Product Bulletin

HEMATITE

Hematite weight material is a high-quality, ground iron oxide (hematite) with a Specific Gravity (S G) of 5 or above. Due to this high specific gravity, muds formulated with Hematite have lower solids contents and frequently contribute to higher rates of penetration as compared to barite muds. It may be substituted for, or blended with, barite in all mud systems. Hematite is ground and processed to remove impurities then classified to achieve the desired particle size distribution.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Physical appearance

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Particle hardness Bulk density . . . Specifications Specific gravity . Particle size . . . .

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Dry red to brown powder Wet gray to black Muds deep reddish-brown 5 6 MOHS scale (1-10) 143 lb/ft3 (2,291 kg/m3) 5.0 <1.5% wt >200 mesh (75 micron) <15% wt ~325 mesh (>45 micron) <15% wt <6 micron <100 mg/kg

Soluble hardness (as calcium)

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APPLICATIONS

Hematite is applicable in all types of drilling fluids, including freshwater, seawater and oil-base muds. It can be used to increase the density of all drilling and completion fluids to 25 lb/gal (3.0 SG). Hematite is most frequently used in high-density, oil-base muds. Fluids weighted with Hematite contain fewer solids by volume than those weighted with barite, making higher mud weights possible. It is especially useful in high-density kill fluids.

The quantity of Hematite required can be calculated using the following formula: 1,750 (w2 - w1) Hematite, lb/bbl = 41.66 - w2 Where: w1 = Initial mud weight in lb/gal w2 = Desired mud weight in lb/gal
Hematite, kg/m3

5,000 w w1) 2 (5.0 - w2

Where: w1 = Initial mud weight in specific gravity w2 = Desired mud weight in specific gravity

ADVANTAGES

A harder mineral than barite, thus Muds contain fewer solids than more resistant to particle-size similar-density barite muds due to degradation. the 20% higher specific gravity. Approximately 97% acid-soluble Muds have improved rheological in 15% hydrochloric acid (HCl). values; generally plastic viscosities are 2 to 30% less than barite muds. Will partially scavenge hydrogen sulfide at neutral and low pH lev Use of muds usually results in els and may be regarded as a sechigher rates of penetration. ondary sulfide scavenger. When Higher bulk density than barite, Hematite is used in H2S areas, a high consequently more weight is held pH should be maintained and an in the same volume bulk tanks appropriate primary scavenger, and a smaller volume must be , should be used. such as SULF-X transported to the wellsite. Less Hematite than barite is required May be environmentally preferred to barite in certain locations. to achieve the same mud weight, reducing mud costs. Has a narrower particle size distribution with a larger average particle size as compared to barite.
Abrasion tests indicate thatHematite The suspension of Hematite weight is more abrasive than barite; in material may require slightly actual wells, however, effects may higher yield points and gel vary only slightly. Stringent classistrengths than those required fication procedures for Hematite yield for the suspension of barite. a less abrasive weight material than competitive iron oxide products.

LIMITATIONS

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

Hematite is packaged in 100-lb (45.4-kg), multi-wall, paper sacks; and is available in bulk. Store in a dry location and minimize dust.

This material is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I L.L.C. makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy or use of this data. All product warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms of Sale.

1996 M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C. All rights reserved. FER-OX and SULF-X are registered trademarks of M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C. MI-10600 2.5M 3/97 Litho in U.S.A.

P.O. Box 721110 Houston, Texas 77272-1110 Tel: 866-299-1464 Fax: 832-295-2595 http://www.e-federal.com