Defoam-A

Applications

Defoam-A additive is a wide-application product that reduces the foaming tendencies of water-base muds. It is compatible with freshwater muds, brackish water muds, seawater muds, saturated salt muds, completion brine systems and all common mud additives. Defoam-A additive is easy to mix, works quickly, is effective in low concentrations and is a more persistent defoamer than alternative products.

Normal treatments of Defoam-A additive range from 0.29 to 0.58 kg/m³ (0.10 to 0.20 lb/bbl). The use of Defoam-A additive is recommended for foam prevention when making periodic treatments with organic materials such as lignosulfonate, lignite and tannin-base additives. When preparing brines, a pre-treatment with 0.72 kg/m3 (0.25 lb/bbl) defoamer is effective in preventing foaming. 

Defoam-A additive should be added to the mud pits in a location that allows the product to be incorporated into the entire circulating mud system. Defoam-A additive should not be diluted, but should be added directly to the drilling fluid system by either a drip method from a 5 gal container or as a shock by broadcasting over the surface of the pit. Dilution significantly reduces the effectiveness of the product.

Advantages

• Easy to mix 
• Works quickly and is effective at low concentrations in a wide range of systems 
• A persistent defoamer
• Aids in the removal of dissolved oxygen 
• Controls foaming in fluids viscosified with polymers 
• Helps stabilize pump pressure by removing trapped air and gas 
• Low-toxicity product; environmentally acceptable at the recommended concentrations

Limitations

• Not effective in muds that have excessive gel strengths

Toxicity and handling

Bioassay information is available upon request.

Handle as an industrial chemical, wearing protective equipment and observing the precautions described in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Packaging and storage

Defoam-A additive is packaged in 18.9 l (5 gal) cans and 208 l (55 gal) drums.

Store in dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container closed. Keep away from heat, sparks and flames. Store away from incompatibles. Follow safe warehousing practices regarding palletizing, banding, shrink-wrapping and/or stacking.