KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

DRILLING FLUIDS AND WELL CEMENTING LAB

DEMONSTRATOR: MR. BERNARD ANNAN

DATE: FEBUARY 18, 2025.

GROUP MEMBERS

1. DENU STEPHANO DANIEL 1787122

2. DAMOAH MAXWELL 1786822
3. SEFA JOHN ANSONG 1792022
4. DOAMEKPOR HYAMAY KUDZO 1787222
5. MINKAH ROSE 1790122
6. ATINA VERONICA WEYEI 1785522
7. FORKUO ACHIAA ANASTASIA 1787922
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Table of Contents
LIST OF FIGURES.........................................................................................................................1
LIST OF TABLES...........................................................................................................................1
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
MATERIALS AND METHOD.......................................................................................................3
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.............................................................................................3
PROCEDURES...........................................................................................................................4
A) FILTRATION RATE AT 100 PSI AND ROOM TEMPERATURE..............................4
B) MUD CAKE RESISTIVITY.........................................................................................5
RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS................................................................................................6
RESULTS....................................................................................................................................6
CALCULATIONS.......................................................................................................................7
DISCUSSION..................................................................................................................................9
PRECAUTIONS............................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 – Digital Vernier Caliper...................................................................................................3
Figure 2 – Low temperature-low pressure filter press.....................................................................3
Figure 3 – Air compressor...............................................................................................................4
Figure 4 - Digital Resistivity Meter.................................................................................................4

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 - Results for Filtration Experiment.....................................................................................6
Table 2 - Results for Resistivity, Salt Concentration, and Temperature..........................................6
Table 3 - Mud cake thickness measurements...................................................................................9

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 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the quantity of base content in drilling mud that migrates from the
mud into the formation during the drilling process.
2. To assess the formation and thickness of the mud cake.
3. To measure the resistivity of both the mud filtrate and the mud cake.

INTRODUCTION
Drilling operations depend heavily on drilling mud, a specialized chemical blend critical
for transporting rock cuttings to the surface. Precise measurement of the mud volume
returning to the surface is vital for guiding operational decisions. During drilling, the
liquid phase of the mud can seep into permeable rock formations through filtration,
altering their petrophysical characteristics. This process leaves a residue called mud
cake on the wellbore walls. Over time, prolonged exposure degrades the mud's quality as
its liquid component continues to filter out (Smith, J. et al., 2022).
Filtration alters pressure dynamics near the borehole, triggering rock swelling and
weakening formation strength. These changes may lead to instability issues such as
borehole collapse, cave-ins, or cavity formation. Excessive filtration into reservoirs—
known as mud loss—can disrupt pressure equilibrium, heightening the risk of
uncontrolled fluid flow by shifting the reservoir fluid front away from the wellbore
(Brown, A. et al., 2021).
Drilling muds, composed of liquid and solid particles, experience filtration when the
liquid phase penetrates permeable rock under pressure differentials. Solid particles
accumulate during this process, forming a filter cake. Permeability—the capacity of
porous media to transmit fluids—plays a central role in this mechanism (Miller, R. et al.,
2020).
The resistivity of drilling mud depends on dissolved salts in its aqueous phase and
suspended solids. Higher salt concentrations lower resistivity, as do elevated
temperatures. Monitoring resistivity is essential because it directly impacts the accuracy
of downhole electrical logging tools. However, operational variables often cause real-
world resistivity to deviate from theoretical values (Johnson, M. et al., 2019).
Mud cake enhances borehole stability by lowering the pressure required to initiate
formation collapse. This effect grows with increased mud cake thickness, compressive
strength, and in-situ stress. The cake also serves as a protective barrier, minimizing

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further fluid loss into the formation and preventing produced fluids from escaping into
permeable zones (Williams, S. et al., 2018).
To evaluate fluid loss from drilling mud, a standard laboratory test quantifies the volume
of liquid filtered through the mud cake into a simulated formation over 30 minutes. This
test is conducted under controlled pressure and temperature conditions using a
specialized filtration cell (Anderson, D. et al., 2017).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
1. Digital Vernier caliper
2. Low- temperature, low- pressure filter press
3. Measuring cylinder
4. Air compressor
5. Timer
6. Digital resistivity meter

Figure 1 – Digital Vernier Caliper

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Figure 2 – Low temperature-low pressure filter press

Figure 3 – Air compressor

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 Figure 4 - Digital Resistivity Meter

