High-Yield Water-Based Drilling Fluid Grade Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Company Profile

Shanghai Prior Chemical Scientific And Technical Co., Ltd. (Grade A Tax Credit) was established in 2016 and specializes in the international trade and supply of industrial chemical materials. Leveraging resources associated with China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO GROUP), the company supplies a broad portfolio of cellulose  and specialty chemicals, including Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), Ethyl Cellulose (EC), and Nitrocellulose (NC).

The company also independently manufactures nail-fastening products and holds equity interests in the production and commercialization of Ammonium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC-NH₄). It has established a strong position in the domestic market for HPMC used in automotive exhaust honeycomb ceramics, with a market share of nearly 70%.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Overview

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose derived from natural cellulose through ification with ethylene oxide. It is typically supplied as a white to pale-yellow, odorless and non-toxic powder.

HEC provides excellent thickening, suspension, water retention, film formation, binding, dispersion, emulsification, protective colloid, and flow-control properties, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

For water-based drilling fluids, HEC is particularly valued for its ability to improve fluid rheology, control fluid loss, and maintain stable performance under challenging drilling conditions.

Key Advantages

1. Excellent Water Solubility
   HEC dissolves readily in both cold and hot water and does not thermally gel or precipitate during heating, providing stable viscosity over a broad temperature range.

2. Nonionic Compatibility
   As a nonionic cellulose , HEC is compatible with many water-soluble polymers, surfactants, salts, and other formulation components. This makes it especially suitable for drilling fluids containing electrolytes and brines.

3. Effective Water Retention and Fluid-Loss Control
   HEC can improve water retention and help reduce fluid loss, supporting better filtration control during drilling operations.

4. Excellent Rheological Control
   HEC provides efficient thickening and suspension properties, helping maintain the desired viscosity and carrying capacity of water-based drilling fluids.

5. Strong Protective Colloid Properties
   HEC can stabilize dispersed particles and help maintain formulation uniformity, contributing to consistent drilling-fluid performance.

HEC for Water-Based Drilling Fluids

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is widely used as a thickening agent, fluid-loss-control additive, suspension stabilizer, and rheology modifier in water-based drilling and completion fluids.

Its nonionic character provides good compatibility with brine systems and other drilling-fluid additives. HEC can help maintain fluid viscosity, improve cuttings suspension, and reduce filtrate loss while supporting stable circulation during drilling.

Main Functions in Drilling Fluids

• Thickening and viscosity modification

• Fluid-loss reduction

• Improved cuttings suspension

• Rheology control

• Enhanced dispersion stability

• Improved filtration performance

• Good compatibility with electrolytes and brine systems

• Improved formulation stability

HEC can also be used in oil-well cementing and completion fluids, where its water-retention and fluid-loss-control properties can contribute to improved slurry stability and processing performance.

Product Designation

The HEC product code consists of an application-field code and a viscosity specification code.

For example, B3000 indicates:

• B — Application code for construction, coatings, oil drilling, and chemical applications

• 3000 — Viscosity specification code

Application Codes

Technical Specifications

Viscosity Specifications

Test method: Brookfield Viscometer, LVD, 25°C.

Packaging

• Net Weight: 25 ± 0.25 kg per bag

• Inner Packaging: Polyethylene plastic film bag

• Outer Packaging: Three-in-one composite paper bag or fiber/plastic drum

Storage & Transportation

• Protect the product from rain, direct sunlight, and mechanical damage during transportation.

• Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

• Keep away from moisture and water.

• Do not store together with incompatible chemicals.

• HEC is hygroscopic. Reseal the package immediately after opening and keep the product tightly sealed in a dry environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are you a trading company or a manufacturer?

A: We are a chemical trading company with extensive experience in the supply and international distribution of industrial chemical products.

Q2: What products can you supply?

A: Our main products include:

• Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

• Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)

• Ethyl Cellulose (EC)

• Ammonium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC-NH₄)

• Chlorinated Polypropylene (CPP)

• N-Butyryl Chloride

• Red Base KD

• Other specialty chemicals according to customer requirements

Q3: What payment terms do you accept?

A: We can accept T/T, L/C, D/A, D/P, and other payment arrangements subject to order details and customer requirements.

Q4: What are your standard payment terms?

A: Our commonly used terms include:

• 100% T/T in advance

• 30% T/T in advance, with the balance against a copy of the B/L

• 100% L/C at sight

Specific terms can be discussed according to the order and customer requirements.

Q5: Do you provide samples?

A: Yes. Free samples of up to 500 g can be provided. Shipping costs are generally borne by the buyer.

Q6: What is your delivery time?

A: Standard delivery is usually approximately 7–10 working days after receipt of payment, subject to product availability and order quantity.

Q7: How do you ensure product quality?

A: We maintain quality control throughout the sourcing, production, inspection, packaging, and delivery processes. We also communicate closely with customers to address technical or quality-related requirements and resolve issues efficiently.