What is partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA)?

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is a widely used polymer in the oil and gas industry due to its lesser cost and good water solubility. PHPA is used as a functional additive in water-based drilling fluids. The PHPA mud system stabilizes shale formations and influences cuttings and wellbore stability.

What does partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide mean?

What Does Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide Mean? Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is a widely used polymer in the oil and gas industry due to its lesser cost and good water solubility. PHPA is used as a functional additive in water-based drilling fluids.

Is PHPA a water soluble polymer?

PHPA is a co-polymer of anionic character and high molecular weight. It is a water-soluble polymer, which is primarily used as a highly efficient fluid loss reducer, Viscosifier and protective colloid for shale’s and cutting in fresh water, calcium, sodium brines and KCL mud systems.

What is PHPA (powder form)?

PHPA (powder form) is a readily dispersible additive designed to provide cuttings encapsulation and shale stabilization in freshwater to saltwater drilling fluids ranging from low solids to weighted muds.

What is a high molecular weight polyacrylamide (PAM)?

… High molecular weight (106–3 × 107 Da) polyacrylamide (PAM) is commonly used as a flocculant in water and wastewater treatment, as a soil conditioner, and as a viscosity modifier and friction reducer in both enhanced oil recovery and high volume hydraulic fracturing.

Which drilling fluid is compatible with PHPA?

It is compatible with most of the drilling fluid products, biopolymers, PAC, CMC. It maintains borehole stability by preventing shale swelling and erosion. PHPA maintains viscosity in solid free drilling fluid. As a Bentonite extender in low solids non-dispersed mud, it can be used along with small addition of Bentonite to suspend weight material.