Application & Features

HEC is a low-solids, cost-effective viscosifier widely used in drilling, completion, workover and fracturing fluids.

Oilfield fluids containing HEC exhibit high apparent viscosity, high yield point and low fragile gel strength. Its shear-thinning behavior known as pseudoplasticity help both increase penetration rates under high shear and provide excellent suspending action for optimum hole cleaning under low shear while viscosity is regained.

HEC is normally added at concentrations of 0.5 to 4 lb/bbl (1.43 to 11.4 kg/M3). For maximum effectiveness, slowly add HEC through the hopper while mixing into a neutral-pH fluid for 30 min. This ensures complete hydration and maximum viscosity development.