Chemzip

Drilling Fluid Additives for Onshore, Offshore, and HPHT Operations

21 grades across 5 chemistry families — Viscosifiers (CMC, PAC-R, Xanthan), Fluid Loss Additives, Shale Inhibitors, Corrosion / Bactericides / Defoamers, and Weighting / Bentonite / Lubricants.

Quick-Pick by System

FunctionPrimary AdditiveBackup / SynergistTypical DoseApplication
Fluid Loss ControlPAC-R polyanionic celluloseCMC LV / starchPAC-R 2–6 kg/m³Water-based mud, all temperature ranges
Low-shear Rate ViscosityXanthan gum (XCD polymer)PAC-R co-viscosifierXanthan 0.5–2 kg/m³Horizontal wells, displacement fluids
Filter Cake FormationTreated bentonitePAC-R fluid loss aidBentonite 30–60 kg/m³Surface and intermediate hole sections
Shale InhibitionPotassium silicateKCl + glycol synergistSilicate 5–15 kg/m³ + KCl 30–80 kg/m³Shale gas / clay-rich formations
Wellbore Stability HPHTDrilling mud lubricant + PAC-RCesium formate alternative for HPHTLubricant 5–15 L/m³Deep wells > 4000 m, > 150 °C bottom-hole
Weighting UpBarite (BaSO₄)Hematite for HP > 2.5 SGBarite to target SG 1.2–2.4Pressure control, kick prevention
Fluid Loss HPHTCMHEC carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl celluloseSulfonated lignite synergistCMHEC 4–10 kg/m³Deep wells, > 150 °C bottom-hole temperature
Corrosion ControlImidazoline corrosion inhibitorAmmonium bisulfite oxygen scavengerImidazoline 100–300 mg/L + bisulfite 50–200 mg/LAll operations, particularly sour gas wells
DefoamingDrilling fluid defoamer (silicone-free)Polyglycol secondary defoamerDefoamer 0.5–2 L/m³Gas-cut mud, salt-water muds
DispersingDrilling mud dispersant (lignite / lignosulfonate)Synthetic polyacrylate alternativeLignite 3–10 kg/m³High-density muds, sulfide-contaminated muds
Foaming (Underbalanced)Drilling foaming agent (surfactant)Anti-foam control during cementingFoamer 5–15 L/m³Underbalanced drilling, geothermal wells
Loss Circulation ControlCellulose fiber + treated bentoniteWalnut shell or fiber LCMLCM 30–100 kg/m³Lost-circulation zones, fractured carbonates

All Grades (by chemistry class)

Viscosifiers — CMC, PAC-R, Xanthan Biopolymer(6)

Primary rheology modifiers for water-based drilling fluid. CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) and PAC-R (polyanionic cellulose regular) provide both viscosity and fluid-loss control. Xanthan gum is the low-shear-rate viscosifier essential for cuttings transport in horizontal wells and at low circulation rates.

water based resin chemicals

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

CAS: 9004-32-4

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) for water-based coating, adhesive, and ink formulation, providing environmentally friendly performance with low VOC.

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food beverage additives

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)

CAS: 9004-32-4

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether produced by reacting cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. Food-grade CMC (E466) provides viscosity, water retention, and texture modification in ice cream, beverages, baked goods, and dairy products. Degree of substitution (DS) ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 for food applications, with viscosity grades spanning 50–50,000 mPa·s (1% solution).

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rheology control

Cellulose Thickener (CMC)

CAS: 9004-32-4

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) thickener and stabilizer used in waterborne coatings, paper processing, adhesives, and construction chemicals. It provides pseudoplastic rheology, water retention, and colloidal stability in aqueous systems. Food-grade and industrial grades are available with a range of viscosity levels and degrees of substitution.

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oilfield chemicals

Polyanionic Cellulose Regular (PAC-R) for Drilling Fluids

CAS: 9004-32-4

PAC-R (Polyanionic Cellulose, Regular grade) is a cellulose-derived fluid loss control agent and viscosifier used in water-based drilling fluids. It effectively reduces filtration loss and builds moderate viscosity in both freshwater and salt-saturated (NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂) mud systems. PAC-R forms a thin, low-permeability filter cake on the borehole wall to prevent formation fluid influx and protect productive formations.

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oilfield production specialty

Biopolymer Xanthan Drilling

CAS: 11138-66-2

Biopolymer Xanthan Drilling is a specialty chemical for upstream oil and gas production operations. Provides effective treatment for scale, corrosion, emulsion, and flow assurance challenges in wellbore and pipeline systems.

