Shale density tester

Drilling Fluids & Logging

A shale density tester is a kit used by mud loggers to measure the bulk density of shale cuttings. By placing cuttings in a column of fluids with graduated densities, they can determine the compaction trend of the formation.

Deviations from the normal compaction trend (e.g., lower shale density) often indicate the onset of geopressure (abnormal high pressure). This serves as an early warning sign to increase mud weight before drilling into a high-pressure zone.