APPLICATION INFORMATIONRHEOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR NON-AQUEOUS DRILLING FLUIDS

OG-A 4

02

Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

Contents
03	Introduction
04 CLAYTONE organoclays
07 BYK-GO rheology modifier
09 GARAMITE mixed mineral thixotropes
11 Conclusion

03

Introduction
BYK manufactures a wide range of rheological additives to provide andaugment rheology in your non-aqueous drilling fluid formulas. BYK’srheology additives aid in the lifting of drill cuttings out of wellbores andin the suspension of weighting agents. This includes our CLAYTONE
family of organoclays, our GARAMITE line of mixed mineral thixotropes,
and our BYK-GO rheology modifiers. For every non-aqueous drillingchallenge, BYK has a rheological solution.

More information aboutadditives for drillingfor oilfields.
NoteTo ensure the best appearance
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open in Adobe Acrobat.

Watch the incorporation ofGARAMITE vs. traditionalorganoclay.

Contact
drillingandcement.BYK@altana.com

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Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

CLAYTONE organoclays
BYK CLAYTONE additives offer an extensive range oforganoclays to meet your performance and economic
criteria. CLAYTONE products are used to build rheology
over a broad range of base fluids and temperature
gradients. CLAYTONE organoclays can improve filtration
control and can stabilize an emulsion. BYK manufactures
economy-grade dry process organoclays (CLAYTONE-II
and CLAYTONE-3) and specialty wet process organoclays(CLAYTONE-SF, CLAYTONE-ER, CLAYTONE-EM, andCLAYTONE-IMG 400).

The effectiveness of the wet process organoclays overthe dry process organoclays is shown for a 14-ppg,
80/20 mineral oil invert test system after hot rolling for
16 hours at 300 °F (T. 01). The organoclay concentrations
varied from 7 to 10 lb/bbl. The organoclay loading levels
were adjusted to meet a 6-rpm reading between 7 and 12
and a yield point range between 12 and 20 lb/100 ft2.
The test system was a 14-ppg, 80/20 mineral oil invert.

The efficiency of BYK’s wet process organoclays meetsrheology targets with lower treatment levels. To further
demonstrate this, the six organoclays were all added at theratio of 7 lb/bbl. The test system was the same: a 14.0-ppg,
80/20 mineral oil invert. For this study, the system was run
at two temperatures. The first data set was hot rolled for
16 hours at 250 °F (T. 02). The work was repeated with hotrolling for 16 hours and the temperature raised to 300 °F(T.03).

Influence of CLAYTONE organoclays after hot rolling at 300 °F
Organoclay

DosageDial reading at 150 °F

lb/bbl600-rpm

300-rpm200-rpm

100-rpm

6-rpm

CLAYTONE-SF

784

52

40

28

CLAYTONE-ER

778

47

37

CLAYTONE-EM

972

42

CLAYTONE-IMG 400

872

CLAYTONE-310CLAYTONE-II

10Targets
ES: electric stability, PV: plastic viscosity, YP: yield point

cP

lb/100 ft23-rpm

PVYP

10” gel

10’ gelES

1110321910101037

26

10931

1699998

33

23

8830

12888664233

2388301288866

65

38

29

20

76

27

1267835

88

54

4230

121135191111947

7–12

12–20

Volts

>500
T. 01

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Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

Comparison of CLAYTONE organoclays after hot rolling at 250 °F
Organoclay

Dial reading at 150 °F

cP

lb/100 ft2Volts

HTHP FLat 250 °F

250 °F 3-day
static sag(at 7 lb/bbl)

