Effects of Temperature on the Density of Water Based Drilling Mud

Rheological properties are tested throughout a drilling operation as it is critical in the control and maintenance of rheological properties. This paper investigates the effects of temperature on the density of water based drilling mud. Water based mud was prepared with resistant additives and weighing materials for temperature conditions ranging 28oC,30oC,40 oC,50 oC,60oC, 70oC and the densities at these temperature ranges was determined. The experimental data obtained supports the idea that mud density being a rheological property decreases (8.85ppg - 8.49ppg) with increase in temperature (28oC to 70oC).This is as a result of the mud contents becoming degraded upon addition of heat at higher temperatures.