Product Data Sheet (PDS)

FOR DRILLING FLUID SYSTEM

Egyptian Mud
Engineering & Chemicals Co.

CITRIC ACID
DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL & ENGINEERING INFORMATION

Citric Acid provides a method for reducing the alkalinity Citric Acid is an organic acid (C6H8O7) that is used for
(pH) of water-based drilling fluids, usually resulting from reducing pH and for precipitating out calcium when
cement contamination while drilling out cement. treating cement contaminated mud. Citric Acid can also
be used for reducing the pH of fluids that have been
over-treated with caustic soda or other alkaline products.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Cement contamination can produce very high pH in
water-based drilling fluids, which affects polymer
performance and encourages hydration, swelling and
Appearance Crystalline Powder dispersion of clays and shales, resulting in a build-up of
solids in the mud.
Colour Colorless
Cement contamination also increases the amount of
Odor Acidic calcium in the mud, which can affect mud properties as
well as polymer performance. Citric Acid reduces pH and
Specific Gravity 1.5 also precipitates out calcium. Although drilling fluid pH will
gradually fall as drilling progresses, action should always
Melting Point 153oC (307oF) be taken to restore pH to programmed levels when it is
excessively high.
Solubility Soluble in water

PACKAGING AND STORAGE

APPLICATION Citric Acid is supplied in 50 lb sacks and should be stored

in a dry location.
Citric Acid powder should be added to water in a chemical
barrel before treating the cement contaminated mud in the
active circulating system or reserve tank.
HSE
Pilot testing is recommended on a sample of the cement
contaminated mud as this will determine the appropriate
Citric Acid can be hazardous and precautions must be
concentration for treating the circulating system or reserve
taken to avoid all forms of contact. The following safety
tank.
wear, as recommended in the MSDS, should be used
Treatments to the active circulating system should ideally when mixing Citric Acid:
be made over a couple of circulations as this will avoid - Standard PPE
potential over-treatment. - Chemical Splash Goggles
- Dust Mask
- Chemical Apron
- Chemical Gauntlets
Make sure crews handling and mixing Caustic Soda are
familiar with the MSDS, know the corrective actions to
take, and know where eye-wash bottles are located.

Tel: +20 (2) 2690 7080

Head Office: 39 Farid Street, Heliopolis – 11341, Cairo, Egypt www.emec.com.eg