Facing the unpredictable?
Minimize your risk!
MicroMax®
– the self-stabilizing densifier –
MicroMax®
What is
Micromax®?
Micromax‚ is a self-stabilizing densifier mainly
composed of manganese oxide (>90% Mn3O4).
Micromax‚ is produced during the manufacture of
ferromanganese (FeMn), following reaction at
temperatures of 1000-1750 °C.
Micromax consists only of divalent and trivalent
manganese (Mn[II] and Mn[III]). Tetravalent manganese (Mn[IV]), classified as harmful to health,
has not been detected in the product.
Micromax is environmentally safe and classified
on PLONOR list.
In response to environmental and health concerns, such as dust generation and inhalation,
Elkem Materials has developed liquid Micromax.
Micromax L is the only liquid heavyweight additive
in the drilling industry.
High-Weight additive
As a heavyweight additive with a high specific
gravity and superior flow properties, Micromax
out-performs all comparable additives. Pumpable
slurries, up to a density of 22 ppg (2,64 SG) can
easily be achieved.
Micromax operational benefits
150
% BWOC
Micromax consists of colloidal particles with an
average particle size of 0,4 micron and a high
specific gravity of 4,8. The high surface area (24 m2/g) allows the particles to remain suspended in the cement slurry and spacer after mixing.
Dosage rate for Micromax
Base slurry density: 15,85 ppg (1,90 SG)
100
50
Apart from adding weight, Micromax‚ which is even
heavier than barite and ilmenite, also provides a
number of additional benefits:
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High weight additive
Improved slurry stability
Pre-mixing with water
Low rheology slurries
Non abrasive additive
Effective tracer material
Non-magnetic densifier
0
16,25
17
17,75
18,5
19,25
Slurry density (ppg)
20
20,7
21,1
MicroMax®
Slurry stability
Lower rheology
The high specific surface area and fineness of
Micromax are the main factors influencing the
stability of slurries prepared with Micromax.
These features also contribute to the suspending
properties of Micromax, which allow other dense
materials to be combined into well-engineered,
non-settling cement slurries.
Using Micromax as your weighting agent provides
an appreciable difference with common heavyweight additives. The spherical shape of the
Micromax particles provides lubricity to cement
slurries and spacers, thus improving the rheological properties. The result is superior mud
filter cake removal.
Slurry Rheology @ 68 F (20 C)
Slurry density: 17,9 ppg (2,15 SG)
Barite
125
112
26
250
AV
PV
YP
150
Hematite
96
18
13
Micromax®
69
60
17
100
50
Gas flow (ml/min)
Fann readings
300
0
600
300
200
100
50
25
6
3
(rpm)
Hematite
Barite
Micromax®
Less abrasive additive
Due to the physical nature of the particles, the
product has been found less abrasive to pumps,
treating lines and surface flow equipment.
Effective tracer material
Pre-mixing with water
Micromax can be premixed in water together with
the other additives, without the risk of settlement.
Dry blending is avoided, allowing for greater user
flexibility. Mix designs can be changed on site
when required by the well parameters.
Micromax has, in addition to the physical characteristics, a very strong red-brown color. This feature imparts the additional benefit of using
Micromax as a colored tracer, ideal for kick-off
plugs.
Non-magnetic densifier
Micromax can be stored on the rig and, when
needed for cement jobs or emergency operations, it can just be mixed with water. Or, use the
improved Micromax L, which is a ready-to-use
product.
Cement can be mixed “on the fly”. The outcome is
tight cement quality control, improved logistics
and operational flexibility.
Many commonly used densifiers contain a high
amount of iron, which can lead to magnetization
of parts of the drill string. Additionally, survey
instruments can give anomalous readings. The
low iron content of Micromax eliminates these
problems.
www.ssr.no
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7798
Micromax applications
Micromax is mainly used in HTHP cement slurries. However, by using Micromax, special muds
and spacers have also been designed with positive results.
More detailed information and slurry designs can
be found in our specific Micromax application
folders on:
• High density cement
• Low viscosity spacer
also other added values:
• World-wide distribution through Elkem’s network
of subsidiaries, sales offices and agents
• Safe deliveries thanks to our large production
capacity, product stock at central locations and
a well developed logistics and distribution organization
• Product support through Elkem’s extensive R&D
resources
• Follow-up service from sales people, familiar
with problem solving for the oil business
• Constant quality control in order to produce a
consistent, high performance product.
Elkem ASA Materials
Micromax is a quality-assured, ISO-certified
product.
Of course, the main reasons for choosing Elkem
Materials Well Drilling Products are the problem
solving features of the materials, but there are
Micromax is produced, packaged and shipped
under strict control according to the Elkem
Quality Management System
Further information
If you require any additional product information please contact your local sales office,
or visit us at www.wdp.elkem.com
SØR STANGEBYE RRA 21
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MicroMax®