Product Description
SODA ASH is the common name for sodium carbonate (Na2 CO3) used to precipitate soluble calcium in drilling muds.
Features and Benefits
SODA ASH is very effective in removing soluble calcium from drilling muds.
The chemical reaction is as follows:
Na2 CO3 + Ca++ → 2Na+ + CaCO3
SODA ASH can also be used to increase the density of work over and completion fluids to 1.2 kg/L (10.0 lb/gal), and
is acid soluble.
Application
SODA ASH is used to treat soluble calcium contamination in drilling fluids. Calcium contamination may cause
undesirable increases in rheology, gel strengths, and filtration control rates, as well as inhibit the viscosity and gel
properties of dry bentonite when added to water. Calcium ions will react with many anionic polymers (i.e., CMC,
polyacrylates) and render them ineffective. The concentration of soluble calcium will determine the amount of SODA
ASH required to treat the mud.
Recommended Treatment
To treat calcium out of makeup water, multiply the total hardness of the water (mg/L) by 0.00257 to find the kg/m³ of
SODA ASH to add (0.0009 to find the lb/bbl). SODA ASH can be used for treating cement contamination. The
reaction is Ca(OH)2 + Na2 CO3 → CaCO3 + 2NaOH. The solubility of SODA ASH is suppressed by high pH.
Do not use SODA ASH to treat massive cement contamination. Overtreatment with SODA ASH can result in
carbonate contamination. SODA ASH is not effective for treating hardness from soluble magnesium. SODA ASH is
commonly added slowly through the hopper. SODA ASH may also be mixed in a chemical barrel. To avoid settling,
the chemical barrel should have some agitation. A solution of SODA ASH should always be prepared by the addition
of SODA ASH to the water. Adding water to SODA ASH will result in the formation of a solid cake, making solution
more difficult. Do not mix caustic soda and SODA ASH together
Typical Physical Properties
Appearance white, fine powder
Specific Gravity 2.5
Solubility in water 49.7% weight at 35°C (95°F)
.
Shipping
Transportation of SODA ASH is not restricted by either international or USA regulatory agencies.
Environmental Information
The United States Environmental Protection Abency's (US EPA) Drilling Fluids Toxicity Test resulted in little or no
toxicity for 2.85 kg/m³ (1.0 lb/bbl) of SODA ASH in a generic #7 mud system. For information concerning
environmental regulations applicable products, contact the Health, Safety, and Environmental Department.
Packaging
SODA ASH is packaged in 25 and 50 kg multi-wall bags.