Drilling Fluids
Potassium Acetate
Potassium acetate is the potassium salt of acetic acid
(CH3COOK). Molar mass is 98.15 g/mol. This chemical is
the second member in the homologous series, potassium
formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate. Potassium acetate is a
white crystalline powder that is highly deliquescent.
Advantages
• Provides a chloride-free fluid
• Is ideal for use in environmentally
sensitive areas
• Provides shale hydration and swelling
Applications
inhibition through cation exchange and
electrolytic balance
• Potassium acetate is used primarily as an alternative
to potassium chloride in situations where there are
environmental restrictions on the use of potassium
chloride. The product’s functionality is essentially identical
to that of potassium chloride; that is, the potassium ion
exchanges with calcium and sodium ions in the interlayer
space in illites and smectites, converting them to more
stable mica-type structures that do not hydrate and
swell. Potassium acetate is many times more soluble
than KCl, but this offers little additional advantage for
shale stabilization. Potassium acetate solubility increases
significantly with temperature, with a 104°F (40°C) increase
almost doubling the solubility.
Typical Physical Properties
Appearance
Density
high-density brines.
1.8 SG
Aqueous solubility at
68°F (20°C)
887 lb/bbl water
253 g/100 mL
Aqueous solubility at
144°F (62°C)
1,724 lb/bbl water
492 g/100 mL
Packaging
• Potassium acetate has the potential for use in
White crystalline powder
50-lb (22.7-kg) and
55-lb (25-kg) multiwalled sacks
1-MT bulk bags
Usage
Potassium acetate is used at concentrations ranging from
10.5 to 42.0 lb/bbl (30 to 120 kg/m3) or higher.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; ensure that
packaging is completely sealed.
Consult the MSDS, safety posters, and/or product label
before use, and use personal protective equipment
as advised.
Issued March 2010
weatherford.com
1
© 2010 Weatherford. All rights reserved.
7573.00
The information contained herein was accurate and reliable to the best of our knowledge at the time this document was prepared. The material is supplied solely for informational purposes, and Weatherford
International Ltd. makes no guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to its accuracy. Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of such information is the responsibility of the user of this
product. Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product before use. Weatherford products and services are subject to the Company’s standard terms and conditions, available on request or at
weatherford.com. For more information contact an authorized Weatherford representative. Unless noted otherwise, trademarks and service marks herein are the property of Weatherford. Specifications are
subject to change without notice.