NAOH is used to increase pH in muds. Increase pH with NAOH precipitates magnesium (Mg2+) and suppresses calcium (Ca2+) in high hardness such as seawater, and neutralizes acid gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.It can soluble in water and reacts violently with water, then gives off extreme heat. For this reason, NAOH should be added to water very slowly with sufficient agitation to prevent violent boiling or spurting.
Applications/Functions
Increase pH and alkalinity in drilling fluids
Neutralizes acid gases
Advantages
Minimizes the solubility of calcium as well as magnesium contaminants in drilling fluids
Controls the pH and alkalinity properties of drilling fluids
Typical Properties
Appearance: White flakes, or pellets
Specific gravity: 2.13
pH: 13 (1% aqueous solution)
Recommended Treatment
Typical concentrations range from 0.25 to 4 ppb with treatments depending on water chemistry and type of drilling fluid
NAOH should be added very slowly and notice the PPE requirement