Technical Bulletin

Kelco Oil Field Group 10920 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Ste 800 Houston, TX 77064 (713) 895-7575
www.kofg.com

Drilling Fluid Rheology
n and K Applications

Drilling Fluid Rheological
Control Using n and K
The n and K constants from the Power Law model
furnish an improved method of evaluating drilling
fluid rheological performance. Reducing n provides
a more non-Newtonian or shear-thinning fluid, which
improves overall hydraulic efficiency. Increasing K,
the consistency index, raises the effective annular
viscosity, thereby increasing hole cleaning capacity.
Theory
The Bingham model constants, plastic viscosity,
and yield point are the most widely used properties
for evaluating drilling fluid rheology. They have and
will continue to provide useful information, however,
it should be recognized that this model does not
always accurately predict drilling fluid performance.
The plastic viscosity and yield point are calculated
from V-G meter readings taken at 300 rpm and 600
rpm. As shown in Figure 1, these speeds are con-
siderably higher than the annular region, and using
these constants can result in significant errors for
annular rheological calculations.

S
h
e
a
r

S
t
r
e
s
s
,
F
a
n
n
D
i
a
l

R
e
a
d
i
n
g
Actual Fluid
Bingham Model
Shear Rate, rpm
Power Law Model
Annular Shear Rate
S
h
e
a
r

S
t
r
e
s
s
,
F
a
n
n
D
i
a
l

R
e
a
d
i
n
g
Actual Fluid
Bingham Model
Shear Rate, rpm
Power Law Model
Annular Shear Rate
Figure 1. Bingham and Power Law Model using
600 and 300 rpm Data
As shown in Figure 2, the Power Law model more
closely approximates the actual fluid, even when
calculated from the 300 rpm and 600 rpm readings.
Since the Power Law model parameters can be
calculated between any two shear rates representative
of the annular region, it will provide much greater
accuracy in predicting a drilling fluids performance.
This is especially true for the low-solids, highly
shear-thinning systems being used today.

Annular Shear Rate Range
S
h
e
a
r

S
t
r
e
s
s
,
F
a
n
n
D
i
a
l

R
e
a
d
i
n
g
Bingham Model
Actual Fluid
Power Law Model
Shear Rate, rpm
Annular Shear Rate Range
S
h
e
a
r

S
t
r
e
s
s
,
F
a
n
n
D
i
a
l

R
e
a
d
i
n
g
Bingham Model
Actual Fluid
Power Law Model
Shear Rate, rpm
Figure 2. Extrapolated Yield Point vs Actual
Fluid Behavior in Annular Region
Power Law Model
K =
n
Where:
= Shear stress, dynes/cm
2
K = Consistency index, dynes-sec
n
/cm
2
= Shear rate, sec
-1
n = Power Law Index


Shear stress is measured by the V-G meter dial
reading (5.1 x Dial Reading = Shear Stress,
dynes/cm
2
).

Shear rate corresponds to the V-G meter rotor
speed (1.7 x rotor rpm = Shear Rate, sec
-1
).
Technical Bulletin

XANVIS

and KELZAN

are registered trademarks of CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and may be registered or applied for in other countries.
2001 CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor
control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. It is our policy, to assist our customers and to help in
the solution of particular problems, which may arise in connection with application of our products.
Rev. 09/05


www.kofg.com

Description of n and K
The n constant indicates the degree of non-
Newtonian behavior that a fluid exhibits over a
defined shear rate range. Newtonian liquids such
as water, oil, and glycerin have an n constant
equal to one. In these fluids viscosity is constant,
it does not change with a change in shear rate.
As n decreases from one, the fluid becomes
shear-thinning or pseudoplastic. This means the
viscosity of the fluid will decrease with increasing
shear, and immediately increase with a reduction
in shear rate. Lowering the n constant improves
hole cleaning performance by increasing the
effective annular viscosity and flattening the
annular velocity profile, as illustrated in Figure 3.


