MAX GEL Viscosifier | SLB

MAX GEL

Viscosifier

Schlumberger Oilfield Services

The MAX GEL viscosifier is a premium 220-bbl yield Wyoming bentonite blended with special extenders. Applications for the MAX GEL viscosifier include rapidly building mud viscosity and providing superior hole cleaning as well as helping to control lost circulation, formation sloughing, and hole instability in unconsolidated formations. The viscosifier is capable of yielding more than twice as much viscosity as regular Wyoming bentonite and is usable in the following types of wells:

  • potable-water wells
  • mineral exploration (coring and rotary drilling)
  • horizontal directional drilling
  • blast holes
  • shaft drilling
  • monitor and observation wells.

The MAX GEL viscosifier loses effectiveness in water containing >7,500 mg/L of sodium chloride or 240 mg/L of calcium. If dispersants or thinners are to be used, they should be added sparingly; 50% or less of the normal treatment should be used.

Bioassay information is available upon request. Handle MAX GEL viscosifier as an industrial chemical, wear protective equipment, and observe the precautions described in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

The MAX GEL viscosifier is packaged in 50-lbm (22.7-kg) multiwall paper sacks and is available in bulk. Store the viscosifier in a dry location because it poses a slip hazard when wet, and minimize dust by using dustless systems for handling, storage, and cleanup. The viscosifier can be palletized at either 56 sacks/pallet or 70 sacks/pallet.

Store in a well-ventilated area away from sources of heat or ignition.

Typical Physical Properties
Physical appearance Light tan or gray-green powder
Specific gravity Specific gravity
pH (1% solubility) 220 bbl/tonUS [200.2 bbl/Mg]
Typical Amounts of MAX GEL Viscosifier Added to Freshwater
Drilling Application or Desired Results lbm/100 galUS lbm/bbl kg/m3
Normal drilling 15–25 6–11 15–30
In gravel or other poorly consolidated formation 25–40 12–18 35–50
Lost circulation control 35–45 15–20 40–45
Added to freshwater mud to improve hole-cleaning properties, increase hole stability, and develop filtercakes 5–10 2–5 6–14