3M Gulf debuts glass bubble product at ADIPEC 2015

3M Gulf’s Oil and Gas Solutions Division will debut its newest 3M Glass Bubbles product in the Middle East region at the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). The new HGS4K28, which will be commercially available later this year, with sample and field trial quantities available for order since October, is a high-strength, low-density additive specially designed to afford greater density reduction capabilities than other lightweight additives under similar downhole conditions.

Value added product

"With the improvement in the strength-to-density ratio, our newest addition to the Glass Bubbles portfolio is ideal for low to moderate downhole pressures," said Konstantinos Spyropoulos, Leader of Industrial Business Group for Middle East and Africa. "No other additive on the market today can match the value we provide with Glass Bubbles, as these hollow glass microspheres offer more strength at less volume, meaning you purchase less, ship less, inventory less, and reduce storage costs."

The use of HGS4K28 as a density reducing agent for completion, work-over and cement slurries offers the potential for improved well integrity, reduced non-productive time and increased well productivity when drilling in highly depleted zones and weaker formations, as it may help minimise or eliminate problems associated with fluid loss, lost circulation and formation damage.

“With HGS4K28, coupled with our higher strength Glass Bubbles HGS19K46, which launched globally earlier this year, 3M demonstrates that less can be more, even under pressure, as these products reduce costs by creating lighter cement slurries and drilling fluids while requiring less additive to achieve target density at pressure,” Konstantinos continued. “Using less additive creates stronger, cured cement for better performance, and in drilling, completion and work-over fluids less additive gives customers more pressure control, as HGS4K28 and HGS19K46 help to achieve and maintain target density throughout the operation.”

Diverse portfolio

Glass Bubbles HGS4K28 and HGS19K46 complement 3M's popular Glass Bubbles portfolio, which includes a variety of strengths, densities and sizes. 3M's portfolio of hollow glass microspheres are used as an additive for a number of applications in the oil and gas industry, as well as automotive, aerospace, rubber and plastics, paints and coatings, construction materials, and electronics industries.

The technology behind Glass Bubbles, first introduced in 1968, has become widely accepted for its performance and processing enhancements across a number of industries. As an engineered additive, 3M is able to ensure product and supply consistency around the world, when and where it's needed.

Adapted from a press release by Louise Mulhall

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/product-news/02112015/3m-gulf-debuts-its-latest-glass-bubble-product-in-middle-east-at-adipec-2015/