Analyzing the effect of gradation on specific gravity and viscosity of barite powder used in excavation mud

Abstract

Barite is an important additive material to increase the weight of excavation mud. It has been used extensively in the excavation mud industry. The barite particle sizes used in excavation mud is very important. There is a direct relationship between the amount on the sift of 200 and 325 mesh. By reducing particle sizes of the 200 and 325 mesh, the specific gravity of the barite power increased slightly. It could be concluded that increasing the size of the barite powder particle can reduce density, but this should be considered as a laboratorial error. Thus, granulation has a great influence on the viscosity of barite powder. According to previous studies dimensions below 325 mesh are very influential on viscosity. It can be said excavating companies consume more barite powder when the specific gravity of excavation mud is diminished because barite powder can enhance specific gravity but the viscosity goes up. There will be more problems in the excavation mud if viscosity increases.