Alkalinty Control Agents - Week 2

Question 1

Caustic Soda - Composition

Answer 1

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Question 2

Caustic Soda - Primary Function

Answer 2

For control of pH base muds 
For: 
1. Activation of lingosulfonates
2. Solubilizing lignite
3. Limiting corrosion
4. Removing soluble ions
5. Treatment of certain contaminants

Question 3

Caustic Soda - Secondary Function

Answer 3

None

Question 4

Caustic Soda - Limitations

Answer 4

• Health Hazard. Add as a liquid from a chemical barrel
• Wear proper PPE when handling
• Corrosive
• Some products are sensitive to high pH

Question 5

Caustic Soda - Treatment

Answer 5

As needed to control pH

Question 6

Magnesium Oxide - Composition

Answer 6

An alkaline earth oxide ( MgO)

Question 7

Magnesium Oxide - Primary Function

Answer 7

For pH control of fresh water and brines

Question 8

Magnesium Oxide - Secondary Function

Answer 8

none

Question 9

Magnesium Oxide - Limitations

Answer 9

pH up to 10

Question 10

Magnesium Oxide - Features and Benefits

Answer 10

Will not form precipitates when added to calcium base brines

Question 11

Magnesium Oxide - Treatment

Answer 11

Under normal operating conditions (1-3 ppb)

Question 12

Potassium Hydroxide - Composition

Answer 12

A strong alkali known as caustic potash (KOH)

Question 13

Potassium Hydroxide - Primary function

Answer 13

For control of pH base muds 
For: 
1. Activation of lingosulfonates
2. Solubilizing lignite
3. Limiting corrosion
4. Removing soluble ions
5. Treatment of certain contaminants

Question 14

Potassium Hydroxide - Secondary Function

Answer 14

To provide additional soluble potassium in potassium systems or where potassium ions are preferred as a shale inhibitor

Question 15

Potassium Hydroxide - Limitations

Answer 15

• Health Hazard. Add as a liquid from a chemical barrel
• Wear proper PPE when handling
• Corrosive
• Some products are sensitive to high pH

Question 16

Potassium Hydroxide - Treatment

Answer 16

As needed to control pH. Takes more KOH to provide a given pH as compared to NaOH

Question 17

Soda Ash - Composition

Answer 17

Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)

Question 18

Soda Ash - Primary Function

Answer 18

To remove soluble calcium from the mud

Question 19

Soda Ash - Secondary Function

Answer 19

May be used to treat small amounts of cement contamination. Also may be used as a completion fluid.

Question 20

Soda Ash - Limitations

Answer 20

1. Over treatment may cause a carbonate problem
2. Solubility is suppressed at high pH
3. Treating large amounts of cement will result in high pH values and is not recommended
4. Soda Ash is not effective for treating hardness from soluble magnesium
5. If adding while using chemical barrels DO NOT mix with caustic soda
6. Use proper PPE

Question 21

Soda Ash - Treatment

Answer 21

Ranges: .1-.5 ppb

Question 22

Sodium Bicarbonate - Composition

Answer 22

NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate)

Question 23

Sodium Bicarbonate - Primary Function

Answer 23

Treating Cement contaminated muds

Question 24

Sodium Bicarbonate - Secondary Function

Answer 24

None

Question 25

Sodium Bicarbonate - Limitations

Answer 25

• Over-treatment may cause a carbonate problem

- Do not use to treat make-up water. Sodium Bicarbonate is soluble

Question 26

Sodium Bicarbonate - Treatment

Answer 26

Ranges: .1-.5 ppb is typical. Green cement may require higher concentrations of sodium bicarbonate to be used.