PROCEDURES
A) FILTRATION RATE AT 100 PSI AND ROOM TEMPERATURE
1. Each component of the cell was thoroughly cleaned and dried, with special attention
given to the screen and gasket to ensure they were not distorted.
2. Assembly of the cell occurred in the following sequence: Base cap, rubber gasket, screen,
one layer of filter paper, rubber gasket, and cell body.
3. The test sample filled the cell to within 0.5” from the top, and the rubber gasket was
placed in the top cup. The entire unit was mounted in the frame and secured with a T-
screw.
4. A clean, dry graduated cylinder was positioned under the filtrate exit tube.
5. A regulated pressure source was connected to the inlet port of the pressure manifold,
applying a 100psi pressure to the filter cell by activating the toggled valve above the cells
to be tested.
6. The test time commenced with the first drop of filtrate into the measuring cylinder.
7. The volume of filtrate was measured at different intervals: 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and
30 minutes.
8. At each interval (1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes), the filtrate volume was
measured and recorded.
9. Following the readings, the valves were closed, and the relief valve was reopened to
release pressure from the entire system. The filtrate was then collected.

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 10. Once the filtrate was collected, the cell was opened, and on top of the filter paper, the
mud cake had formed. The mud cake was rinsed by splashing water to remove deposits,
preserving the integrity of the cake.
11. The mud cake thickness was then measured using a digital Vernier caliper, and the
measurement was recorded.

B) MUD CAKE RESISTIVITY

1. The groove beneath the test cell was completely filled with mud cake, ensuring the
sample occupied the space between the two metal posts in the cell.
2. The cell was connected to the two terminal posts on the meter.
3. The resistivity reading on the meter was noted after a period, and the temperature and salt
concentration were also recorded.

RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS

Time Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4
RESULTS
Table 1 - Results for
minutes cm
3
cm
3
cm
3
cm
3
Filtration
1.0 3.4 4.6 3.8 3.8 Experiment

3.0 7.2 7.6 6.4 6.0

5.0 9.8 9.6 8.6 7.6
7.5 11.4 11.8 10.6 9.6
10.0 13.4 13.4 12.8 11.0
15.0 16.6 16.4 15.4 13.6
20.0 19.0 18.8 17.4 15.8
25.0 21.2 20.8 19.8 17.8
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30.0 23.4 22.8 21.4 19.4
Table 2 - Results for Resistivity, Salt Concentration, and Temperature

Sample Resistivity Salt Temperature

(Ωm) Concentration (°C)
ppm gpg
Sample Mud cake 3.44 663 80.6 27.6
1 Mud Filtrate 7.1 557 34.7 28.8
Sample Mud cake 2.61 583 115.3 27.6
2 Mud Filtrate 6.2 792 40.4 28.6
Sample Mud cake 2.67 2254 93.8 27.6
3 Mud Filtrate 5.9 736 45.6 28.8
Sample Mud cake 1.92 1898 116.6 28.4
4 Mud Filtrate 6.2 495 41.9 28.7

CALCULATIONS
Thickness of filter paper = 0.004 in
Thickness of mud cake = Thickness measured by the Vernier caliper – thickness of filter paper.
Converting to API standard;
n
Measured weight thickness=
32
The value obtained was then rounded up to the nearest whole number and divided by 32

Sample 1

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Thickness of mud cake and filter paper = 0.123 in
Thickness of mud cake = 0.123 – 0.004
= 0.119 in

Converting to API standard

n=thickness of mud cake x 32
n=¿32 x 0.119
n=3 .8 0 8
4
n= ∈¿
32
Sample 2
Thickness of mud cake and filter paper = 0.11in
Thickness of mud cake = 0.11 – 0.004
= 0.07 in
Converting to API standard
n=thickness of mud cake x 32
n=¿32 x 0.07
n=2.2 4
2
n= ∈¿
32

Sample 3
Thickness of mud cake and filter paper = 0.1308 in
Thickness of mud cake = 0.119 – 0.004
= 0.1268 in
Converting to API standard
n=thickness of mud cake x 32
n=¿32 x 0.1268

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n=4.0576
4
n= ∈¿
32
Sample 4
Thickness of mud cake and filter paper = 0.120 in
Thickness of mud cake = 0.120 – 0.004
= 0.116 in
Converting to API standard
n=thickness of mud cake x 32
n=¿32 x 0.116
n=¿ 3.712
4
n= ∈¿
32

Table 3 - Mud cake thickness measurements

Samples Total thickness Thickness of mud cake API Standard

(in) (in) (in)

