Potassium Formate Fluids

The formate salts of alkali metals are very soluble in water and form brines of very high density and low crystallization temperatures. Potassium is the second most soluble of the three formate brines, second only to cesium formate. Formula = KCOOH

Potassium Formate fluids, like cesium formate, are ideal as base fluids in a number of industries. These non- corrosive organic monovalent fluids offer a number of performance benefits over traditional brines. Potassium formates when mixed with cesium and/or sodium formate cover the entire density range.

Potassium Formate fluids are non- corrosive organic monovalent fluids and offer a number of performance benefits over traditional divalent brines.
Higher Density: Potassium formate fluids can reach 1.57 sg (13.1 ppg) at saturation. Potassium formate is 76% w/w soluble in water. Traditional divalent chloride and bromide brines are not as soluble, +/- 50% w/w.
Solids Free: Potassium formate fluids are solids free. Weighting agents, like barite, are not needed to reach a desired fluid density.
Environmentally Responsible: Potassium formate fluids have been awarded a grouping of "E" by the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry, the most favorable rating.
Non-Damaging: Potassium formate fluids are monovalent and will not interact with reservoir waters to form precipitates. Traditional divalent brines can cause damage through this mechanism.
Thermally Stable: Potassium formate fluids have performed without problem in numerous wellbore operations around the world. Mobil Oil in Germany has utilized potassium formate in several wells where temperatures reached 300 oF.
Lubricious: Potassium formate fluids exhibit lubricity characteristics that are equal to or exceed that of oil muds. Coiled tubing field trials have proven these characteristics.

Cabot Specialty Fluids (CSF), 25025 I-45 North, Suite 385, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Tel: 281-298-9955; Fax: 281-298-6190.