3M™ Glass Bubbles HGS19K46 are high-strength, low-density additives specially formulated to afford greater survivability than other lightweight additives under demanding downhole conditions. They are hollow glass microspheres made from water-resistant and chemically-stable soda-lime borosilicate glass.
When drilling and cementing across highly depleted zones and weaker formations, low-density systems are required to prevent/minimize problems associated with excessive overbalance conditions. These problems include fluid loss/lost circulation, differential sticking, minimal penetration rates, formation damage, and reduced well productivity. The use of 3M™ Glass Bubbles HGS19K46 as density reducing agents for drilling, completion, work-over fluids, and cement slurries offers the potential for reduced non-productive time (NPT), improved well integrity, and increased well productivity.
Appearance (Unaided Eye) | White Powder |
Composition | Soda-lime Borosilicate Glass |
Crush Strength (Imperial) | 19000 psi (80% Minimum Fractional Survival) |
Crush Strength (Metric) | 131 MPa (80% Minimum Fractional Survival) |
Industries | Cementing and Drilling Fluids |
Shape | Thin-walled Hollow Spheres |
Typical Density | 0.46 g/cm³ |
Typical Median Particle Diameter | 20 µm |