Professional drilling fluids & mud systems.

PAC polymers (polyanionic cellulose)

Primary function: fluid loss control.

• Typical dose: 0.5–2 lb per 100 gal (0.25–1.0 lb/bbl)
• Forms thin, low-permeability filter cake
• Reduces API filtrate to <15 mL/30 min
• Essential for sandy and gravelly formations
• Prevents hole collapse in permeable zones
• Add first after bentonite is hydrated
• We carry Platinum PAC, REL-PAC, Super PAC, Quik Trol

PHPA polymers

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide for shale inhibition and clay stabilization.

• Typical dose: 0.25–1.25 lb per 100 gal (0.1–0.5%)
• Encapsulates cuttings to prevent swelling
• Essential for reactive clay/shale formations
• Provides lubrication — reduces torque and drag
• Prevents bit balling in sticky clays
• Add slowly — clumps if dumped too fast
• Products: EZ MUD, EZ MUD Gold, PolyPlus, DrillPlex

HMW / xanthan polymers

Viscosifiers — boost gel strength and low-shear viscosity.

• Typical dose: ~0.25 lb per 100 gal
• Suspends heavy cuttings without excessive pump pressure
• Ideal for cobble, sand, and gravel formations
• Xanthan creates robust thixotropic gel structure
• Maintains pumpability while improving suspension
• Add last after other polymers are dispersed
• We stock DuoVis/SuperVis, Insta-Vis, Sand Force

Lost circulation materials (LCM)

• Fibrous: shredded cellulose, coconut coir, mineral fiber
• Flake: mica flakes, cellophane
• Granular: ground walnut shells, calcium carbonate
• Usage: 2–6% by volume for background maintenance
• Use blend of fine, medium, and coarse particles for best sealing
• Essential for fractured rock and karst topography

Keep reserve of thick bentonite + LCM ready on site for severe losses.

Water treatment & pH control

• Soda ash: ~0.25 lb per 300 gal raises pH from 7 to 8.5
• Precipitates calcium hardness from makeup water
• Always add BEFORE bentonite for proper clay hydration
• Target pH: 8.0–9.0 for optimal performance
• pH below 8.0 reduces bentonite yield and polymer effectiveness

Lubricants & surfactants

• Drilling detergent: 1–4 gal per 1000 gal mud (0.1–0.5%)
• Reduces friction, torque, and drag in long HDD bores
• Prevents clay from sticking to metal (bit balling)
• Can reduce friction by 10–30%
• Biodegradable vegetable-oil-based options available
• Products: Slick Bore 54, Con Det, Drill-Terge, Penetrol

Defoamers & specialty

• Defoamers: few ounces per 100 gal as needed
• Silicone emulsion or alcohol-based formulations
• Add to pit (not hopper) when foam appears
• Barite (weighting agent): for abnormal pressure zones only
• Chemical breakers (bleach ~0.5 gal/1000 gal) degrade polymers for disposal

Mixing sequence

• 1. Water treatment: test pH and hardness; add soda ash to reach pH 8.5–9.0
• 2. Bentonite: sift slowly into vortex of mixer (a 50-lb bag should take several minutes)
• 3. Hydration: circulate 20–30 minutes until viscosity stabilizes
• 4. PAC polymer: add slowly through hopper after bentonite is hydrated
• 5. PHPA polymer: add very slowly or pre-mix in bucket — never dump
• 6. Viscosifier: xanthan or HMW polymer last if more gel strength needed
• 7. Specialty: lubricants, defoamer, LCM added last

Critical principles

• Bentonite hydration requires pH 8.5–9.0 — treat water with soda ash first
• Adequate mixing time (20–30 minutes for full yield)
• Cold water slows hydration — warm water above 50°F is preferred
• Never add polymers until bentonite is fully hydrated
• PAC tightens filter cake; PHPA inhibits clay; xanthan suspends cuttings
• Test pH at least once per shift with strips or meter

Clay & shale (reactive)

Base mix per 300 gal: 50 lb bentonite + 3–4 quarts PHPA + 0.5 lb/bbl PAC. Optional: 2–5% KCl for extreme reactivity.

• Target: pH 8.5, Marsh funnel 35–45 sec, low fluid loss
• Keep mud relatively thin — formation clays will add viscosity
• PHPA encapsulates cuttings to prevent swelling and bit balling
• Consider switching to pure polymer when entering target aquifer

Sand & gravel

Base mix per 300 gal: 75–100 lb bentonite + PAC + light PHPA. Optional fibrous LCM for permeable gravel.

• Target: Marsh funnel 55–65 sec (sand), 65–75 sec (gravel)
• Build viscosity high — easier to thin than fight collapse
• PAC tightens filter cake to seal sand pores rapidly
• Pump thick sweep when fluid loss returns drop

Hard rock

Base mix per 300 gal: 50 lb bentonite + xanthan + 1–2% drilling surfactant. LCM ready for fractured zones.

• Target: Marsh funnel 35–45 sec, good gel strength
• Lower viscosity reduces pump pressure and fracture risk
• Rock is self-supporting — focus on cooling bit and transporting heavy cuttings
• Watch for sudden lost circulation in fractures

Cobbles & boulders

Base mix per 300 gal: 100–150+ lb bentonite + xanthan/attapulgite + fibrous LCM. May need 3+ bags per 500 gal tank.

• Target: Marsh funnel 75–85+ sec (pudding-like)
• Maximum gel and bridging — thick mud forms plastery filter cake
• High gel suspends cobbles when circulation stops
• Expect high pump pressure — monitor to avoid fracturing nearby weak layers

Insufficient viscosity

Mud thinner than expected, bentonite not yielding.

• Check pH — add soda ash if below 8.0
• Allow more hydration time — warm water hydrates faster
• Add more bentonite or polymer viscosifier
• Verify correct bentonite amount was added

Excessive viscosity

Pump straining, slow penetration, drilled fines accumulation.

• Dilute with treated fresh water (10–20% increments)
• Remove drilled solids with shakers/desanders if available
• Check for blocked jets or lines
• SAPP thinner as last resort (use sparingly)

Lost circulation

Mud level drops, return flow stops or diminishes.

• Stop and check for surface frac-outs
• Mix thick LCM pill (high-vis bentonite + fibrous material)
• In emergency: sawdust or shredded paper can plug voids
• Always maintain reserve of thick bentonite + LCM on site

Clay balling on bit / BHA

Sticky clay adhering to bit, stabilizers, or rods.

• Increase PHPA concentration for better clay inhibition
• Add drilling detergent/surfactant
• Reduce viscosity slightly if excessively high
• Increase annular velocity to physically scour bit clean

"Fish eyes" in mud

Gelatinous lumps, unhydrated polymer balls.

• Strain out lumps through screen if possible
• Pre-mix dry polymers in bucket before adding to tank
• Slow down addition rate — pour steadily into vortex
• Use warmer water (above 50°F) for better hydration

Foam / air in mud

Frothy mud, reduced density and lifting power.

• Add defoamer to pit (few ounces per 100 gal)
• Check for leaky pump seals or plungers sucking air
• Reduce mixing speed to minimize vortex aeration
• Pre-dilute foamy polymers with defoamer drop