600-rpm

300-rpm200-rpm

100-rpm

6-rpm

3-rpm

PVYP

10” gel

10’ gelESml

Δ Bottom,lb/gal

CLAYTONE-SF

91564330121136201111984

1.60.12

CLAYTONE-ER

8450

392811934

1799955

1.70.09

CLAYTONE-EM

73463626111028181011882

1.70.40

CLAYTONE-IMG 400

77453524

9832

1488892

1.50.24

CLAYTONE-3

6137292187241378855

1.80.49

CLAYTONE-II

6538292077281067852

1.60.36
T. 02

ES: electric stability, PV: plastic viscosity, YP: yield point, HTHP FL: High-temperature, high-pressure fluid loss

Comparison of CLAYTONE organoclays after subsequent hot rolling at 300 °F
Organoclay

Dial reading at 150 °F

cP

lb/100 ft2Volts

HTHP FLat 300 °F

300 °F 3-day
static sag(at 7 lb/bbl)

600-rpm

300-rpm200-rpm

100-rpm

6-rpm

3-rpm

PV

YP

10” gel

10’ gelESml

Δ Bottom,lb/gal

CLAYTONE-SF

84524028111032

1910101037

6.00.52

CLAYTONE-ER

78473726109311699998

6.80.64

CLAYTONE-EM

54

3123165423845812

10.4

2.11

CLAYTONE-IMG 400

73433323983013789104.00.42

CLAYTONE-3

482720124321634744

10.8

2.73

CLAYTONE-II

57

3123155426

5447016.4

1.12

ES: electric stability, PV: plastic viscosity, YP: yield point, HTHP FL: High-temperature, high-pressure fluid loss

T. 03

06

Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

The results highlight the performance difference between
the different organoclays. The wet process organoclays,
CLAYTONE-SF, CLAYTONE-ER, CLAYTONE-EM, andCLAYTONE-IMG 400, all demonstrated greater efficiency overthe dry process organoclays, CLAYTONE-II and CLAYTONE-3.
This confirms the results of the study, in which the claylevels were adjusted to meet the desired targets.

BYK dry process organoclays are the workhorse ofthe industry. BYK CLAYTONE-II and CLAYTONE-3 are usedin base fluids that are more polar. These fluids fall under
the category of diesel fluids. In the dry process, bentoniteclay is grinded and sized, and organically modified.
BYK manufactures two grades of dry process CLAYTONE
organoclays.

CLAYTONE-SF, CLAYTONE-ER, CLAYTONE-IMG 400, andCLAYTONE-II are organically treated to be stable up to350 °F. This fact is most prominent in the 3-day static sag
results at the two temperatures. CLAYTONE-EM andCLAYTONE-3 have been organically modified to yield more
quickly in cold temperatures and/or low mixing conditions
with temperature stability up to 300 °F. The differences intemperature stability explain why CLAYTONE-EM andCLAYTONE-3 exhibit poorer properties than the other
CLAYTONE organoclays in terms of rheology, fluid loss,
and 3-day static sag after 16 hours of hot rolling at 300 °F.

CLAYTONE-II features temperature stability up to 350 °F,
while CLAYTONE-3 is stable up to 300 °F. CLAYTONE-3 is afaster yielding clay, which makes it the workhorse for colder
drilling conditions and liquid mud plants. The difference inyield time was evaluated by measuring two muds that had

BYK wet process organoclays have many advantages
beyond the efficiency shown above. CLAYTONE-SF,CLAYTONE-ER, CLAYTONE-EM, and CLAYTONE-IMG 400
yield more quickly in less polar base fluids. This becomes
important in areas where regulations dictate the use ofspecific environmentally sound, non-aqueous base fluids.
The CLAYTONE wet process products range from mid
grades such as CLAYTONE-IMG 400 to the premium grades,
CLAYTONE-ER and CLAYTONE-SF, in addition to the fastyielding CLAYTONE-EM, which is designed for cold
environments. The differences become apparent when
formulating your system for specific drilling conditions,
whether the emphasis is on low-end rheology, yield time,
static sag, or flat rheology.

not been mixed with high-speed shear. The two dieselbased formulas were the same, and each had a clay loadingof 7 lb/bbl, one with CLAYTONE-II and the other with
CLAYTONE-3. The two muds’ yield points were measured
every 5 minutes over 10 cycles. Between cycles, the muds
were mixed at 600 rpm at 120 °F. From the graph below,
we see that CLAYTONE-3 started with a yield point of 14,
which increased to 18 over the test run. Conversely,
CLAYTONE-II started with a yield point of 3 and did not
progressed after the first 5 minutes. This suggests that
CLAYTONE-II needs greater energy to fully yield than
CLAYTONE-3.

