M-I GEL

Premium-grade Wyoming bentonite

M-I GEL is a premium-grade Wyoming bentonite that yields 91 to 100 bbl of 15-cP drilling fluid per ton (1.7 cu m/100 kg). It is used as a primary filtercake-building, filtration-control and suspension agent in freshwater systems, and has application in all water-base drilling fluid systems. M-I GEL viscosifier is a high-quality product that meets the API specifications for bentonite.

Applications

M‐I GEL viscosifier is used to increase viscosity and reduce fluid‐loss in water‐base drilling fluids. It is a cost‐effective means of achieving viscosity, fluid‐loss control and filter‐cake quality in freshwater and seawater muds. Typical concentrations for M‐I GEL viscosifier range from 5 to 35 lb/bbl (14.3 to 100 g/m3).

As with all bentonite products, the yield decreases as water salinity increases. In muds containing more than 10,000 mg/L chlorides, the performance of M‐I GEL viscosifier is significantly reduced unless prehydrated in freshwater before adding to the mud system.

Advantages

• Hydrates more than other types of clays and is best for generating viscosity, developing gels for suspension and controlling filtration
• Small particle size, unique flat shape and high surface area of hydrated M‐I GEL viscosifier provides superior filtration characteristics
• Promotes the deposition of thin, compressible filter cakes in the wellbore