potassium ion direct reading potassium ion

meter
discussion
Potassium chloride is added to water based muds as source of potassium
ions. The potassium ions have a dehydrating effect on potentially swelling
clays by exchanging with sodium ions on the active clay surfaces.
While drilling reactive formations potassium ion levels can deplete while
chloride levels remain constant. It is apparent therefore that the mud must be
checked specifically for excess potassium.
The actual level of potassium required to provide adequate fluid inhibition
is dependent on the level of exchangeable ions in the formation clay and to
a lesser extent on the make up water. A higher level is required in seawater
based fluid in order to overcome the competitive effect of the sodium present
in the seawater. For this reason it is better for KCl / polymer type muds to be
freshwater based.
An Orion PerpHecT Model 370 meter or similar is suitable for use offshore.
This method is intended to be used for the analysis of filtrate samples only and
NOT whole mud samples!!

procedure
1) Carefully assemble and condition the electrode as per manufactures
instructions.
2) Calibrate the meter using known Potassium standards (ref manufactures
instructions). These standards should span the expected Potassium
concentration range to be measured. They should be prepared by diluting
0.1M Potassium Standard solution with distilled water. Use accurate
glassware and pipettes for all measurements. Ensure they are all thoroughly
clean and dry before use. It is recommended to check the meters calibration
every couple of days and to make fresh calibration standards every well.
3) Take 1 ml of mud filtrate sample and dilute with distilled water to reduce
the concentration to within the range of the calibration standards. Add
manufacturers recommended amount of Potassium ISA to sample as this
will ensure correct pH and reduce the effect of interfering ions. Ensure all
glassware is thoroughly cleaned with distilled water and dried before use.
It is important to realise that it is very easy to contaminate a test sample by
dirty glassware.
4) Stir all standards and samples at a uniform rate during measurement. It is
not recommended to use a magnetic stirrer as it may generate sufficient
heat to change solution temperature.
5) Samples or standards should be measured at ambient room temperature
for best results.
6) Always rinse electrode thoroughly with distilled water after use and store as
per manufacturers instructions. Do not wipe or rub the electrodes sensing
membrane as you may contaminate and damage the surface.

calculations
Direct reading Potassium ion meters return direct Potassium concentrations.
Simply multiply the result by the dilution factor used on the filtrate sample to
obtain the actual filtrate Potassium ion concentration. Formulae or charts can
be used to convert the results into KCl % by wt, ppb or mg/l. etc.
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