Applications
Barite for oil and gas drilling
How barite works as the weighting agent in drilling fluids, and why it suits the job.
Barite (BaSO4) is the most common and most widely used weighting additive for drilling fluids. Between 69 and 77 percent of the barite used worldwide goes into drilling mud for oil and gas exploration.
Why drilling mud needs weight
As the bit drills a well, it passes through many formations, each with its own properties. Some hold high pressure. Barite raises the density of the mud and its hydrostatic pressure, which keeps those high-pressure zones under control and helps prevent blowouts. The more barite in the mud, the deeper the hole can go.
The right mineral for the job
Barite has been the standard weighting material for drilling mud for many years. It has some useful extra qualities:
- It is a soft mineral, so it does not damage the drill bit while drilling.
- It does not interfere with magnetic measurements in the borehole.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has set specifications for barite used in drilling fluids. KHN Minerals offers API barite options for drilling fluid applications.
Need API barite for your next well?
KHN Minerals mines barite at its own licensed sites in Konya and Isparta, micronizes it in Akyazı and tests it in its own laboratory. Tell us your application, grade and volumes.
- 97%typical BaSO4 in our ore
- 3barite mining licences
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