FILTER CAKE COMPRESSIBILITY

FILTER CAKE
The residue deposited on a permeable formation when slurry, such as a drilling fluid, is
forced against the formation under a pressure.

Cakes that are compressible (deform under pressure) will be compacted as differential
pressure is increased. This compaction will cause permeability and porosity reductions
and a decrease of fluid flow through the cake. Incompressible filter cakes undergo little
changes in permeability and porosity as differential pressures are increased; as a result,
filtrate losses will increase.

Compressibility is dependent upon:

• Differential pressure between the borehole and the formation
• Pressure differential is the difference between the formation fluid pressure and
the mud hydrostatic pressure. If the formation pressure is much greater than the
hydrostatic pressure, a large negative differential pressure exists. If this negative
differential pressure is coupled with high permeability and high porosity, a
severe kick may occur.

• Permeability and porosity changes of the cake as filtration continues and additional
solids accumulate on the filtering medium
• Darcy’s law for flows through porous media:

Here, κ is the cake permeability, μ is the fluid viscosity, Δp is the pressure drop across
the fluid, L is the cake thickness, Q is the volumetric flow rate of the liquid, and A is the
area of filter media.

• Characteristics of the solids that form the filter cake.

 Characteristics of the solids (shape, density, rigidity) in a filter cake determine
the degree of compressibility, the physical makeup (thin, tough), and the
filtration rate during a given time.
• Water-hydratable, plate-like bentonitic particles are highly compressible.
• Silt and sand particles have low compressibility.

High percentages of drilled solids and barite develop non-compressible cakes with high
permeabilities and porosities. Because the characteristics of the solids play such an
important part in the filtration mechanism, it is necessary to determine the type and
amount of solid materials present. This is done by breaking down the total solids
content into three fractions:
• Low-density drilled solids
• Barite
• Filtration control additive (usually bentonite)

The objective is to minimize the low-density drilled solids content, yet provide sufficient
bentonite and barite to give a desirable compressible cake, through judicious use of the
solids-control equipment.

EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS

STANDARD FILTER PRESS/ LPLT FILTER PRESS

A standard filter press is composed of: (1) Pressure source (2) Mud reservoir, (3) Frame,
(4) Filtering paper, (5) Graduated cylinder to collect and measure the filtrate discharged.

Figure 1 Standard filter press and mud cell assembly. (Courtesy of Baroid Petroleum
Services, NL Industries, Inc.)

1. Assemble the filter press in order.

2. Fill the mud cup cell with the required mud sample to approximately ¼", tight the T-
screw to secure the unit.
3. Place a clean graduated cylinder below the filtrate outlet to collect and measure the
discharge.
4. Apply a 100 psi pressure through the pressure inlet.
5. With a stop watch, start the test and as accurately as possible measure the volume
collected in the graduated cylinder at 2, 5, 10, 15 & 30 minutes.
6. At the end of the test (30 minutes), close the pressure source and open the safety
relief valve and release pressure within the filter press apparatus.
7. Report the collected filtrate loss in (cm3/30 min.)

LPLT Filter Press is used for measuring filtration and wall-building properties of drilling
fluids and cement slurries. The filtration rate is the fluid loss measured in milliliters at
ambient temperature and 100 psi (690 kPa) through a special filter paper for 30
minutes. Wall-building characteristics are demonstrated by the thickness and
consistency of the filter cake (the residue) deposited on the filter paper after 30 minutes.
The filter cake is measured to the closest 1/32 in. or the nearest millimeter.
The low pressure filter press assemblies described in this manual consist of the
following items:
• filter cell mounted in a frame
• pressure assembly and regulator
• filter paper, the filtering medium
• 25 ml graduated cylinder, the filtrate receiver

The filter press cell body, top cap, and base cap are constructed of 303 stainless steel.
The filtering medium is filter paper that has been especially hardened for filtrate testing.
Pressure sources deliver the required pressure, 100 ± 5 psi (690 ± 35 kPa) and can be
any of the following:
• compressed nitrogen or air in cylinders,
• carbon dioxide gas cartridges,
• high pressure air or water systems,
• dead-weight hydraulic pressure assembly

This filter press is used in a static filtration test to measure fluid loss and filter cake
characteristics of drilling fluids.

Cleaning
• After each use, disassemble and clean the filter press cell. Wash and thoroughly rinse
all drilling fluid from the cell.
• Wipe the filter press, and dry all parts completely.
• Replace the filter paper on the screen, and assemble the end cap onto the cell.
• Reassemble the cell onto the frame for storage.

Pressure Regulator Maintenance and Repair

Most regulator malfunctions are caused by leaking fittings or faulty pins and seats. A
diaphragm rarely ruptures.

Checking for leaks

If the regulator will not hold pressure, check the fittings connected to it.
• Apply pressure to the system and look for escaping gas in the form of bubbles.
• There are two methods of doing this. One method is to apply soapy water to the fitting
areas, and the other method is to carefully immerse the entire regulator, except the
pressure gauge in a container of water.
• If leaks are apparent, disassemble and apply thread sealant to the threads.

The API Filter press is used in the field to measure the filtration properties of a drilling
fluid. Mainly to measure:
1. Amount of fluid loss into the drilled formation.
2. Ability of solids in mud to form a filter cake.
3. Magnitude of mud-cake permeability.

