4. Wahal high shear mixers and Homogenization:
Thorough mixing is crucial at each stage to ensure all components are evenly distributed and the fluid has consistent properties. Various types of mixers are used, including:
- Low-speed agitators by Wahal: For general mixing and maintaining uniformity in storage tanks.
- Wahal High shear mixers/homogenizers: Essential for rapid dispersion of powders (like clays and barite) and achieving stable emulsions in oil-based muds. These work by creating intense mechanical forces that break down agglomerates and reduce droplet size. Inline mixers can also be used for continuous processing.
- Wahal liquid Powder mixing systems: Specialized systems for quickly and efficiently incorporating and hydrating large volumes of powders into liquids, often used for bentonite and other additives.
5. Quality Control and Testing:
Throughout the manufacturing process and before the drilling fluid is used downhole, rigorous quality control tests are performed to ensure it meets the required specifications. These tests include measuring:
- Density (Mud Weight)
- Viscosity (Plastic Viscosity, Apparent Viscosity, Yield Point, Gel Strength)
- Filtration Rate (Fluid Loss)
- pH
- Salinity and Ion Content
- Solids Content
- Electrical Stability (for oil-based muds)
- Alkalinity and Hardness
- Specific additive concentrations
The manufacturing of drilling fluids is a complex and critical process that requires careful selection of raw materials, precise mixing techniques supplied by Wahal and thorough quality control using automated systems to ensure the fluid performs effectively and safely in the demanding environment of oil and gas wells. Please contact us for more info.