Product Bulletin

ACTIGUARD™ ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor is a non-toxic blend of surfactants and

low-toxicity vegetable oils that chemically bond to clays to inhibit
water absorption and swelling. When mixed with fresh water, salt
water or drilling mud, it transforms into a uniform particle size
micro-emulsion. This micro-emulsion produces a high-surface-
area, reactive liquid that has an affinity for larger clay particles.
The effect is minimal on small particles such as finely ground
bentonite. It bonds to the clay matrix of shales to control swelling
and sloughing.

Form ..............................................................Viscous liquid

TYPICAL PHYSICAL
Specific gravity .............................................0.92
PROPERTIES
Density, lb/gal ..............................................7.7
Solubility in water ........................................Dispersible/soluble
Solubility in oil.............................................Soluble

ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor's use performance.

APPLICATIONS results in good hole conditions, ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor is
increased rates of penetration, compatible with most water-base
and eliminates problems due to fluid systems. It has little or no
clay swelling. detrimental effects on mud
ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor has properties. Days on hole are
been used in many wells in areas reduced and significant
of red beds, clays and sensitive reductions in overall costs are
shales where operators have generally realized. ACTIGUARD
experienced severe problems. shale inhibitor has also been
ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor is used used with excellent results in
in concentrations of 0.1% to high-angle and horizontal
0.5% by volume in most applications.
applications for optimum
 • Reduces torque and drag • Eliminates bit balling and
ADVANTAGES • Toughens wall cake and mud rings
improves flow properties • Enhances rate-of-penetration
• Decreases damage to producing• Frees stuck pipe
zones

Bioassay information is available Handle as an industrial

TOXICITY
upon request. chemical, wearing protective
AND HANDLING
ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor is a equipment and observing the
viscous concentrated liquid that precautions as described on the
is environmentally safe. It has a Material Safety Data Sheet
low-toxicity vegetable oil base (MSDS).
with a high flash point.

ACTIGUARD shale inhibitor is

PACKAGING
marketed in 5-gal plastic pails.
AND STORAGE

This material is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I L. L. C.

makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with
respect to the accuracy or use of this data. All product warranties and
guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms of Sale.
A Smith/Schlumberger Company
P.O. Box 721110
Houston, Texas 77272-1110
Tel: 281-561-1300
Fax: 281-561-1441
© 2001 M-I L.L.C . All rights reserved.
™ A CTIGUARD is a trademark of M-I L.L.C .
www.midf.com
MI-10105 6/01 E-mail: mimud@midf.com