Effect of Temperature and Pressure on the Density of Drilling Fluids

Abstract

ABSTRACT Laboratory data are presented on the changes in the densities of 11–18 lb/gal oil and water base drilling fluids in the temperature and pressure ranges of 70°–400°F and 0–14,000 psig. Results indicate that the change in density of a given type of drilling fluid appear to be independent of the initial density of the fluid, and as oil base drilling fluids are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, they become more dense than water base drilling fluids. The test apparatus and calibration are also described.