Rheology - Mud Testing
Rheology is a fundamental mud property determining circulating pressures, suspension capabilities and carrying capacity. It must be checked regularly and controlled very carefully to ensure it is maintained within the range specified in the drilling fluids programme.
Plastic Viscosity (PV) indicates solids content and, therefore, general condition of the mud. For a specific mud, at a constant gradient, an increase in PV may indicate that the efficiency of the solids control equipment requires checking. A high PV adds to the circulating pressure and provides no benefits. Consequently, efforts must be made to minimise it . . .