Mud-Weight Equivalent (EMW)
Definition - What does Mud-Weight Equivalent (EMW) mean?
Mud-Weight Equivalent, also known as Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) is the total amount of pressure exerted at a true vertical depth which is denoted in the mud density. The formation during circulation can hold a specific mud weight and pressure. This amount of mud weight is referred to as Mud-Weight Equivalent. Jug tests can be conducted on a wellbore, where surface pressure is applied to a formation to presume the equivalent mud weight. Mud-Weight Equivalent is an important factor to analyze the strength of a formation.
Petropedia explains Mud-Weight Equivalent (EMW)
Formation integrity tests are conducted during the well testing phase after the drilling is done to estimate the strength and stability of a formation. Formation integrity testing (FIT) is also commonly known as Jug Test and Pressure Integrity Test (PIT). When pressure is applied on a formation from the surface, it is applied according to the Mud-Weight Equivalent, a term also synonymous to equivalent mud weight (EMW). This pressure is applied at a true vertical depth. By analyzing the strength of the formation and the mud weight it can bear, engineers can know the vertical depth before installing the casing in the formation.