Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

Report Contents :
 Introduction.

 Test Instruments & materials.

 Test Procedure.

 Tabulated Test Results.

 Calculations.

 Discussion – Results.

 Figures.

 Conclusion.

 References.

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

Introduction
During the drilling process there are many factors affect on the fluid
which is we drilling by it, one of these important factors is the type of
water (is it acidic water or alkaline water).By other meaning the pH of
water (or Mud pH).
In This experiment we talks about pH in the drilling fluid, and how
controlling the (pH of the mud) in drilling process, which is very
important during drilling.
In fact the effect of pH depends on the hydrogen concentration, which
mean (the degree of acidity or alkalinity) of the mud.
By pH measurements, we can determining this acidity or alkalinity of the
drilling mud, and how it affect on the other properties of the mud during
drilling.

Theory :

The acidity and the alkalinity of the drilling fluid can be measured by the
concentration of the (H+) ion in the fluid. As for instance, if H+ is large (1
x 10-1), then the (OH-) hydroxyl concentration is very low (1 x 10- 13),
the solution is strongly acidic. If the (OH-) concentration is (1 x 10- 1)
very high then (H+) concentration is very low then the solution is strongly
alkaline. The pH of a solution is the logarithm of the reciprocal of the (H+)
concentration in grams moles per liter, expresses as:
1
pH = log [ H +¿ ¿ ]= - log[ H +¿¿ ]
for example: If the solution is neutral then H+ and OH- concentrations are
the same equal to 1 x 10-7.
1
pH = log [ 1 x 10−7 ] = - log [1 x 10−7 ]= - (-7)=7.00

Therefore, if the pH of a mixture drops from 7.0 to 6.0, the number of

(H+) increase ten times.

Test Objective:

1-Measuring the pH degree or (acidity& alkalinity) for a sample of pre-mix

mud by pH-paper and pH-meter.

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

2-Measuring the pH degree for a sample of pre-mix mud after adding

some of quantities of caustic soda (Naoh).

3-Studying the effect of this (adding Naoh),on the mud and (mud
behavior) in drilling process.

Basic Terms:
pH:
The term pH is used to express the concentration of hydrogen ions in an
aqueous solution. pH is defined by:

pH= -Log [H+]

Where [H+] is the hydrogen ion concentration in moles per liter.

The pH of water is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is:

• On a scale of 1 to 14, normal fresh water has a pH of 7. If the

water is acid, the value is less than 7 and if it is alkaline the value is
greater than 7.

• Bentonite will mix best if the pH of makeup water is adjusted to be

between 8 and 9.

• Polymers too, perform best in makeup water with a pH in the

range 7 to 9.

• pH will affect mud mixing, viscosity, water loss, hole stability and
core recovery.

fig(1): illustrate the pH scale

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

For this type of solution, the pH equals 7. Other combinations include:

 The pH of (1-6) represents the minimum concentration of hydrogen

ions.
 The pH of (8-14) represents the maximum concentration of hydroxyl
ions.

fig(2): illustrate the ranges of pH value

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

The pH of most water base drilling fluid systems : is maintained in the

(9 -10.5) range, and it’s determined either by the colorimetric method or
the Electrometric method. The colorimetric method utilizes chemically
treated pH hydrion paper which is placed on the mud's surface until a
color change is noted. The color observed is matched with a color chart on
the side of the dispenser. If the salt concentration is greater than
16,000ppm, pH paper is not recommended. The electrometric procedure
employs a pH meter with a glass electrode. Although more accurate than
pH hydrion paper it is quite sensitive to shock and difficult to maintain
under field conditions.

Why it is important to measure and control pH?

Because of the following reasons:

1.To prevent drill string corrosion. corrosion rates can be reduced at

higher pH levels and bacterial action on organic materials is retarded at
elevated alkalinity levels.

2.To get the maximum benefit at the mud additive at PH range (9-10.5),
Organic dispersants and filtration control agents generally achieve
maximum effectiveness in an alkaline environment.

3.Adverse effects of contaminating electrolytes are usually minimized at

higher PH levels.

4.By controlling pH of the mud. We can control the stability of different

mud system, such as(Ligno-sulphaide system) may be improved at a pH
of 10.0 or above.

5.To insure the solubility of gases (Co2, H2S).

6.To increase the polymer efficiency.

Methods of measuring pH in the laboratory:

Two methods are used for measuring the pH of freshwater drilling mud:

1.pH-Paper or (pH hydrion paper): it is the modified colorimetric method,

using plastic backed test strips (sticks).

2.pH-Meter:it is the potentiometric method, employing the glass-electrode

electronic.

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

The plastic strip method is frequently used for field pH measurements, but
is not the preferred method. It is reliable only in very simple water muds.
Mud solids, dissolved salts and chemicals, and dark-colored fluids cause
errors in pH plastic strip values.
pH-meter is the recommended method for pH measurement of drilling
fluid.

