Soda Ash

Applications
Reduce soluble calcium in water-based muds
Increase pH
Flocculate spud muds
 
Advantages
Widely available and economical source of carbonate ions to precipitate calcium while increasing pH
Concentrate chemical; effectively removes calcium in most drilling fluids at small treatment levels
 
Toxicity and handling
Bioassay information is available upon request. Handle as an industrial chemical, wearing protective equipment and observing the precautions described on the transportation and safety data sheet.
Soda ash is an alkaline material that can cause irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract. Soda ash should be added slowly to the mud system either by mixing through the hopper or chemical barrel. Do not mix soda ash with other chemicals, especially caustic soda or lime. When using a chemical barrel, mix soda ash into a full barrel of freshwater and provide adequate agitation.
 
Packaging and storage
Soda ash is a globally available commercial chemical and is packaged in 100-lb [45.4-kg] and 50-lb [22.7-kg], multiwall, paper sacks. Store in a dry area away from water or acids.
 
Limitations
Increases pH and should not be used to treat cement contamination or higher pH fluids; less soluble at high pH.
Overtreatment results in carbonate contamination; even minor amounts of excess carbonate ions can cause large increases in yield point, gel strengths, and fluid loss.
 
Description: White crystalline powder.
 
Composition and application: Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) is used to eliminate Calcium ions and to increase the pH of water base muds.
 
Specification:
Na2CO3 content min. 99 %
NaCl max. 0.15 %
Solubility in water @ 20 oC 212 g/l
pH (10% solution in water) 11.6
Grain size distribution 0.04 – 1 mm