Baker Hughes Introduces Viscometer for HPHT Conditions

Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids has introduced the world's first viscometer designed to measure the rheological properties of drilling fluids under Extreme High Pressure High Temperature (XHPHT) conditions – temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit (316 degrees Celsius) and pressures up to 40,000 psig (2758 bar).

The equipment is now being used in BHDF laboratories at its world headquarters in Houston to provide viscosity profiles at temperature and pressures beyond the capabilities of present day viscometers. The viscosity profiles are used in hydraulic modeling for ultra-deep gas projects currently under way on several Gulf of Mexico shelf wells. The instrument is a joint development effort between BHDF and Chandler Engineering.

"The XHPHT viscometer is one of a suite of specialized BHDF equipment designed to provide essential technical support for the oil and gas exploration industry's XHPHT endeavors," explained John A. O'Donnell, President, Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids.

Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids is a provider of advanced drilling fluids. Major capabilities include high performance water-based systems, invert emulsion systems, reservoir drill-in and completion fluids, industrial products and Fluids Environmental Services (FES).

Baker Hughes is a leading provider of drilling, formation evaluation, completion and production products and services to the worldwide oil and gas industry.


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