UltraHib
Shale inhibitor
Overview
UltraHib™ shale inhibitor is an essential component of the UltraDril Plus™ premium-performance aqueous drilling fluid system. A liquid polyamine, it effectively inhibits shale or gumbo clays from hydrating while minimizing the potential for bit balling. UltraHib shale inhibitor enhances drilling performance by preventing water absorption by clays, reducing cuttings dispersion, and minimizing risks related to BHA and bit balling. This shale inhibitor acts as a clay hydration suppressant by intercalating and reducing the space between clay platelets so that water molecules will not penetrate and cause shale swelling. In addition to providing outstanding shale inhibition, UltraHib shale inhibitor minimizes dilution rates.
Applications
Onshore and offshore drilling
Benefits
Effectively inhibits shale or gumbo clays from hydrating
Prevents water absorption and reduces cutting dispersion
Reduces accretion potential, minimizing bit and BHA balling
Ensures environmental acceptability for both offshore and onshore applications
Features
Improving drilling performance and wellbore stability
- Able to tolerate common contaminants including cement, hard water, CO2, drill solids, and crude oil
- Can provide a buffered pH in the 9.0–10.0 range, eliminating any need for additions of caustic soda or potassium hydroxide
- Adds easily to the mud system without adverse effects on viscosity and filtration properties
| Typical Physical Properties | |
| Physical appearance | Clear liquid |
| Specific gravity at 25 degC | 1.0–1.075 |
| pH (5% solutions) | 9.2–10.2 |
