The six readings will be taken at 120 F (48.9 C).

A heated cup will be

used for this purpose. Water Based Muds exhibit thinning tendencies with
temperature and so it is still necessary to standardise this test by taking the
readings at the same temperature on each occasion.
The thermometer used must be calibrated against a mercury or alcohol
type thermometer to confirm its accuracy. To adjust the thermometer
simply use a small spanner to turn the nut on the back of the dial so that
the thermometer reads the same temperature as the mercury or alcohol
thermometer.
The rheometer readings may be taken at a higher temperature, to reflect flow
line temperatures, if required. However, to avoid confusion and to allow
comparisons between wells, usually only the 120 F (48.9 C) readings will be
entered in the mud check columns on the mud report. If necessary, readings
taken at higher temperatures can be noted in the comment section.
Note: Maximum operating temperature is
200 F (93 C). If fluids above 200 F
(93 C) are to be tested, a solid metal
bob or a hollow metal bob, with
completely dry interior, should be
used. Liquid trapped inside a hollow
bob may vaporise when immersed in
high temperature fluid and cause the
bob to explode.
The gelling characteristics of the fluid can
be determined from taking a 10 second
and a 10 minute gel reading. Consequently
there is no requirement to take a 30 minute
gel under normal circumstances. However
if increasing rheology is becoming a
problem a 30 min gel should also be taken
in order to determine the effectiveness of
the treatment programme.

Example of 6 Speed
Rheometer

equipment
Fann 35, 110 volt or 120 volt, powered by a two speed synchronous motor
to obtain speeds of 3, 6, 100, 200, 300 and 600.
Mud cup
Stopwatch
Thermometer 32 220 F (0 104 C)

procedures
1) Stir the sample at 600 rpm while the sample is heating, or cooling, to 120 F
(48.9 C). Ensure the dial reading has stabilized at this speed before noting
the result and proceeding to the 300, 200, 100, 6 and 3 RPM speeds.
2) Having taken the 3-RPM reading stir the sample at 600 RPM for 30 secs
before taking the 10-second gel at 3 rpm.
3) Restir the sample at 600 rpm for 30 seconds and leave undisturbed for
10 minutes, ensuring the temperature stays at 120 F (48.9 C). Take the
10 minute gel reading at 3 rpm.