Sulaimani Polytechnic University

Technical College of Engineering

Petroleum & Energy Engineering Department
Academic Year: 2022 – 2023
Stage: third

Viscosity and Yield point

EXPERIMENT NO:1

Preparing:
Hoshang Mohamad Abdulla

Lawand rawf

Mhamad omer

Mhamad burhan

Sulaimanyah-2023
 Table of contents

subject page

Abstract 03

Theory 04

Introduction 05

Procedure 06-07-08

Calculation 09

Difference types of drilling 10

mud
Discussion 11

Reference 12
 Abstract of the experiment

Rheological parameters of drilling fluids, such as yield point and plastic viscosity, are
required to determine the hydrodynamic components of pressure at various points in the

circulation system during technological operations. It is essential to ensure a simple and

accurate measurement of these parameters in the construction of oil and gas wells, however,
existing methods are relatively expensive and the results obtained can be subjective.
 Theory

Rheology is the study of the deformation and flow of matter. Viscosity is a measure of the
resistance offered by that matter to a deforming force. Shear dominates most of the viscosity-
related aspects of drilling operations. Because of that, shear viscosity (or simply, ‘‘viscosity’’)
of drilling fluids is the property that is most commonly monitored and controlled. Retention of
drilling fluid on cuttings is thought to be primarily a function of the viscosity of the mud and
its wetting characteristics. Drilling fluids with elevated viscosity at high shear rates tend to
exhibit greater retention of mud on cuttings and reduce the efficiency of high shear devices
like shale shakers [Lundie]. Conversely, elevated viscosity at low shear rates reduces the
efficiency of low-shear devices like centrifuges, inasmuch as particle settling velocity and
separation efficiency are inversely proportional to viscosity. Water or thinners will reduce
both of these effects. Also, during procedures that generate large quantities of drilled solids
(e.g. Reaming), it is important to increase circulation rate and/or reduce drilling rate. Other
rheological properties can also affect how much drilling fluid is retained on cuttings and the
interaction of

cuttings with each other. Some drilling fluids can exhibit elasticity as well as viscosity. These
Viscoelastic fluids possess some solid-like qualities (elasticity), particularly at low shear rates,
along with the usual liquid-like qualities (viscosity). Shear thinning drilling fluids, such as
xanthan gum–based fluids, tend to be viscoelastic and can lower efficiency of low-shear-rate
devices like static separation tanks and centrifuges.

Viscoelasticity as discussed above is based on flow in shear. There is another kind of

Viscoelasticity; however, that is just now receiving some attention: extensional
Viscoelasticity. As the term implies, this property pertains to extensional or elongation flow.

and has been known to be important in industries in which processing involves squeezing a
fluid through an orifice.
Introduction
 Procedure

1. Obtain a sample of the mud to be tested. Record place of sampling. Measurements should
be made with minimum delay.

2. Fill thermal cup approximately 2/3 full with mud sample. Place thermal cup on viscometer
stand. Raise cup and stand until rotary sleeve is immersed to scribe lie on sleeve. Lock into
place by turning locking mechanism.

3. Place thermometer in thermal cup containing sample. Heat or cool sample to desired test
temperature of 115° ±2°F.

4. Flip VG meter toggle switch, located on right rear side of VG meter, to high position by
pulling forward.

5. Position red knob on top of VG meter to the 600-rpm speed.

When the red knob is in the bottom position and the toggle

switch is in the forward (high) position -this is the 600-rpm

speed.
6. With the sleeve rotating at 600-rpm, wait for dial reading in the top window of VG meter to
stabilize (minimum 10 seconds). Record 600-rpm dial reading.

7. With red knob in bottom position, flip the VG meter toggle switch to low position by
pushing the toggle switch away from you. Wait for dial reading to stabilize (minimum 10
seconds). Records 300-rpm dial reading. [See Step 8 to calculate the Plastic Viscosity and
Yield Point].

8. The Plastic Viscosity and Yield Point are calculated from the

600-rpm and 300-rpm dial readings. By calculate some simple

calculations.

Yield point, the second component of resistance to flow in a drilling fluid, is a measurement
of the electro-chemical or attractive forces in a fluid. These forces are a result of negative and
positive charges located on or near the particle surfaces.

The yield point is primarily associated with two mud functions:

1) The hole cleaning capability.

2) The pressure control characteristic of a mud.

