High-density, low-corrosion, and environmentally compatible — potassium formate (HCOOK) delivers superior wellbore stability,
faster drilling performance, and reduced non-productive time (NPT) in challenging HPHT wells.
Plus: emerging uses in deicing, leather, and heat transfer.
Tip: For the fastest technical response, share your target density, temperature window, metallurgy (e.g., SS/CRA), and solids-free requirement.
What Is Potassium Formate?
Potassium formate is the potassium salt of formic acid, commonly used as a high-performance clear brine component for drilling,
completion, and workover operations. In oilfield brines, it is valued for high density without solids,
shale inhibition, and lower corrosion tendency compared to many chloride/bromide systems.
| Property | Potassium Formate (HCOOK) | Calcium Chloride | Zinc Bromide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (typical max) | Up to ~1.57–1.58 g/cm³ (clear brine, saturated) | ~1.40 g/cm³ (typical high-density brine range) | ~2.30 g/cm³ (very high density) |
| Corrosivity | Low to moderate; often compatible with stainless systems (verify metallurgy) | Higher; chlorides increase corrosion risk | Very high; specialized handling/metallurgy required |
| Environmental profile | More environmentally compatible for many uses; widely positioned as a lower-impact alternative | May be problematic for certain discharge scenarios | Persistent and tightly regulated |
| Cost | Medium–high (performance-driven) | Low | Very high |
Mechanism highlight: K⁺ ion exchange + formate anion inhibition can suppress clay hydration and improve shale stability,
helping reduce sloughing and formation damage in sensitive intervals.
Core Application: Oil & Gas Drilling
Why Use HCOOK in Drilling Fluids?
- High density without solids: enables clear brine systems that help minimize formation damage risk.
- HPHT capability: formate brines are widely used in demanding well construction environments; confirm your full additive package for temperature stability.
- Wellbore stability: inhibitive behavior can reduce shale swelling and cuttings dispersion challenges.
- Lubricity & torque/drag control: supports extended reach and complex trajectories (system-dependent).
Typical System Design (Engineering Starting Point)
- Base brine: potassium formate solution (commonly formulated to target density; concentration is adjusted accordingly).
- Additives (examples): viscosifier (e.g., xanthan), shale inhibitor co-additives (e.g., glycols), filtration control as required.
- pH window: typically maintained in a mildly alkaline range for system stability (confirm with your metallurgy & additive selection).
- Operational focus: keep the system clean (low solids), monitor density & residuals, and validate compatibility with elastomers/metals.
Future expansion (cluster-ready): HCOOK drilling fluid formulation (coming soon)
Performance Outcomes (What to Expect)
Public industry literature and field experience commonly report benefits such as improved wellbore stability and cleaner reservoir sections
when solids-free formate systems are properly designed. Outcomes depend heavily on formation type, temperature, density target, and the full additive package.
Request case studies and a compatibility checklist if you’re evaluating formate conversion from KCl/polymer systems.
Emerging & Niche Applications
Potassium formate is expanding beyond oilfield brines due to its performance profile in low-corrosion and lower-impact applications.
If you’re sourcing outside oil & gas, specify your industry so we can recommend the correct grade and concentration.
| Industry | Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Deicing | Airport runways, roads | Low corrosion on concrete/steel; positioned as a more sustainable alternative for certain environments |
| Leather tanning | Deliming / process aid | Can reduce reliance on ammonium-based systems in certain processes (process-dependent) |
| Heat transfer | Solar thermal / industrial loops | Good thermal profile for brine-based systems; specify temperature range & metallurgy |
| Concrete | Set accelerator / non-chloride systems | Non-chloride alternative for applications where chlorides are restricted |
“Goway supplies technical-grade HCOOK optimized for your target application — specify industry, required concentration, and logistics format.”
Product Specifications & Handling
Typical Specification (example)
- Assay: ≥ 90% (custom concentration available: 70%, 80%, 90%+)
- Water: ≤ 5% (for high assay products; confirm by grade)
- pH: typically alkaline range (10% solution; grade-dependent)
- Appearance: clear solution or crystalline solid (depending on supply form)
Final specification is per batch COA. Ask for COA + SDS + TDS before loading.
Packaging, Storage & Safety
- Packaging: IBC totes (1000 L) • ISO tank (bulk) • drums (upon request)
- Storage: keep sealed; product is hygroscopic; avoid moisture ingress
- Materials: avoid aluminum contact for concentrated solutions; confirm with your metallurgy
- Safety: low toxicity profile for many uses, but concentrated solutions require standard PPE and spill control
Need packaging photos and a redacted COA sample? Request our commercial sheet.
Common Technical FAQs
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Next Steps
Tell us your application, required density (or target fluid weight), temperature window, volume, and destination port — we’ll reply with a recommended grade,
compatibility checklist, and commercial offer.
Get FOB Price for 20 MT ISO Tank → WhatsApp
Request Custom Concentration Trial (70–95%)
Content cluster (planned):
- HCOOK vs Sodium Formate (coming soon)
- HCOOK Drilling Fluid Formulation (coming soon)
- Environmental Impact of Formate Brines (coming soon)
This page is the master entry — future potassium formate pages should link back here (“Back to Potassium Formate Master Guide”).