F
l
u
i
d

V
e
l
o
c
i
t
y
,

f
t
/
m
i
n
Radius, inches
Drill Pipe
Newtonian Fluid
Hole Wall
Shear Thinning Fluid
Velocity Profiles
(4 D P. - 12' Hole)
n = 0.4
n = 1.0
F
l
u
i
d

V
e
l
o
c
i
t
y
,

f
t
/
m
i
n
Radius, inches
Drill Pipe
Newtonian Fluid
Hole Wall
Shear Thinning Fluid
Velocity Profiles
(4 D P. - 12' Hole)
n = 0.4
n = 1.0
Figure 3. Effect of n Value on Velocity Profile
The more parabolic velocity profile for Newtonian
liquids (n = 1) will have a turning effect on the
cuttings and cavings, tending to push them to an
area of lower velocity. This results in a recycling
of particles and poor hole cleaning efficiency. The
shear-thinning fluid with its lower n constant will
have a flatter velocity profile reducing the turning
effect. This helps prevent particle breakage and
moves the solids more directly up the hole.
The n constant is entirely dependent upon the
type of viscosifier. Every material has an inherent
n constant, however, it may vary with concentration
and shear rate.
Technical Bulletin

XANVIS

and KELZAN

are registered trademarks of CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and may be registered or applied for in other countries.
2001 CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor
control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. It is our policy, to assist our customers and to help in
the solution of particular problems, which may arise in connection with application of our products.
Rev. 09/05


www.kofg.com

K, the consistency index, is the shear stress or
viscosity of the fluid at one sec-1 shear rate. It
relates directly to the system viscosity at low shear
rates. An increase in K raises the effective
annular viscosity and, therefore, the hole cleaning
capacity. It can also increase the bit viscosity and

circulating pressure loss. The K constant is con-
trolled by both the type of viscosifier and the total
solids content of the fluid. It can be increased by
reducing the n constant or increasing the solids
concentration. K can be reported in metric units,
dynes-sec
n
/cm
2
, or English units, lb.- sec
n
/100 ft
2
,
with a multiplier of 5.1 to convert from the English
to metric units.


LOG (shear rate)
L
O
G

(
v
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y
)
Lower Newtonian
Region
Power Law
Region
Upper Newtonian
Region
LOG (shear rate)
L
O
G

(
v
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y
)
Lower Newtonian
Region
Power Law
Region
Upper Newtonian
Region
Figure 4. Generalized Viscosity Profile for
Pseudoplastic Fluids
All pseudoplastic fluids exhibit an upper and lower
Newtonian region with a Power Law region in
between (Figure 4). The onset of these regions
will vary dependant on the viscosifier, therefore,
care must be taken when comparing n and K
values for different fluids or viscosifiers. Unique
to XANVIS

, KELZAN

XC, and KELZAN XCD

is that they exhibit extended Power Law behavior,
especially when used at concentrations above
1.5 lb/bbl. In practice, it is recommended that the
Power Law constants be calculated at different
combinations of shear rates to assist in diagnosing
viscosity related problems. For example, two poly-
mer solutions are compared in Table 1. The data
suggests that the cellulosic sample exhibits a
relatively limited Power Law region as compared to
the XANVIS. This is illustrated when comparing the
n and K values between different sets of V-G
meter dial readings. Between 300 and 3 rpm, HEC
exhibits an n of 0.45 and a K of 27.5 dynes-
sec
n
/cm
2
. Between the lower rpms n value
increases to 0.64 and K drops to 19.5, indicating
limited Power Law behavior and a potential lack of
Technical Bulletin

XANVIS

and KELZAN

are registered trademarks of CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and may be registered or applied for in other countries.
2001 CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor
control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. It is our policy, to assist our customers and to help in
the solution of particular problems, which may arise in connection with application of our products.
Rev. 09/05


www.kofg.com
suspension properties. Conversely, the values for
XANVIS are consistent between the two sets of
shear rates, indicative of the superior suspending
capabilities due to the extended Power Law
behavior at lower shear rates.

Table 1
Power Law Parameters for XANVIS

and HEC, 75F, 2% KCl
PARAMETER
XANVIS
1.5 lb/bbl
HEC
2.5 lb/bbl
Fann 35, (fl.0)
300 rpm
6 rpm
3 rpm

23
9
8

89
17
11
n (300/3 rpm)
n (6/3 rpm)
0.23
0.17
0.45
0.64
K (300/3 rpm)
K (6/3 rpm)
28.5
30.9
27.5
19.5


Calculating n and K

The n and K constants can be calculated from
any two V-G meter dial readings. They are not
limited to 600 and 300 rpm readings as are plastic
viscosity and yield point. For hydraulic calculations
determining n and K in the range of interest
(i.e.: 5 to 170 sec
-1
for annular calculations) will
provide more accurate results.

