Rheological Characterization
Stim-Lab has designed and built specialized testing equipment that bridges the gap
between laboratory size and field size equipment.
Field size mixing equipment consisting
of 3,000 feet of one inch coiled tubing and a stainless steel heat exchanger unit
utilizing 820 feet of one inch stainless steel pipe are used to match a desired
shear history prior to measuring rheology and proppant transport. Measurement options
include an API pipe rheology loop through four sizes of pipe and through various
high pressure and high temperature fracture slots are available to accurately measure
rheological properties of the hydraulic fracturing fluids and to evaluate proppant
transport under dynamic static conditions and with temperatures up to 300°F.
We utilize a number of rheometers in testing fluid rheology to measure the rheological
properties of hydraulic fracturing fluids under a wide range of shear rates. They
are as follows:
Rheology Process:
- Fann model 50 viscometer
- Break testing
- Fluid stability
- Fan 35
As a result of years of research during our Rheology consortium, we have the equipment,
knowledge, and ability to conduct larger scale testing. Specialized testing is also
available.