High-Shear Mud Mixer

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 — High-Shear Mud Mixer

Model: IM-HSM-GJ3S Compliance / target standard: API Spec 13A / Clay Mixing

The high-shear mud mixer is a high-speed laboratory mixer used to prepare drilling fluid samples and to hydrate clays and polymers under standard conditions. A motor drives a single-fluted impeller at about 11,000 rpm inside a stainless steel cup, producing the high shear needed to disperse bentonite, polymers and additives quickly and reproducibly. It is the standard mixer for API material tests.

Figure 15. Reference photograph of the High-Shear Mud Mixer in use. Components are listed on page 2.

Intended applications

• Preparing bentonite suspensions for yield and viscosity tests per API Spec 13A.
• Mixing laboratory mud formulations and testing additives.
• Shearing samples to restore properties before testing.
• Preparing pre-hydrated slurries for filtration and rheology tests.

FEATURES

• High-speed motor with stepped or continuous speed control.
• Standard single-fluted impeller and stainless steel mixing cup.
• Stable column-mounted head with cup platform.
• Timer and switch for repeatable mixing times.
• Easily removable cup for cleaning.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

No-load speed	About 11,000 rpm (typical for API mixers)
Impeller	Single-fluted stainless steel blade
Mixing cup	Stainless steel, about 1 L capacity (typical)
Typical batch	350 mL water + 22.5 g clay for bentonite test
Mixing time	About 20 minutes with scraping every 5 minutes
Speed control	Switch or dial
Construction	Motor head on column with base

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	Motor head
2	Speed control knob
3	Support column
4	Shaft and impeller
5	Mixing cup
6	Base

Principle of operation

The impeller shears fluid at high speed at the bottom of the cup, causing strong turbulence that breaks clay platelets and polymer aggregates apart and disperses them in the liquid. Standard speed, cup and time provide reproducible shear history, which is essential because clay yield and polymer viscosity depend on the mixing energy applied.

Basic operating procedure

1. Measure the specified volume of water into the clean mixing cup.
2. Attach the cup to the mixer and start at low speed.
3. Add the clay or additive slowly while mixing to avoid lumps.
4. Mix for the specified time, stopping periodically to scrape the cup wall and base.
5. Stop, remove the cup and record the temperature.
6. Pour the sample into a container for testing, then clean the cup and impeller immediately.

Calibration and maintenance

• Check impeller wear and replace when the blade is worn.
• Inspect motor brushes and bearings according to the manual.
• Verify speed periodically with a tachometer.
• Clean thoroughly after use; do not let mud dry on the shaft.

Safety precautions

• Never touch the impeller while the motor is running; disconnect power when cleaning.
• Use a cup guard or shield; secure the cup before starting.
• Wear eye protection to guard against splashes.

Reference sources