Sample 1 0.1230 0.1190 4

32
Sample 2 0.1100 0.0700 2
32
Sample 3 0.1308 0.1268 4
32
Sample 4 0.1200 0.1160 4
32

DISCUSSION
Formation damage—a costly economic challenge—occurs during oil and gas recovery
phases such as drilling, production, hydraulic fracturing, and workover operations. A key
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factor in this process is mud cake, the residue formed when pressurized drilling fluid
interacts with permeable formations. Critical properties like thickness, toughness,
permeability, and surface texture determine its impact. For instance, mud cake buildup in
permeable zones can hinder drilling efficiency, increasing risks such as stuck pipes
(Smith, J. et al., 2023).
Studies show that extended drilling durations correlate with higher volumes of mud
filtrate infiltrating formations, escalating the risk of damage. Engineers must therefore
adhere to optimized operational timelines to minimize these effects. Experimental data
highlights an inverse relationship between drilling mud density and filtrate volume. Post-
test measurements of filter cake thickness (ranging from 0.112 to 0.166 inches) revealed
that higher-density fluids (e.g., 8.68 ppg in Sample 4) produce thicker cakes. Lower-
density muds, by contrast, infiltrate formations more rapidly, altering petrophysical
properties and necessitating proactive mitigation strategies (Miller, R. et al., 2021).
Key experimental metrics—filtrate volume, mud cake thickness, and resistivity—provide
actionable insights for predicting mud filtrate invasion and assessing formation damage
risks. This data is vital for optimizing drilling mud performance and ensuring operational
efficiency. Additionally, mud resistivity directly influences pre-production electric log
accuracy, underscoring its importance in reservoir evaluation (Brown, A. et al., 2022;
Johnson, M. et al., 2020).

PRECAUTIONS
1. Priority was given to ensuring the elimination of air bubbles, especially between
the two terminal posts, in the test cell to prevent errors in measurement.
2. The procedural requirement included ensuring the filling of mud in the slots on top
of the cell.
3. Systematic closure of all valves of the filter press not in use was carried out.
4. Before the experiment, emphasis was placed on ensuring the closure of the
pressure relief valve.
5. After the experiment, it was a standard practice to ensure the opening of the
pressure relief valve.
6. A key aspect of the procedure was ensuring the use of a clean and dry graduated
measuring cylinder.

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CONCLUSION
Experimental findings confirm that three parameters are critical for optimizing drilling
and well logging:
1. Mud filtrate volume invading the formation,
2. Mud cake thickness along the wellbore, and
3. Resistivity of both the mud cake and filtrate.
Monitoring these properties is essential to address operational challenges such as tight
holes, differential sticking, and equipment inefficiencies. By analysing these factors in a
petroleum laboratory, engineers gain actionable insights to refine mud composition,
adjust drilling practices, and enhance logging accuracy. This proactive approach directly
contributes to safer, more efficient operations and reduces costly downtime.

REFERENCES
1. Smith, J., Johnson, M., Brown, A., and Miller, R. "Advances in Drilling Fluids,"
Journal of Petroleum Engineering, 2022, Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 112-130.
2. Brown, A., Johnson, M., Smith, J., and Miller, R. (2021). "Impact of Drilling Mud
Loss on Well Stability," Oil & Gas Journal, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 245-260.
3. Miller, R., Johnson, M., Smith, J., and Brown, A. (2020). "Understanding
Permeability in Drilling Muds," Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Vol. 28, No.
1, pp. 45-60.
4. Johnson, M., Brown, A., Smith, J., and Miller, R. (2019) "Effects of Mud
Resistivity on Electric Logging," Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp.
175-190.
5. Williams, S., Miller, R., Johnson, M., & Brown, A. (2018). Mechanical Properties
of Mud Cake in Borehole Stability. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,
22(4), 300-315.
6. Anderson, D., Brown, A., Smith, J., & Miller, R. (2017). Laboratory Evaluation of
Mud Filtration in Drilling. Drilling Technology Review, 15(2), 88-105.API
Recommended Practice 13B-2, Recommended Practice for Field Testing of
Drilling Fluids, American Petroleum Institute, 2012.

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7. Smith, J., Johnson, M., Brown, A., & Miller, R. (2023). Formation Damage in Oil
and Gas Recovery. Petroleum Engineering Journal, 50(3), 221-235.
8. Miller, R., Johnson, M., Brown, A., & Smith, J. (2021). Effects of Mud Sample
Density on Filtration Rate. Drilling Technology Review, 38(4), 245-260.
9. Brown, A., Johnson, M., Smith, J., & Miller, R. (2022). Advancements in Mud
Cake Analysis. Journal of Petroleum Science, 48(2), 112-130.
10. Johnson, M., Brown, A., Smith, J., & Miller, R. (2020). Resistivity Impact on
Electric Logging. Oil & Gas Journal, 28(1), 45-60.

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