University of Missan

Collage of Engineering

Petroleum Department

Third Stage

Drilling Engineering Laboratory

Experiment -2-
Mud Viscosity Control

:‫اعداد‬
‫آيات كاظم كحيط‬
‫دعاء رهيف بداي‬
‫اية صبري خلف‬
‫فاطمة حسون عليوي‬
‫حوراء ماجد اكريم‬
‫بنين دمحم وحيد‬
Table of Contents

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Aim of experiment
4. Appartus
5. Procedure
6. Results and calculations
7. Discussion
8. Conclution
9. References

List of figures

Figure (1) - Ferrochrome Lignosulfonate material

Figure (2) – XC_polymer material

Figure (3) – Mud balance device

Figure (4) – Digital balance

Figure (5) - Viscometer

Figure (6) - Mixer

Abstract

controlling the viscosity of the drilling fluid is essential for maintaining wellbore stability, reducing
frictional pressure losses, carrying cuttings to the surface efficiently, and preventing formation
damage in oil and gas wells. It plays a critical role in ensuring effective drilling operations and overall
well productivity.Therefore, in this experiment, we discussed the method of adding viscosifiers and
thinners to drilling fluid and their benefits in detail

Introduction

In our experiement for today, we will talk about the viscosity of the drilling fluid, as we all know that
when designing the drilling fluid, it is very important to choose a suitable density and viscosity in the
well, but do you choose one model of viscosity? At a certain number, is it sufficient and appropriate
for all classes? Of course not. For example, in large cavities we need to increase the viscosity, and in
most drilling problems, we need to reduce the viscosity to solve the problem . How is the viscosity of
the drilling fluid controlled? Of course through thunners and viscosifers...

Thinners are additives used to reduce the viscosity of drilling mud. Common mud viscosity thinners
include lignosulfonates, tannates, and polyelectrolytes. Viscosifiers , on the other hand, are additives
that increase the viscosity of drilling mud .Examples of mud viscosity viscosifiers include bentonite,
organophilic clays, and polymers like xanthan gum and guar gum....Therefore, in this experiment we
will discuss the method of decrease and increase viscosity of the drilling fluid.

Aim of experiment

The aim of this experiment is to maintain and adjust the viscosity of drilling mud used in drilling
operations.Also to study the behavior of drilling muds and to determine the most effective ways to
control their viscosity during the drilling process.
Appartus

Figure (1) Figure (2) Figure (3)

Figure (4) Figure (5) Figure (6)

Procedure

1 - prepare ( 550 cc ) drilling mud in the mixer by adding bentonite gradually to fresh water

2- measures the rheological properties of the mud ( apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity and yield
point ) using fann VG viscometer

3- now , gradually add thinning material , (0.5gm) of lignosulfonate to the mud in the mixer and
make sure no bubbles form .

4- measure the theological properties again after adding the thinning material ( lignosulfonate) .

5- for mud Thickening , add 0.5 of XC- polymer to the mud in the mixer

6- measure the theological properties again .

7- make a table to compare the contrast between the theological properties in each case ( original
drill mud , after thinning , after thickening)

Conclusion

Mud viscosity control testing provides valuable information about mud flow behavior. Based on the
test results, action can be taken to adjust the mud viscosity to the level required for the application.
The mud viscosity control test should provide clear information about the measured mud viscosity,
how it compares to target values, and recommendations for any adjustments required to reach a
viscosity suitable for the application.
Discussion

1. why is it important to control mud viscosity?

2.What are the most common additives for controlling mud viscosity?

3. From your experimental results, What is the effect of adding lignosulphonate

and XC-polymer on mud Rheology? explain your answer.

‫فاطمة حسون عليوي‬

1-

1. Wellbore Stability: Proper mud viscosity helps to maintain wellbore stability by creating the
necessary pressure imbalances to prevent well collapse or formation damage. It also aids in
supporting the walls of the borehole, reducing the risk of hole enlargement or caving.

