What Does
Viscometer Data Mean?
Viscometer data is the data obtained by a viscometer while testing a sample of drilling fluid for its rheological properties. Viscometers also known as rheometers measure fluid properties to predict behavior of drilling fluid when subjected to stress. Greater the number of parameters used to determine rheology, better the simulation of viscometer data for non-Newtonian fluids.
Viscometer basically measures the viscosity of the fluid and is of two types: rotational or shear viscometer and extensional rheometers.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Viscometer Data
The viscometer is able to determine flow characteristics of drilling fluid and completion fluid in terms of shear stress, shear rate, gel strength, temperature at varying pressure and time. Rotational or shear rheometers are designed as strain controlled instruments that operate based on strain defined by user after which resultant shear stress is measured. They determine the flow character of the drilling fluid.
The viscometer data should be obtained periodically and monitored continuously to detect any problems such as wellbore instability and contamination of drilling fluid at an early stage. Preventive measures can be taken based on viscometer data to prevent costly rebore or abandonment of project.