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Shale Stabilizers: A Comprehensive Guide

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Shale stabilizers are essential components in drilling fluids, designed to prevent the hydration and swelling of shale formations, ensuring wellbore stability and preventing costly complications. At Proec Energy, we are recognized as experienced shale inhibitor manufacturers offering a range of advanced shale stabilizers for various drilling conditions. Our comprehensive product lineup includes asphaltic, polyamine-based, glycol-based, and PHPA-based shale stabilizers, each formulated to enhance wellbore stability and performance in various drilling environments. Below, you’ll find detailed information about our key shale stabilizers and their applications.

Asphaltic Shale Stabilizers

Asphaltic shale stabilizers are derived from natural or synthetic asphalt and offer a versatile range of properties.

Sulf Mac

Sulf Mac is a specialized shale stabilizer that conditions the mud and stabilizes the shale formations by inhibiting the dispersion of cuttings and controlling fluid loss. Its ability to manage cuttings dispersion makes it particularly useful in complex drilling environments where cuttings can lead to formation damage and increased fluid loss. It is the most popular & cost-effective wellbore shale stabilizer.

Sulf Mac SA

A high-temperature variant of Sulf Mac, Sulf Mac SA exhibits excellent stability up to 400°F. It is ideal for high-temperature drilling environments where maintaining fluid loss control and cuttings dispersion is critical. Additionally, it provides lubricity, which can improve drill bit performance and reduce friction.

PEL TROL

This natural-asphalt-based product is used to stabilize shale, address loss circulation issues, and control fluid loss and seepage. This makes it particularly valuable in situations where managing fluid loss and maintaining wellbore integrity are critical, such as in fractured formations or high-pressure environments.

PEL TROL L

It is an environmentally friendly liquid asphalt dispersion that stabilizes shale and provides lubrication. Its environmentally accepted formulation makes it suitable for use in sensitive areas where environmental impact is a concern, while its lubricating properties enhance drilling efficiency and reduce wear on equipment.

Polyamine-Based Shale Stabilizers

Polyamine-based shale stabilizers are known for their high cationic charge, which effectively interacts with clay minerals in shale formations.

Claystab AB:

It is a highly-active low molecular weight polyamine that is used to stabilize clay-rich shales and formations, making it effective in managing shale instability and preventing collapse or swelling in water-based drilling fluids.

Claycease:

A premium chloride-free polyamine is suitable for use in environments where chloride ions could interfere with other additives or the formation itself. Designed for use in polymer-based drilling and drill-in fluids, it effectively stabilizes shale, improving the overall stability of the wellbore & minimizing formation damage.

PEL-HIB:

PEL-HIB is a polyamine-based suppressant that provides wellbore stability, especially in challenging shale formations. It is particularly useful in preventing problems like borehole collapse or excessive swelling.

Glycol-Based Shale Inhibitors

Glycol-based shale inhibitors can be effective in problematic shales, for example, softer or reactive shales. It is used in medium to high-salinity systems.

PEL COL LC:

It is designed for low cloud point applications & helps maintain fluid properties for stabilizing shales in cold environments where traditional additives might fail due to low temperatures.

PEL COL MC:

It is a water-soluble glycol suitable for medium to high-salinity polyglycol systems. It helps stabilize shale in saline environments, ensuring wellbore stability.

PHPA-Based Shale Stabilizers

PHPA (Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide) is a widely used polymer that can be used as a shale stabilizer.

PEL-PHPA:

It is a powder-based polyacrylamide (PHPA) that stabilizes shale by encapsulating it and preventing destabilization.

PEL-PHPA L:

It is an emulsion form of PHPA that encapsulates shale to aid in its stabilization. This product is beneficial in preventing shale hydration and dispersion, thus maintaining wellbore stability

In addition to our advanced shale stabilizers, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of drilling additives to meet a wide range of operational needs. These include emulsifiers and surfactants for stabilizing oil-based muds, fluid control additives for both oil and water-based systems, and completion and cementing additives designed to ensure successful well completion. Our extensive product line supports the diverse requirements of the oil and gas industry, positioning us as a trusted partner.