2. Cuttings Transport: Controlling viscosity ensures that the drilling mud can effectively carry and
transport drill cuttings to the surface. If the viscosity is too low, the cuttings may settle at the bottom
of the well, leading to issues such as stuck pipe or decreased drilling efficiency.

3. Hydraulic Pressure: The viscosity of the mud influences the hydraulic pressure exerted on the
formation, which is crucial for preventing fluid influxes or blowouts. Proper viscosity helps maintain
pressure imbalances, control formation fluids, and ensure safe drilling operations.

4. Cooling and Lubrication: Mud viscosity affects its ability to cool and lubricate the drill bit and
drilling assembly. By controlling viscosity, operators can optimize heat dissipation, reduce friction, and
extend the longevity of drilling equipment.
5. Formation Evaluation: The viscosity of the mud can impact logging and formation evaluation
processes. Controlling viscosity can help achieve better reservoir imaging, improve well log quality,
and enhance the understanding of subsurface geology for informed decision-making.

6. Efficient Circulation: Maintaining the right viscosity level promotes efficient circulation of drilling
fluid in the wellbore, facilitating the removal of cuttings and maintaining wellbore cleanliness. This
enhances drilling performance, reduces downtime, and improves overall operational productivity.

2-

1. Clay: Bentonite and other types of clay are commonly used to increase viscosity and provide
suspension properties to the drilling fluid. They help stabilize the borehole, improve hole cleaning, and
control fluid loss.

2. Polymers: Polymers such as polyacrylamide, xanthan gum, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are
added to drilling fluids to enhance viscosity and rheological properties. They can help maintain
viscosity over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

3. Barite: Barite is a weighting agent used to increase the density of the drilling fluid without
significantly affecting viscosity. By adjusting the density, operators can control hydrostatic pressure
and prevent wellbore instability.

4. Lignite: Lignite is a natural organic polymer that can be added to drilling mud to increase viscosity
and provide filtration control. It helps in limiting fluid loss into the formation by forming a thin filter
cake on the wellbore walls.

5. Hydrated Lime: Hydrated lime is sometimes used to adjust the pH of drilling mud and control
viscosity. It can also help stabilize reactive clays and control fluid loss in certain formations.

6. Salt: Salt solutions like calcium chloride or sodium chloride are sometimes added to drilling fluids to
control and adjust viscosity. These salts can help improve shale inhibition, reduce fluid loss, and
enhance the performance of the drilling mud.
7. Starch: Starch-based additives are used to increase viscosity and provide filtration control in water-
based drilling fluids. They can help improve hole stability, prevent sticking, and enhance wellbore
cleaning.

8. Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers are added to oil-based drilling fluids to control viscosity and emulsion
stability. They help in maintaining proper fluid properties and preventing phase separation in the
drilling mud.

3-

1. Lignosulphonate: Lignosulphonate is a commonly used mud additive that acts as a dispersant and
fluid thinner. When added to drilling mud, lignosulphonate can reduce the viscosity of the fluid,
making it easier to pump and circulate. It helps in preventing fluid loss and improving hole cleaning by
reducing the formation of filter cake on the wellbore walls. However, excessive use of lignosulphonate
can lead to fluid loss control issues and decreased suspension properties, affecting overall drilling
performance.

2. XC-polymer: XC-polymer, such as xanthan gum, is a viscosifying agent commonly used to increase
the viscosity and improve the rheological properties of drilling mud. When added to the mud system,
XC-polymer can enhance hole stability, improve cutting transport efficiency, and help maintain
wellbore integrity. It provides shear-thinning behavior, which means that the fluid viscosity decrease
under high shear rates to facilitate efficient circulation, but recovers quickly at low shear rates to
suspend solids effectively.
‫اية صبري خلف‬

1-

Controlling mud viscosity is crucial in drilling operations because it helps to optimize the drilling
process by efficiently carrying drill cuttings to the surface, maintaining wellbore stability, and
preventing blowouts.

2-

- Polymers: Such as polyacrylamide or xanthan gum, which enhance viscosity and improve hole
cleaning properties.

