Abstract
Water-based mud (WBM) is an acceptable drilling fluid among the common fluids. There are several analysis procedures that can be used for testing the inhibitors and fluid properties of WBM. This review aims to discuss the analysis methods used for the evaluation of the inhibitors and the properties of drilling fluids. These tests include capillary suction time, bulk hardness, linear swell meter, rolling recovery, hot rolling dispersion, and wettability alteration test, among others, and these tests are discussed in this review. The review will prove to be a great source of reference for researchers as well as the industrial sectors. This review will be useful for both academics and the industry.
•Developments and procedures used for testing inhibitors are reviewed.•Several analysis procedures used for testing inhibitors and fluid properties of water-based drilling fluid are discussed.•The reviewed tests will be guidelines for drilling fluids.