Potassium Hydroxide (Drilling Fluid Grade)

Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash, KOH, CAS 1310-58-3) is the strong alkali used where potassium rather than sodium is wanted. Global Chemicals LLC supplies it as 90% flakes and as 45–50% liquid, pH 13–14 in 1% solution, in drums, 1,000 L IBCs and bulk from stock in Muscat, to oilfield, chemical, biodiesel, battery, soap and food customers across Oman and the GCC.

In the oilfield it is the pH control of potassium-based muds. Shale and clay are inhibited by potassium ions, so potassium chloride and potassium formate muds use potassium hydroxide, not sodium hydroxide, to hold pH 9–10 and keep the inhibition chemistry intact; a fraction of a pound per barrel does it. It also neutralises acid gases and organic acids in production fluids and is the base from which potassium formate completion brine is made. The oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists the companion products.

Industrial uses: the catalyst for biodiesel transesterification, where its higher solubility in methanol and the potassium phosphate by-product make it the preferred base; the electrolyte of alkaline and nickel-metal-hydride batteries; the alkali of liquid and soft soaps and of heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers; the manufacture of potassium carbonate, phosphates and other potassium salts; pH adjustment and neutralisation in chemical, pharmaceutical and textile processing; and the food additive E525 in the food grade. Compared with sodium hydroxide it is more soluble, more expensive and gives liquid rather than solid soaps.

Handling and storage: potassium hydroxide is severely corrosive to skin and eyes, releases a great deal of heat on dissolving, and the flakes are intensely hygroscopic and absorb carbon dioxide, turning to liquid and then to carbonate in open bags. Add flakes slowly to cold water, never the reverse; keep bags sealed and dry; store liquid in carbon-steel or polyethylene tanks away from acids, aluminium, zinc and galvanised fittings; and wear gloves, goggles, a face shield and a dust mask. Every delivery carries a certificate of analysis giving KOH content, carbonate and chloride, a technical data sheet and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to the interior fields by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the form, strength, pack type and volume.