Test instruments & Materials

1. The pH Paper:

Description:

The pH paper strips have dyes absorbed

into the paper display certain colors in
certain pH ranges. It is useful, inexpensive
method to determine pH in fresh water
muds. The main disadvantage is that high
concentrations of salts (10,000 ppm
chloride) will alter the color change and
cause inaccuracy.

pH-paper strips

2. The pH Meter:
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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

Description:

The pH meter (or Benchtop meter) is an electric device utilizing glass

electrodes to measure a potential difference and indicate directly by dial
reading the pH of the sample. The pH meter is the most accurate method
of measuring pH.

pH-meter

fig(3) Description of PH-meter

Other Tools and Material:

1. The Rotating Viscometer

2. Mud mixture and cup
3. Graduated cylinder.

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

4. Pre-mix mud sample.

5. Caustic soda_ sodium hydroxide (NaOh) as a liquid.

Test Procedures
First: The PH-Paper:

 Step1: Take the pre-mix mud sample and measure it’s rheological
properties.
 Step2: Place the strip indicator in the mud and allow it to remain
until the surface of the paper is wetted with liquid and the color has
been stabilized.
 Step3: Compare the color of the upper side of the Strip with the
standard colors provided with the test strip and estimate the mud
PH.
 Step4: Add 0.5 ml of caustic soda to the mud, and stir for 5min.
 Step5: Repeat steps 2 to 3.
 Step6: Add 0.8 ml of caustic soda to the mud, stir for 5min and
repeat steps 2 to 3.

Second: The PH-meter (Benchtop meter):

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

1. Turn selector to STANDBY position. Selector must be kept in this

position while rinsing, removing, or inserting electrodes to prevent
damage to delicate electronic components.

2. Remove plastic end cap and soak electrode in distilled water a few
minutes, then wipe with soft tissue.

3. Add sufficient buffer solution to a test tube to cover the electrode when
inserted (use buffer of pH in range expected of mud pH). Insert electrode.

4. Set temperature knob to the solution temperature.

5. Turn selector to READ, IMPORTANT, Do not electrode in your hand

while taking reading. Remove hand at least 12 inches away. Local radio
transmission and electric fields often conduct through the human body
and cause shifts in readings.

6. Set meter to pH of buffer with STANDARIZE knob.

7. Turn selector to STANDBY. Note: By noting reading in this position,

electronics drift can be compensated by bringing the meter back to this
reading with STANDARDIZE knob, thus avoiding frequent buffering.

8. Remove electrode and rinse with distilled water.

9. Insert electrode into solution to be tested.

10. Turn selector to READ.

11. Stir carefully to assure fresh solution. Wait adequate time for a steady
reading. Make sure temperature knob is set correctly. Remove hand from
electrode before reading.

12. Turn selector to STANDBY before removing electrode from solution.

13. To run next sample, repeat steps 9 through 11.

14. When finished, turn selector to OFF. Rinse electrode in distilled water
and wipe clean with soft tissue.

15. Before storing, wet electrode with a few drops of pH 7 buffer and
replace plastic protector.
Tabulated Test Results & Calculation
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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

Mud Property Pre-mix Mud+0.5 cc Mud+0.8 cc

mud NaOh NaOh
PH-paper 7 8 11
PH-meter 7.82 9.36 11.6
PV cp 14 11 8
YP (100/ft2) 34 42 22

Discussion – Results
Caustic soda causes increase in the pH of the mud (drilling fluid), where
caustic soda (NaOH) conceder a source of [OH+].So the results show the
reading of PH increases by increase the amount of caustic soda (NaOH) or
sodium hydroxide added to the mud sample.

What is the effect of caustic soda on PH?

The effect of caustic soda on pH is increase the pH of the mud
(drilling fluid), where caustic soda (NaOH) considers the source of [OH+]
and adding caustic soda to the mud as:

 Flakes or Pearls (diluted in water).

 Liquid.

Caustic Soda Flakes Caustic Soda Pearls

While drilling formation the pH of the mud will decrease then we should
adding caustic soda to the mud to increase the pH.
Figures

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

Fig (1): Relationship between Caustic soda (cc/350cc) and pH

By using pH-meter reading :

45

40

35

30
Mud Properties

25 PH
PV
20 YP
15

10

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

Caustic Soda Concentration(cc/350cc)

Fig (2): Relationship between Caustic soda (cc/350cc) and pH

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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

By using pH-Paper reading :

45

40

35

30
Mud Properties

25 PH
20 PV
YP
15

10

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

Caustic Soda Concentration(cc/350cc)

Conclusion
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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

 pH is one of important factors which is affect on the drilling

fluid and drilling process.
 We should be measure and control pH for the mud to prevent
drill string corrosion and stability of mud system.
 Caustic soda is causes increase the pH of the mud (drilling
fluid), where caustic soda (NaOH) conceder a source of
[OH+].
 The best and get the maximum benefit of the mud additive at
pH range (9-10.5).

References
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Drilling fluid lab Experiment _no 6

1. The Pennsylvania State University “Laboratory Manual for

Drilling Fluids and Cements and Rig Floor Simulation”, 8th
edition, 2002, page 11-12.
2. Lab lectures. 2015. Dr.Ibrahim Ben Younes.
3. Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH.
4. Pictures on this report are from: www.Google.com
5. Last reports on this experiment.

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