Product Bulletin

CAUSTIC SODA CAUSTIC SODA is used in water-base muds as a source of hydroxyl

ions to control pH. CAUSTIC SODA, caustic, alkali and lye are all
common names for sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It is a strong base
which is extremely soluble in water and dissociates into sodium
(Na) and hydroxyl (OH) ions in solution.

Physical appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . White beads, pellets, flakes or crystals

TYPICAL PHYSICAL Specific gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.13
PROPERTIES pH (1% solution) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.0
Solubility @ 86°F (30°C) . . . . . . . . . . 119 g/100 ml water

CAUSTIC SODA is used to maintain vert the calcium to lime. See figures
APPLICATIONS or increase pH. Increasing pH with below showing pH and calcium
CAUSTIC SODA will precipitate magne- solubility vs. CAUSTIC SODA concen-
sium (Mg2+) and suppress calcium tration. When treating muds with
(Ca2+) in high hardness waters such as SPERSENEE or TANNATHIN,T which have
seawater, reduce corrosion, and neu- low pH (±4), typical usage is 1 sack
tralize acid gases such as carbon diox- of CAUSTIC SODA for every 4 sacks of
ide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). SPERSENE or TANNATHIN.
Typical concentrations range from When using CAUSTIC SODA to
0.25 to 4 lb/bbl (0.7 to 11.4 kg/m3) reduce hardness:
with treatments depending on water
CAUSTIC SODA (lb/bbl) =
chemistry and type of drilling fluid.
[Mg (mg/l) x 0.00115 x Fw] +
In seawater and waters containing
[Ca (mg/l) x 0.0007 x Fw]
buffering salts, a higher concentra-
tion of CAUSTIC SODA will be required. Where:
Gulf of Mexico seawater requires Fw = Water fraction (% water/100)
1.5 to 2 lb/bbl (4.3 to 5.7 kg/m3) to
precipitate all magnesium then con- Figure 2
Calcium Solubility vs
Figure 1 CAUSTIC SODA Concentration
pH vs CAUSTIC SODA Concentration 800
Filtrate Calcium (ppm)

14
13 Distilled Water 600
12
400
11
pH

Seawater 68°F
10 200 122°F
9
8 Freshwater Mud 0 158°F

7 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2 2.5 lb/bbl CAUSTIC SODA
lb/bbl CAUSTIC SODA
Seawater: pH 8.0, 390 mg/l Ca,
1,300 mg/l Mg, 19,000 mg/l Cl
 • Widely available and economic
ADVANTAGES source of hydroxyl ions to
control pH.
• Concentrated chemical and very
effective at small treatment levels.
• In high hardness brines such as
LIMITATIONS CaCl2, Williston, Michigan and
Zechstein brines, CAUSTIC SODA can-
not be used to effectively raise the
Bioassay information is available
TOXICITY upon request.
AND HANDLING Handle as an industrial chemical,
wearing protective equipment
and observing the precautions as
described on the Transportation
and Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS). Also observe the health
hazard information and emergency
and first aid procedures described
on the MSDS.
WARNING! Avoid exposure and
handle only when fully protected.
CAUSTIC SODA is an extremely alkaline
material and can cause severe burns to
CAUSTIC SODA is usually packaged in
PACKAGING 50-lb (22.7-kg), multi-wall, paper
AND STORAGE sacks with plastic liners. Other pack-
aging includes fiberboard or steel
drums of various sizes, as well as
other sack sizes.
Store in a dry area away from water
and acids. Keep all containers sealed.
Once a container is opened it should
This material is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C.
makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accu-
racy or use of this data. All product warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the
Standard Terms of Sale.
©1996 M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C. All rights reserved.
™ SPERESENE is a trademark of M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C.
® TANNATHIN is a registered trademark of M-I Drilling Fluids L.L.C.
MI-10300 3M 7/97 Litho in U.S.A.
• Increases pH which reduces corro-
sion of steel exposed to drilling
fluids.
• Can be used in most drilling fluids.
pH due to the high level of cations
which combine with hydroxyl ions
to precipitate hydroxides such as
Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2.
eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and
may react violently with water or
acids. Considerable heat energy is
generated when CAUSTIC SODA is
mixed with water and care should
be taken when mixing.
CAUSTIC SODA should be added
slowly to the mud system through a
properly designed chemical barrel.
Do not mix CAUSTIC SODA with
other chemicals or through the
mud hopper. When using the
chemical barrel, fill to the desired
level with water; then add dry
CAUSTIC SODA.
be used immediately since CAUSTIC
SODA is hygroscopic and absorbs
water from the air making it more
difficult to handle. CAUSTIC SODA is
corrosive to certain materials. Spills
should be cleaned up using protec-
tive equipment as described on the
MSDS and with the utmost care.
P.O. Box 721110
Houston, Texas 77272-1110
Tel: 281·561·1300
Fax: 281·561·7240
http://www.midf.com
E-mail: mimud@midfre.com