Product Description

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (KCl) is a highly soluble salt and an efficient shale stabiliser for drilling water-sensitive clays and shales. Inhibition occurs through ion exchange, where potassium ions enter between clay platelets, holding them together and preventing water from entering the formation from the drilling fluid.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective and widely available,
• Compatible with most drilling fluid additives,
• Stabilises water-sensitive clays and shales,
• Prevents problems caused by shale instability,
• Rapidly dissolving.

Applications:

• Can be added directly to drilling fluid systems to enhance their inhibitive properties and stabilise water-sensitive clays and shales.
• Can serve as a weighting agent with densities ranging from 1.005 sg (8.4 lb/gal) to 1.162 sg (9.7 lb/gal). POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (KCl) solutions approach saturation near 1.162 sg (9.7 lb/gal); solubility decreases as the solution nears saturation.

Recommended Treatment:

Polymers such as CX TROL, VIS, CHP, and SUPER POLY can be used together with KCl. It is recommended to pre-treat water and pre-mix polymers before adding KCl to the system.