UltraHib Inhibition Test

Purpose

Quantify the shale-inhibition capacity of a drilling fluid treated with UltraHib (amine-based shale inhibitor) by measuring clay swell suppression or drill-cutting dispersion resistance. The test guides inhibitor concentration optimisation for reactive-shale intervals.

Equipment

• Linear swell meter (LSM) or equivalent, with pressure cell and LVDT sensor
• Bentonite or shale pellets (standard reference material, as specified)
• UltraHib-treated fluid sample at target concentration
• Distilled water (as baseline)
• Balance
• Timer

Procedure

Linear Swell Meter (preferred):

1. Compact a measured quantity of dry bentonite or powdered shale into the swell-meter pellet die under specified compaction load.
2. Place the pellet in the cell; ensure the LVDT sensor contacts the pellet top.
3. Zero the sensor reading.
4. Add the test fluid (UltraHib-treated mud or inhibitor solution) to submerge the pellet.
5. Record pellet height at regular intervals (e.g. 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 minutes) for the specified test duration.
6. Calculate percent swell: % swell = (final height − initial height) / initial height × 100.

Dispersion Test (alternative):

1. Weigh cuttings or bentonite briquettes; place in the test fluid.
2. Roll at specified temperature and time.
3. Recover, dry, and weigh the retained material.
4. Calculate % recovery: % recovery = (recovered mass / initial mass) × 100.

Notes

• Report % swell or % recovery alongside the inhibitor concentration and test temperature.
• Compare results to distilled-water baseline and field-blank (untreated) fluid to quantify inhibition efficiency.
• Higher recovery and lower swell indicate better inhibition performance.
• Follow the UltraHib product data sheet for recommended concentration ranges and test conditions.