Soda Ash for Non-Oilfield

Soda Ash is used to precipitate calcium in make up water, which softens the water and elevates the water’s pH level prior to mixing mud additives. This is desirable since bentonite and some polymers provide better yield in soft, slightly alkaline water.

Soda Ash is only partially soluble in water so prehydrating or attempting to dissolve it in water and then add it to a system will result in minimal benefit. Soda Ash is best added dry either through a mixing hopper or mechanically dispersed (sprinkled) over the top of the fluid surface or added at a point of agitation. 

In make up water or to treat contamination from cement, anhydrite or to treat out Ca+ from floc water the flowing guideline is used if hardness can be measured. 

• 350 mg/L calcium ions requires 1.0 kg/m³ of Soda Ash

If total hardness or calcium can not be measured at the time of treatment or if blindly pretreating make up water for premixing, add Soda Ash in 0.5 kg/m³ increments until pH is 8.5 – 9.0. Do not exceed 3 kg/m³ without being able to physically determine the effectiveness of the addition either through chemical tests or general analysis of the mud. Over-treatment of Soda Ash can result in carbonate alkalinity and consequent excessive gel strengths and problems due to increased fluid loss. 

Appearance: White granular crystal

Bulk Density: 930 kg/m³ (min)

Specific Gravity: 2.533 gm/cm³

Particle Size Distribution:

Solubility: 18% by weight of water @ 21°C

Sodium Carbonate: 99.5% min

Sodium: 58.2% min

Calcium: 150 ppm (max)

Magnesium: 50 ppm (max)

Sodium Sulphate: 400 ppm (max)

Sodium Chloride: 500 ppm (max)

Iron: 5 ppm (max)

Moisture: .15% max

Water Insolubles: 500 ppm (max)

WHMIS: Controlled (see MSDS)

TDG: Not regulated

Packaging: 25kg/40kg bag or 50lb pail