) /rpm (rpm log
) /R (R log
n"
1 2
1 2
" =

) rpm (1.7
5.1R
K"
2
2
" =
n
dynes-sec
n
/cm
2

Where:
R
1
= Dial reading at rpm
1

R
2
= Dial reading at rpm
2


KOFG n and K Calculator

The n and K calculator provides a simple and
quick approach for calculation of the Power Law
values. The n and K constants can be obtained
over a range of 3 to 600 rpm (corresponding to a
shear rate range of 5.1 to 1022 sec-
1
) from any
two V-G meter dial readings. For inside pipe
Technical Bulletin

XANVIS

and KELZAN

are registered trademarks of CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and may be registered or applied for in other countries.
2001 CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor
control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. It is our policy, to assist our customers and to help in
the solution of particular problems, which may arise in connection with application of our products.
Rev. 09/05


www.kofg.com
calculations, values between 600 and 300 rpm are
recommended. For annular evaluations, data
generated between any pair of rpms in the range
of 300 to 3 rpm would provide a more realistic
assessment of hole cleaning capabilities.

In addition, use of low shear rate viscometers, such
as the Brookfield LV series, will assist in verifying
the presence of low shear rate viscosity (LSRV) and
minimize errors brought about through extrapolation
of high shear rate data.

Field Applications of n and K

Most drilling fluids used today deviate significantly
from Bingham plastic behavior, especially in the
lower shear rate ranges. Using the plastic viscosity
and yield point can be misleading in determining
hole cleaning capacity and making rheological
calculations. The Power Law constants are better
indicators of a drilling fluids performance since they
can be calculated between any two shear rates.

When viscosity is required, it is always desirable to
have a low n value (0.2 to 0.5) to obtain maximum
effective annular viscosity with minimum solids con-
centration. The low n value also has a flatter velocity
profile and promotes laminar flow for improved hole
stability.

Certain additives will develop a much lower n value
than others. For example, XANVIS, KELZAN

XC,
and KELZAN XCD polymers tend to become more
pseudoplastic as the shear rate is reduced, resulting
in lower n values and higher K values. This
phenomenon is unique among the biopolymers and
accounts for their ability to provide suspension and
hole cleaning capacity with or without other drilling
fluid additives. Other polymers prevalent in the
industry, such as CMC, HEC, starch, guar gum, etc.
do not exhibit this characteristic, which accounts for
their poor suspension qualities.

K, the Consistency Index, is directly proportional
to the annular viscosity. Increasing the K value
will normally indicate an increase in hole cleaning
capacity, but without a corresponding decrease in
n value, the viscosity throughout the entire circu-
lating system is increased, including the viscosity
through the bit. This will raise the circulating pres-
sure drop, therefore, it is preferable to increase K
by reducing n, so that overall hydraulic efficiency
is not compromised. Increasing K by raising the
solids concentration should always be the second
Technical Bulletin

XANVIS

and KELZAN

are registered trademarks of CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and may be registered or applied for in other countries.
2001 CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor
control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. It is our policy, to assist our customers and to help in
the solution of particular problems, which may arise in connection with application of our products.
Rev. 09/05


www.kofg.com
choice since this method will usually be detrimental
to the drilling operation.



Adjustment of n and K

Prediction of the effect of all the various mud mate-
rials on n and K without knowing the parameters
of the specific mud system is somewhat difficult.
However, the following should serve as a guide for
lowering n and raising K.

To Lower n:

A. Add low n value viscosifiers such as:
1. KELZAN

XC, KELZAN XCD or

XANVIS

polymers
2. Extended bentonite in fresh water
environments

B. Reduce the concentration of high n value
materials such as:
1. Drilled solids (dilution or solids control
equipment)
2. Dispersed bentonite (dilution or solids
control equipment)
3. Starch, CMC, HEC, guar gum, etc.



To raise K:

A. Lower the n value, if it is above 0.6, which
will raise K

B. Without a change in n add:
1. Barite
2 Inert solids
3. Bentonite

There are no ideal n and K values for all mud
systems. The objectives of the entire drilling operation
must be considered. Ideally the n value should be
kept in the 0.20 - 0.5 range and the K value main-
tained high enough to provide adequate suspension
and hole cleaning capacity, typically >10 dynes-
sec
n
/cm
2
.