Anglo Pacific Minerals supplies API 13A drilling grade barite powder in 4.2 and 4.1 specific gravity grades to drilling fluid companies, mud engineers and traders. We source the powder from long-term suppliers in China, Vietnam, India, Morocco and Mexico. Because our supply base covers several countries, we can match each order to the grade, quantity and destination the buyer needs.
What is API barite?
Barite is a natural mineral made up of barium sulphate (BaSO4). It is dense (pure barite has a specific gravity of about 4.5), chemically inert and practically insoluble, which makes it the standard weighting agent for oil and gas drilling fluids.
API barite is barite that has been ground to a fine powder and meets the physical and chemical requirements of API Specification 13A, Specification for Drilling Fluids Materials. The specification sets a minimum density, limits the water-soluble alkaline earth metals (such as calcium) that can upset mud chemistry, and controls particle size so that the powder stays suspended in the fluid without adding too many ultra-fine particles.
4.2 and 4.1 SG grades
API 13A covers two grades of drilling barite:
- API barite 4.2: minimum density of 4.20 g/ml. This is the long-established grade, and it is still the reference grade for most drilling programmes.
- API barite 4.1: minimum density of 4.10 g/ml. This grade was added to the specification in later editions and allows good-quality ores with a slightly lower density to be used.
Both grades have the same limits on water-soluble alkaline earth metals and particle size. Because 4.1 barite is lower in density, more of it is needed to reach a given mud weight, and the maximum practical mud weight for some formulations can be lower. Mud engineers should allow for this in their fluid calculations when they switch between grades. We can supply either grade, and we are happy to talk through which one suits your application and budget.
Specification
The table below shows APM’s standard specification for API barite powder. It includes the API 13A requirements and additional parameters we can guarantee.
| Parameter | API barite 4.2 | API barite 4.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity / density | 4.20 g/cm³ min | 4.10 g/cm³ min |
| BaSO4 | 90% min | 85% min |
| Water-soluble alkaline earth metals as calcium | 250 ppm (mg/kg) max | 250 ppm (mg/kg) max |
| Residue > 75 µm | 3.0% max | 3.0% max |
| Particles < 6 µm (equivalent spherical diameter) | 30% max | 30% max |
| Extractable carbonates | 3,000 mg/l max | 3,000 mg/l max |
| Mercury (Hg) | 1.00 ppm max | 1.00 ppm max |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 3.00 ppm max | 3.00 ppm max |
| Moisture | 1.00% max | 1.00% max |
Density, water-soluble alkaline earth metals, residue > 75 µm and particles < 6 µm are API 13A requirements. BaSO4 content, extractable carbonates, mercury, cadmium and moisture are additional limits in APM’s specification. Download the full API barite powder spec sheet, or ask us about a tighter specification for your project.
Uses in drilling fluids
Weighting agent
The main job of API barite is to raise the density (mud weight) of water-based and oil-based drilling fluids. A heavier fluid creates more hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore. This helps to balance formation pressure, stabilise the borehole wall and carry drilled cuttings to the surface. Because barite is inert, it adds weight without reacting with other mud additives.
Well control
When a well meets higher-than-expected formation pressure, the mud weight has to be raised quickly to prevent an influx of formation fluids. Reliable access to API barite that is on specification is therefore a basic part of well control planning.
Related products
For very high-density fluids, or where operators want a higher-density alternative, we also supply API 13A hematite powder. Other drilling fluid materials we supply include bentonite, xanthan gum and mica. For grinding plants and traders who want the raw material, see drilling grade barite ore.
Packing and shipping
API barite powder is available in bulk, 1 MT, 1.25 MT and 1.5 MT big bags (FIBCs), 25 kg bags, 50 kg bags and printed bags. Small bags can be shipped in containers.
- Bulk: available
- Big bags: 1 MT, 1.25 MT and 1.5 MT
- Small bags: 25 kg and 50 kg
- Printed bags: available
- Incoterms: APM offers all the main Incoterms, including FOB, CFR and CIF, and quotes whichever suits the buyer.
- Lead times vary from days to months depending on the product and volume ordered; the expected lead time is confirmed at quotation.
Quality testing
API 13A sets out standard laboratory methods for barite. These include measuring density with a Le Chatelier flask, measuring water-soluble alkaline earth metals as calcium by EDTA titration, wet sieving to check the residue above 75 µm, and sedimentation to measure the proportion of particles below 6 µm.
We work closely with our suppliers so that every shipment meets the agreed specification. Each shipment is supported by a certificate of analysis, independent third-party testing (for example, SGS), and a loading inspection report. Samples are available.
Request a quote for API barite powder
To get a price for API 13A barite powder, tell us:
- The grade (4.2 or 4.1 SG) and any specification requirements beyond API 13A
- The quantity, and whether this is a one-off or regular order
- The packing you need (big bags, 25 kg or 50 kg bags)
- The delivery port or destination, and your preferred Incoterms
Start an RFQ, email info@angpacmin.com or call +44 7822 032755. A member of our team will reply as quickly as possible.
Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd, 7-9 The Avenue, Eastbourne BN21 3YA, United Kingdom.
See also our barite FAQ and our page for buyers in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
