How Potassium Formate Is Beneficial For the Oil and Gas Industry
Potassium formate, a water-soluble product, is formic acid’s potassium salt used typically as a brine in workover fluids, completion, and drilling. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to chloride salts and other chemicals used in the oil and gas industry. Potassium formate has potassium ions, which prevents shale hydration caused by ionic exchange. Moreover, it is known to be highly lubricious compared to chloride analogs, making it useful in the internal brine phase of invert-emulsion systems. For oil and gas industry use, potassium formate is provided in different concentrations. For example, a 75 percent concentration is recommended for applications involving base drilling fluid to enhance the stability of the hole by exchanging the potassium ions with shale and clay.
At a higher concentration, potassium formate can make polymers, PACs, and starches achieve bio-stability and a more stable temperature. Regardless of the concentration, potassium formate appears as a clear liquid with a pH level of 7.2. Some chemical distributors and suppliers offer the product in 22.5kg sacks as anhydrous material. Potassium formate has many advantages to the oil and gas industry, and one of these is the fact that it is offers solids-free and high-density brines that can extend the thermal stability of polymers. Moreover, it has minimal formation damage quotient, which is essential when used as drill-in fluid for reservoirs.
Potassium formate is typically formulated to a required density while referring to brine tables. At ambient temperature, its maximum solubility is 75 percent. This type of solution has a density of 13.1 lbs per gallon. In solid form, potassium formate melts at 167.5 degrees Celsius, but it decomposes before it reaches the boiling point. Hence, fluids that have potassium formate must not be typically retorted at high temperatures when conducting solids analysis. Instead, they should only be retorted under a controlled temperature, at a maximum of 120 degrees Celsius.
Another significant advantage of potassium formate for the oil and gas industry is the non-damaging properties it has. The fluids are monovalent, so they will not affect reservoir waters and form precipitates. The use of conventional divalent brines often cause damage due to the limescale deposits they form. The Department of Trade and Industry in the UK placed potassium formate fluids in group E, which is a favorable rating. So far, the fluids have performed well in many wellbore operations throughout the world.
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