounts of mud on the balance arm or rider can cause incorrect
readings. If the mud balance does not give correct measurements for fresh water,
then you should thoroughly clean the instrument.

A new lid on the balance cup can cause the mud balance to be
out of calibration. Check the calibration whenever you use a
different lid, and if necessary, recalibrate the instrument using the
new lid.

If the mud balance continues to give incorrect measurements for fresh water after
cleaning, you should recalibrate it. To recalibrate, remove the screw cover from the
weight adjustment compartment, and then add or remove lead shot until the mud
balance is correctly calibrated.

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Sand Content Measurement

Sieve analysis is the preferred method for measuring sand content because the test
is reliable and the equipment is simple.
The volume of sand, including the spaces between the grains, is expressed as a
percentage of the slurry volume. The value read from the measuring tube is
reported as % by volume.
Equipment:

5.1

Sand Content Screen

Sand Content Funnel

Sand Content Tube

Wash Bottle

Procedure
1. Fill the measuring tube with drilling fluid to the line labeled Mud to Here, and
then use the wash bottle to add clear water to the line labeled Water to Here.
Place your thumb over the mouth of the tube and shake the tube vigorously.
2. Pour the mixture onto the screen. Continue adding water to the tube, shaking,
and pouring the contents onto the screen until all the drilling fluid sample has
been washed from the tube.

Do not stir or manually force the mixture through the screen.

Tapping the side of the screen holder while pouring the mixture
onto the screen will help the mixture pass through the screen.

3. Using the wash bottle, spray water onto the screen to wash away the remaining
drilling fluid and shale particles until only sand is left on the screen.
4. Fit the large end of the funnel over the top of the screen holder. Then slowly
invert the screen and funnel assembly, fitting the funnel tip into the mouth of
the glass measuring tube.

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5. Using a fine spray of water from the wash bottle, wash the sand from the screen
through the funnel into the glass measuring tube. Let the sand settle.
6. Note the quantity of sand that has settled, and using the scale, determine the
percentage of the total mud volume that is sand. Report this value as % by
volume sand.

If other coarse solids or lost circulation material (LCM) is retained

on the screen, report this information.

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pH Measurement
1. Dip the pH strip into the slurry sample.
2. Remove the pH strip and read it while the strip is still moist.
3. Observe the four color squares and compare the changes with the chart on the
container.
4. Record the pH to the nearest 0.5 pH.

The pH strip may be washed with deionized water to remove any

residual drilling fluid which could make color determination
difficult.

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Water Hardness Measurement

1. Dip the test strip into the slurry sample.
2. Remove the test strip and compare it to the chart on the container.
3. Record the water hardness as CaCO3 grains per gallon or mg/L.

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Instrument Care
After each use, wash dirt or slurry from the entire assembly and thoroughly dry.
Carefully and thoroughly clean and dry the sand content screen.
Refill the wash bottle.
The Marsh funnel viscosity readings are computed using the exact diameter of the
brass outlet at the bottom of the funnel. If this outlet becomes bent, flattened, or
otherwise distorted, the readings will be inaccurate.
Small amounts of slurry on the mud balance arm or rider can cause incorrect
readings.

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Parts List

Table 9-1 Slurry Test Kit, Model 833, P/N 210392

Part No.
*

206037
206044*
206769
206884
206889
206893*
206898
209658
209661
209662
209663
210151
101450380

Description
Metal Dial Thermometer, 0-220 F
Digital Thermometer (Fahrenheit and Centigrade)
Mud Balance
Marsh Funnel Viscometer, Plastic
Measuring Cup, Plastic
Measuring Cup, Stainless Steel
Digital Stopwatch
Wash Bottle, 500ml
Sieve, 200 Mesh
Funnel, Sand Content
Glass Measuring Tube
Water Hardness Test Strips
pH Strips, range 0-14

* Optional items

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10
10.1

Warranty and Returns

Warranty
Fann Instrument Company warrants its products to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the time of shipment. If repair or
adjustment is necessary, and has not been the result of abuse or misuse within the
twelve-month period, please return, freight prepaid, and correction of the defect
will be made without charge.
Out of warranty products will be repaired for a nominal charge.
Please refer to the accompanying warranty statement enclosed with the product.

10.2

Returns
For your protection, items being returned must be carefully packed to prevent
damage in shipment and insured against possible damage or loss. Fann will not be
responsible for damage resulting from careless or insufficient packing.
Before returning items for any reason, authorization must be obtained from Fann
Instrument Company. When applying for authorization, please include information
regarding the reason the items are to be returned.
Our correspondence address is:
Fann Instrument Company
P.O. Box 4350
Houston, Texas USA 77210
Telephone:
Toll Free:
FAX:

281-871-4482
800-347-0450
281-871-4446

Email

fannmail@fann.com

Our shipping address is:

Fann Instrument Company
15112 Morales Road
Gate 7, Houston, Texas USA 77032

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