Yield point over time
Yield point at 120 °F (lb/100 ft²)
20
1510
500

CLAYTONE-II  

10

CLAYTONE-3

20

30

40

5060
Time (min)
G. 01

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Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

BYK-GO rheology modifier
BYK GO-8721 rheology modifier is a synergist liquid
additive designed by BYK to augment organoclay
performance. The base system that was formulated wasa 14-ppg 80/20 mineral oil invert drilling fluid. Each fluid
was heat rolled for 16 hours at 300 °F. The base formulacontained 1.0 lb/bbl of CLAYTONE-EM. The data below
demonstrate how the addition of 1.0 lb/bbl ofBYK-GO 8721 complements the system. The addition ofBYK-GO 8721 to the system increased the 6-rpm dialreading and the yield point with minimal effect on theplastic viscosity. The testing procedures focused on theability of BYK-GO 8721 to augment flat drilling profiles
at 40 °F, 100 °F, and 150 °F.

Synergistic effect of BYK-GO 8721 after heat aging at 300 °F

68

172

92

67

172

92

67

158

90

69

300-rpm

87

40

2793

55

43

107

61

46

111

62

45

109

60

44

109

61

44

97

60

45

200-rpm

67

31

20

71

45

35

84

50

37

88

51

36

86

49

35

86

51

36

76

49

37

100-rpm

44

21

13

47

34

26

58

37

28

61

38

27

59

37

26

60

38

27

51

37

28

6-rpm

14

6.9

4.0

18

17

13

24

18

14

26

19

13

24

18

12

25

18

13

20

18

14

3-rpm

12

6.2

3.4

17

16

12

23

17

13

24

17

12

23

17

11

23

17

12

19

17

12

PV (cP)

55

28

1960

28

2262

31

23

64

32

24

63

32

2463

31

23623023YP (lb/100 ft²)

3312833272145302347302146282046302135292210” gel126317161324171325171224161224171220171310’ gel

136425211630201531201429191330201426201540 ºF

40 ºF

40 ºF

40 ºF

40 ºF

40 ºF

40 ºF

ES: electric stability, PV: plastic viscosity, YP: yield point983

150 ºF94

100 ºF

175

150 ºF

69958

CLAYTONE-3+ BYK-GO 8721

100 ºF

92975

CLAYTONE-II+ BYK-GO 8721
150 ºF169

100 ºF65

150 ºF

83967

CLAYTONE-IMG 400+ BYK-GO 8721

100 ºF

153

150 ºF

461002

CLAYTONE-ER+ BYK-GO 8721

100 ºF

68150 ºF

142654

CLAYTONE-SF+ BYK-GO 8721

100 ºF

600-rpm

ES (V)

CLAYTONE-EM+ BYK-GO 8721
150 ºF

CLAYTONE-EM

100 ºF

Rheology

947
T. 04

08

Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

To better visualize the benefits that BYK-GO 8721 brings toyour formulation, the four systems described in the tablebelow were tested and the yield point of each is shown ingraph G. 02.

