Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide PHPA 5 to 100% Anionic Degree for Shale Inhibition in Water Based Drilling Mud
Product Overview
BLUFLOC PHPA Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide is a high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide powder designed for oilfield drilling fluid applications, especially water based drilling mud systems that require shale inhibition and borehole stability.
In water based drilling, shale and clay rich formations can absorb water from the mud system. This may cause swelling, dispersion, borehole enlargement, sloughing shale, stuck pipe risk and unstable drilling conditions. PHPA helps reduce shale hydration and supports the stability of the drilling fluid system.
With an adjustable anionic degree from 5 to 100%, BLUFLOC PHPA can be selected according to different drilling mud formulations, water quality, formation conditions and performance requirements. It is suitable for shale inhibition, drilling mud stabilization, fluid loss control support, lubrication improvement, cuttings encapsulation and water based mud performance improvement.
Key Product Features
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide PHPA |
| Brand | BLUFLOC |
| Product Type | Anionic Polyacrylamide Powder |
| Ionic Type | Anionic |
| Appearance | Off White Granular Powder |
| Particle Size | 20 to 100 Mesh |
| Molecular Weight Range | 5 to 25 Million for Anionic Type |
| Anionic Degree | 5 to 100% |
| Solid Content | Minimum 89% |
| Bulk Density | About 0.8 |
| Residual Monomer | Max 0.05% |
| Recommended Working Concentration | 0.1 to 0.5% |
| pH of 1% Solution | Around 6 to 8 for Anionic Type |
| Storage Temperature | 0 to 35 Degree C |
| Shelf Life | 2 Years |
| Package | 25 kg Bag or 750 kg Big Bag |
| Available Documents | TDS, MSDS and COA |
Main Applications in Water Based Drilling Mud
Shale Inhibition
PHPA is widely used in water based drilling mud to help inhibit shale hydration, swelling and dispersion. It can support more stable drilling conditions in shale and clay rich formations.
Borehole Stability
Unstable shale formations may cause borehole enlargement, wall collapse and drilling difficulty. BLUFLOC PHPA helps improve the stability of water based mud and supports borehole wall protection.
Cuttings Encapsulation
PHPA can help coat and encapsulate drill cuttings, reducing their dispersion in the mud system. This supports better solids control and helps maintain drilling fluid quality.
Water Based Drilling Mud Stabilization
PHPA improves drilling fluid stability by supporting viscosity, suspension and rheological control. It helps the mud system remain more consistent during circulation.
Fluid Loss Control Support
PHPA can help improve drilling mud structure and support fluid loss control. Better filtration control helps reduce water invasion into sensitive formations.
Lubrication Improvement
The polymer solution formed by PHPA can improve lubrication in drilling fluid circulation. Better lubrication helps reduce friction between drilling tools, borehole wall and drilling mud.
Cuttings Suspension
High molecular weight PHPA helps improve the carrying capacity of drilling fluid. This supports cuttings suspension and helps transport solids from the bottom of the well to the surface.
EOR and Oilfield Polymer Applications
In selected oilfield applications, anionic polyacrylamide can also be considered for EOR polymer systems or oilfield wastewater treatment, depending on salinity, temperature and field conditions.
Why PHPA Is Important for Shale Inhibition
Shale inhibition is one of the key challenges in water based drilling mud. When shale formations contact water, clay minerals may hydrate and swell. This can lead to unstable boreholes, dispersed cuttings, high mud viscosity fluctuation and increased drilling risk.
PHPA helps reduce shale dispersion by forming a polymer coating on shale and cuttings surfaces. This supports cuttings integrity, reduces hydration tendency and improves drilling fluid stability.
For oilfield operations that need water based mud instead of oil based mud, PHPA is a practical polymer additive for improving shale inhibition and borehole stability.
Why 5 to 100% Anionic Degree Matters
The anionic degree affects the charge density and interaction between the polymer, clay particles, shale surfaces and drilling fluid additives.
A lower anionic degree may be selected when moderate interaction and balanced compatibility are required.
A higher anionic degree may be selected when stronger charge interaction and improved dispersion control are needed.
The suitable anionic degree should be selected according to mud formulation, salinity, hardness, shale activity, temperature and field performance target.
Bluwat can recommend suitable PHPA grades according to the customer’s drilling fluid system and application conditions.
Working Mechanism in Water Based Drilling Mud
After proper dissolution, PHPA forms a high molecular weight polymer solution. When added into water based drilling mud, the polymer chains can interact with shale, clay and cuttings surfaces.
This helps encapsulate cuttings, reduce shale dispersion, improve viscosity, enhance suspension and support better borehole stability.
PHPA can also improve the overall mud structure, helping the system maintain better performance during circulation and drilling operation.
Typical Problems PHPA Can Help Improve
Recommended Solution Preparation
General Dosing Guidance
The actual dosage depends on drilling mud formulation, water salinity, temperature, shale activity, formation sensitivity, target viscosity and required inhibition performance.
Laboratory testing or field trial is recommended before large scale application.
PHPA should be tested for compatibility with other drilling mud additives, including salts, viscosifiers, fluid loss control agents, lubricants, pH adjusters and weighting materials.
Bluwat can provide product selection advice and dosing recommendations according to customer requirements.
Product Advantages for Oilfield Buyers
Packaging and Storage
Bluwat Factory Supply Capability
Bluwat Chemicals is a professional manufacturer and exporter of polyacrylamide and water treatment chemicals with more than 25 years of manufacturing experience.
Bluwat supplies anionic polyacrylamide, cationic polyacrylamide, nonionic polyacrylamide and emulsion polyacrylamide for oilfield drilling, EOR, wastewater treatment, mining, papermaking, sludge dewatering and other industrial applications.
For oilfield customers, Bluwat can provide technical support, product selection advice, TDS, MSDS, COA, sample support and customized PHPA grades according to drilling mud requirements.