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oilfield chemicals

Xanthan Gum XCD Polymer for Drilling Fluids

CAS: 11138-66-2

XCD (Xanthan Gum) polymer is a fermentation-derived polysaccharide biopolymer used as a viscosifier and suspension agent in water-based drilling fluids. It provides excellent low-shear-rate viscosity and yield point for efficient drill cuttings suspension and transport, while maintaining low circulating viscosity for good pump efficiency. XCD polymer is salt-tolerant and effective in both fresh water and saturated brine mud systems.

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Fluid Loss Additives(3)

Reduce fluid leak-off into permeable formations by depositing a thin, low-permeability filter cake. Starch (modified for thermal stability) is the cost-effective baseline; CMHEC (carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) is the HPHT (>150°C) workhorse; CMC LV supplements PAC-R in shallower wells.

Shale Inhibitors(2)

Prevent clay-rich shale formations from hydrating and sloughing into the wellbore. Potassium silicate creates a glass-like film on shale surfaces; KCl provides ionic inhibition; glycol-based inhibitors offer high-performance for water-sensitive shales (Marcellus, Eagle Ford, Bakken).

Corrosion Inhibitors, Bactericides, Defoamers, Dispersants(5)

Mud chemistry maintenance additives — imidazoline corrosion inhibitors for sour-gas (H₂S) wells, ammonium bisulfite oxygen scavengers, silicone-free defoamers for gas-cut control, lignite/lignosulfonate dispersants to manage high-density muds and salt contamination.

oilfield chemicals

Imidazoline Corrosion Inhibitor for Oil Wells

CAS: 27136-73-8

Imidazoline-based corrosion inhibitor is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound widely used to protect steel surfaces in oil and gas production against CO₂, H₂S, and organic acid corrosion. It forms a protective adsorbed film on metal surfaces, achieving corrosion protection efficiency above 95% in harsh sour and sweet service conditions. Suitable for use in production tubing, pipelines, and surface facilities.

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oilfield chemicals

Ammonium Bisulfite Oxygen Scavenger for Drilling Fluids

CAS: 10192-30-0

Ammonium bisulfite is a fast-reacting oxygen scavenger used to remove dissolved oxygen from drilling fluids, completion fluids, and workover brines, preventing oxygen-induced corrosion of drill string, casing, and downhole equipment. It reacts stoichiometrically with dissolved O₂ to form ammonium sulfate, achieving oxygen levels below 20 ppb within minutes. Supplied as a concentrated aqueous solution for easy injection.

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oilfield production specialty

Defoamer Drilling Fluid

CAS: 63148-62-9

Defoamer Drilling Fluid is a specialty chemical for upstream oil and gas production operations. Provides effective treatment for scale, corrosion, emulsion, and flow assurance challenges in wellbore and pipeline systems.

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oilfield production specialty

Foaming Agent Drilling

CAS: 68439-57-6

Foaming Agent Drilling is a specialty chemical for upstream oil and gas production operations. Provides effective treatment for scale, corrosion, emulsion, and flow assurance challenges in wellbore and pipeline systems.

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oilfield production specialty

Dispersant Drilling Mud

CAS: 25213-24-5

Dispersant Drilling Mud is a specialty chemical for upstream oil and gas production operations. Provides effective treatment for scale, corrosion, emulsion, and flow assurance challenges in wellbore and pipeline systems.

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Weighting, Lubricants & Carrier(5)

Bulk-volume mud components — barite (BaSO₄ specific gravity 4.2) and hematite for density control to 2.4 SG, treated bentonite as the base clay for water-based mud, drilling mud lubricant to reduce torque and drag in deviated and horizontal wells, CMHEC and CMC variants used as suspending agents and viscosity modifiers in associated services.

oilfield chemicals

Barite Weighting Agent for Drilling Fluids

CAS: 13462-86-7

API-grade barite (barium sulfate) is the industry-standard weighting agent for increasing the density of water-based and oil-based drilling fluids to control formation pressure and prevent wellbore kicks. With a specific gravity of 4.2 g/cm³, it allows mud density to be raised up to 2.65 g/cm³ (22.0 ppg) without excessive solids loading. API-grade barite meets the stringent specifications of API 13A for soluble Ba, Cd, Hg, and Pb content.

