3.

Rheology
Rheology is the study of the deformation and flow of matter. sometimes referred to as “the flow
characteristics” of the fluid and the meaning is the same. The study of rheology is important
because it allows the drilling fluid to be specifically analyzed in terms of fluid flow profile, viscosity,
hole cleaning ability, pressure loss, equivalent circulating density - in general, wellbore hydraulics.
There are four points to consider in the study of rheology:

• Viscosity (µa)
• Plastic Viscosity (PV) or (µp)
• Yield Point (YP)
• Gel Strength
Also rheology is the study of the relation between shear stress and shear rate.

It is important to know about the rheological properties of drilling fluids to insure that optimum
properties are maintained. Rheological measurements also aid in the diagnosis and treatment of
various drilling mud related problems encountered while drilling. The rheology of the drilling fluid
depends on the type of fluid. Drilling fluid can be categorized into two general types:
1. Newtonian fluids
2. Non-Newtonian fluids this classification is primarily based on the viscosity of the fluid.

Newtonian Fluids:

Newtonian fluids are those in which the viscosity remains constant for all shear rates providing
temperature and pressure conditions remain constant. Examples of Newtonian fluids are water,
glycerine and light oil. In these fluids, the shear stress is directly proportional to the shear rate,
The rheogram curve of a Newtonian fluid is a straight line passing through the origin. The slope of
the curve defines viscosity which is the ratio of shear stress to shear rate. Because viscosity does
not change with rate of shear, it is the only parameter needed to characterize the flow properties
of a Newtonian fluid. Most drilling fluids are not this simple.
µ = τ/γ

Non-Newtonian Fluids:

Non-Newtonian fluids (most drilling fluids fit this general classification) do not show a direct
proportionality between shear stress and shear rate. The ratio of shear stress to shear rate
(viscosity) varies with shear rate and the ratio is called “effective viscosity”, but this shear rate
must be identified for each effective viscosity value.
When shear stress is plotted versus shear rate, a straight line also results but it does not pass
through the origin. Because the ratio of shear stress to shear rate differs at each shear rate.The
viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids is known as effective viscosity and the shear rate must be
specified.

Eng. Rwaida K. Page 1 UOB - Petroleum Eng. Dept.

PLASTIC VISCOSITY (µp):

The plastic viscosity is a measure of the internal resistance to flow due to the amount, type and
size of solids present in the mud. It is due to mechanical friction of the solids in the mud as they
come in contact with each other and with the liquid phase of the mud. The plastic viscosity
depends on the concentration and size of solids present.
The solids present in the mud can be considered either active or inactive. An example of an
inactive solid would be drilled solids incorporated in the mud while drilling. Increasing the
percentage by volume of solids in the mud can increase the plastic viscosity. If the volume
percent solids remain constant, then reducing the size of the solid would also increase the plastic
viscosity due to the increased surface area exposed. This increased surface area allows for more
frictional contact. To reduce the plastic viscosity, either the solid concentration can be reduced or
a flocculant can be added to increase the size of the particles thereby reducing the available
surface area. In the field the reduction is usually made by dilution with water or separation with
mechanical solids removal.

YIELD POINT (Yp)

The solids present in the mud also influence the viscosity property known as the yield point. The
yield point is a measure of the initial resistance to flow. This resistance is due to the electrostatic
attractive forces located on or near the surface of the particles. It is a dynamic measurement.
The yield point is dependent on the type of solids present and their respective surface charges,
the concentration of these solids, and the type and concentration of other ions or salts that may
be present. High yield points can be caused by:

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1. Increased solids concentration. This increases the number of surface charges if the solids are
active and reduces the distance between the particles if they are inert.
2. Insufficient amount of chemical treatments, such as dispersants, which does not tie up all
active charges making some still available to interact.
3. Breaking up the particles due to the grinding action of the bit. The grinding action breaks up the
particles allowing more active surface charges to be exposed.
4. Allowing contaminates such as salt, cement and anhydrite to enter the mud system and
flocculate the clay particles. The contamination should be treated out of the mud system to
reduce the yield point.

Apparent Viscosity (µa): It is a reflection of the plastic viscosity and yield point combined.
An increase in either or both will cause a rise in apparent viscosity. This is sometimes called
single point viscosity.

Rheology test ( measure apparent viscosity (µa), plastic viscosity (µp),and

yield point (Yp))

1. Rheology test using Fann VG meter (rotational viscometer)

A rotational viscometer is used to measure shear rate/shear stress of a drilling fluid - from which
the Bingham Plastic parameters, µp and YP, are calculated directly. Other rheological models
can be applied using the same data. The instrument is also used to measure thixotropic
properties, gel strengths.

Objective :
Determine viscometer readings to calculate the following for a drilling or completion or workover
fluids.

Work principle of the equipment:

Measure the inner moment to rotate inner roter (Bob) in thermal cup full with drilling mud.

Equipment:
1. electrical motor
2. speed selection knob (red)
3. toggle switch
4. dial reading
5. rotary sleeve (outer cylinder)
6. bob (inner cylinder)
7. thermal cup
8. stand
9. thermometer
fig (1) illustrate the parts of equipment:

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Procedure:

The following procedure applies to 6-speed fann VG Meter:

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.
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
(refer to Figure2).

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6. With the sleeve rotating at 600-rpm, wait for dial reading in the top front window of VG meter to
stabilize (minimum 10 seconds. Record 600-rpm dial reading(θ600).
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). Record
300-rpm dial reading(θ300).
8. The Apparent viscosity, Plastic Viscosity and Yield Point are calculated from the 600-rpm and
300-rpm dial readings as follows:

µp (cp.) = (600 rpm dial reading) - (300 rpm dial reading)

µa (cp.) = (600 rpm dial reading) ÷ 2
Yp (lb/100 ft²) = (300 rpm dial reading) - µp
Yt = ¾ Yp

9. Draw the result on graph paper.

Note: Immediately after use wash the mud from the cup. It is essential that all parts of the tool are
kept clean if accurate and consistent results are to be obtained.

References:

1. Amoco Drilling fluid Manual.

2. Baroid drilling handbook.
3. Drilling fluids for mineral exploration. From Mud technology seminar

Eng. Rwaida K. Page 5 UOB - Petroleum Eng. Dept.