Product Data Sheet (PDS)

FOR DRILLING FLUID SYSTEM

Egyptian Mud
Engineering & Chemicals Co.

GYPSUM
DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL & ENGINEERING INFORMATION

Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) is used for building gypsum Gypsum is hydrated Calcium Sulfate (95.8%
mud systems, for treating carbonate contamination and CaSO4.2H2O with 1.2% CaCO3 and 3% insoluble clays).
for Calcium substitution in Bentonitic clays. Gypsum is used for treating Carbonate contamination by
precipitating out insoluble Calcium Carbonate, as
follows:
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
CaSO4 + CO32- = CaCO3 + SO42-
The procedure for converting a Bentonite mud system to
a Gypsum mud system is as follows:
Appearance Powder
- Dilute mud system with water to reduce viscosity and
Colour Light Brown bentonite concentration.
- Add 6 to 8 ppb Gypsum powder.
Odor Mild - Add 2 to 4 ppb FC-8 and 0.25 ppb Caustic Soda.

Specific Gravity 2.3

PACKAGING AND STORAGE

Flash Point Not flammable

Gypsum is supplied in 25 kg and 50 kg sacks and should

Solubility Partially Soluble in water
be stored in a dry location.

APPLICATION HSE

Gypsum provides Calcium ions for shale inhibition in Gypsum is not classified as hazardous, but it may be an
gypsum and polymer mud systems, and for converting irritant. The following safety wear, as recommended in
Bentonitic clays to the Calcium form to prevent problems the MSDS, should be used when mixing Gypsum:
that might occur while drilling Anhydrite formations. - Standard PPE
Gypsum is also used for treating Carbonate contamina- - Chemical Splash Goggles
tion. - Dust Mask
Gypsum mud systems usually require 6 to 8 ppb Gypsum
to provide 600 to 1200 mg/l Calcium ions. Polymer mud
systems usually require 1 to 2 ppb Gypsum to provide
optimum clay inhibition. For treating Carbonate contami-
nation, 0.09 ppb Gypsum will treat out 1 EPM carbonates.
Gypsum should be added slowly over several circulations
to avoid undesirable viscosity increases caused by floccu-
lation.

Tel: +20 (2) 2673 2900

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