calculations

API Fluid Loss

= 30 min Reading
* Relative API Fluid Loss = (30 min Reading - 7.5 min reading) x 2
Spurt Loss
= API Fluid Loss - Relative API Fluid Loss
* Relative API Fluid Loss is corrected for spurt loss prior to cake formation.

interpretation
The API fluid loss may not give an accurate representation of what is
happening under dynamic conditions at downhole temperatures and
pressures. Dynamic lab testing has shown solids content to be the key
influencing factor. Thus it could follow that a mud that has lower API fluid
loss than another may have a much higher dynamic loss.
However any change in fluid loss properties is a good indicator of general
mud health. Having established the required control any increasing trend must
be identified and treated as required.
Fluid loss can also decrease without any chemical additives as solids content
and particle size distribution optimises under drilling conditions.
Generally speaking, therefore, an increasing trend is bad and a decreasing trend
is good.
The results must be viewed in conjunction with the thickness of the filter cake
that has been formed by the end of the test. A low solids polymer mud may have
a relatively high fluid loss but the filter cake is almost non existent whereas a
high solids mud may have a lower fluid loss but a much thicker filter cake.

hthp filtration
discussion
The high pressure / high temperature filter press is a static filtration procedure
recommended by the API 13B standard procedures for testing drilling fluids
at elevated temperatures and pressures.
This test tends to be run at temperatures that reflect expected bottom hole
temperatures and thus there is no standardised temperature. However ensure
the test temperature is noted on the mud report.
These procedures are for temperatures up to 300 F (148.9 C). If higher test
temperatures are required a porous stainless steel disc will need to be utilized
instead of the normally used filter paper and higher top and bottom pressures
applied. When heating, apply 100 psi (690 kPa) to top and bottom, increase top
pressure to 600 psi (4138 kPa) for the test.
The thermometer used must be calibrated against a mercury or alcohol type
thermometer to confirm its accuracy. To adjust the thermometer, simply use a
small spanner to turn the nut on the back of the dial so that the thermometer
reads the same temperature as the mercury or alcohol thermometer.
Remember the screen and bomb are a matched pair. The use of unmatched
pieces of equipment may result in it being impossible to get a result as whole
mud breaches the seals at some point during the test. This is indicated when
the pressure gauge on the bottom pressure vessel suddenly goes off scale.
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