Properties

M-I WATE* barite: The only difference from the current API specification is that the density does not meet the current specification. All other
properties fall well within the current specification meaning this material can consistently maintain this quality level throughout its lifecycle.
M-I WATE Properties Comparison Table vs. API Specification 13A, 16th Edition
Property Procedure Spec Test Result
Density Sec. 7.3 4.20 SG min 4.12 SG Fail
Water Soluble Alkaline Earth Metals as
Calcium
Sec. 7.6 250 mg/kg max 26 mg/kg Pass
Residue >75 m Sec. 7.9 3.0 wt% max 1.76 wt% Pass
Particles <6 m in equivalent spherical
diameter
Sec. 7.12 30 wt% max 24.95% pass
Composition Comparison of 4.1 SG and 4.2 SG Barite X-ray Diffraction & X-ray Fluorescence Test Methods
4.1 SG barite
(wt %)
4.2 SG barite 4-week
composite (wt %)
Barite (BaS0
4
) 86.9 90.8
Celestite (SrSO
4
) 0.1 0.1
Quartz (SiO
2
) 10.9 7.7
Calcite (CaCO
3
) 0.3 0.3
Hematite (Fe
2
O
3
) 0.5 0.3
Other Trace Components 1.3 0.8
Mineral composition of the 4.1 SG barite with the existing 4.2 standard using x-ray diffraction and X-ray florescence analytical procedures.
Particle size distribution of both barite materials are shown in the above chart. The chart plots particle diameter in microns vs. volume % of
both the 4.1 and 4.2 SG barite. It is readily apparent that both materials are of near-equal particle size distribution.
The net effect on the volume requirement of 4.1 SG barite when raising fluid density of a 1200 kg/m
3
fluid by 120 kg/m
3
is the solids volume
increase of only 0.14% higher than when using the 4.2 SG product. To increase the density of 100 m
3
of mud 100 kg/m
3
, an additional 3 sacks of
4.1 SG barite is required vs. 4.2 SG barite.
M-I WATE 4.1 SG BARITE
Introducing a 4.1 SG grade of barite to significantly extend reserves of acceptable drilling grade barite.
Fluid Performance
A series of laboratory studies was conducted to screen the performance of M-I WATE in direct comparison with the current 4.2 SG barite
standard in several commonly used drilling fluid formulations at varying densities. Testing parameters were to compare similarly treated fluids
before and after rolling heat aging tests and report the viscosity effects in terms of differences between plastic viscosity (PV, mPas) and yield
point (YP, Pa). Several of these formulations were contaminated with clay solids (OCMA clay) to determine any differences in properties or
performance when these fluids are subjected to drill-solids contamination.
The ULTRADRIL* and ULTRADRIL Solids Contamination charts show the effects of the two weighting materials in a polymer-base system containing
specialized amine inhibitors, encapsulators, and surfactants to strongly inhibit and mitigate the effects of drilling reactive shales. The fluids
were treated with both barites to a density of 1675 kg/m
3
, well within the historic operating range of this fluid system type, and then tested
again in the presence of 71 kg/m
3
OCMA clay simulated drill-solid contaminant. Even though there is some variance between using the two
different barite grades, the properties are well within the acceptable range for the fluid formulation.
1675 kg/m
3
ULTRADRIL fluid comparison. Initial properties were determined after hot-rolling 16 hr @ 149F [65C]; aged properties were
determined after static aging 16 hr at 248F [120C].
1675 kg/m
3
ULTRADRIL fluid contaminated with 71 kg/m
3
clay solids. Initial properties were determined after hot-rolling 16 hr @ 149F [65C]; aged
properties were determined after static aging 16 hr at 248F [120C].
Similar testing was performed evaluating the two barite grades in a 1920 kg/m
3
oil/mud system. The base oil used was diesel oil, still commonly
used in land-base drilling. The oil-water ratio used for this oil/mud formulation was 80:20 and the internal water-phase brine concentration
was formulated at 25% by weight. In these tests, the fluids weighted with M-I WATE did show slightly higher yield point values, but overall the
tests results indicated that these fluids can be safely formulated with the 4.1 SG material without any specialized formulation adjustment.
Other testing performed on these formulations such as gel strengths, static shear, and high-temperature/high-pressure fluid loss values were
essentially identical.
2007 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved.* Mark of M-I L.L.C.
FTL.1311.0711.R1 (E)
This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I SWACO makes no guarantees or
warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy and use of this data. All product
warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms of Sale. Nothing in this document
is legal advice or is a substitute for competent legal advice.
P.O. Box 42842
Houston, Texas 77242-2842
Tel: 2815611300
Fax: 2815611441
www.miswaco.com
E-mail: questions@miswaco.com
1920 kg/m
3
oil mud formulation comparison. Initial properties were determined after hot-rolling 16 hr @ 149F (65C); aged properties were
determined after static aging 16 hr at 248F (120C).
1920 kg/m
3
oil mud formulation contaminated with 71 kg/m
3
clay solids. Initial properties were determined after hot-rolling 16 hr @ 149F
(65C); aged properties were determined after static aging 16 hr at 248F (120C).
In Summary
Use of M-I WATE barite as an alternative drilling-grade weight material should be encouraged.
M-I WATE barite can be substantially produced to allow its viable application in most drilling fluid designs.
M-I WATE barite production will prevent rapid depletion of existing reserves and minimize ongoing and expected increases in end-user
costs.
4.1 SG barite can be produced with the same quality, environmental, and specification standards (other than SG) as the 4.2 SG ore.
Current 4.1 SG applications are underway without API Monogram and sanctioning. Strong consideration to approve an alternate API
specification has been recommended and that process is underway.
Questions? Well be glad to answer them.
If youd like to know more about M-I WATE barite and how its performing for our other customers, please call the M-I SWACO office
nearest you.