The Technology

The unique, patented, RGD high speed impeller and rotor-stator technology is a departure from the currently used mixers which essentially are based on the venturi effect.

The precisely engineered, high speed impeller- driven action of the RGD Shear Blender creates an intense mechanical force in the mixing chamber. This results in high shear rates and optimum blending, in a single pass, of additives into the fluid flow.

Currently used water-based drilling fluid systems frequently employ a variety of polymers that are difficult to mix effectively. Each polymer as well as other chemical additives must be properly mixed (sheared, blended, dispersed) to obtain maximum usefulness.

Efficient mixing contributes greatly to the execution of the best drilling fluid system envisioned for a project. This results in enhanced drilling performance and cost reduction through time savings and less product and water usage.

Preparation and maintenance of Invert drilling fluid systems can be efficiently managed utilizing the RGD mixing technology as well. It is difficult and time consuming to attain the best possible fluid properties when premixing or actively mixing required additives into an oil fluid base. The Shear Blender and High Shear Emulsification (three stage inline) mixers are realistic solutions to the problem. The invert fluids are prepared on site or offsite and transported to the drilling rig tanks. The mixers are ideal for a dedicated mixing facility as it can quickly prepare large volumes of strongly emulsified fluid in a relatively short time frame and cost effectively.

The Shear Blender mixer can be effectively used for mixing into any active circulating system ­complementing the existing mixing equipment- or to premix volume that would be optimally prepared for addition to the active system. The RGD mixers are able to achieve maximum properties from relatively low concentration or can quickly achieve highly concentrated mixtures for addition to, and adjustment of active mud system properties. This is valid for water or oil based fluid systems.

Mixing and achieving optimally conditioned drilling fluids is a process wherein:

* Mixing equipment must be capable of rapidly blending and dispersing powders and other additives into the base fluid.

* The additives must be highly dispersed to expose the maximum surface area to activate the gelling effect when necessary.

* Variable shear rates must be achievable to get the most out of each additive.

* Active circulating tank volume and standby volume must be continually well stirred as viscosity and density are raised.

The RGD mixing equipment is capable of delivering all aspects of the process in an efficient manner.