Product Data Sheet (PDS)

FOR DRILLING FLUID SYSTEM

Egyptian Mud
Engineering & Chemicals Co.

LIME
DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL & ENGINEERING INFORMATION

Lime (Calcium Hydroxide) is used for increasing pH and Chemical reactions using Lime for treating carbonate and
treating contamination in water-based muds, and for bicarbonate contamination are as follows:
activating emulsifiers in oil-based mud systems. Ca(OH)2 + CO32- = CaCO3 + 2OH-
Ca(OH)2 + HCO3- = CaCO3 + H2O + 2OH-
When converting Bentonite muds to Lime muds, the Lime
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
is used as a means of introducing calcium ions into the
Bentonite system. The calcium ions exchange with
Appearance Powder sodium ions between the clay platelets, and the level of
calcium ions in solution is controlled by the addition of
Colour White or Off-White caustic soda.
The initial break-over treatment from gel mud to Lime
Odor None mud requires from 2 ppb to 8 ppb Lime, and during
break-over the minimum possible Bentonite content in
Specific Gravity 2.24 the mud is very important. (Refer to Gypsum proce-
dures). Like Gypsum muds, it is essential to select
Melting Point 580°C (1076°F) suitable polymers and thinners for Lime muds.

Solubility Partially Soluble

PACKAGING AND STORAGE

APPLICATION Lime is supplied in 25 kg sacks and should be stored in

Lime is used in water-based mud systems for increasing
pH, and for treating out carbonate and bicarbonate
contamination. Lime is also used for converting basic
Bentonite muds to Lime muds.
Lime is used in oil-based mud systems for activating
fatty acid based emulsifiers. Excess Lime in oil-based
mud systems also provides protection against contami-
nation from acidic gases like carbon dioxide and hydro-
gen sulfide.
As a guide, 0.026 ppb Lime will remove 1 ppm bicarbo-
nate. Lime should always be added slowly over several
circulations in order to avoid undesirable viscosity
increases caused by flocculation.
a dry location.
HSE
Lime is an irritant and can be hazardous as it is an
alkaline product, so precautions must be taken to avoid
all forms of contact. The following safety wear, as recom-
mended in the MSDS, should be used when mixing Lime:
- Standard PPE
- Chemical Splash Goggles
- Respiratory Mask
Make sure crews handling and mixing Lime are familiar
with the MSDS, know the corrective actions to take, and
know where eye-wash bottles are located.

Tel: +202 26732900

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