
Measurements
/ Calculations
Follow these steps to calculate the
Film Strength
of the test fluid:
A. To measure the scar length on the block, use a magnifier (part
#111-11) calibrated to read 0.005" (0.0127 cm). Place the magnifier
at the center of the scar parallel to the edges. This will allow you to
obtain the average width of the scar. Record the scar measurement
in inches.
B. To calculate the pressure on the block:
1. Begin by computing the total area of the scar on the block.
Multiply the width of the scar (in inches) by the length (in inches).
If you are measuring a trapezoidal scar, use the average width.
2. Calculate the force acting on the scar area by dividing the
torque meter reading (in inch pounds) at which a pass was
obtained by 1.5 in (the travel distance of the arm).
3. Calculate the pressure on the test block at the time the test was
stopped by dividing the force (2) by the scar area (1). This
pressure is the film strength of the mud. In equation form it is
written as follows:
P =
Where:
P
=
Film Strength (PSI)
T
=
Torque Meter Reading (in-lbs)
W =
Scar Width (in)
L
=
Scar Length (in)
C. The Coefficient of Friction value for Deionized Water would be a
constant if the metallurgical structures of all rings and test blocks
were the same. At 60 RPM and 150 inch-pounds of load, the
torque meter reading should be 34. However, since every ring and
test block are different, a correction factor is required to achieve
accurate results. To calculate the correction factor, divide the stan-
dard meter reading for water (34) by the actual meter reading,
which you recorded in step 8 of the Lubricity Test (Page 6).
OFITE, 11302 Steeplecrest Dr., Houston, TX 77065 USA / Tel: 832-320-7300 / Fax: 713-880-9886 / www.ofite.com
14
T (in-lbs)
1.5 (in) × L (in) × W (in)