Shale Inhibitors
Shale inhibitors for water-based mud
A shale inhibitor slows the reaction between water-based mud and clay-rich rock, so that the shale does not swell and fall into the hole. Galaxy Drilling Fluids Pvt Ltd supplies 3 products in this category: a polyamine series, a quaternary amine and a salt crystallization inhibitor.
Why reactive shale is a problem
Clays take up water from the mud. The rock swells and sloughs, the hole enlarges or tight spots form, and cleaning the hole becomes harder. Oil-based mud avoids much of this; where water-based mud is used, inhibition carries that job.
What is in this category
The Gel PA Series is a polyamine in five grades, for water-sensitive shale. GS Guard C is a quaternary amine derivative that stabilises clay. GT Salt Hib does a different job: it stops salt crystallising out of saturated brine as the mud cools, which matters when drilling through salt.
Related shale chemistry elsewhere in the range
GS Hexaplex and Gel Asphatex, listed under Fluid Loss Control, also help steady shale, and the clouding glycols under Specialities add shale protection and lubricity.
Product designations and classifications are those of the manufacturer. Descriptions explain the function of the chemistry and are not performance specifications. Technical data sheets and certificates of analysis are issued with quotation. Galaxy Drilling Fluids Pvt Ltd is a supplier of these products.
Products in this range
Water Based 3
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Gel PA Series
Polyamine — PA, PA P, PA D, PA E, PA A grades
Polyamine. Stops water-sensitive shale swelling and falling into the hole. Five grades.
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GS Guard C
Quaternary amine derivative
Quaternary amine. Stabilises clay in water-sensitive sections.
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GT Salt HibIraq priority
Salt crystallization inhibitor
Stops salt crystallising out of saturated brine as the mud cools.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shale inhibitor?
A shale inhibitor is a drilling mud additive that stops water-sensitive clay in the formation from swelling and falling into the hole. Galaxy Drilling Fluids Pvt Ltd supplies polyamine and quaternary amine inhibitors for water-based mud.
How do you stop salt crystallising in saturated brine mud?
With a salt crystallization inhibitor, which keeps salt from coming out of saturated brine as the mud cools. Galaxy Drilling Fluids Pvt Ltd supplies GT Salt Hib for this purpose.