- Lignosulfonates: Acts as a dispersant and helps control fluid loss.

-PHPA (Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide): Used in water-based mud systems to enhance viscosity
and control filtration.

- Emulsifiers: Surfactants or fatty acids that can reduce viscosity in oil-based mud systems.

3-

- Lignosulfonate:

• Yield Point: Lignosulfonate typically has a minimal effect on the yield point of drilling mud. It
primarily functions as a fluid loss control agent and dispersant rather than a thickening agent.
Therefore, its addition generally does not contribute significantly to changes in the yield point.

• Apparent Viscosity: Lignosulfonate may have a slight thinning effect on the apparent viscosity of the
drilling mud. As a dispersant, it helps maintain the suspension of solid particles in the mud, which can
lead to a more fluid-like behavior. However, the decrease in apparent viscosity is often marginal and
depends on the concentration of lignosulfonate.

• Plastic Viscosity: Lignosulfonate can slightly reduce the plastic viscosity of drilling mud. Its
dispersant properties help prevent agglomeration of solid particles, leading to smoother flow an lower
resistance within the mud. Consequently, the plastic viscosity may decrease slightly with the addition
of lignosulfonate, particularly at higher concentrations.

- XC-polymer (Xanthan gum):

• Yield Point: XC-polymer significantly increases the yield point of drilling mud due to its thickening
properties. As a biopolymer, it forms a network structure that enhances the resistance to flow and
increases the yield stress of the mud. Therefore, the yield point of the mud rises proportionally with
the concentration of XC-polymer.

• Apparent Viscosity: The addition of XC-polymer leads to a substantial increase in the apparent
viscosity of drilling mud. The biopolymer thickens the mud by forming long, tangled chains that hinder

the flow of the fluid. Consequently, the apparent viscosity rises significantly, reflecting the enhanced
resistance to deformation.

• Plastic Viscosity: XC-polymer also increases the plastic viscosity of drilling mud due to its thickening
effect. The biopolymer's presence enhances the internal friction within the mud, resulting in higher
resistance to flow. Therefore, the plastic viscosity of the mud increases proportionally with the
concentration of XC-polymer.

‫دعاء رهيف بداي‬

1-

Controlling mud viscosity is crucial in various applications, particularly in drilling operations.

Here's why:

Efficient Cuttings Transport: The mud's job is to carry rock fragments (cuttings) created during drilling
back to the surface. Proper viscosity allows the mud to suspend these cuttings and prevent them from
settling at the bottom of the wellbore. This prevents clogging and ensures smooth drilling progress .
Wellbore Stability: Maintaining the right viscosity helps stabilize the walls of the drilled wellbore. Mud
with excessively low viscosity won't exert enough pressure to counteract formation pressures,
potentially causing the wellbore to collapse .
Preventing Formation Damage: Mud that's too thick can be difficult to circulate and may even
fracture the rock formations around the wellbore. Precise viscosity control helps avoid damaging the
target formations .

In essence, controlling mud viscosity helps ensure efficient drilling, wellbore stability, and avoids
formation damage, all of which contribute to a successful and cost-effective drilling operation.

2-

In drilling fluids, there are two main categories of additives used to control mud viscosity:

Viscosifiers: These are substances that increase the thickness and resistance to flow of the mud. Here
are the most common types:
Polymers: These come in various forms, with some popular options including polyanionic cellulose
(PAC) and xanthan gum. They work by creating a network of long, entangled molecules that trap water
molecules and drilled solids, increasing viscosity .
Thinners: In some situations, reducing mud viscosity might be necessary. Commonly used thinners
include:
Lignosulfonates: These are dispersants that break down clay clumps, reducing their ability to form
networks and increase viscosity. They can also reduce the attraction between water molecules and
clay surfaces, lowering overall viscosity .

3-
Lignosulfonate:
Effect: Generally acts as a thinning agent

Mechanism: Disperses clay particles, reducing their ability to form networks and increase viscosity.
Additionally, it can reduce the attraction between water molecules and clay surfaces, lowering overall
viscosity .
XC-Polymer:
Effect: Typically acts as a thickening agent.

