BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

Oil / Synthetic Fluids
System Maintenance
The system should be maintained in a manner similar to that described for the CARBO-FAST /
CARBO-TEC system previously described.
Product applications and recommendations
CARBO-GEL ®
CARBO-GEL ® is a high-purity, wet-process, high-yielding organophilic hectorite clay used as the
viscosifying and suspending agent in oil- and synthetic-base fluid systems. Because it is more active
than organophilic bentonite clay, CARBO-GEL increases the carrying capacity and hole cleaning
characteristics of oil and synthetic-base fluids.
CARBO-GEL is exceptionally effective at maintaining the yield point values in oil and synthetic-base
fluids after high-temperature aging.
Concentrations of 1 to 5 lb m /bbl (2.9 to 14.3 kg/m 3 ) are usually adequate for most applications. The
type of oil determines the concentration limits necessary for building viscosity and for gel-building
properties. Good shear is recommended. Low-aromatic oil will require as much as three times the
concentration of CARBO-GEL, depending upon the oil type and the water content. Pilot testing is
highly recommended when using unfamiliar oil.
Table 5-5
Appearance
Hygroscopic
pH in H 2 O
Typical Physical Properties – CARBO-GEL
Tan powder
No
n/a
Bulk Density 45 lbm/ft 3 (720 kg/m 3 )
Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
Reference Manual
5-30 Revised 2006