Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Definition - What does Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose mean?

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, also known as Cellulose Gum, is a cellulose derivative which contains carboxymethyl groups that are bounded to hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone. The carboxy methyl group is represented as (-CH2-COOH), and is abbreviated as Na-CMC. It is widely applied in a variety of industries such as food, detergent, paper manufacturing, personal care, oil drilling, mining and textile.

Petropedia explains Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Na-CMC) is highly viscous and provides good acidic and salt resistance. CMC is commonly known as “MSG of Industry”.

It is useful in drilling activities because of the following reasons:

When CMC is added in the slurry, it creates a thin, strong and own permeability filter cake in the well and helps to reduce water loss.
It helps in keeping debris in the pit and gas can be easily released in the slurry.
Once CMC is added there is no need of adding any preservative additives in order to maintain the PH value.
It helps in reducing water loss even at very high temperatures such as 150 degree Celsius.
It helps in converting the drilling fluid that has to be flushed as an anti-pollutant.