Shale Swelling Tester

Shale Swelling Tester is used to solve drilling problems such as stuck pipe, tight hole, washout, and sloughing which can be related to shale stability.

The instrument can be used mostly in measuring the expand quantity of shale on normal temperature and pressure，and to assess all additives’ inhibition to shale.

The Shale Swelling Tester helps determine shale hydration or dehydration by measuring the increase or decrease in length over time of reconstituted or intact shale core. Together the LSM and Capillary Suction Time (CST) tests determine the recommended mud system for drilling through a specific shale formation. First, a CST test is conducted to determine the correct inhibitor for the shale. Then, a variety of fluids are tested.

Test results are graphed to show the percent of swelling versus swelling time in minutes. The LSM test demonstrates the inhibitive effects of these various fluids on shale swelling.

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