Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is the is the primary viscosifier used in non-damaging drilling, workover and completion fluids. It is imperative that workover and completion fluids are clear and solids free so as to minimise formation damage and maximise well productivity. HEC is used to viscosify these fluids as unlike other available water soluble polymers it is acid soluble as well as being recognised as having the least damaging effect on formations, leading to higher production rates and well life.

Other advantages of HEC are its high salt tolerance and its compatibility with other fluid additives such as biocides, corrosion inhibitors and oxygen scavengers. HEC has low toxicity and is biodegradable.  

HEC is also widely used in other oilfield applications such as drilling, hydraulic fracturing and as a fluid loss additive in well cements.

Polymer Suspensions

Dry polymer powder additions at the rig site can often cause problems when inadequate mixing equipment is used, poor mixing practices occur, or site conditions are difficult. Safety can be an issue when polymer dust settles on wet surfaces around the rig site, creating serious slip hazards that are usually difficult and problematic to clean up.

Inefficient hydration of dry polymers also results in lost polymer (over the shakers), inconsistent performance and creates the potential for fish-eyes which can cause serious damage to reservoirs.

Liquid suspensions of oilfield polymers guarantee 100% efficient hydration and allows for the polymers to be fully dispersed before hydration begins. They are an excellent choice for additions in completion and workover applications in particular when mixing equipment is generally poorer.