BYK-GO 8721 synergistic influence on yield point
Yield point (lb/100 ft²)
4035

A

1.0 lb/bbl CLAYTONE-EM with drill solids

B

1.0 lb/bbl CLAYTONE-EM +1.0 lb/bbl BYK-GO 8721 with drill solids

30C

1.0 lb/bbl CLAYTONE-EM with no drill solids

25D

1.0 lb/bbl CLAYTONE-EM +1.0 lb/bbl BYK-GO 8721 with no drill solids

20
T. 05

BYK-GO 8721 had minimal effect on the 40 °F yield point
and was able to increase the yield point at 100 °F and150 °F, flattening the rheology profile. The performancewas consistent in the systems with and without drill solids.
BYK-GO 8721 is a key additive for formulating systems fordifficult and challenging drilling conditions, and isespecially efficient when the fluid circulates throughdifferent temperature zones requiring a flat rheology.

1510
50
A40 °F  100 °F  

B

150 °F

CDG. 02

09

Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

GARAMITE mixed mineral thixotropes
The GARAMITE family of mixed mineral thixotropes offers
many advantages for customizing your non-aqueous drillingfluid. The mixed mineral thixotrope is a unique productwhich combines platelet and rod minerals in an organicallymodified wet process organoclay. This allows for a novel
product. Because of the unique morphology, the productdisperses and yields rapidly. The illustrations below show
how these products differ from standard organoclays.

In these illustrations, the blue anchors represent the organicmodification which makes the clays organophilic. The first
picture is a standard organoclay, which in its dried state is
like a stack of plates. Adequate energy is required todisperse these plates. The key to good efficiency oforganoclay products is to obtain maximum dispersion,
which increases the surface area available for plate-to-plateinteractions, typically described as hydrogen bonding at theedges. The second picture is the mixed mineral thixotrope, inwhich the two morphologies (shapes) disrupt the stacking of
the rods and platelets, thus resulting in easier dispersion,
which facilitates rapid yielding.

GARAMITE-1958 vs. organo-attapulgite

Comparison of organoclays
Standardorganoclay

GARAMITE-1958 is a low-end rheology booster for all
standard non-aqueous drilling fluids. GARAMITE-1958
improves low-end rheology and yield point, with little effecton the plastic viscosity. The addition of GARAMITE-1958
creates a more robust system. The data below demonstrate
how a small amount of GARAMITE-1958 can be added tothe drilling fluid at any point, whether at the mud plant orat the rig. The table below shows that 3.0 pounds oforgano-attapulgite were needed to provide a similar boost
as to 0.5 pounds of GARAMITE-1958, making the latter six
times more efficient.

Mixed mineral
thixotrope

30252015
10500.5 lb/bbl
Base mudG. 03

Plastic viscosity (cP)  1.0 lb/bbl

GARAMITE-1958
6-rpm dial reading

1.0 lb/bbl

3.0 lb/bbl

Organo-attapulgite
G. 04

10

Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

When comparing the dosage with the resulting 6-rpm
boost, GARAMITE-1958 is more efficient than bothorgano-attapulgite and additional organoclay. The efficiencyof GARAMITE-1958 in boosting low-end rheology isdemonstrated in the graph to the right. Small additions ofGARAMITE-1958 have a greater positive impact on mud
properties than higher doses of other clay-based additives.

Dosage vs. 6-rpm dial reading

High-temperature applications require stable rheology
above 350 °F, which standard organoclays cannot provide.
A failed system leads to losses of time and money. For theseapplications BYK offers a solution based on GARAMITE-7303.
Combining GARAMITE-7303 and BYK-GO 8721, a liquidrheology modifier, BYK has tested and confirmed stability
up to 400 °F. The test system was a 14-ppg, 80/20 mineraloil containing 6 lb/bbl of GARAMITE-7303 and 1 lb/bbl ofBYK-GO 8721 in order to balance the rheology. The fullrheological data are presented below.

