Alkalinity Control Chemicals
We provide a suite of additives to control alkalinity in water-based and invert emulsion fluids. These agents may increase or decrease the alkalinity within the drilling fluid. Alkalinity agents help provide fluid stability, improve polymer hydration and performance, and treat out contaminants like cement, carbon dioxide, hardness, and H2S encountered in mix waters or while drilling.
Caustic Soda
Caustic Soda is used to maintain or increase pH. Increasing pH with caustic soda precipitates magnesium (Mg2+) and suppresses calcium (Ca2+) in high-hardness waters such as seawater, reduces corrosion, and neutralizes acid gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
Lime Ca(OH)₂
Lime is used as a source of calcium and alkalinity in both water- and oil-based drilling fluids. Lime, a widely available commercial chemical, is an economical source of calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyl ions (OH–).
Soda Ash
Soda ash is the common name for sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). It is a weak base that is soluble in water and dissociates into sodium (Na) and carbonate (CO3) ions in solution. It can cause flocculation of the mud, resulting in increased rheology, gel strengths, and fluid loss
Magnesium Oxide
a moderate pH butter
Citric Acid
Citric acid is used to reduce pH and remove calcium when drilling cement, to reduce the potential of crosslinking polymers (xanthan and others) from iron, and to prevent fish-eyes when mixing polymers. An organic acid, citric acid is less reactive compared with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, thereby being somewhat safer to handle.
Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO₃
Citric Sodium bicarbonate, a low-pH buffer