Invert Emulsions Mud Additives
Filtration Control
From basic filtration control using FLR to synthetic and high temperature additives such as DURATEC ER, we have a full line of filtration control additives to minimize fluid loss to lower risk of stuck pipe and enhance borehole quality.

Systems
HPHT Fluid Loss Reduction
Elevated fluid loss is associated with borehole quality issues, stuck pipe, and other problems. Invert emulsions tend to feature lower fluid loss as the water droplets of the internal phase and organophilic clay viscosifier provide a thin, tight filter cake.
In critical wells, HPHT filtration may need to be even lower. Supplemental additives are designed for compatibility with base oils, temperature stability, and performance.
Key attributes
Enhanced lubrication
Superior filtration control
Environmental compliance
Shale Inhibitors
Water-Based Mud Additives
Shale inhibition requirements vary by the properties of the formation. Mixed clay layers can respond to water in different ways.
Corrosion Inhibitors & Scavengers
Filtration Control
Shale Inhibitors
Lubricants
Viscosifiers
Loss Prevention & Treatment
Shale Inhibitors
Invert Emulsion Additives
Shale inhibition requirements vary by the properties of the formation. Mixed clay layers can respond to water in different ways.
Emulsifiers, wetting agents & dispersants
filtration control
viscosifiers
loss prevention & treatment
Reviews
Technical Specifications
Filtration Control Water-Based Mud Additives from AES Fluids are designed to enhance the performance of drilling fluids by improving their filtration properties.
Types of Additives
Common filtration control additives include forms of uintaite and amine-treated lignite. In synthetic-based drilling fluids, polymeric additives are used to eliminate the addition of hydrocarbon materials. High temperatures may require special additives.
AES Drilling Fluids offers a variety of products to address filtration control. Frequently, filtration control is managed not only by one additive, but it is a combination of particles and fluid properties as they relate to our experience in a given drilling environment.
Base: Advanced water-based formulation.
Additives
Verify the lubricant is compatible with the drilling fluid
Review the application window of the additive
Identify torque reduction potential and effective concentration
Confirm torque reduction is sustainable
Determine extreme pressure performance (if necessary)
Recommended Operating Conditions
Temperature Range: Up to 350°F (175°C) for optimal performance..
Pressure Conditions: Effective under both normal and high-pressure environments.
Mud Weight: Adjustable between 8.5 to 16.0 ppg (1.02 to 1.92 SG) based on well requirements.
pH Range: Maintained between 9.0 to 10.5 for optimal stability.
Compliance with industry standards
Shale inhibitors should comply with established industry standards to ensure safety, environmental protection, and performance reliability:
- ISO Standards: ISO 13503-1, ISO 9001
- API Standards: API RP 13B, API RP 13C
- Environmental Compliance
- Health and Safety & Performance Standards
Product Data Sheet
Select Filtration Control Additives from AES Drilling Fluids
Filtration control additives vary by performance requirements to minimize cost for an application. Contact your AES Drilling Fluids Account Manager to review product details for your application.
Product | Description | Product Data Sheet | Product Data Sheet Link | Associated Mud System(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
DURATEC | Elastomeric fluid loss control agent | DURATEC Product Bulletin | Download PDF | Invert Emulsions |
DURATEC ER | High performance polymeric fluid loss control agent | DURATEC ER Product Bulletin | Download PDF | Invert Emulsions |
ENERBLACK | Liquid gilsonite filtration control agent | ENERBLACK Product Bulletin | Download PDF | Invert Emulsions |
FLR | Blended gilsonite fluid loss control agent | FLR Product Bulletin | Download PDF | Invert Emulsions |
FLR PLUS | High performance gilsonite fluid loss control agent | FLR PLUS Product Bulletin | Download PDF | Invert Emulsions |
Innovative Solutions to Complement Your Drilling Program
Innovative Solutions
to Complement Your Drilling Program
Featured Products/Additives

Shale Inhibitors
Shale inhibition requirements vary by the properties of the formation. Mixed clay layers can respond to water in different ways.

Corrosion Inhibitors
Whether it’s minimizing dissolved oxygen through our CAT 752 OS, scavenging dangers hydrogen sulfide through WILDCAT 601TZ, or a comprehensive treatment.

Filtration Control
Water-based muds typically have higher fluid loss compared to invert emulsion. Quality additives such as our ES-CONTROL and ENERPAC are designed to perform at low concentrations.

Lubricants
Torque and drag limit rate of penetration and compromise directional control. From our signature ENERLUBE lubricant to our latest options, BRINEX or ENERLUBE LITE.