Mechanism: Forms long, flexible chains that entangle with water molecules and clay particles,
increasing the resistance to flow and thickening the mud .

‫ايات كاظم كحيط‬

1-

Controlling mud viscosity is important for the following reasons:

1. Drilling operations: In the oil and gas industry, drilling mud is used to lubricate and cool the drill
bit, transport cuttings to the surface, and maintain well control. The viscosity of the drilling mud is
crucial as it affects the mud’s ability to perform these functions effectively. Proper viscosity ensures
efficient hole cleaning, prevents stuck pipe, and helps maintain the desired hydrostatic pressure in the
well.

2.Borehole stability: The viscosity of the drilling mud affects the stability of the borehole. If the
viscosity is too low, the mud may not be able to support the walls of the borehole, leading to cave-ins
or sloughing. Conversely, if the viscosity is too high, it can cause the mud to become too thick and
difficult to circulate, potentially leading to stuck pipe or other operational issues.

3.Solids suspension: The viscosity of the mud affects its ability to suspend and transport drill cuttings
and other solid particles to the surface. If the viscosity is too low, the solids may settle out, leading to
potential blockages in the mud circulation system. Proper viscosity ensures efficient removal of drill
cuttings and prevents the buildup of solids in the mud system.

4.Fluid loss control: The viscosity of the mud also affects its ability to control fluid loss into the
formation. If the viscosity is too low, the mud may not be able to form an effective filter cake, leading
to excessive fluid loss and potential formation damage.
5.Pumping and circulation: The viscosity of the mud affects the ease with which it can be pumped
and circulated through the drilling system. If the viscosity is too high, it can increase the required
pumping pressure and power, leading to higher energy consumption and potential equipment wear.

2-
the most common additives used for controlling mud viscosity are:

1.Bentonite: Bentonite is a clay mineral that is widely used as a viscosifier in drilling muds. It helps
increase the viscosity of the mud, which is important for suspending and transporting drill cuttings to
the surface.
2.Polymers: a. Xanthan gum: Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide that is effective
in increasing the viscosity of drilling muds, especially at high temperatures. b. Cellulose-based
polymers: Derivatives of cellulose, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose
(HEC), are also commonly used as viscosity modifiers in drilling muds.
3.Barite: Barite, a naturally occurring barium sulfate mineral, is added to drilling muds to increase
their density and help control downhole pressure.
4.Weighting agents: In addition to barite, other weighting agents like hematite or ilmenite may be
used to increase the density and viscosity of the drilling mud.
5.Dispersants: Dispersants, such as lignosulfonates or polyphosphates, are added to the mud to
disperse the clay particles and prevent flocculation, which can increase viscosity.
6.Rheology modifiers: Certain additives, like organophilic clays or synthetic polymers, can be used to
modify the rheological properties of the drilling mud, such as yield point and gel strength.

3-
the adding of lignosulphonate and XC-polymer (xanthan gum polymer) has the following effects on the
rheology of the drilling mud:

1.Effect of Lignosulphonate:
Lignosulphonates are dispersants that help disperse the clay particles in the mud. When added to the
mud, lignosulphonates reduce the attractive forces between the clay particles, preventing them from
flocculating.
This dispersion of clay particles leads to a reduction in the viscosity and yield point of the mud.
Lignosulphonates also help improve the mud’s fluid loss control properties by preventing the clay
particles from forming a thick filter cake.
Overall, the addition of lignosulphonates results in a thinner, less viscous, and more pumpable drilling
mud.

2.Effect of XC-Polymer (Xanthan Gum):

Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide that acts as a viscosifier in drilling muds.
When added to the mud, the XC-polymer increases the viscosity, yield point, and gel strength of the
mud.
The increased viscosity helps in the suspension and transport of drill cuttings to the surface.
The higher yield point and gel strength improve the mud’s ability to suspend weighting agents, such as
barite, and prevent them from settling.
Xanthan gum is also effective in maintaining the desired rheological properties of the mud, even at
high temperatures and under shear conditions.
The addition of XC-polymer helps to create a more stable and controllable drilling mud with improved
suspension and flow characteristics.

