Product Overview PAC

Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether produced by the chemical modification of natural cellulose. It is widely used as a primary filtration control additive in water-based drilling fluids, valued for its ability to reduce fluid loss into the formation and stabilize the wellbore under demanding downhole conditions.

ZHAOYUAN supplies PAC in two standard grades — HV (high viscosity) and LV (low viscosity) — as well as custom specifications tailored to specific temperature, salinity, and performance requirements. Products are manufactured to API 13A standards and are suitable for export worldwide.

Available Grades

PAC-HV
High Viscosity
Primary function: viscosity building and suspension of drill cuttings. Used in freshwater and low-salinity drilling systems. Typical usage: 0.5–2.0 kg/m³.
PAC-LV
Low Viscosity
Primary function: fluid loss control with minimal viscosity increase. Effective in high-salinity, saturated brine, and high-temperature systems. Typical usage: 1.0–4.0 kg/m³.

Technical Specifications

Parameter PAC-HV PAC-LV Test Method
Standard API 13A 2010
Starch / Starch Derivatives Absent Absent API 13A
Moisture Content max 10% max 10% API 13A
Apparent Viscosity min 50 cps max 40 cps API 13A
API Filtrate Volume max 23 ml max 16 ml API 13A

Applications

Oilfield Drilling
Fluid loss control and viscosity modification in water-based drilling muds. Suitable for fresh water, seawater, and brine systems.
HDD & Horizontal Drilling
Used in horizontal directional drilling fluids to stabilize the borehole and carry cuttings to the surface.
Workover & Completion
Applied in workover fluids and completion brines to prevent formation damage and control fluid loss.
High-Temperature Wells
PAC-LV maintains performance in high-temperature, high-salinity downhole environments where other polymers degrade.
Geothermal Drilling
Suitable for geothermal well drilling fluids requiring thermal stability and effective filtration control.
Custom Applications
Custom DS, viscosity, and mesh specifications available for non-standard applications. Contact us with your requirements.

Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life

Standard Packaging 25 kg kraft paper bags with inner polyethylene liner
Bulk Packaging 500 kg / 1000 kg jumbo bags available on request
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Shelf Life 2 years from date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions
HS Code 3912.31 (Carboxymethylcellulose and its salts)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PAC used for in drilling fluids?

Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC) is a primary filtration control additive in water-based drilling fluids. It reduces fluid loss into the formation and helps stabilize the wellbore, making it essential in oilfield drilling, HDD/horizontal drilling, workover and completion fluids, and geothermal wells.

What's the difference between PAC-HV and PAC-LV?

PAC-HV (high viscosity) primarily builds viscosity and suspends drill cuttings, typically dosed at 0.5–2.0 kg/m³ in freshwater or low-salinity systems. PAC-LV (low viscosity) controls fluid loss with minimal viscosity increase, typically dosed at 1.0–4.0 kg/m³, and performs well in high-salinity, saturated brine, and high-temperature systems.

Does ZHAOYUAN's PAC meet API standards?

Yes — both grades are manufactured to API 13A 2010 standard, with apparent viscosity of at least 50 cps for PAC-HV (max 40 cps for PAC-LV) and API filtrate volume of max 23 ml for PAC-HV (max 16 ml for PAC-LV), with no starch or starch derivatives present.

Is PAC suitable for high-temperature or high-salinity wells?

PAC-LV specifically is formulated to maintain performance in high-temperature, high-salinity downhole environments where other polymers degrade, and is also suitable for geothermal well drilling fluids requiring thermal stability.

How is PAC packaged and stored?

Standard packaging is 25 kg kraft paper bags with an inner polyethylene liner, with 500 kg or 1,000 kg jumbo bags available for bulk orders. Shelf life is 2 years from the manufacture date when stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Can ZHAOYUAN supply custom PAC specifications?

Yes. Beyond the standard HV and LV grades, custom degree of substitution (DS), viscosity, and mesh specifications are available for non-standard applications. Contact us with your target temperature, salinity, and performance requirements.

What factors affect the price of PAC?

PAC pricing depends on grade (HV vs. LV), viscosity and filtrate performance specification, order quantity, packaging (bags vs. bulk), and destination/shipping terms. Contact us with your grade and quantity for a quote.

Is an MSDS or COA provided with PAC orders?

Yes — a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming API 13A test results and a material safety data sheet (MSDS) are available on request with every shipment.

Is ZHAOYUAN a PAC manufacturer or a trading company?

ZHAOYUAN supplies PAC directly from China with export capability for bulk oilfield chemical orders worldwide, and also delivers turnkey EPC engineering for cellulose ether production plants — giving customers both a chemical supply source and a manufacturing-side engineering partner.