A drilling mud, or drilling fluid, is an oil or water-based mix of minerals (barite, calcium carbonate), salts and polymers formulated to protect the drill and the shaft during oil or gas production.
Analysis of drilling muds and drilling mud constituents is necessary to understand, monitor and control:
- Molecular weight distributions and structure of polymer additives for a resource-efficient product
- Particle size distribution and shape consistency to prevent aggregates that might cause damage, prevent the escape of gas and block pores
- Zeta potential – to manage salt concentration and minimize aggregate formation from the outset.
Malvern Panalytical offers laboratory solutions used in studying the parameters influencing formulation and composition and manufacture on-line particle sizing solutions for in-use monitoring of drilling muds.