ACTIGUARD is a non-toxic, hydrophobic additive that serves as a nonpolluting drilling fluid lubricant, ROP Enhancer, and shale control additive. It chemically bonds to clays, eliminates water invasion, and prevents shale swelling tendency. When mixed with fresh water, salt water, or drilling mud, it transforms into a uniform particle-size micro-emulsion.

This microemulsion produces a high surface area, reactive liquid that has an affinity for larger clay particles. It bonds to the clay matrix of shales to control swelling and sloughing. This coating
behavior alters the wettability of hydrophobic substances, which comes on top of inhibition levels