HPHT FILTER PRESS

Front Panel Controls

LOCK/RELEASE: This handle secures the cell in place, increasing heat transfer.
• CELL TC: Connect the cell thermocouple, which measures cell temperature.
• CELL TEMP: Displays cell temperature
• HEATER: Heater ON/OFF
• HEATER TEMP: Heater temperature controller
POWER: Main Power Inlet and ON/OFF switch
Circuit Breakers, 5A and 10A: Press either button to reset.
VOLTAGE SELECT: Choose 115 VAC or 230 VAC.
DATA: The port for connecting a data logger

Basic Operation

Preparing the Safe Cell

1. Check O-rings on the valve stems, cell, and cell cap. Lubricate the O-rings. It is
recommended that O-rings are replaced after each test at temperatures above 350°F
(177°C).
2. Place O-ring into groove in the cell body
3. Add sample, approximately 130 ml to the top fill line for tests at 350°F (177°C) or 100
ml for tests at 500°F (260°C)
4. Place filter paper on the O-ring in the cell body.
5. Put the screen on the filter paper (Figure 5-3).
6. Add the O-ring.

7. Install the cap retainer, making sure its alignment pin is aligned with the arrow on the
cell body.
8. Install the cell cap and turn until hand-tight.
9. Install and tighten the valve stems
10. Invert the assembled cell and put it into the heating jacket (filter end down).

OPERATING THE FILTER PRESS

1. Set the Voltage Selector to proper voltage, and then connect the power cord to power
outlet
2. Turn on the Main Power Switch (back panel).
3. Connect the thermocouple probe (front panel).
4. On the heater temperature controller, use the up or down buttons to set the desired
temperature. The current temperature will be displayed in larger digits on the display.
The setpoint temperature will be displayed in the lower right corner (smaller digits).
5. Move the Heater Switch to the ON position
6. Insert the thermocouple into the cell to monitor the cell temperature.
7. When the test ends, turn OFF the Heater Switch to begin cooling the filter press. Also,
set the temperature to below ambient temperature by using the up/down buttons on
the heater temperature controller.
8. To shut off the power, both the Heater Switch and Main Power Switch must be in the
OFF position.

Description
HPHT Filter Press is designed for safe and efficient fluid loss testing that meets API
specifications. This filter press simulates filtration against a permeable formation at
high temperatures and pressures. At the desired temperature, the sample is filtered
across the filter media while pressure is applied to the top of the cell. Pressurization
sources include carbon dioxide cartridges, bottled nitrogen, or an in-house gas supply.
The maximum temperature for this filter press is 500°F (260°C).
Sample volume depends on the test temperature.
130 ml — up to 350°F (177°C)
100 ml — 350°F (177°C) to 500°F (260°C)

HPHT Filter Press is available in various arrangements, giving the user more choices
and flexibility in test set-up. The user can perform tests at pressures up to 900 psi (6205
kPa) with the compact, easily attached carbon dioxide pressuring unit that is provided.
Or the user can perform tests at pressures up to 1200 psi (8274 kPa) on the cell and 750
psi (5171 kPa) on the backpressure receiver when using the nitrogen manifold along
with the nitrogen regulator assembly. The nitrogen manifolds have built-in safety relief
valves that are set at 1200 psi (8274 kPa) for the cell and 750 psi (5171 kPa) for the
backpressure receivers..

After each test, the cell and the back pressure receiver should be thoroughly cleaned
and dried of all sample and other contaminants, with particular attention to "O" rings
and "O" ring grooves.
Wash and dry screens, or end caps with attached screens. Wipe spilled sample or other
debris from the heating jacket and stand. Some sample materials may damage the finish
of these parts if allowed to remain on them for a long period of time.

CELL MAINTENANCE
1. "O" Rings
Inspect all "O" rings as they are being cleaned for cuts or nicks and if the "O" rings have
been subjected to over 300?F (149?C). Check for hardening or brittleness. Replace any
damaged "O" rings. Lubricate "O" rings before they are installed. For most applications,
laboratory stop cock grease is satisfactory; however, since some "O" rings come into
contact with the sample, care should be taken that the lubricant is compatible with the
sample. "O" rings furnished with the instrument are suitable for testing up to 300?F
(149?C). They may be used for one test up to 400?F (205?C). Special Viton "O" rings can
be used for repeated testing up to 400?F (205?C), and one test up to 500?F (260?C).
2. Cell Set Screws
Cells are assembled using six set screws to retain the cell cap (12 screws for double
ended cells).
Safe operation requires the threads of these set screws be kept operating freely.
Lubricate the threads with a high temperature lubricant such as Never-Seize®. Inspect
the threads and taper points of these screws for damage. Refer to Figs. 5, 6, AND 7, item
2. Replace any screws that have damaged threads or flattened cone points. Inspect the
set screw seats in the end cap to make sure the metal is not deformed. Deformed screw
seats require replacement of the cap.
3. Valve Stems
A metal to metal pressure tight seal is made between the valve stem and its seat. Leaks
can occur if either the valve stem or seat is damaged. The cone point of the valve stem
may be inspected for damage by removing the valve stem from the cap or body. If the
point is damaged, replace the valve stem. Refer to Fig. 11B. If the point appears to be in
good condition, the seat in the cell or cap may be rough. A 5/16 inch drill bit can be used
to resurface the seat. A tool composed of a 5/16 drill and handle, (Part No. 38717) may
be used. Refer to Fig. 11A. Valve stems should be inspected for possible plugging of the
passages by dried sample. A small drill or wire can be used to insure that both the cross
bore and the main passage openings are clear.