1.

0 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
The pH is an indicator of the drilling mud's acidity or alkalinity. It describes the mud's
hydrogen ion concentration. The term pH stands for the "Potential of Hydrogen". It is the log of
the reciprocal of the hydrogen ions concentration in gram-moles-per-litre. A solution that is
neutral (either acidic or basic such as pure water) has equal concentrations of hydrogen and
hydroxyl ions. Both is equivalent to 7 and hence pH of 7 is known as neutral. If it is less than
seven (0-6), the solution is acidic and the level of acidity increases with a drop in the number.
Then, if the pH is above seven (8-14), the solution is alkaline and a higher pH number indicate
greater alkalinity.

Fig. 1.1, the ranges of colour can be clearly observed for the acidity, alkalinity and neutrality of
a solution.

Fig. 1.1: pH colour chart.

The pH can be analysed using either of these two ways: Electrometric method and Colorimeter.

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2.0 CHAPTER 2

EXPERIMENTAL THEORY

2.1 Determination of pH
The term pH is used to express the concentration of hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution. pH
is defined by:

pH = -log[H+].

Where [H+] is the hydrogen ion concentration in moles per liter. At room temperature, the ion
product constant of water, Kw has a value of 1.0 x 10-14 mol/L. Thus, for water:

H₂O⇌H+ + OH-

Kw=[H+][OH-] = 1.0x10-14

For pure water, [H+] = [OH-] = 1.0 x 10-7, mol/L and the pH is equal to 7. Since in any aqueous
solution the product [H+] [OH-] must remain constant, an increase in [H+] requires a
corresponding decrease in [OH]. A solution in which [H+]> [OH-] is said to be acidic, and a
solution in which [OH-] >[H+] is said to be alkaline. The relation between pH, [H+], and [OH-] is
summarized in Fig. 2.1.

In the drilling mud, there are three main chemical components involved in Alkalinity of drilling
fluid, which are bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), hydroxyl ions (OH-), and carbonate ions (CO3-). The
Alkalinity means ions that will reduce the acidity.

2.2 Cause of a Decrease in pH of Drilling Mud

There are many factors that can cause reduction in pH of drilling mud as listed below;

Water contamination – The water contamination or water influx will decrease pH in the drilling
fluid because water is neutral.

Carbonate or Bicarbonate – With these two chemical molecules, the pH of drilling mud will be
reduced.

Acid gases as Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Sulphur Dioxide (H2S) – If there are acid gases mixing in
the system, the pH will decrease. Additionally, acid gas has bad effect on mud properties. The
rheology of the mud such as: PV (Plastic Viscosity), YP(Yield Point), and gel strength will
increase, but Pm and Pf (phenolphthalein alkalinity of the mud and mud filtrate) will decrease
due to loss of pH.

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Anhydrite – Chemical components of Anhydrite will neutralize hydrogen ions in the mud so pH
of drilling mud will drop. It is important to increase mud pH while drilling Anhydrite formation.

Drilling fluids are not meant to be acidic so as to avoid corrosion of drilling equipments.

In order to get accurate measurements for the pH, using a pH meter instead of using a pH
paper is recommended because it will give more accurate pH figures. Additionally, pH meters
must be calibrated frequently.

The pH of a fluid can be determined using either a special pH paper or a pH meter as shown in
Fig.3.51.

2.3 Methods for pH Determination of Drilling Mud

pH Paper Method (Colorimeter)

The pH paper is impregnated with dyes that exhibit different colours when exposed to
solutions of varying pH. The pH is determined by placing a short strip of the paper on the
surface of the sample. After the colour of the test paper stabilizes, the colour of the upper side
of the paper, which has not contacted the mud, is compared with a standard colour chart
provided with the test paper. When saltwater muds are used, caution should be exercised
when using pH paper. The solutions present may cause the paper to produce erroneous values.

pH Meter Method (Electrometric)

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 The pH meter is an instrument that determines the pH of an aqueous solution by measuring
the electropotential generated between a special glass electrode and a reference electrode.
The electromotive force (EMF) generated across the specially formulated glass membrane has
been found empirically to be almost linear with the pH of the solution. The pH meter must be
calibrated using buffered solutions of known pH.Fig. 2.1: Relationship between pH, [H+], and
[OH-] in water solutions.

