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Alkalinity Control

Adjust water-based fluid pH

Alkalinity control.
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SLB provides 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.

In addition to the products listed below, we also offer

  • magnesium oxide, a moderate-pH buffer
  • potassium hydroxide
  • sodium bicarbonate, a low-pH buffer.

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Soda ash
Sodium carbonate
Weak base that is soluble in water and dissociates into sodium and carbonate ions in solution.
Citric acid
Reduce pH, precipitate soluble calcium, and sequester iron
Reduce pH and remove calcium when drilling cement to reduce the potential of crosslinking polymers from iron.
Caustic soda
Used in water-based muds
Strong base that is extremely soluble in water and dissociates into sodium and hydroxyl ions in solution.
Lime
Source of calcium and alkalinity in both water- and oil-based drilling fluids
Lime, hydrated lime, and slaked lime are all common names for calcium hydroxide.
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Product Sheet Soda Ash

A weak base that is soluble in water and dissociates into sodium (Na) and carbonate (CO3) ions in solution.

Product Sheet Caustic Mixing Unit

Streamlined adding of caustic material.

Product Sheet DI-BALANCE

Enhances low-shear-rate viscosity

Product Sheet Lime

Used as a source of calcium and alkalinity in both water- and oil-based drilling fluids.