Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride (KCl, CAS 7447-40-7) in drilling grade is a white crystalline salt at 99% minimum purity, soluble to about 34 g per 100 mL of water at 20 °C, supplied by Global Chemicals LLC in 25 kg and 50 kg bags and bulk from stock in Muscat for drilling, completion and workover contractors across Oman. The fertilizer grade (muriate of potash) is listed separately under agricultural products.

Why potassium. Shale and clay swell and disperse when they take up water, which causes tight hole, bit balling, sloughing and washouts. The potassium ion is the right size to fit into the clay lattice and its low hydration energy collapses the clay layers, so a potassium-rich mud holds reactive shale in place better than a sodium or calcium mud. Water-based inhibitive muds typically run 3–10% KCl, often with a polymer encapsulator such as PHPA, glycol or a polyamine; the exact concentration is set by the shale's reactivity, measured by capillary-suction or hot-rolling dispersion tests. Potassium also reduces torque and drag by keeping cuttings firm and the borehole in gauge.

Completion and workover. A 2–7% KCl brine is the standard non-damaging clear fluid for perforating, gravel packing and workover in water-sensitive sandstones, protecting the near-wellbore clays from swelling; saturated KCl brine reaches about 1.16 sg, which sets the density range where it can be used alone. Ammonium chloride is the alternative where potassium would interfere with formation-water analysis or raise gamma-ray log readings. Add KCl after the bentonite is prehydrated and expect some flocculation of it; potassium muds are usually built on polymers rather than on high bentonite contents.

Mixing and handling: KCl dissolves readily but cools the water as it does, so allow brine to reach ambient temperature before checking density. KCl raises the chloride content of the mud, which matters for cuttings disposal and for some formations; check the chloride limits of the waste-management plan. The salt is not hazardous; wear gloves and goggles against dust, and keep bags dry, as it cakes in humid coastal air. Every lot carries a certificate of analysis giving KCl content, insolubles and moisture, and a safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to rig sites in the interior by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the tonnage and rig location; the oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists the companion mud products.