Product Data Sheet (PDS)

FOR DRILLING FLUID SYSTEM

Egyptian Mud
Engineering & Chemicals Co.

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (Powder)

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL & ENGINEERING INFORMATION

Potassium Chloride (KCL) is used for shale inhibition in Potassium Chloride provides clay and shale inhibition
KCL drilling fluid systems and as a brine in Mixed Salt through the Potassium ions, which compete with any
Systems. exchangeable ions present in clays and shales (e.g. Na+,
Mg2+ and Ca2+) to bind the clay platelets together,
effectively minimizing swelling and dispersion.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES The most frequently used Potassium Chloride powder
grades are 97% and 99% purity, and Potassium Chloride
brine reaches saturation at 9.6 ppg (1.15 sg) density.
Appearance Powder

Colour White
PACKAGING AND STORAGE
Odor None
Potassium Chloride powder is supplied in 50 kg
Specific Gravity 1.98
polythene sacks and 1.0 MT big bags, and should be
stored in a dry location.
Flash Point Not Flammable

Solubility Soluble in water

HSE

APPLICATION
Potassium Chloride is not classified as hazardous, but it
may be an irritant. The following safety wear, as recom-
mended in the MSDS, should be used when mixing
Potassium Chloride is a highly efficient and economical
Potassium Chloride:
source of inhibition when used as a drilling fluid for
- Standard PPE
critical water-sensitive shale formations.
- Chemical Splash Goggles
Potassium Chloride is also used in Mixed Salt Systems - Dust Mask
when drilling complex salt structures, in order to maintain
brine saturation with respect to potassium salts and to
prevent large washouts.
Potassium Chloride is usually mixed in concentrations
ranging from 3% to 20% by weight for mud systems,
according to shale reactivity. Regular maintenance
treatments are usually required due to potassium ion
depletion to the well bore and on cuttings.
Refer to Potassium Chloride Brine Tables to determine
the concentrations required for various brine densities.

Tel: +20 (2) 2673 2900

Head Office: Plot No. 196, 2nd City Center, Fifth Settlement, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt www.emec.com.eg