YP (lb/100 ft2) = 2 x Θ300 – Θ600

YP (lb/100 ft2) = Θ300 – PV

YP (Pa) = 0.4788 x (2 x Θ300 – Θ600)

YP (Pa) = 0.4788 x (Θ300 – PV)

The yield point is often used as an indicator of the shear-thinning characteristics of a fluid and
its ability to suspend weight material and remove cuttings from the wellbore, but it can be
misleading. Any fluid with a yield point greater than zero, shear thins to some degree. Fluids
with very low yield points will not suspend weight material, but fluids with high yield points
may not suspend weight material either. Solutions of CMC, Polynomic Cellulose (PAC) and
HEC polymers in water have yield points, but they will not suspend weight material under
static conditions. Measurements of their shear stresses at low shear rates indicate that their
shear stress at a shear rate of 0 sec–1 is 0.
High viscosity resulting from high yield point or attractive forces may be caused by:

1) Introduction of soluble contaminants such as salts, cement, anhydrite or gypsum that

result in flocculation clays and reactive solids.

2) Breaking of the clay particles by the grinding action of bit and drill pipe creating new
residual forces (broken bond valences) on the broken edges of the particle. These forces
tend to pull the particles together in disorganized form or flocs.

3) Introduction of inert solids into the system increases the yield point. This results in the
particles being moved closer together. Because the distance between each particle is
decreased, the attraction between particles is increased.

4) Drilled hydratable shales or clays introduce new active solids into the system,
increasing attractive forces by bringing the particles closer together, and by increasing the
total number of charges.

Clay platelets are both electrically charged and long compared to their thickness. This
makes them quite good for increasing the yield point. Their ability to link together
(flocculate) can be neutralized by the addition of certain chemicals such as tannins,
phosphates, and lignosulfonates. When this is accomplished, the yield point will be
reduced to that caused by the mechanical interactions of the solids.

5) Under- or over-treatment with electrochemically charged chemicals increases the

attractive forces.

6) The use of branched biopolymers.

Calculation
 Difference types of drilling mud

Factors Affecting Yield Point (YP) in Different Types of Drilling Mud:

There is a direct relation between Yield Point (YP) and frictional pressure loss. The more the
value of Yield Point (YP) is, the more will be the frictional pressure losses.

Following factors are affecting Yield Point (YP) in water-based drilling muds making its
value increase:

Higher Temperature: Measurements of Yield Point (PV) increases with increase in

temperature showing that there is a direct relation between Yield Point (PV) and temperature
in water-based muds.
Contaminants: Because of the circulation of the drilling fluids in the wellbore and the influx
of reservoir fluids into it there are many mud contaminants that includes in it. These
contaminants effect the calculations of Yield Point (PV) making these an important factor to
consider when dealing with the value of Yield Point (PV). These contaminants might include
carbon dioxide (CO2), salt and anhydrite etc.
Over Treatment: Many chemicals and mixtures are added in water-based muds for different
reasons. Their quantity mixed in the mud if not managed properly might affect the values of
Yield Point (PV). These chemicals include lime or caustic soda.
 Discussion

Is first one abstract Based on the results of the comparative studies, it can be concluded that a
very simple and low cost method has been created for measuring the plastic viscosity and
yield point of the drilling fluid. The proposed method does not require special equipment,
while being based on the use of simple and widely used tools for measuring density and
relative viscosity. It does not need special measuring procedures, allowing using the results of
routine density and relative viscosity measurements. The method does not impose special,
sharply increased requirements for the accuracy of measuring the time of fluid outflow from
the funnel. It also does not require any additional funnel measurements of the flow time and
gauging volumes.
(Hoshang Mhamad Abdulla, 2023)

In this part no units are given for the flow equations because any set of consistent units will
serve. Practical hydraulic equations for determining flow pressures and velocities in drilling
wells are given in the second part of the chapter. Finally, some of the problems related to
drilling fluid rheology,. (lawand rawf, 2023)

Experimental studies were conducted to compare the results of the developed method for
determining the yield point and plastic viscosity of the drilling fluid with the data provided by

the widely used 6-speed Fann 35 rotational viscometer. Tests were carried out on a drilling
fluid based on slowly dissolving clay powder (bentonite).. (mhamad omer ali, 2023)

The proposed method is carried out by measuring the flow time of a given fluid volume from
a measuring funnel, followed by measuring the fluid volume flowing in half of this time. If
the total flow time for relative viscosity measurements always corresponds to the same
measured volume VM, then half of this time must also correspond to the same determined

volume. The latter is thus a characteristic of relative viscosity measurements using a funnel of
this type and is found once, (mhamad burhan ali, 2023)
 Reference

http://www.irphouse.com/ijert20/ijertv13n1_7a.pdf
https://www.drillingmanual.com/yield-point-drilling-mud/#h-yield-point-in-
drilling-mud-applications
https://www.slideshare.net/upload?download_id=107855541

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/plastic-
viscosity