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Since water intrusion into a formation can decrease borehole stability, the affinity for water of a shale on a drilling fluid is a major concern. The Hygrometer, or Activity Meter as it is sometimes called, provides a measurement of relative humidity in a closed air space above an emulsified fluid and relates the humidity to the activity of the water. Activity is the chemical potential or the reaction availability of water. Higher activity fluids typically have a lower salinity and therefore, a shale formation would tend to absorb more of this water. Water loss to formation from an oil-based fluid may be lowered by dissolving salt in the emulsified water, thereby lowering its activity.
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153-59
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Protimeter
Hygromaster Hygrometer
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