Glass Beads are specially sized, solid glass spheres made of high-grade crown glass of the lime soda type. Chemically inert, free of impurities, and non-polluting, Glass Beads can be used in all water- and oil-based drilling fluids.
Available in two sizes, Medium (50-80), with 95% passing through a 60 mesh screen, and Fine (100-170), with 95% passing through a 100 mesh screen, Glass Beads aid in the prevention of differential sticking. Glass Beads should have no measurable effect on the desired properties of the mud system and can be removed by a desilter or centrifuge.
Adding and maintaining 8.0-12.0 kg/m³ of Glass Beads can reduce torque and drag by 15.0 to 30.0%. Actual concentrations required will depend on the severity of hole problems and the solids content.
