Atmospheric Swell Meter (Single)

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 (Single)

Model: IM-LSM-01 Compliance / target standard: Shale Hydration Modeling

The atmospheric linear swell meter measures how much a compacted shale or clay wafer expands when it is exposed to a drilling fluid at ambient pressure and temperature. A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) sits on top of the wafer and records the change in height with time. The swelling curve gives a direct measure of the inhibition performance of the fluid against reactive clays.

Figure 10. Reference photograph of the Atmospheric Swell Meter (Single). Components are listed on page 2.

Intended applications

• Ranking shale inhibitors such as KCl, polymers and amines by swelling reduction.
• Testing the reactivity of field cuttings or reconstituted clay wafers.
• Fluid optimisation for wellbore-stability programs.
• Comparing base fluids with new inhibition additives.

FEATURES

• LVDT displacement sensor with micron-level resolution.
• Perforated sample holder to expose the wafer to fluid on all sides.
• Open fluid cup with simple loading and cleaning.
• Digital readout with continuous time-based logging.
• Compact bench-top format.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor	LVDT displacement transducer
Sample	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, % = (change in height / initial height) x 100
Resolution	Micron-level (confirm on datasheet)
Data Output	Readout with logging

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	LVDT displacement sensor
2	Core rod
3	Compacted sample wafer
4	Readout unit
5	Fluid cup
6	Stand base

Principle of operation

Reactive clay minerals adsorb water and expand. The wafer is compacted from ground shale or clay under a fixed pressure so that its initial density is consistent, then immersed in the test fluid. The LVDT rod rests on the wafer surface and converts vertical movement into an electrical signal. Plotting swell percentage against time shows both the rate and the final extent of swelling; inhibitive fluids give lower curves.

Basic operating procedure

1. Grind and dry the shale sample and compact a wafer of fixed mass at the specified pressure and dwell time.
2. Place the wafer in the holder and position the holder in the empty cup.
3. Lower the LVDT rod onto the wafer and set the reading to zero.
4. Pour the test fluid into the cup to cover the wafer and start logging.
5. Record the swelling at fixed intervals until the curve levels off or the test time ends.
6. Remove the fluid, clean the parts, and calculate and report swell percentage against time.

Calibration and maintenance

• Check LVDT zero and linearity with reference gauge blocks.
• Keep the core rod straight and free of deposits; clean the holder screen.
• Keep cables and connectors dry.
• Verify the compaction procedure with reference clay.

Safety precautions

• Handle powdered clay with a dust mask.
• Wear gloves when using chemical inhibitors.
• Dispose of used fluids per site rules.

Reference sources