6-rpm dial reading
20161284001243lb/bbl of additive
GARAMITE-1958  

G. 05

Organo-attapulgite

Additional organoclay

Thermal stability of GARAMITE-7303 with BYK-GO 8721
Rheology

Dial reading at 150 °F

cP

lb/100 ft2

Volts

600-rpm

300-rpm200-rpm

100-rpm

6-rpm

3-rpm

PVYP

10” gel

10’ gelESBefore hot rolling

51

31

25

18111120

121114473

After hot rolling at 275° F

5934

27

198.7

7.8

25

10910548

After hot rolling at 400° F

713930198.0

7.0

31889529
T. 06ES: electric stability, PV: plastic viscosity, YP: yield point

In addition to the electrical stability remaining above 500 volts
after the 16-hour heat aging cycles, the 6-rpm dial reading,plastic viscosity, and yield point remained stable (G. 06).

Key rheology parameters4030
201006-rpm dial reading
BHR  

275 °F  400 °F

Plastic viscosity (cP)

Yield point (lb/100 ft2)
G. 06

11

Rheological solutions for non-aqueous drilling fluids

Conclusion
BYK’s family of non-aqueous rheology additives can provide
the perfect fit for all your drilling challenges. The productoverview below summarizes the applicability of BYK organoclays.

BYK’s broad line of CLAYTONE organoclays, BYK-GO
rheology modifiers, and the GARAMITE family of mixed
mineral thixotropes can solve all your drilling needs.
Whether it is a workhorse product or difficult drilling
conditions, BYK has a solution! Let us know how wecan help with your future drilling needs and challenges.

Please visit us at
Additives for Drillingfor Oilfield – BYK

Product recommendations
Additive/application

DieselMineral oil

Synthetic/GTL

100 % oil

Polymerslurries

EstersRapid yield

350 °F

400 °F

Cold
Low-endtemperature rheology

Low-polar

High-polar

Organoclays
CLAYTONE-II

CLAYTONE-3









CLAYTONE-IMG 400







CLAYTONE-ER













CLAYTONE-EM















CLAYTONE-SF















GARAMITE-1958











GARAMITE-7303









GARAMITE-7305













Mixed mineral thixotropes

Rheology modifier
BYK-GO 8721




T. 07

08/2022
OG-A 4BYK-Chemie GmbH
Abelstraße 4546483 Wesel
GermanyTel +49 281 670-0
Fax +49 281 65735

ADD-MAX®, ADD-VANCE®, ANTI-TERRA®, AQUACER®, AQUAMAT®, AQUATIX®, BENTOLITE®, BYK®, BYK-AQUAGEL®, BYK®-DYNWET®, BYK-MAX®,
BYK®-SILCLEAN®, BYKANOL®, BYKCARE®, BYKETOL®, BYKJET®, BYKO2BLOCK®, BYKONITE®, BYKOPLAST®, BYKUMEN®, CARBOBYK®, CERACOL®,CERAFAK®, CERAFLOUR®, CERAMAT®, CERATIX®, CLAYTONE®, CLOISITE®, DISPERBYK®, DISPERPLAST®, FULACOLOR®, FULCAT®, GARAMITE®,GELWHITE®, HORDAMER®, LACTIMON®, LAPONITE®, MINERPOL®, NANOBYK®, OPTIBENT®, OPTIFLO®, OPTIGEL®, POLYAD®, PRIEX®, PURABYK®,
PURE THIX®, RECYCLOBLEND®, RECYCLOBYK®, RECYCLOSSORB®, RECYCLOSTAB®, RHEOBYK®, RHEOCIN®, RHEOTIX®, SCONA®, SILBYK®, TIXOGEL®
and VISCOBYK® are registered trademarks of the BYK group.

info@byk.com
www.byk.com

The information herein is based on our present knowledge and experience. The information merely describes the properties of our products but noguarantee of properties in the legal sense shall be implied. We recommend testing our products as to their suitability for your envisaged purpose prior touse. No warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are made regarding
any products mentioned herein and data or information set forth, or that such products, data or information may be used without infringing intellectual
property rights of third parties. We reserve the right to make any changes according to technological progress or further developments.
This issue replaces all previous versions.