Gilsonite powder in drilling fluid is a game-changing additive that strengthens mud performance, reduces fluid loss, and improves wellbore stability in oil and gas drilling operations. Known also as natural bitumen or asphaltite, Gilsonite is a black, glossy mineral hydrocarbon with unique sealing and lubricating properties. It is one of the most effective and natural solutions for managing well pressure, shale stability, and circulation losses during drilling.
ATDM, a trusted global supplier of Gilsonite products, provides high-purity grades tailored for drilling mud systems used across different formations and depths.
Gilsonite is a naturally occurring solid hydrocarbon found in specific geological formations. It is mined, crushed, and ground into fine powder to be used in oil-based and water-based drilling fluids. Because it is lightweight, thermoplastic, and hydrophobic, it creates a protective film inside the wellbore that helps seal porous formations and control fluid loss.
The powder disperses easily in drilling mud and acts as both a plugging agent and a lubricant, enhancing the overall efficiency of drilling operations. Unlike synthetic materials, Gilsonite is 100 % natural and compatible with most mud additives.
Oil and gas wells often pass through formations that contain natural fractures or weak shale layers. Without protection, drilling fluids can leak, causing lost circulation, wellbore collapse, or stuck pipe.
Gilsonite powder solves these challenges by forming a thin, flexible, and impermeable film on the borehole wall. This barrier reduces filtrate invasion and stabilizes the wellbore even under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Reduces Fluid Loss:
Gilsonite particles plug small cracks and pores, minimizing mud filtrate invasion.
Improves Wellbore Stability:
The thermoplastic nature of Gilsonite helps resist shale swelling and sloughing.
Acts as a Lubricant:
It decreases torque and drag, making drilling smoother and faster.
Prevents Differential Sticking:
The slick film between the drill pipe and formation surface prevents sticking.
Performs in High Temperatures:
Gilsonite remains stable and effective at temperatures exceeding 200 °C.
Environmentally Friendly:
Being natural and non-toxic, it offers a safer alternative to synthetic loss-control materials.
Gilsonite powder works in various drilling fluid systems and environments:
Oil-Based Muds (OBM):
Adds thermal stability and prevents seepage loss in deep wells.
Water-Based Muds (WBM):
Creates a flexible seal that stabilizes shales and prevents collapse.
Synthetic-Based Muds (SBM):
Enhances lubrication and reduces friction while maintaining clean drilling surfaces.
It is especially useful in depleted zones, fractured formations, and low-pressure intervals, where traditional mud additives fail.
When added to the drilling fluid, fine Gilsonite particles disperse evenly throughout the mud. As the fluid circulates, the particles migrate toward porous zones and embed themselves into small openings, forming a tight seal.
This seal acts as a barrier against fluid invasion and supports the wellbore structure. Its flexible, thermoplastic nature means it expands slightly under heat and pressure, ensuring long-term stability.
| Property | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | – | Black, shiny powder |
| Softening Point | °C | 160 – 220 |
| Ash Content | % | 3 – 8 |
| Solubility in TCE | % | 95 – 99 |
| Specific Gravity | – | 1.04 – 1.06 |
| Moisture | % | < 1 |
| Particle Size | µm | 75 – 200 |
Each grade can be customized for mud weight, well depth, and temperature range, depending on the project requirements.
Dosage: 2 – 8 lb/bbl depending on the severity of fluid loss.
Mixing: Add Gilsonite slowly through the hopper while circulating to avoid lumps.
Compatibility: Works with most polymeric and asphaltic additives.
Safety: Non-toxic and non-corrosive, but standard PPE should be used during handling.
By following these steps, drilling teams can ensure optimal mud performance and wellbore protection.
ATDM supplies Gilsonite powder in a variety of safe and convenient packaging options to meet industrial standards:
25 kg multi-layer paper bags
1-ton jumbo bags
Meltable PE bags for direct mixing
Bulk containers or truck shipments
Shipments are dispatched from UAE, Turkey, and Iran, ensuring fast delivery worldwide. Each order comes with full TDS, MSDS, and COA documentation for quality assurance.
ATDM is recognized as a leading global supplier of high-quality Gilsonite used in drilling, cementing, and other industrial applications. With more than a decade of experience in mining, refining, and exporting natural bitumen, ATDM guarantees:
Consistent quality and stable supply
Customized grades for OBM and WBM
Technical support for drilling engineers
Global logistics with competitive prices
Compliance with API and ASTM standards
By combining technical expertise with a commitment to reliability, ATDM helps drilling companies achieve smoother operations and longer well life.
Using Gilsonite powder in drilling fluid is one of the smartest ways to reduce fluid loss, stabilize shale formations, and enhance drilling efficiency. Its natural sealing ability, flexibility, and high-temperature stability make it an essential additive for modern drilling systems.
When you source your Gilsonite powder from ATDM, you gain access to premium quality, global support, and guaranteed performance for every well you drill.
Gilsonite works effectively in oil-based, water-based, and synthetic mud systems, offering similar sealing and lubricating performance in each.
The powder forms a thin, flexible film on the wellbore wall that plugs tiny fractures and pores, preventing filtrate from escaping into the formation.
Yes. Gilsonite is a natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable mineral that meets modern environmental safety standards for drilling operations.