Sand Content - Mud Testing

This is a simple test designed to measure the level of particles in the mud of greater that 200 mesh or 75 microns.
Mud additives are generally of smaller particle size, unless specialised materials such as sized Calcium Carbonate are added to the mud. Consequently,
material reported as sand tends to be very hard and abrasive formation particles.
The sand content must not be permitted to rise above 1%, otherwise wear on pumps and tubulars will be the result.
Any increase in sand content must be investigated since it is often an indication of poor solids removal efficiency, torn screens etc.
Equipment
Glass measuring tube
Funnel
200 mesh sieve.
Reporting
Report % sand as measured from the scale on the measuring tube.
Sources of Error
Samples must be taken from active pit after processing by solids removal equipment.
This is a simple test with little potential for error.