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oilfield chemicals

Drilling Mud Lubricant for Drill Bit and String

Drilling mud lubricant is a synthetic or fatty acid ester-based additive that reduces torque and drag on the drill string, BHA, and drill bit during directional and horizontal drilling operations. It reduces the coefficient of friction by up to 70% in water-based mud systems and is effective in both clay-inhibited and salt-saturated drilling fluids. The product helps extend bit life, reduce stuck pipe incidents, and improve drilling efficiency in extended-reach wells.

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detergent raw materials

CMC Anti-redeposition Agent

CAS: 9004-32-4

CMC Anti-redeposition Agent for detergent and cleaning product formulation, providing effective cleaning, foaming, or building performance.

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agricultural crop chemicals

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) Suspending Agent

CAS: 9004-32-4

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether used as a thickener, suspending agent, and stabilizer in aqueous agrochemical formulations including SC suspensions, WG wettable granules, and seed treatment slurries. It imparts pseudo-plastic viscosity to prevent sedimentation and caking, while improving spray application uniformity. CMC is compatible with most pesticide active ingredients and is accepted in organic formulation systems.

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battery energy storage chemicals

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Anode Binder/Thickener

CAS: 9004-32-4

Battery-grade CMC sodium salt is used in combination with SBR as a thickener and binder for graphite and silicon-graphite anode aqueous slurries. It controls slurry rheology for uniform coating, and its carboxylate groups bond covalently to silicon particles during drying, helping to buffer volumetric expansion.

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Imported Brand → China Equivalent

Equivalents are indicative; verify against TDS for project-critical applications.

International Brand GradeChina EquivalentMajor Chinese Producers
Halliburton Polypac (PAC-R)PAC-R Polyanionic Cellulose Regular山东赫达, 河北邯郸, 河南鸿光化工
Drilcam HV PACPAC-HV high-viscosity grade山东赫达, 河南鸿光化工
Drispac (CMC HV)Sodium CMC drilling grade山东赫达, 河北鑫硕
Kelco / CP Kelco XCD XanthanXCD biopolymer drilling grade山东中轩生物 (Zhongxuan), 山东富田 (Fufeng)
M-I SWACO POLY-PLUS RD (PHPA)PHPA partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide山东诺尔生物 (Norit), 安徽巨成
Baroid AQUAGEL (treated bentonite)API treated bentonite mud powder新疆托克逊, 内蒙古鄂尔多斯, 浙江安吉
Baroid BARACOR 700 (imidazoline)Imidazoline corrosion inhibitor for sour gas山东恒昇化工, 河南乾兴
Halliburton BRINEDRIL-N (silicate)Potassium silicate shale inhibitor山东聚成, 浙江开化合成
M-I SWACO M-I X-II (lubricant)Drilling mud lubricant high-performance山东赫达, 河南鸿光化工
Magcobar / Halliburton bariteAPI SG 4.2 barite drilling grade贵州桐梓, 湖南浏阳, 江西黎川
M-I SWACO DUO-VIS (xanthan + cellulose)Xanthan + CMC dual-viscosifier blend山东中轩, 山东赫达

Frequently Asked Questions

CMC vs PAC-R — which polyanionic cellulose should I specify?

PAC-R is the modern standard — higher purity, better thermal stability (effective to 150°C), and faster fluid-loss control than commodity CMC. Use CMC LV/HV for cost-sensitive shallower wells (<3000 m) where temperature stays below 120°C; specify PAC-R for deep wells, HPHT, and high-density brines.

Both are sodium carboxymethyl celluloses from cotton or wood pulp etherification with sodium chloroacetate. PAC-R is the further-purified grade — removing low-MW cellulose fragments and inorganic salt — giving narrower MW distribution, ≥98% active content (vs CMC at 70–85%), and 50–70% better fluid-loss-to-yield ratio. PAC-R remains effective up to 150°C continuous service; CMC starts to degrade above 120°C. The cost differential is roughly 30–50% premium for PAC-R; over a typical mud system, the higher polymer efficiency makes PAC-R competitive on total mud cost. For deep wells, HPHT operations, and high-salinity environments (saturated brine, high Ca²⁺), PAC-R is the default; CMHEC takes over above 175°C.

When does xanthan gum beat CMC/PAC-R?

Xanthan gum provides exceptional low-shear-rate viscosity — at 5 sec⁻¹ shear rate (relevant to cuttings settling in the annulus), xanthan delivers 50–80 cP while CMC/PAC-R deliver only 10–20 cP. Essential for horizontal wells, low circulation rates, and underbalanced drilling.

