Drillworx supplies professional drilling fluids and mud additives for HDD, water well, and directional drilling contractors. From premium Wyoming sodium bentonite to specialized polymer additives, we provide the complete range of drilling fluid products along with technical expertise to help you design optimal mud programs for your ground conditions.
Proper drilling fluid selection is critical for successful drilling projects. Whether you're working in clay, sand, gravel, or rock formations, we maintain an extensive inventory of over 100 drilling fluid products -- including bentonite, polymers, loss circulation materials, grout, sealants, and specialty additives -- to help you maintain borehole stability, remove cuttings efficiently, and complete projects successfully. Our technical team provides mud engineering support to help contractors optimize their drilling fluid programs with specific mixing ratios and concentrations for each formation type. Contact us for our complete product catalog and current availability.
Showing a sample of our drilling fluid inventory. We stock over 100 drilling fluid products from CETCO, Baroid, M-I SWACO, and more. Call for our complete catalog and current availability.
Premium sodium bentonite for HDD, water well, and foundation drilling. Wyoming supplies approximately 70% of the world's bentonite due to its exceptional purity and natural sodium base.
Bentonite (montmorillonite clay) consists of stacked platelets that peel apart as water molecules penetrate. Proper hydration requires: pH 8.5-9.0 (treat water with soda ash first), adequate mixing time (20-30 minutes for full yield), and vigorous agitation. Cold water slows hydration - warm water above 50°F is preferred. Never add polymers until bentonite is fully hydrated or they will encapsulate clay particles and prevent proper swelling.
Specialized polymers for ground-specific drilling fluid optimization. Proper mixing sequence: PAC first, then PHPA, then HMW viscosifiers.
Critical: Adding polymers before bentonite is fully hydrated causes balling and reduces yield. One additive at a time, allowing each to fully disperse.
| Formation | Marsh Funnel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clay/Shale | 35-45 sec | Thinner - formation adds solids |
| Fine Sand | 40-45 sec | Normal conditions |
| Coarse Sand | 55-65 sec | Higher for cuttings transport |
| Gravel | 65-75 sec | Need strong gel strength |
| Cobbles | 75-85+ sec | Maximum viscosity + LCM |
| Hard Rock | 35-45 sec | Lower solids, add lubricant |
Detailed mud programs with specific concentrations for each formation type:
Base Mix (per 300 gal):
Target: pH 8.5, Marsh funnel 35-45 sec, low fluid loss
Strategy: Keep mud relatively thin - formation clays will add viscosity. PHPA encapsulates cuttings to prevent swelling and bit balling. Consider switching to pure polymer (no bentonite) when entering target aquifer zone to avoid plugging.
Base Mix (per 300 gal):
Target: Marsh funnel 55-65 sec (coarse sand), 65-75 sec (gravel)
Strategy: Build viscosity high - start thick, easier to thin than fight collapse. PAC tightens filter cake to seal sand pores rapidly. Surfactant helps mud penetrate and seal. Monitor for fluid loss - if returns drop, boost viscosity and pump thick sweep.
Base Mix (per 300 gal):
Target: Marsh funnel 35-45 sec, good gel strength, low pump pressure
Strategy: Lower viscosity reduces pump pressure and fracture risk. Rock is self-supporting so high viscosity unnecessary. Focus on cooling bit and transporting heavy cuttings. Use polymer viscosifier for gel without excessive funnel viscosity. Watch for sudden lost circulation in fractures.
Base Mix (per 300 gal):
Target: Marsh funnel 75-85+ sec (pudding-like consistency)
Strategy: Maximum gel and bridging. Thick mud forms plastery filter cake that bridges between cobbles and fills voids. High gel suspends cobbles when circulation stops. Fibrous LCM creates mat to stabilize loose stones. Expect high pump pressure - monitor to avoid fracturing nearby weak layers. Keep large bentonite reserve - these sections consume materials rapidly.
Symptoms: Mud thinner than expected, bentonite not yielding
Causes: Low pH, hard water, cold water, inadequate mixing time
Solutions:
Symptoms: Mud too thick, pump straining, slow penetration
Causes: Too much bentonite/polymer, drilled fines accumulation, clay contamination
Solutions:
Symptoms: Mud level drops, return flow stops or diminishes
Causes: Hit void/fracture, outran fluid, frac-out to surface
Solutions:
Symptoms: Sticky clay adhering to bit, stabilizers, or rods forming large masses
Causes: Reactive clay with inadequate inhibition, mud too thick/gelled
Solutions:
Symptoms: Gelatinous lumps, unhydrated polymer balls
Causes: Added polymer/bentonite too fast, cold water, poor agitation
Solutions:
Symptoms: Frothy mud, reduced density and lifting power
Causes: Certain polymers, air drilling assist, leaky pump seals
Solutions:
Responsible handling of drilling fluids ensures minimal environmental impact:
High-yield sodium bentonite from trusted suppliers - superior swelling and gel properties
Full selection of polymers, LCM, pH control, lubricants, and specialty additives
Expert guidance on mixing ratios, concentrations, and formation-specific programs
50 lb bags for smaller jobs, bulk delivery options for large projects
Talk to our drilling fluid specialists about your ground conditions and project requirements. We'll help you design the optimal mud program with specific mixing ratios and concentrations for successful drilling. We carry a full range of drilling fluid products beyond what's listed here -- call or request a quote for our complete catalog.