MICA FLAKES
MICA FLAKES have been preferably used in water-based and oil based oil-well drillings operations as an additive mud chemical to prevent loss of circulation and seepage. Mica is specially added to seal-off the lost circulation zones. The platy structure of mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealant that bridges the openings. The use of mica helps to seal porous formations and contributes to regain circulation keeping the solids in suspension.
The technique adopted is to mix quantities of mica flakes and granular bentonite into special batches of mud, which is pumped down the hole. The drill pipe is then withdrawn and the hole left undisturbed for a time being. Mica flakes tends to plate out on the walls at the lost zones and reduce the size of the holes through which the mud can pass. After a short interval, the plug is strong enough to permit circulation to resume without loss. Drilling then proceeds normally until a depth well below the lost circulation zone.
Three grades of Mica Flakes:
| Grade: | Coarse Mica Flakes | Medium Mica Flakes | Fine Mica Flakes |
| Use: | Suitably used for sealing openings. | Generally used to combats mild circulation in porous formations. | Suitable for use when a sealing agent is needed to be small enough to pass through a shaker screen without interfering with the operations. |
| Apparent density: | 0.17kg/ltr | 0.18 kg/ltr | 0.20 kg/ltr |
| Particle Size: | Max 10% retained on 9.50mm B.S.Sieve | Max 10 % retained on 3.35 mm B.S.Sieve | Nil retained on 0.850 mm B.S.Sieve |
| Material retained: | Material retained on Sieve 4.75mm + material passed through 1.70 mm = 30-40% Max. | Material retained on 1.70 mm + material passed through Sieve 0.425 mm = 30-40% Max. | Material retained on Sieve 0.425 mm + material passed through sieve 0.15 mm = 30-40% Max. |
Applications of Muscovite Mica Flakes:
» Pearlescent Pigments
Prosopis Inc is the World’s No.1 Manufacturer for Muscovite Mica Flakes for Pearlescent Pigments. Pearlescent pigments are produced synthetically by coating minuscule mica platelets. They have low iron content and are tested at 900° C. They have high refractive index (greater than 2.5) and a very good chemical, mechanical and thermal stability. Prosopis Inc Mica Flakes have high gloss platelet surface, Minimum Diffusion, Maximum light transmission and reflectance.
» Oil-well Drillings
Prosopis Inc Mica Flakes is widely used in mud additive in water or oil based drilling operations as a preventive measure against loss of circulation and to overcome mild severe circulation losses. They are specially added in the mud chemical to seal off the lost circulation zones. Mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealant that bridges the opening. The use of Mica enhances quick sealing of porous formations. Mica is chemically inert and is unaffected by hydrocarbons, acid and brines and does not re-act with other drilling fluids compounds.