For drilling grade barite, the density is key and one of the most important tests that you are doing.
Let’s rewind a bit!
Barite is used as a weight ingredient for drilling fluid and also hydraulic fracturing (frac) fluid. Because of a well’s depth, it is vital to keep the fluid downhole, so it needs to be dense and heavy.
Drilling grade barite density testing is performed in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard 13A. The API specification for density of drilling grade barite is a minimum of 4.20 g/ml.
A purity test, called “water-soluble alkaline earth metals, as calcium” is also performed on barite during API 13A testing. The maximum specification is 250 mg/kg.
There are also 2 sizing tests for drilling grade barite, in order to determine if it has been processed correctly. Residue greater than 75 microns should be less than 3.0% fraction. And, particles less than 6 microns should be less than 30% mass fraction.
The sizing tests ensure that the barite powder is fine enough to be accepted into liquid.
If your drilling grade barite is going to be used for offshore drilling, it needs to be tested for the heavy metals mercury and cadmium. EPA requires that the drilling grade barite has less than 1 mg/kg mercury and less than 3 mg/kg of cadmium.
To inquire on having GEL test for drilling grade barite, go here.
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