HEMATITE is a high density weighting material. The hematite ore used as a weighting agent in drilling fluids has a mica like crystal structure
ground to a particle size suitable for use in drilling fluids.
Hematite is applicable in all types of drilling fluids, including freshwater, seawater and oil-base muds. It can be used to increase the density of all drilling and completion fluids to 25 lb/gal (3.0 SG).Hematite is most frequently used in high-density, oil-base muds. Fluids weighted with Hematite contain fewer solids by volume than those weighted with barite, making higher mud weights possible. It is especially useful in high-density kill fluids.
The quantity of Hematite required can be calculated using the following formula:
1,750 (w2- w1)
Hematite , lb/bbl= ----------------------
41.66 - w2
Where:
w1= Initial mud weight in lb/gal
w2= Desired mud weight in lb/ga
5,000 (w2- w1)
Hematite, kg/m3 = -------------------------
5.0 - w2
Where:
w1= Initial mud weight in specific gravity
w2= Desired mud weight in specific gravity
Advantage :
regarded as a secondary sulfide scavengerWhen Hematite is used in H2S areas, a high pH should be maintained and an appropriate primary scavenger, should be used.