API RP 13B-1

API RP 13B-1 provides standard procedures for determining the following characteristics of water-based drilling fluids:

a) drilling fluid density (mud weight);

b) viscosity and gel strength;

c) filtration;

d) water, oil and solids contents;

e) sand content;

f) methylene blue capacity;

g) pH;

h) alkalinity and lime content;

i) chloride content;

j) total hardness as calcium.

Annexes A, B, C and E provide additional test methods which may be used for:

k) chemical analysis for calcium, magnesium, calcium sulfate, sulfide, carbonate, potassium;

l) determination of shear strength;

m) determination of resistivity;

n) drill pipe corrosion monitoring.

Annexes D, F, G and H provide procedures that may be used for:

o) removal of air;

p) sampling, inspection and rejection;

q) rig-site sampling;

r) calibration and verification of glassware, thermometers, viscometers, retort kit cup and drilling fluid balances.