| abstract |
An iron oxide having the ideal composition Fe3O4 has a unique high porosity, substantially spherical particle structure. Used in oil and gas well drilling muds, it scavenges hydrogen sulfide. It also improves the rheological properties of the mud, maintains its stability under high temperatures, and functions as a mud weighting material. Upon completion of drilling, the drilling mud containing the porous Fe3O4 additive may be left in place between the inner casing and the formation wall or the outer casing as a packer fluid. |