Marsh Funnel Viscometer
NL 3010 X / 001

Standard: ISO 10414-1, API 13B-1

Marsh Funnel Viscometer

A Marsh Funnel Viscometer is used to measure the viscosity of drilling fluids or mud, particularly in the oil and gas industry. Funnel viscosity is the ratio of the speed of the sample as it passes through the outlet tube (shear rate) to the amount of force (fluid weight) that is causing the fluid to flow (shear stress). Full sets are made from durable plastic.

It consists of a funnel-shaped container with a standardized orifice at the bottom and a measuring cup with volume markings. The procedure involves pouring a known volume of the drilling fluid into the funnel and timing how long it takes for the fluid to flow through the orifice into the measuring cup. The viscosity of the fluid is then calculated using the measured flow time and the specific calibration of the funnel. This measurement helps engineers and technicians assess the flow characteristics of the drilling fluid, which is crucial for various drilling operations.

Features of Marsh Funnel Viscometer

• Funnel-shaped container: The main body of the viscometer is funnel-shaped, allowing for easy pouring of drilling fluid.
• Standardized orifice: At the bottom of the funnel, there is a standardized orifice through which the drilling fluid flows. This orifice ensures consistency in testing across different viscometers.
• Measuring cup: A measuring cup with volume markings is provided to collect the drilling fluid as it flows through the orifice. This allows for accurate measurement of the fluid volume.
• Portable: Due to its compact size and lightweight construction, the Marsh Funnel viscometer is portable and can be easily transported to field locations for on-site testing.

Technical Specifications

Unit Consists of: 

Optional Accessories

Standards

• ISO 10414-1: This is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard titled "Petroleum and natural gas industries -- Field testing of drilling fluids -- Part 1: Water-based fluids." It specifies procedures for field testing water-based drilling fluids to determine their physical and chemical properties. These properties include density, rheology, filtration, and other characteristics important for drilling operations.
• API 13B-1: This is a standard published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) titled "Recommended Practice for Field Testing Water-based Drilling Fluids." It provides guidelines for the field testing of water-based drilling fluids, similar to ISO 10414-1. The standard covers the same range of properties and testing procedures but is specific to water-based fluids.

Test Procedure of Marsh Funnel Viscometer

• Setup: Ensure that the Marsh funnel viscometer and its components are clean and dry before starting the test.
• Preparation of drilling fluid: Prepare the drilling fluid sample to be tested according to the specifications of the drilling operation or the applicable industry standards.
• Temperature: Make sure that the drilling fluid sample is at the desired temperature for testing, as viscosity can be affected by temperature variations.
• Fill the funnel: Pour the prepared drilling fluid sample into the Marsh funnel until it reaches the brim. Use a funnel holder or stand to keep the funnel stable during testing.
• Timing: Start the timer as soon as the drilling fluid begins to flow through the orifice at the bottom of the funnel.
• Collecting the sample: Collect the drilling fluid that flows through the orifice into the measuring cup or container provided with the Marsh funnel viscometer. Stop the timer when the desired volume of fluid has been collected or when the fluid stops flowing.
• Recording the time: Record the time it took for the drilling fluid to flow through the funnel and reach the specified volume.
• Repeat: Repeat the test with additional samples of drilling fluid if necessary to ensure the accuracy and consistency of results.
• Calculations: Calculate the viscosity of the drilling fluid using the measured flow time and the calibration of the Marsh funnel viscometer. This calculation may vary depending on the specific calibration and units used.