1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

A parameter of the Bingham plastic model. PV is the slope of the shear stress/shear rate line above the yield point. PV represents the viscosity of a mud when extrapolated to infinite shear rate on the basis of the mathematics of the Bingham model. (Yield point, YP, is the other parameter of that model.) A low PV indicates that the mud is capable of drilling rapidly because of the low viscosity of mud exiting at the bit. High PV is caused by a viscous base fluid and by excess colloidal solids. To lower PV, a reduction in solids content can be achieved by dilution of the mud.

Alternate Form: plastic viscosity

See related terms: apparent viscosity