The guar gum powder is derived from the guar seed endosperm which is dehusked and milled then refined to give an off white free flowing powder. The plant is found from all over the world but the Indian sub continent produces the highest volume. The guaran has various applications related to its chemical properties. These range from being used as a gelling agent in the foods industry, gels in the cosmetic industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and in the oil drilling industry as a hydrating agent.
Hydrating Action of the Guar Gum Powder
The chemical structure of the Guaran consists of a beta 1-4 linked mannose units’ backbone, with side chains comprised of alpha 1-6 linked D galactose. The mannose to galactose ration is 2:1. The guaran easily absorbs water to form a thick solution or a gel and hence it wide application as a thickener and a stabilizer.
There are various qualities of the guaran powder that have made it the best hydrating agent in industry. These are factors that favor the hydration process and they include:
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The size of particles; this influences the surface area of contact with water. The guaran powder has very small particle size of less than 74 microns making an efficient hydrating agent.
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The chain configuration of the guar gum can be modified to allow for combination with other compounds to enhance its hydrating action.
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It has a high shear rate which result in rapid fragmentation of the particles, leading to a bigger surface area for action and hence a more rapid hydration process.
Various Applications of the Guar Gum in the Drilling Industry
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As a thickener, it combines with mud generated by the drill bit to thicken it into a viscous gel which is then pushed up to the surface .This is because the mud in its loose state may not rise properly due to stickiness on the walls.
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For oil well fracturing process. It is combined with other fluids for enhanced thickening .This enables the fracturing fluids stick to the cracks allowing improved well productivity.
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While drilling, there is very high friction force which may damage the drill bit. Guar gum powder combines with the drilling fluids to lubricate the walls of the wells thereby reducing the energy used and prevent damage to the drill bits and shafts.
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In the drilling process there may occur water formations which may interfere with drilling. The Guaran powder quickly absorbs this water to form a gel which is then taken to the surface.
Availability of the Guar Gum
The guar gum powder is available and especially online shops and can be easily obtained. It can be ordered based on individual requirements and specific quantities can be delivered.
Conclusion
The guar gum powder is derived from the guar plant seeds by de husking, processing and refining the endosperm to obtain the guar gum. Some of the properties that make the guar gum a highly hydrating solution include the small particle size, chemical structure and the mode of action when combined with a solvent. It is very useful as a hydrating chemical and as a thickener of oil drilling fluids. It is also used as gelling agent to assist in removal of drilling mud and even as a lubricating agent to reduce friction while drilling. This article has been written by Biren Patel working at Agro Gums. Agro Gums is a guar and cassia gum manufacturing company offering high quality guar gum powder, fast hydration guar gum powder, cassia powder, guar splits and guar meal to satisfy the production requirements of various industries across the world.
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