Poly Anionic Cellulose (PAC) is produced by various chemical companies worldwide, primarily for its role as a fluid loss reducer and viscosifier in industries like oil and gas drilling, as we’ve discussed. Manufacturers modify natural cellulose through a chemical process called carboxymethylation, introducing anionic groups to create a water-soluble polymer with excellent stability and filtration control properties. This makes PAC invaluable in water-based drilling fluids, where it forms a filter cake to minimize fluid loss into permeable formations.

The production of PAC begins with sourcing cellulose from plant-based materials, such as wood or cotton. This raw material is then treated with an alkaline solution (usually sodium hydroxide) and a carboxymethylating agent, like monochloroacetic acid. This reaction attaches carboxymethyl groups to the cellulose structure, rendering it water-soluble and capable of interacting with particles in drilling fluids. The resulting product is purified, dried, and ground into a fine white powder, ready for packaging and distribution. Manufacturers adjust the viscosity of PAC—producing low-viscosity (PAC-LV) or high-viscosity (PAC-HV) grades—to meet specific needs, such as fluid loss control or increasing drilling mud thickness.

PAC is manufactured to high technical standards, often adhering to international guidelines like those from the American Petroleum Institute (API), ensuring performance in extreme conditions, such as temperatures above 150°C or high-salinity environments. Production facilities are typically equipped with modern chemical reactors, rigorous quality control systems, and automated packaging lines. The final product is a white, odorless powder shipped to drilling sites or other industries like cementing, food, or pharmaceuticals.

In application, PAC from these manufacturers is widely used in water-based drilling fluids (muds) to minimize fluid loss into permeable geological formations. It forms a thin, low-permeability filter cake on the borehole wall, helping maintain pressure and protect well integrity. Its ability to perform in high-temperature and high-salinity conditions makes it a top choice compared to other polymers like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).