Xanthan (XCD polymer) is a microbial polysaccharide with helical secondary structure that resists shear-thinning at low shear rates. At high shear rates (in the bit nozzle, 100,000 sec⁻¹+), xanthan thins normally — giving the unique non-Newtonian behavior the drilling industry depends on. Standard use: 1–3 kg/m³ xanthan as the primary low-shear viscosifier, combined with 4–8 kg/m³ PAC-R as fluid-loss + medium-shear viscosity. This is the XC-Polymer / Duo-Vis mud system. Xanthan is thermally limited to 120°C continuous (degradation above) — for HPHT use synthetic alternatives like AMPS/AM copolymers.

What is API Spec 13A and does my mud chemistry need it?

API Spec 13A is the American Petroleum Institute standard for drilling-fluid materials (barite, hematite, bentonite, PAC-R, CMC, etc.) — specifies physical and chemical performance benchmarks. Required for North American oil & gas operations, recommended for international major operators (Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, Total).

API 13A specifies for each material: specific gravity, particle size distribution, soluble salt content, water-loss reduction performance (for fluid-loss additives), viscosity-yield ratio (for viscosifiers), and dispersion/sedimentation behavior. Certified products carry the API monogram. Chinese producers (Hada, Hechuang, Xinshuo, Shangdong Zhongxuan) have been increasingly API-certified through 2018–2025; the certification cost is $30k–80k per product line. For Chinese national oil companies (CNPC, Sinopec, CNOOC), API certification is preferred but not always mandatory if the producer has equivalent Chinese GB/SY standard certification. For international operators bidding on offshore deepwater contracts, API 13A certification is typically a requirement.

How do I select fluid-loss additive for HPHT (>150°C) wells?

For temperatures 120–150°C, PAC-R alone suffices. Above 150°C, switch to CMHEC (carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) combined with sulfonated lignite or sulfonated asphalt as backup. For 175°C+ (deep gas wells), specialty synthetic AMPS/AM copolymers replace cellulosic chemistry entirely.

HPHT fluid-loss control is the most demanding service in drilling chemistry. Standard PAC-R loses 40–60% of its fluid-loss reduction performance going from 120°C to 175°C, and degrades hydrolytically above 150°C in alkaline mud (pH > 9.5). CMHEC retains 70–85% of its performance to 175°C due to the hydroxyethyl substitution that resists thermal hydrolysis. Sulfonated lignite (e.g., Q-Broxin) and sulfonated asphalt (Soltex) provide synergistic fluid-loss reduction at high temperatures by physical filter-cake densification. AMPS/AM copolymers and partially-hydrolyzed PAA-AMPS are the temperature-resistant synthetic alternatives for ultra-HPHT (200°C+) wells. Specify the bottom-hole circulating temperature, not just the static temperature, when selecting additives.

Do you supply oil-based and synthetic-based mud (OBM/SBM) additives?

Chemzip's drilling-fluid additive line is primarily water-based mud (WBM) chemistry — CMC, PAC-R, xanthan, treated bentonite. For OBM/SBM-specific chemistry (organophilic clay, primary/secondary emulsifiers, oil-wetting agents), we can source through partner manufacturers on inquiry — these require API 13A Category B/C certification and have separate technical specifications.

OBM uses diesel or mineral oil as the continuous phase; SBM uses synthetic ester, olefin, or paraffin. The associated chemistry differs substantially from WBM: organophilic bentonite (alkylammonium-treated clay) for rheology, primary emulsifiers (fatty acid salts) and secondary emulsifiers (fatty amides) for stable W/O emulsion, oil-wetting agents (fatty acid-quaternary ammonium) for cuttings, lime / calcium chloride for water-phase salinity. Chinese OBM additive suppliers are growing (Shengli Oilfield Service Company, CNPC Tarim subsidiary, Drilling Solutions Tianjin), but the market remains dominated by Halliburton, M-I SWACO (Schlumberger), and Baker Hughes for offshore operations. For OBM/SBM inquiries, Chemzip routes to qualified manufacturers per project specs.

What's the typical mud cost as % of total drilling cost?

Land wells: 5–15% (commodity WBM); shale gas / unconventional: 10–25% (high-tech WBM/SBM); offshore shallow water: 8–15% (SBM); offshore deepwater: 15–25% (SBM/OBM); HPHT exploration: 20–35% (specialty chemistry).

