Part No. 150-81 Atmospheric Swell Meter Model ASM-81
Helps determine shale hydration or dehydration
Problems such as stuck pipe, tight hole, washout, and sloughing can be related to shale stability. Tests used to determine if a specific shale is likely to cause problems include the capillary suction time (CST) test and the linear-swell meter (LSM) test. CST test results show the inhibitive effects of various slats and their concentrations on the dispersion of a shale.
The Atmospheric Swell Meter (ASM) helps determine shale hydration or dehydration by measuring the increase or decrease in length over time of reconstituted or intact shale core. Together the LSM and Capillary Suction Time (CST) tests determine the recommended mud system for drilling through a specific shale formation. First, a CST test is conducted to determine the correct inhibitor for the shale. Then, a variety of fluids are tested.
Test results are graphed to show the percent of swelling versus swelling time in minutes. The ASM test demonstrates the inhibitive effects of these various fluids on shale swelling.
Most swell meters are designed to test shale samples in static fluid. However, fluids circulate as you drill, so testing shale samples in a static environment does not always provide accurate readings.