What Does
Gel Strengths Mean?
Gel strength can be defined as the measure of inter particle forces in a drilling fluid and indicates the amount of gelling that will occur when circulation is stalled. The right gel strength prevents cuttings from settling in the borehole. It is measured in pounds per 100 square feet (lbs/100 sq.ft.).
The reading is obtained by noting the readings of the viscometer when the hand wheel is rotated at 3 rounds per minute (rpm) after allowing to stand for 10 seconds, 10 minutes and 30 minutes.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Gel Strengths
Gel strength is measured by stirring a sample of drilling fluid at 600 rpm for 15 seconds and then turning it off. After waiting for rest time of 10 seconds, the gel is rotated at 3 rpm till the gel breaks. The maximum deflection before the gel breaks is recorded and is known as the 10 second gel or initial gel.
The procedure is repeated after allowing the drilling fluid to stand after the 600 rpm round for 10 minutes and 30 minutes and the maximum deflection of the viscometer is noted.