Total drilling cost includes rig day rate, drill bits, casing/tubing, cement, mud chemistry, logging/MWD services, drilling fluid handling, completion, and rigsite labor. Mud cost share is highest where chemistry requirements are most demanding — HPHT exploration wells in Sichuan tight gas, offshore deepwater pre-salt (Brazil, Angola), high-clay shale gas (Marcellus, Eagle Ford). For onshore conventional land drilling using commodity WBM (the bulk of Chinese onshore CNPC drilling), mud chemistry runs 5–8% of well cost. The total drilling-additive market for China is approximately RMB 8–12 billion/yr — split between domestic CNPC/Sinopec/CNOOC procurement (most volume) and international service company supply (most margin).

How do Chinese drilling-additive prices compare to Halliburton, Baroid, M-I SWACO?

Commodity additives (CMC, PAC-R, treated bentonite, barite) from Chinese producers are typically 35–55% lower CIF than equivalent service-company grades. Specialty additives (HPHT, shale inhibitors, primary emulsifiers) narrow the gap to 15–30% because Chinese R&D is still catching up.

PAC-R from Hada (Shandong) at ~$2.5/kg CIF Asian ports vs Halliburton Polypac at ~$5.5/kg. Barite from Tongzi (Guizhou) at $90–130/t vs Halliburton barite at $180–250/t. Quality has converged — Chinese producers now operate continuous etherification reactors for PAC-R with viscosity-MW control matching service-company specs. For commodity volume buyers (CNPC, Sinopec, Saudi Aramco bulk orders, Indian NRO), Chinese supply has become the default with international service companies retaining premium positioning for engineered packages and on-site mud-engineering service. International service companies' value-add is now mostly the technical mud engineering at the rig, not the raw chemistry.

What documents and certifications are available?

COA, SDS/MSDS, TDS standard on every order. API Spec 13A certificates for certified products (PAC-R, CMC, barite, bentonite); ISO 9001 for the manufacturing facility; REACH / RoHS / SVHC for European customers; HSE-MSDS sheets compliant to UK / Norway offshore operator requirements.

Drilling-additive COA covers material-specific parameters: PAC-R/CMC — moisture, viscosity (Brookfield), fluid-loss reduction (API filter press), pH; barite — specific gravity (≥4.20 API), water-soluble alkaline earth, particle size ≤6 μm <3%; bentonite — yield viscosity, filter loss, methylene-blue capacity (cation exchange). API 13A monogram products are batch-tested against the API spec; non-monogram products can still meet the spec but lack the formal certification mark. For offshore North Sea / Gulf of Mexico operators, additional CEFAS or OSPAR PLONOR (Pose Little Or No Risk) environmental classification is required for any chemistry that enters the produced-water stream.

What MOQ and packaging?

Starter samples 5–10 kg; standard commercial MOQ is 1 metric ton for polymer additives (CMC, PAC-R, xanthan); 25 metric tons for barite and bentonite. Packaging: 25 kg multi-ply paper bag with PE liner, 1 t jumbo bag, 25 t bulk container.

Polymer additive shelf life is 24 months from manufacture in original sealed PE-lined bag, stored below 30°C dry. Barite and bentonite have indefinite shelf life when dry-stored. Container-load economics: 20-foot container holds 22 t PAC-R (low density) or 28 t barite (high density); 40-foot container 44 t / 56 t respectively. Major drilling-fluid suppliers (China National Petroleum Materials, Sinopec Engineering Service) buy in mixed FCL with multiple SKUs per container. Sea-freight Asia-Middle East 10-14 days, Asia-West Africa 18-25 days, Asia-Brazil 30-40 days, Asia-North America 22-30 days.

Free samples and technical advisor consultation?

Yes — free 5–10 kg samples on company letterhead inquiry, DHL Express dispatch. Drilling-fluid technical advisor available by email/WhatsApp for additive-package selection, troubleshooting (lost circulation, kick prevention, shale instability), and on-site mud-engineering referrals.

Sample request requires: target well type (vertical / directional / horizontal), depth range, expected bottom-hole circulating temperature, formation type (sand-shale / carbonate / salt / coal), expected mud weight range, current additive package, expected delivery window. The technical advisor can recommend additive substitutions, suggest API 13A vs Chinese SY standard equivalence, identify cost-optimization opportunities, and refer to Chinese drilling-engineering consultancy for on-site mud-engineering when needed. Samples are accompanied by full COA, MSDS, and TDS. For large-volume PSC (Production Sharing Contract) and EPC tenders, technical-advisor pre-engagement is recommended 4–8 weeks before tender submission to align chemistry with the project specifications.

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