1. n. [Drilling Fluids]
The molecular weight of an element, molecule or ion divided by its valence (or valence change for a redox reaction). For example, the molecular weight of calcium hydroxide, or "slaked lime," [Ca(OH)2] is 72.10. Because the valency of calcium in this case is 2, the equivalent weight of lime is 36.05. Mud analyses give concentrations in various units: ppm, mg/L, wt.% and epm. Mud engineers should recognize the meaning of epm and equivalent weight of a mud chemical.
See related terms: calcium hydroxide, cation exchange capacity, epm, redox
