Problem 1

Filtercake toughness measurements using a modified dynamic filtration HTHP
filter press. The successful candidate will be asked to verify a modified
design of a dynamic filtration HTHP filter press that aims on generating a
homogeneous shear rate distribution over a filter medium. Verification
tests will be performed with drilling fluid compositions for ongoing field
applications. Different test protocols may be tested and the candidate may
suggest a best practice for HTHP dynamic filtration tests. Dynamic
filtration models may be reviewed and best practices to characterize
dynamic filtration properties of drilling fluids as well as correlations
to derive filter cake toughness may be investigated.

Problem 2

Characterization of water based mud properties by low field Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance measurements. This work is a continuation of an ongoing
research effort to exploit low field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) as a
tool to assess drilling mud properties quicker and easier than with
accepted standard methods. The candidate is required to learn basic NMR
measurement principles in order to verify existing or to develop new
measurement protocols for measurements on drilling fluids. NMR
measurements will be correlated to standard measurements and results need
to be discussed in the light of laboratory practices or other potential
applications of low field NMR.

Contact:

Claas van der Zwaag
R&D Manager 
European Technical Centre
 
M-I SWACO
Phone: +47 51577300 (Switchboard)
            +47 51577326 (Direct)
Mobile:   +47 974 36704
Fax:       +47 51570605
e-mail:   cvdzwaag@miswaco.com