Drilling fluid formulations are commonly mixed with various shearing devices with either fixed or variable speeds. The motors turn shafts with rounded propellers, sharp blades, wave-form shapes, or other forms. Single and multiple shaft devices are used. Some mixers conform to American Petroleum Institute Specification 13A and require the API recommended single mud impeller blade. These mixers can also be used to mix cement for field or laboratory testing.
- Blenders – Waring: Waring blenders, in which the blades rotate in a recessed section at the bottom of a container, provide high shearing rates, and are suitable for shearing small quantities (about a liter) of mud. They can only be used for short periods of time because the temperature rises rapidly, with consequent loss of water by evaporation. The Waring Blender, with its high shear mixing impeller, is specified in several API test procedures for preparation of samples.
- Dispersator/High Shear Mixer: The High Shear Mixer (Dispersator) utilizes a patented mixing head that pumps material into the hollow mixing chamber and outward through the chamber openings.
- Mixer – Constant Speed Model 686CS: Specifically designed to prepare cement slurries for the testing of various parameters in strict compliance with API Specification 10A. The Model 686 Constant Speed Mixer is used in laboratories involved in oil well cement research programs, research and testing of cement additives, cement manufacturers quality assurance programs, and in research for well servicing companies and their field labs.
- Mixers – Field Portable: The Field Portable Mixer is designed for use with field test kits. The speed is 15,000 rpm. It features a spring clip and mud shield for direct attachment to the No. 202 High-Impact Plastic Measuring Cup.
- Mixers – Hamilton Beach ®: Hamilton Beach Mixers, Single and Three-Speed Models, are recommended for use in general purpose mixing of drilling fluids in preparation for laboratory tests of mud materials. These mixers can also be used to mix cement for field or laboratory testing.
- Mixers – Laboratory: Fann Laboratory Mixers are two speed mixers, available in both 115 and 230 volt models. These have the standard impeller blade for mixing either water-based or oil-based drilling fluids. A Powerstat® variable transformer (sold separately) is used to provide an extended range of mixing speeds.
- Mixers – Multi-Mixer: The Five-Spindle Multi-Mixer is recommended for use in general purpose mixing of drilling fluids in preparation for laboratory tests of mud materials. This mixer conforms to American Petroleum Institute Specification 13A with a no load test speed of 11, 500 rpm, and is supplied with the API recommended mud impeller blade for mixing water-based and oil-based drilling fluids.