Is an inert mineral It is a heavy mineral having a specific gravity of 4.5 theoretically and its principal use is in the manufacture of oil well drilling fluids. In practice the material used in drilling fluids runs between 4.10 and 4.25 specific gravity.
In the process of drilling for oil and gas drilling fluids serve a variety of purposes vital to the economic achievement of reaching a desired depth.
The functions of a drilling fluid are:
- To clean cuttings from the well bottom.
- Flush those cuttings to the surface.
- Cool and lubricate the drill bit.
- Deposit a “ filter cake’ layer on the wellbore wall to prevent loss of the circulating fluid.
- Prevent formation fluids entering the borehole and mixing with circulating fluids.
- Support the walls of the well bore without damaging the formation.
- Control pressures under the surface.
The reason for barite’s use over other materials is its neutrality- chemically, physically and magnetically. Most barite is environmentally acceptable from the standpoint of its disposal as part of the drilling fluid. It is far less abrasive than other materials.