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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 — Permeability Plugging Tester (PPT)

Model: IM-PPA-189 Compliance / target standard: API RP 13B-1 Annex

Permeability Plugging Tester (PPT)

The permeability plugging tester (also called PPA) is a high-pressure, high-temperature static filtration instrument that uses a porous ceramic disk to simulate a permeable formation. Because the disk sits on top of the sample and pressure is applied from below, the settled solids do not interfere with the filter medium. It is used to evaluate lost-circulation and bridging materials and to measure spurt loss and total filtrate under downhole conditions.

Figure 14. Reference photograph of the Permeability Plugging Tester (PPT) kit, with heating/control unit, cell, hydraulic hand pump and accessories. Components are listed on page 2.

Intended applications

• Assessing the ability of fluids and sizing of bridging agents to plug formation pores.
• Testing lost-circulation materials (LCM) and wellbore-strengthening blends.
• HTHP filtration control evaluation of muds.
• Selecting ceramic disk grades that represent reservoir permeability.

FEATURES

• Stainless steel cell rated to about 5,000 psi and 500 F (260 C) in the typical class.
• Ceramic disks of selectable pore-throat size and permeability.
• Heating jacket with thermometer.
• Back-pressure receiver rated to about 750 psi.
• Hydraulic hand pump and pressurising assembly.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum test pressure About 5,000 psi (34,473 kPa) typical class
Maximum temperature About 500 F (260 C) typical class
Back-pressure receiver Up to about 750 psi (5,171 kPa)
Filter medium Ceramic disk (various pore sizes)
Pressure supply Hydraulic hand pump; CO2 / N2 back pressure
Measured values Spurt loss and filtrate volume vs. time
Reporting Filtrate volume corrected to API filter area (verify factor in manual)
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 1)

No. Component
1 Top valve and T-screws
2 Ceramic disk
3 Dial thermometer
4 Back-pressure receiver
5 Heating jacket and cell
6 Hydraulic hand pump

Principle of operation

Mud is loaded in the inverted cell below a ceramic disk. The cell is heated and a differential pressure is applied with the hydraulic pump against a back pressure that keeps the filtrate from flashing. Filtrate flows through the disk to the receiver, and the solids form a cake or plug in the disk pores. The initial rapid loss (spurt loss) and the later total leakoff show how well the fluid seals a permeable rock.

Basic operating procedure

1. Assemble the cell with the ceramic disk pre-saturated and fill with mud, allowing for expansion.
2. Close the cell and place it in the heating jacket; connect the back-pressure receiver and pump.
3. Apply the back pressure (for example 500 psi) and heat to the test temperature.
4. Apply the differential pressure with the hand pump and open the valve to start filtration.
5. Collect filtrate at set times (e.g. 1, 7.5, 15 and 30 minutes) and record spurt loss.
6. Cool below 50 C, vent, disassemble and record results; correct total filtrate to the API filter area if required.

Calibration and maintenance

• Inspect O-rings and threads and replace seals regularly.
• Check that disks are clean and undamaged; clean or replace after each test.
• Calibrate pressure gauge and thermometer annually.
• Test the relief device and hydraulic system.

Safety precautions

• High pressure and temperature: never open the cell hot or pressurised.
• Use a face shield and heat-resistant gloves; keep within rated limits.
• Ensure that the receiver is depressurised before disconnecting.

Reference sources

• API RP 13B-1 / ISO 10414-1, Field Testing of Water-Based Drilling Fluids (HTHP filtration and annex on PPT)
• OFITE Permeability Plugging Apparatus (PPA) literature
• US Patent application CA 2887847 (LCM testing within a PPA)
• Fann / Chandler HTHP filtration cell manuals

Permeability Plugging Tester (PPT) | INMOTION ENERGY (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED