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.