Selected methods of measuring drilling mud settling

Methods of measuring settling rate of drilling muds have been selected and the basic theoretical data on this process are addressed in the paper. A brief discussion is also given on the negative influence of settling in drilling mud on the stability of wellbore and formation of potential drilling complications. The results of an analyses of the settling processes taking place in oil-based muds made according to 8 recipes are presented. The direct weighing method has been used in the measurements.