Product Name: Chrome Lignosulfonate (CrLS)
CAS Number: 9066-50-6
Appearance: Brown powder
Solubility: 100% easily soluble in water
When drilling operations push deeper into the earth, mud engineers need a fluid additive that won’t break down under extreme stress. Chrome lignosulfonate is specifically manufactured to act as an aggressive thinner and fluid loss control agent. By integrating complexed chromium ions into the lignin structure, this biopolymer offers exceptional thermal stability and handles salt contamination significantly better than standard dispersants.
1. Chemical and Physical Properties
For consistency at the drill site, you need absolute reliability in the hopper. Below are the guaranteed technical specifications for Green Agrochem’s Chrome Lignosulfonate.
| Parameter | Standard Specification |
| Moisture Content | 8.5% max |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | 2.5% max |
| Total Chrome (Cr) | 3.6% – 4.2% |
| Chrome (Cr) Complex | 75.0% max |
| Calcium Sulfate (CaSO₄) | 3.0% max |
2. Mud Performance Specifications
Chrome lignosulfonate is engineered strictly for oil and gas drilling fluid systems. It is rigorously tested to ensure the mud maintains ideal rheology even when subjected to intense wellbore heat.
| Performance Parameter | Fresh Water Mud | Salt Water Mud |
| Normal Temp: Apparent Viscosity (mPa.s) | 30 max | 30 max |
| Normal Temp: Rate of Reducing Viscosity | 85% min | 65% min |
| High Temp: Apparent Viscosity (mPa.s) | 40 max | 45 max |
| High Temp: Rate of Reducing Viscosity | 60% min | 60% min |
Mud Engineer’s Note: To fully activate the thinning properties of this polymer, the mud system’s pH must be treated and maintained between 10.0 and 10.5.
3. Primary Applications and Use Cases
Green Agrochem designed this product specifically for complicated, deep-well terrane drilling where standard additives fail.
- High-Temperature Deflocculant: It violently disperses clay particles, significantly lowering mud viscosity. What sets it apart is its extreme heat resistance. The polymer matrix remains completely stable at temperatures between 150°C to 160°C, holding the mud’s rheological properties steady for up to 16 hours.
- Superior Salt Resistance: Unlike many dispersants that clump up when they hit a salt dome, Chrome Lignosulfonate can easily resist up to 2% salt contamination. In fact, its performance in saltwater muds actually outperforms Ferrochrome Lignosulfonate (FCLS).
- Enhanced Dilution: Head-to-head in the same mud system, CrLS provides superior dilution rates compared to FCLS, meaning you often need less product to achieve the same flowability.
- Fluid Loss Control: It builds a tight, thin filter cake along the wellbore wall. This inhibits shale hydration and prevents the drilling fluid from bleeding out into porous rock formations.
- Versatility: It is highly compatible with nearly all water-based mud systems, including freshwater, seawater, gypsum, and brackish water setups.
4. Packaging and Application Guidelines
- Dosage Rates: Chrome Lignosulfonate can be added to the fluid system either as a dry powder directly through the mud hopper or as a pre-mixed aqueous solution. The standard treatment ratio for basic thinning is 0.5% to 1.0% (W/V).
- Packaging: Shipped in heavy-duty 25 kg paper-plastic complex valve bags, featuring an internal PE film liner to block out humidity.
- Storage: Because the powder is mildly hygroscopic, it must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Keep the pallets away from pooling water, extreme humidity, and direct heat sources.
5. Safety and Environmental Profile
- Handling Safety: The product is non-combustible and chemically stable under normal temperatures and pressures.Since the raw powder is slightly acidic, operators should wear full protective clothing, including safety goggles and gloves, to prevent mechanical irritation to the skin or eyes.
- First Aid: In the event of skin or eye contact, immediately flush the affected area with plenty of running water.
- Environmental Note: While the base lignin is a sustainable, biodegradable wood byproduct, the inclusion of heavy metal (chromium) means disposal must comply with local and federal environmental regulations regarding drilling waste.