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5
3.0 CHAPTER 3
APPARATUS AND MATERIAL USED
3.1 Apparatus Used
1. Beaker.
2. Measuring cylinder.
3. Weighing balance.
4. Hamilton Beach Mixer.
5. pH paper.
6. pH Meter.

3.2 Materials Used

1. Water.
2. Bentonite.
3. Barite.
4. Prepared mud (Mud A).
5. Tissue paper.
6. Detergent.

3.3 Experimental Procedures For Preparing Mud B

1. Measure 25 grams of bentonite and 10 grams of barite.
2. Measure 350 ml of water and pour it into the mixer cup.
3. Turn on the mixer.
4. Add the bentonite gently into the mixer cup and let it mix for 10 minutes.
5. Add the barite gently into the mixer cup and let it mix for 10 minutes.

3.4 Procedures For Using the pH Meter

1. Transfer a quantity of mud A into a beaker.
2. Remove electrode and rise with distilled water.
3. Insert electrode into the mud contained in a 100 ml beaker.
4. Turn selector to read position and stir the solution carefully.
5. Remove hand from electrode and take reading.
6. Turn selector to off position. Rinse electrode in distilled water and wipe it with soft
tissue. Wet it with few drops of 7.0 pH of butter solution and re-place plastic cap.
7. Repeat steps 1-5 for mud B and record values.
3.5 Procedures For Using the pH Paper

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 1. Cut two pieces of pH paper.
2. Dip one into mud A sample.
3. Dip the other one into mud B sample.

3.6 Experimental Diagrams:

Fig
3.51: Diagram of pH Meter and pH Paper.

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4.0 CHAPTER FOUR.

RESULTS
Mud A: pH meter value = 13.13.

pH paper value = 11.

Mud B: pH meter value = 10.75.

pH paper value = 9.

These values are recorded directly from the pH meter and pH chart.

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5.0 CHAPTER FIVE

OBSERVATION
During the experiment the following were observed;

1. The pH values of mud A is higher than than of mud B.

2. Generally, the values recorded from the pH meter is greater than the values recorded
from the pH chart.
3. The colour on the region above the part of the pH paper that was dipped in the mud
was used in correspondence with the pH chart to record values.

5.1 Precautions
1. Error due to parallax was avoided while measuring water with the measuring cylinder.
2. The beakers were wiped clean before pouring drilling mud inside it.
3. Readings were taken at 'ready' of the pH meter.
4. The electrode was calibrated with water solution before use.

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6.0 CHAPTER SIX

DISCUSSION
As we know, this experiment is for the determination of hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of
drilling mud. This experiment was carried out by ABUAD 300 level petroleum engineering
students group 2. An ideal drilling mud must be alkaline to prevent corrosion of the drill string
and other drilling equipments.
The data taken in this experiment is measured by the pH meter and pH paper. The pH meter
and pH paper provides a simple, practical method for the accurate determination of the
hydrogen ion concentration of the drilling mud. To get the accurate reading of the pH meter,we
will have wait till the pH meter shows ready. The value the pH meter displays at 'ready' is the
accurate pH value of the mud.
pH measurements are important in petroleum, so we have to be aware of the pH of the mud.
Returing mud must be tested and regulated before pumping it back into the hole. It's important
because it affects the solubility of the organic thinners, contaminant removal, corrosion
mitigation and the dispersion of clays presents in the mud.

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7.0 CHAPTER SEVEN

CONCLUSION
After the experiment ended, the pH readings of the water-based muds were: mud A has
values 13.13 and 11 while mud B has values 10.75 and 9 from the pH meter and pH paper
respectively. This shows that mud A is more alkaline than mud B because of the absence of
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) in mud B. Therefore, mud B is more corrosive than mud A.

The pH meter gives a more accurate reading than the pH paper.

7.1 Recommendation
 More equipments and apparatus should be introduced into the laboratory to improve the
hand on performance of every student.
 There should be constant Water Supply.

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REFERENCES
1. Francis, M. (2002). Frictional Pressure Loss and Rheological characteristic of drilling and
stimulation fluid.

2. Drilling Mud and Cement Slurry Rheology Manual, Jan 1, 1982.

3. Adam T. Bourgoyne Jr. Applied Drilling Engineering.

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