In summary, the addition of lignosulphonate reduces the viscosity and yield point of the mud, while
the addition of XC-polymer (xanthan gum) increases the viscosity, yield point, and gel strength of the
mud. The combined use of these two additives allows for the optimization of the mud’s rheological
properties to meet the specific requirements of the drilling operation.

‫حوراء ماجد اكريم‬

1-
Maintaining proper mud viscosity is crucial for several reasons in drilling operations:
• Efficient Cuttings Transport: The mud needs to be viscous enough to carry rock cuttings generated
during drilling up to the surface. If the viscosity is too low, cuttings can settle down the borehole,
hindering drilling progress and potentially causing problems.
• Wellbore Stability: Adequate viscosity helps maintain a formation of mud cake on the borehole
wall. This cake prevents formation fluids from entering the wellbore and destabilizing the formation.
• Minimize Pressure Issues: Proper viscosity helps control hydrostatic pressure within the wellbore,
preventing blowouts and fluid influx from the formation.

2-

the most common additives are :

a)viscosity thinners
1-thiner FCL.
2-C-lignite
3-water

b) viscosity thickerners
1- bentonite
2-X-anthan (xc-polymer)
3-HPAM

3-

Lignosulfonate and XC-polymer are commonly used additives in drilling muds to alter their rheological
properties, which are essential for effective drilling operations. Here's a summary of their individual
effects:
• Lignosulfonate: Acts as a thinning agent, reducing viscosity and yield point.expand_more This helps
to control the swelling of clay particles and maintain proper flow characteristics.expand_more
• XC-polymer: Functions as a thickening agent, increasing viscosity and yield point. This enhances the
mud's ability to carry cuttings and suspend drilled solids.expand_more
The combined effect of these additives depends on the specific concentration used. By carefully
balancing the amounts of lignosulfonate and XC-polymer, drillers can achieve the desired rheological
profile for their drilling mud
‫بنين دمحم وحيد‬

1-

Drilling mud, used in creating oil and gas wells, needs its viscosity carefully
controlled.expand_moreHere's why:

Efficient Cuttings Removal: The mud carries rock fragments (cuttings) created during drilling back up
to the surface.expand_more Proper viscosity ensures the cuttings aren't too easily suspended but also
not so thick they get stuck .expand_more

Wellbore Cleaning: Maintaining a good viscosity helps clean the wellbore of debris, preventing issues
down the line .

Preventing Pressure Problems: Mud helps control pressure within the well.expand_moreIf the
viscosity is too low, it might not exert enough pressure, leading to blowouts .

Overall, controlling mud viscosity is key to safe, efficient drilling operations.

2-

The most common additives for increasing mud viscosity are

Polymers: These come in various types, but all work by increasing the mud's thickness and resistance
to flow .

Clays: Bentonite clay is a popular choice due to its ability to absorb water and swell, creating a thicker
mud .

Starch: Starch and modified starches can also be used to thicken mud and improve filtration control .
It's important to note that some additives, like quebracho (a plant extract), can actually act as thinners
for mud viscosity control . The specific additives used will depend on the desired properties of the
drilling mud for a particular operation

3-

The effects of lignosulfonate and XC-polymer on mud rheology have opposing tendencies:

Lignosulfonate: acts as a thinning agent . It reduces the viscosity and yield point of drilling mud. This is
because lignosulfonate disperses clay particles, preventing them from clumping together and
increasing friction.

XC-Polymer: acts as a thickening agent . It increases the plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strength
of drilling mud. XC-polymers are long-chain molecules that interact with water molecules and clay
particles, creating a network that increases viscosity.

Reference

Andy Philips, 2012. So You Want to be a Mud Engineer: An

Introduction to Drilling Fluids Technology. Edition. CreateSpace

Independent Publishing Platform.

Drilling Fluids Processing Handbook" by ASME Press