Saltwater Gel

Saltwater Gel


Salt
Gel: Salt Gel attapulgite clay is an effective viscosifier for all
water-base systems, including those made up with brackish water,
seawater and saturated salt water

Typical
Physical Properties
Physical
appearance- Light tan to gray powderSpecific
gravity- 2.2-2.4Bulk
density- 44 Ib/ft 3 (705 kg/m3)



Specifications

Suspension
properties
Viscometer
dial reading at 600 rpm- 30, minResidue>
75 micron (wet screen)- 8% wt, maxMoisture-
16% wt, max



Suspension
of 20 grams of clay in 350 cm3 saturated sodium chloride (NaCl)
solution.

Applications

SALT
GEL may be used to build viscosity and gel strengths in any waterbase
system. A 20 lb/bbl (57 kg/m3)concentration will provide a 15-cp mud,
with a funnel viscosity of approximately 36 seconds per quart. SALT
GEL will yield 100 barrels of 15-cp mud per ton. Typical
concentrations for SALT GEL are 5 to 30 lb/bbl (14.3 to 86 kg/m3).
For improved filter-cake and fluid-loss control, bentonite
prehydrated in fresh water may be used in combination with SALT
GEL.SALT GEL requires mechanical shear and agitation for maximum
viscosity. It is not a hydratable clay and does not swell by
adsorbing water to create viscosity. SALT GEL provides viscosity by
the physical interaction of its rod-like particles.A high-fluid-loss,
SALT GEL squeeze can be formulated for combating lost circulation. It
can be spotted opposite the loss zone, and light squeeze pressure can
be applied to deposit a high concentration of solids. For bridging
larger fractures effectively, fibrous and/or granular
lost-circulation materials can be incorporated into the slurry. SALT
GEL slurries can be formulated in fresh or salt water and can be
weighted or unweighted. The concentration of SALT GEL should be
adjusted based on the mud weight and desired rheology; the normal
range is from 20 lb/bbl SALT GEL for an unweighted slurry, to 5
lb/bbl SALT GEL for a 19-lb/gal slurry.


Advantages

Unique
viscosity-building properties make SALT GEL particularly applicable
in seawater, saturated saltwater and brine systemsWell-suited
for high-fluid-loss squeezes to treat lost-circulation problems


Limitations

Due
to the rod-like shape of its particles, SALT GEL does not provide
fluid-loss controlSupplemental
fluid-loss agents will be required if fluid-loss control is needed


Toxicity
and Handling
Bioassay
information is available upon request. Handle as an industrial
chemical, wearing protective equipment and observing the precautions
as described on the Transportation and Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS)

Packaging
and Storage:
SALT
GEL is packaged in 50-Ib (22.7-kg), multi-wall, paper sacks. SALT GEL
should be kept as dry as possible