MICA FLAKES AN ADDITIVE MUD CHEMICAL FOR OIL- WELL DRILLINGS

MICA FLAKES have been preferably used in water-based and oil based oil-well drillings operations as an additive mud chemical to prevent loss of circulation and seepage. Mica is specially added to seal-off the lost circulation zones. The platy structure of mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealent that bridges the openings. The use of mica helps to seal porous formations and contributes to regain circulation keeping the solids in suspension.

The technique adopted is to mix quantities of mica flakes and granular bentonite into special batches of mud which is pumped down the hole. The drill pipe is then withdrawn and the hole left undisturbed for a time being. Mica flakes tends to plate out on the walls at the lost zones and reduce the size of the holes through which the mud can pass. After a short interval, the plug is strong enough to permit circulation to resume without loss. Drilling then proceeds normally until a depth well below the lost circulation zone.

There are three grades of MICA FLAKES which are normally used for specific purposes:

(1) Coarse Mica Flakes: Suitably used for sealing openings. Apparent density = 0.17kg/ltr. Particle Size : Max 10% retained on 9.50mm B.S.Sieve. Material retained on Sieve 4.75mm + material passed through 1.70 mm = 30-40% Max.

(2) Medium Mica Flakes : Generally used to combate mild circulation in porous formations. Apparent density=0.18 kg/ltr. Particle size: Max 10 % retained on 3.35 mm B.S.Sieve. Material retained on 1.70 mm + material passed through Sieve 0.425 mm = 30-40% Max.

(3) Fine Mica Flakes : Suitable for use when a sealing agent is needed to be small enough to pass through a shaker screen without interfering with the operations. Apparent density=0.20 kg/ltr. Particle size : Nil retained on 0.850 mm B.S.Sieve. Matertial retained on Sieve 0.425 mm + material passed through sieve 0.15 mm = 30-40% Max.

MICAMAFCO is one of the world's largest producer of Muscovite Mica. We are engaged in large volume production and are capable to enter into long term contract with our customers at most competitive price. We are an ISO-9002 Certified Company and could guarantee supply of a consistent high quality product. No matter what be your requirement, we are very well placed to supply, 'what you need and when you need them', to your complete satisfaction.

So why not choose MICAMAFCO for your next requirement of Mica to give it a trial and find the difference . We are confident that you will find us as your most trusted source of supply.

MICA MANUFACTURING CO. PVT.LTD.

3C, Camac Street, P.O.Box 9052,
Kolkata 700 016 INDIA
Tel: +91-33-40663006

  E-mail :mica@micamaf.co.in / mmc@micamafco.co.in