Drilling grade sepiolite – API-compliant rheology modifier

Oil & Gas

Drilling Grade Sepiolite

Name: Drilling Grade Sepiolite
Brand: Sepiolite Mine
SKU: SM-DRILL-001
Availability: InStock

API-compliant rheology modifier engineered for the most demanding downhole conditions. Stable performance in saline, high-temperature environments where conventional clays fail.

300°C

Thermal Stability

API

Compliance

Salt OK

Brine Tolerance

Bulk Pricing In Stock

TBD

Price per metric ton · FOB Port of Mersin or FOB Samsun Port, Turkey · Contact for CIF pricing

Minimum order: 20 MT (one container)

Certificate of Analysis included with every shipment

Free samples available for qualified buyers

Request a Quote Request Sample

Product Overview

Engineered for the Toughest Downhole Conditions

Our drilling grade sepiolite is a specially processed rheology modifier designed for oil and gas drilling fluid applications. Unlike bentonite, sepiolite maintains its viscosity-building properties in saturated salt solutions and at temperatures exceeding 200°C — conditions that cause bentonite to flocculate and lose effectiveness.

The product meets API Specification 13A requirements for drilling-grade sepiolite and is routinely used in geothermal wells, deep offshore operations, and salt dome drilling. Its unique fibrous structure creates a three-dimensional network in drilling fluid that provides excellent hole-cleaning and cuttings suspension.

Drilling grade sepiolite also contributes to wellbore stability by forming a thin, low-permeability filter cake on the borehole wall. This reduces fluid loss to the formation and helps maintain wellbore integrity in problematic shale and unconsolidated sand intervals.

We supply drilling grade sepiolite to major oilfield service companies and national oil companies worldwide. Our product is backed by detailed technical data sheets and field performance reports for specific well conditions upon request.

Technical Specifications

Product Form Fine Powder

API Specification 13A Compliant

Thermal Stability Up to 300°C

Yield Point (6% slurry) ≥ 15 lb/100ft²

Plastic Viscosity ≥ 10 cP

MgO ≥ 18%

SiO₂ ≥ 54%

Moisture ≤ 10%

Salt Tolerance Saturated NaCl

Particle Size 95% < 75μm

Packaging 25kg Multi-wall Bags

Delivery FOB Mersin / Samsun

Applications

Where Drilling Grade Sepiolite Is Used

🛢️

Geothermal Drilling

Essential in geothermal wells where temperatures exceed 200°C and bentonite-based muds break down. Sepiolite maintains rheology throughout the drilling operation.

🌊

Offshore Deep Water

Used in deepwater drilling operations where high hydrostatic pressures and temperature gradients demand a thermally stable viscosifier for safe and efficient operations.

🧂

Salt Dome Operations

The go-to viscosifier for drilling through salt formations. Unlike bentonite, sepiolite performs identically in fresh water and saturated brine systems.

🔧

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Provides excellent hole-cleaning properties in extended-reach and horizontal wells where cuttings transport is critical for preventing stuck pipe.

🏗️

Foundation & Piling

Used in large-diameter bored pile and diaphragm wall construction. Sepiolite drilling fluids stabilize excavations in challenging ground conditions.

🌍

Environmental Drilling

Deployed in environmental site investigation and remediation wells. The natural, non-toxic mineral is preferred in sensitive ecological areas.

Why Choose Us

Key Advantages

Unmatched Thermal Stability

Maintains full rheological performance up to 300°C — critical for geothermal, deep offshore, and HPHT well applications.

Complete Salt Tolerance

Unlike bentonite, sepiolite performs identically in fresh water, seawater, and saturated NaCl brine. No performance loss in salt formations.

Superior Hole Cleaning

The fibrous structure creates a pseudo-plastic fluid system with excellent shear-thinning behavior, providing efficient cuttings transport.

Low Fluid Loss

Forms a thin, impermeable filter cake on the wellbore wall, reducing drilling fluid invasion into permeable formations.

API-Certified Quality

Every batch is tested to API 13A specifications. Full technical data and performance certificates provided with each shipment.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does your drilling grade sepiolite meet API specifications?

Yes, our product is manufactured and tested to meet API Specification 13A requirements. Certificates of compliance are provided with every shipment.

At what temperature does sepiolite outperform bentonite?

Sepiolite maintains stable rheology up to 300°C, while bentonite typically begins to flocculate above 120°C. Above 150°C, sepiolite is the clear choice.

What is the recommended concentration for drilling fluids?

Typical concentrations range from 2–6% by weight depending on required rheology. Our technical team can provide optimized formulations for your specific well conditions.

Can sepiolite be used alongside other drilling fluid additives?

Yes, sepiolite is compatible with most standard drilling fluid additives including polymers, lubricants, and fluid loss control agents. Contact us for compatibility guidance.

What is the minimum order for drilling grade sepiolite?

Minimum order is 20 metric tons. For oilfield service companies with regular requirements, we offer annual supply agreements with volume discounts.