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Oil Drilling Grade HEC

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Brief Product Description

Oil drilling grade Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a high-performance, salt-tolerant polymer used as a viscosifier and fluid loss control agent in water-based drilling fluids, completion fluids, and workover fluids. It maintains stable viscosity and filtration control in high-salinity brine environments, minimizing formation damage during drilling and completion operations.

Product Overview

EASONZELL™ HEC for oil drilling (Oil Drilling Grade) is produced using a controlled heterogeneous synthesis process that yields a product with high molecular weight, high molar substitution (MS 2.0–2.5), and low residual glyoxal to ensure rapid dissolution in brine systems on the rig site. The non-ionic nature of HEC makes it uniquely compatible with high-salinity completion brines — including sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and calcium bromide — where ionic polymers like CMC or xanthan gum suffer from significant viscosity loss.

Our oilfield HEC is packaged in 25 kg moisture-barrier bags and undergoes rigorous quality control including API viscosity testing in saturated NaCl brine and KCl brine to verify field-ready performance. Specialized grades are available for high-temperature (up to 120°C) deep-well applications.

Specification

ParameterTypical Value / RangeTest Method
AppearanceWhite to off-white powderVisual
Viscosity (1% in sat. NaCl, 25°C)40 – 500 mPa·s (multiple grades)API RP 13B-1
Molar Substitution (MS)2.0 – 2.5Titration
Moisture Content≤ 5.0%ISO 585
NaCl Content≤ 5.0%Titration
pH (1% solution)6.5 – 8.5pH meter
Salt ToleranceStable in NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂, CaBr₂ brinesField test
Temperature StabilityUp to 120°C (HT grade)Hot rolling test
Filtration Control (API filter press)< 15 mL / 30 min (in formulation)API RP 13B-1

Application

EASONZELL™ Oil Drilling Grade HEC is used across the oilfield chemical supply chain:

  • Drill-in fluid — non-damaging viscosifier for reservoir sections; minimizes invasion and preserves permeability.
  • Completion fluid — thickener in clean, filtered brine completion fluids (density-weighted CaCl₂ or CaBr₂).
  • Workover fluid — used in well service operations to control fluid loss into formation without formation damage.
  • Gravel pack carrier fluid — provides sand-carrying viscosity while remaining degradable via enzyme breaker for post-job cleanup.

Usage notes: Mix HEC into brine under moderate agitation before pH adjustment. Avoid mixing with oxidizing biocides (can degrade HEC). For formation-sensitive reservoirs, use enzyme breakers post-operation to fully degrade HEC and restore permeability.

Advantages

  • Exceptional salt tolerance — non-ionic chemistry ensures viscosity stability in saturated NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂, and CaBr₂ brines where other polymers fail.
  • Low formation damage — breaks cleanly with enzyme breakers; does not precipitate or leave polymer residues in the formation.
  • Reliable filtration control — API filter press values consistently below 15 mL in standard formulations.
  • High-temperature grades available — HT-grade HEC maintains viscosity up to 120°C, expanding the applicability to deeper, hotter wells.
  • Consistent rig-site performance — tested in brine per API RP 13B-1 before shipment; no surprises on the rig.
  • Enzyme-breakable — enables complete, non-damaging post-operation cleanup in formation-sensitive well sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Why is HEC preferred over xanthan gum in completion fluids?
  • A: Xanthan gum, while excellent for general drilling fluids, loses significant viscosity in high-density brines (e.g., CaBr₂ at 1.7 SG) due to ionic interaction. Non-ionic HEC maintains consistent viscosity across the full range of brine densities used in completion operations, making it the polymer of choice for weighted completion fluids.
  • Q: How is oilfield HEC broken after gravel packing?
  • A: HEC is broken by cellulase enzyme breakers, which cleave the cellulose backbone into low-molecular-weight sugars that are non-damaging to the formation. Enzyme concentration and temperature determine break time. Internal or surface-released enzyme systems are available for controlled break applications.
  • Q: What is the maximum salinity at which HEC remains effective?
  • A: Our oilfield HEC maintains measurable viscosity in saturated NaCl (approximately 360 g/L), in KCl brines up to 8%, and in CaCl₂ brines up to 11.7 SG. For very high-density CaBr₂/ZnBr₂ systems above 1.9 SG, we recommend contacting our technical team for specialized formulation support.
  • Q: Does your oilfield HEC comply with API standards?
  • A: Yes. Our oilfield HEC is tested per API RP 13B-1 procedures for viscosity measurement in brine. Certificates of Analysis include brine viscosity data alongside standard physical and chemical parameters. We can also provide customized test reports per operator or service company specification.
  • Q: What is the recommended concentration of HEC in a completion fluid?
  • A: Typical treatment levels are 2–8 lb/bbl (5.7–22.8 kg/m³) depending on the target viscosity (Fann 600 reading) and brine salinity. Higher-salinity brines require higher HEC concentrations to achieve the same viscosity due to partial screening of the polymer's hydrodynamic volume. Field trials and pilot tests are recommended for new well types.
  • Q: Is HEC compatible with corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors used in completion fluids?
  • A: Generally yes. HEC is compatible with most quaternary ammonium corrosion inhibitors and phosphonate-based scale inhibitors at field treatment levels. However, some amine-based corrosion inhibitors at high concentration may affect dissolution. We recommend a compatibility screening test with your specific additive package before field deployment.

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About Us
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd. is a professional enterprise engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, application, and sales of cellulose ether, located in the Shangyu Economic and Technological Development Zone, part of the Hangzhou Bay National Industrial Park. With a core concept of safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development, the company boasts an annual production capacity of 15,000 tons of cellulose ether, offering a complete range of products including HEC (hydroxyethylcellulose), HEMC (hydroxyethyl methylcellulose), and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). Our products serve various sectors such as oil fields, coatings, dry powder mortar, cosmetics, personal care products, medicine, and many others. Yisheng has a global presence, providing stable cellulose ethers and services to customers worldwide.
As a professional China Oil Drilling Grade HEC Supplier and Oil Drilling Grade HEC Company, The company adheres to the principles of safety and environmental protection as the foundation of its development. It implements and further consolidates safety and environmental protection measures, striving to create green and environmentally friendly production processes, safe and effective control systems, and orderly production management. This approach lays a solid foundation for the company's sustainable development. Yisheng boasts a scientific management mechanism, a comprehensive quality management system, stringent product testing methods, advanced technology, state-of-the-art equipment, and high-quality after-sales service.
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.

+86-18067879812
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.

sarah@ys-cellulose.com
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.