On-Line Measurement of Quality Parameters of Bentonite Based Drilling Muds

Different measurement systems have been developed for the automatic, on-line monitoring of the parameters that define the quality of the bentonite muds used in drilling and excavation works: Plastic viscosity, yield value, filter capacity, sand content, and ion content. These systems enable a continuous control of the mud characteristics, so that corrective actions can be taken immediately when deviations from specified ranges are observed.