ASPHASOL SUPREME

Shale inhibitor and supplemental high-temperature fluid-loss additive

ASPHASOL SUPREME shale inhibitor is partially water‐soluble, water‐dispersible sulfonated asphalt. It aids in stabilizing shale sections, controlling solids dispersion and improving wall‐cake characteristics. It also is used as a supplemental high‐temperature fluid‐loss additive for water‐base drilling fluid systems.

Applications

ASPHASOL SUPREME additive is a sulfonated asphalt that can be used in most water‐base muds. It is a free‐flowing powder and can be added directly to the mud system through the mixing hopper. It is not necessary to premix ASPHASOL SUPREME inhibitor with oil. It contains no surfactants. Normal concentrations of ASPHASOL SUPREME additive range from 3 to 6 lb/bbl (8.6 to 17.1 kg/m3) for shale stabilizing control and 6 lb/bbl (17.1 kg/m3) for high‐temperature fluid‐loss control.

In water‐base drilling fluid systems, ASPHASOL SUPREME inhibitor exhibits the following characteristics:

• Stabilizes shales
• Lowers torque and drag
• Reduces high‐temperature fluid loss
• Produces thin‐walled filtercakes
• Improves bore hole stability

Advantages

• Easy to handle and mix
• Plugs micro‐fractures and seals shales
• Inhibits swelling and water‐wetting of shales
• Reduces high‐temperature, high‐pressure (HTHP) fluid loss
• Reduces torque and drag
• Improves filtercake quality
• Increases drilling‐fluid lubricity