Poly-Plus Dry

Applications

Poly-Plus Dry polymer provides cuttings encapsulation and improved wellbore stability. Typical concentrations range from 0.25 to 2 lb/bbl (0.71 to 5.9 kg/m³). It is effective in salt muds such as KCl- or NaCl-enhanced fluids, although slightly higher concentrations may be required.

Poly-Plus Dry additive can be used in clear-water, solids-free drilling fluids. It enhances solids removal by flocculating undesired solids.

Poly-Plus Dry polymer is well suited to LSND-type muds. In reduced-bentonite muds, it extends bentonite to increase viscosity, flocculates drill solids for more efficient removal, encapsulates cuttings, and improves wellbore stability.

The effectiveness of Poly-Plus Dry polymer is reduced as the concentration of dispersants or deflocculants is increased.

Viscous Poly-Plus Dry sweeps are effective for periodic hole cleaning. Sweeps may be prepared by mixing the polymer directly into the active system at the suction pit, or by premixing a high concentration in a separate pit and allowing the polymer to fully yield before addition.

When drilling top hole, a liquid solution of Poly-Plus Dry polymer may be poured into the drill pipe during connections to assist with hole cleaning and to maintain a clean stabilizer and bit, improving rate of penetration (ROP).

Advantages

• Excellent cuttings encapsulator to suppress cuttings dispersion
• Provides improved shale stabilization
• Powdered material with significantly lower toxicity than invert-emulsion liquid PHPA polymers
• Improves lubricity of most mud systems, particularly non-dispersed muds
• Aids in preventing balling on the bit, stabilizers, and bottom-hole assembly (BHA) by coating and lubricating solids
• Can be used to viscosify clear water and low-solids drilling fluids
• Compatible with other polymers such as PolyPac^TM, Tackle^TM, SP-101^TM, CMC, starch, and Duo-Vis^TM

Limitations

• During initial treatment in non-dispersed mud systems, severe flocculation may occur, causing high viscosity until solids are coated
• Subject to shear degradation of viscosity; however, cuttings encapsulation and shale stabilization are not affected
• pH-sensitive with an optimum range of 8.5 to 10.5; at higher pH, hydrolysis may convert acrylamide into acrylate and release ammonia (NH₃)
• Temperature-stable to approximately 350°F (177°C); prolonged exposure above 275°F (135°C) may result in hydrolysis and ammonia release
• Calcium-sensitive; precipitation may occur when calcium exceeds 300 mg/L
• Cement contamination should be treated to minimize calcium and pH. Use sodium bicarbonate and a pH-reducing product such as lignite or citric acid prior to Poly-Plus Dry additions

Toxicity and handling

Bioassay information is available upon request.

Handle as an industrial chemical using appropriate protective equipment and follow precautions described in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Packaging and storage

Poly-Plus Dry polymer is packaged in 50-lb (22.7-kg) multi-wall paper sacks.

Store in a dry location away from heat or ignition sources and minimize dust.