Atmospheric Swell Meter (4-Ch)

MUD TESTING EQUIPMENT

For years, Inmotion Energy has supplied
precision instruments and drilling tools for
testing drilling fluids, well cements, and
completion fluids.

From our Bangalore facility, we provide
customers across India and the Middle East
with quality products and exceptional
service.

As an independent manufacturer, we have one priority: our customers.

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

— Onshore & offshore drilling contractors
— National & independent oil companies
— Mud engineering & testing laboratories
— Well completion & workover operations

WHY CHOOSE US

— Rigorous quality control on every unit
— Fast turnaround on spares &
replacements
— Field-tested designs, built for uptime

INMOTION ENERGY (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION — Atmospheric Swell Meter (4-Ch)

Model: IM-LSM-1D Compliance / target standard: High-Throughput Shale Screening

The four-channel atmospheric swell meter carries four independent LVDT swell cells on one frame with a multi-channel readout. It lets four fluids (or four shale samples) be run at the same time under the same conditions, which speeds up shale-inhibition screening and removes test-to-test variation between fluids.

Figure 11. Reference photograph of the Atmospheric Swell Meter (4-Ch), showing the four independent LVDT gauges, cells and support frame. Components are listed on page 2.

Intended applications

• Screening four inhibitor formulations against the same shale simultaneously.
• Running replicates for statistically meaningful comparison.
• Comparing a control fluid with three treated fluids.
• Batch qualification of clay or shale materials

FEATURES

• Four independent cells and LVDT sensors on a common frame.
• Multi-channel display and logging of all four channels.
• Identical wafer holders and cups for consistent results.
• Compact footprint for the laboratory bench.
• Easy loading and cleaning of each cell.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Channels	4 independent LVDT cells
Sample (Each)	Compacted wafer, typically about 25 mm diameter x 6 mm thick
Test Conditions	Ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure
Test Duration	Typically 2-24 hours, per laboratory SOP
Measured Value	Linear swell, % of initial height
Data Output	Multi-channel readout with logging
Application	High-throughput screening

Values are typical for this equipment class based on API/ASTM practice and manufacturer literature (OFITE, Fann, Chandler); confirm against the Inmotion datasheet before use in a certificate or specification.

Main components (see Figure 11)

No.	Component
1	Support frame and rail
2	Four LVDT sensors
3	Multi-channel readout
4	Sample wafers
5	Four fluid cups
6	Base plate

Principle of operation

Each channel functions as a separate linear swell meter. Four wafers, compacted to the same procedure, are immersed in four different fluids while four LVDTs record height changes simultaneously. Because all channels are logged on the same time base, the curves can be compared directly to rank fluid inhibition performance.

Basic operating procedure

1. Prepare four wafers of equal mass compacted at the same pressure and dwell time.
2. Place each wafer in its holder and cup, lower each LVDT rod and zero all channels.
3. Fill the cups with the four test fluids and start logging on all channels.
4. Monitor the four swell curves at fixed intervals.
5. At the end of the test stop logging and remove the fluids.
6. Clean all cells, export the data and report swell percentage against time for each fluid.

Calibration and maintenance

• Zero-check and linearity-check each LVDT channel regularly.
• Clean the wafer holders and cups after every test.
• Keep the rods free of deposits and check for straightness.
• Inspect cabling and connections.

Safety precautions

• Wear a dust mask when grinding and compacting shale.
• Use gloves and eye protection with chemical inhibitors.
• Dispose of used fluids per site rules.

Reference sources