What Does
Hand Wheel Mean?
A hand wheel is an attachment on a viscometer, sometimes called a rheometer, used to measure rheological parameters such as gel strength. The viscometer can also measure plastic viscosity, and yield point of oil well drilling fluids. The hand wheel is used to provide a slow and steady turn in the desired direction to produce a positive dial reading.
Drilling fluid is an important part of drilling operations, and it is necessary to maintain the right parameters to secure a successful trenchless project.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Hand Wheel
The viscometer designed for oil testing is of two types: electrical and hand cranked. The instruments can be operated at 600 and 300 rounds per minute (rpm). The hand wheel allows the outer cylinder or sleeve to be rotated slowly to measure the gel strength.
The sample is stirred at high speed for 10 seconds and allowed to stand undisturbed for 10 seconds. A steady motion of 3 rpm is applied to the hand wheel with the gears in neutral.
The initial gel strength is indicated by the maximum reading. The mud is stirred again for 10 seconds and allowed to stand for 10 minutes. The maximum reading obtained is recorded as the 10-minute gel strength.