Products and Additives

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

Water-Based Mud Additives​

Explore our range of water-based mud additives designed for optimal performance.
From filtration control to shale inhibitors, AES Fluids offers solutions to enhance drilling efficiency and stability.

Key attributes
Enhanced lubrication
Superior filtration control
Environmental compliance
Shale Inhibitors

Key Benefits

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

Enhanced lubrication
Reduced Drilling Fluid Dilution
Improved Drilling Efficiency
Cost Savings
Eco-Friendly Options
Shale Inhibitors

Applications

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

Water-Sensitive Formations​
Horizontal and Directional Drilling​
High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) Environments​
Cost Savings
Water-Based Mud Systems
AES Vert Systems

Technical Specifications

Shale inhibitors are chemical additives designed to stabilize reactive shales and clays during drilling. Their composition varies based on the formulation but typically includes:

Composition

Base: Advanced water-based formulation.

Additives

Biodegradable polymers for enhanced viscosity and fluid loss control.​
Shale stabilizers to maintain wellbore integrity.​
pH buffers for chemical stability.​
Lubricants to reduce torque and drag.​
Non-toxic defoamers for surface-level operations.​

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
AES Vert Systems

Product Data Library

There are a number of shale inhibitor additives depending on the drilling scenario. Contact your AES Drilling Fluids Account Manager to
review product details for your application.

ProductDescriptionProduct Data SheetProduct Data Sheet LinkAssociated Mud System(s)
BRINEX Lubricant for brine-based systems BRINEX Product Bulletin Download PDF
ENERLUBE Lubricant for water-based drilling fluids ENERLUBE Product Bulletin Download PDF
BRINEX EP Lubricant for brine systems BRINEX EP Product Bulletin Download PDF
ENERLUBE LITE Lubricant for the EnerLITE Direct Emulsion System ENERLUBE LITE Product Bulletin Download PDF
AES CLAYSHIELD II Low molecular weight polyamine shale inhibitor AES CLAYSHIELD II Product Bulletin Download PDF WBM
ENERPLUS Encapsulating liquid PHPA ENERPLUS Product Bulletin Download PDF WBM
KCL SUBSTITUTE Clay hydration inhibitor KCL SUBSTITUTE Product Bulletin Download PDF WBM
PXL BLUE Low molecular weight polyacrylamide PXL BLUE Product Bulletin Download PDF WBM
POLYPRO G Glycol blend POLYPRO G Product Bulletin Download PDF WBM
Innovative Solutions to Complement Your Drilling Program
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Featured Products/Additives

Discover the latest advancements from the technical minds at AES Drilling Fluids — a curated selection of high-performance products and specialty additives engineered to enhance efficiency, improve wellbore stability, and solve your most challenging drilling conditions.