 |
| Crude barytes awaiting export from China to the US Gulf of Mexico. Shortages of 4.2 SG drilling grade in the USA combined with a perception, under debate, of constricted 4.2 SG availability from China has led the API to establish a 4.1 SG standard grade. Courtesy Baker Hughes Inc. |
Plans to introduce a new grade 4.1 specific gravity (SG) grade of drilling barytes have been confirmed by the US oil and gas governing body, the America Petroleum Institute (API).
The API explained to IM: “There currently is no plan to replace the 4.20 barytes specification, but rather to add a 4.10 barytes specification leaving the end user the choice as to which material to use in any given case.
“If any 4.10 barytes was previously being offered, it would not currently carry an API Monogram. The new specification will offer another monogram for...