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Xanthum Gum
It is high-molecular weight biopolymer, provides versatile rheology control in a wide range of brines, drilling and fracturing fluids. Xanthan gum is considered non-hazardous and suitable for use in environmentally sensitive locations and applications. It is a highly dispersible powder that can be used for a variety of oilfield applications that use standard grade xanthan gum. It is readily disperses and can be mixed into water under low shear conditions without the formation of lumps and “fisheyes” often seen with non-dispersible polymers, improving utility and efficiency.
In addition to its improved dispersibility,it has the typical properties of xanthan gum for oilfield use – excellent rheological control for water-based drilling, completion and work-over fluids in a wide range of brines.
In the oil industry, Xanthan gum is used in large quantities, usually to thicken drilling mud. These fluids serve to carry the solids cut by the drilling bit back to the surface. Xanthan gum provides great "low end" rheology. When the circulation stops, the solids still remain suspended in the drilling fluid. The widespread use of horizontal drilling and the demand for good control of drilled solids has led to its expanded use. It has also been added to concrete poured underwater, to increase its viscosity and prevent washout.
In cosmetics, Xanthan gum is used to prepare water gels, usually in conjunction with bentonite clays. It is also used in oil-in-water emulsions to help stabilize the oil droplets against coalescence. It has some skin hydrating properties. Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in fake blood recipes, and in gunge/slime.
Dosage
Depending on the requirement 0.1-0.5% calculated based on the water content.
Solutions should not contain more than 1% Xanthum Gum.Considerably higher concentrations ensure no homogenous Dispersion.
Processing
Due to its specialized chemical surface treatment, the products tend not to clump. It can be incorporated with low shear forces. Solution can be created by simply stirring it into water.
IT should be prepared an neutral to acidic pH-value- ranges. The viscosity increases in this case as a function of time until complete swelling occurs. Immediate viscosity build up can be achieved by alkalizing the solution.
Advantage :
- Minimized pumping friction in lime, freshwater and saltwater muds.
- Maximized drill bit penetration.
- Accelerated drilling rates in low viscosity/high shear conditions.
- Efficient suspension/solids transport in high viscosity/low shear conditions.
- Decreased solids buildup in drilling fluids.
- Handling high gravel concentrations.
- High viscosity at low concentrations.
- Stabilization of hole-cleaning fluids.
- Decreased damage to oil formation.
- Decreased maintenance expense.
- Lower total cost of operation.
Physical Properties :
Appearance : Soluble white to off white powder or granules
Odour : Slight
pH : 7 ± 1.5
Melting point : Not Applicable
Boiling point : N/A – solid
Bulk density : 550-850 kg/m3 (depending upon grade)
Solubility : Soluble in Water, but forms very viscous solutions which become Pasty at concentrations greater than 5%
| Physical Properties : | Thickening and thixotropic agent for aqueous systems |
| Appearance | White to off white powder or granules |
| Odour |
Slight |
| pH | 7 ± 1.5 |
| Melting point | Not Applicable |
| Boiling point | N/A – solid |
| Bulk density | 550-850 kg/m3 (depending upon grade) |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water, but forms very viscous solutions which become Pasty at concentrations greater than 5% |
| Chemical Description | Anionic heteropolysacchride (xanthan gum) |
| Physical Data | |
| Bulk density approx | 800 g/f |
| Viscosity of a 1% solution approx | 2700 mPa s |
| Appearance | Cream-colored free flowing powder |
| Information on basic physical and chemical properties | |
| Physical state at 20 °C | Solid. |
| Decomposition point [°C] | N/A |
| Critical temperature [°C] | N/A |
| Auto-ignition temperature [°C] | N/A |
| Flammability (solid, gas) | N/A |
| Flash point [°C] | N/A |
| Boiling point [°C] | N/A - SOLID |
| Melting point | N/A |
| Initial boiling point [°C] | N/A |
| Final boiling point [°C] | N/A |
| Vapour pressure [20°C] | N/A |
| Evaporation rate | N/A |
| Vapour pressure mm/Hg | N/A |
| Vapour density | N/A |
| Density [g/cm3] | 1.5 |
| Relative density, gas (air=1) | N/A |
| Relative density, liquid (water=1) | N/A |
| Solubility in water [% weight] |
Soluble in Water, but forms very viscous solutions which become Pasty at concentrations greater than 5% |
| Log Pow octanol / water at 20°C | No data available. |
| Explosive properties | N/A |
| Explosion limits - upper [%] | N/A |
| Explosion limits - lower [%] | N/A |
| Oxidising properties | No data available. |