UNIKEM Oilfield Chemicals
Since 1987 | Specialty Chemical Additives | Global Supply
UNIKEM Oilfield Chemicals develops and supplies specialty additives for drilling fluids used in oil and gas operations worldwide.
Our portfolio supports both water-based and oil-based fluid systems, helping operators and service companies maintain wellbore stability, fluid performance, and operational efficiency across a wide range of geological conditions.
With more than three decades of industry experience, UNIKEM provides additives designed to deliver reliable performance in demanding drilling environments.
OIL-BASED MUD ADDITIVES
OIL-BASED MUD ADDITIVES
Emulsifiers
INVERTDRILL P
Primary Emulsifier | Invert Emulsion Systems
High-activity, 100% active primary emulsifier based on a modified tall oil derivative, used to form and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in oil-based drilling fluids.
INVERTDRILL P promotes oil- wetting of drilled solids and supports stable invert emulsion systems.
Typical Functions
• Primary emulsification of water phase
• Oil-wetting of solids and barite
• Stabilization of invert emulsion systems
• Contribution to fluid loss control
INVERTDRILL S
Secondary Emulsifier | Invert Emulsion Systems
Secondary emulsifier used to reinforce the stability of water-in-oil emulsions in oil-based drilling fluids. INVERTDRILL S works in combination with primary emulsifiers to maintain consistent
emulsion structure and fluid properties during drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Reinforces invert emulsion stability
• Supports oil-wetting of drilled solids and weighting materials
• Helps maintain consistent rheology in oil-based mud systems
Rheology Modifiers & Dispersants
RHEOMUL
Rheology Modifier | Oil-Based & Synthetic-Based Systems
RHEOMUL is a rheology modifier used in hydrocarbon and synthetic-based drilling fluids to increase low-shear-rate viscosity. It improves suspension of drilled solids and weighting materials
while supporting stable rheology in invert emulsion systems.
Typical Functions
• Increases low-shear-rate viscosity
• Improves suspension of cuttings and weighting materials
• Supports stable rheological profiles in invert emulsion systems
OILTHIN
Dispersant | Oil-Based & Invert Emulsion Systems
OILTHIN is an oil-dispersible dispersant used to control plastic viscosity and improve solids dispersion in oil-based drilling fluids. It helps maintain stable rheology while improving flow
characteristics in invert emulsion systems.
Typical Functions
• Reduces plastic viscosity in oil-based mud systems
• Improves dispersion of drilled solids and weighting materials
• Helps maintain stable rheological properties during drilling operations
Fluid Loss Control (HPHT)
DUROIL
HPHT Fluid Loss Control Additive | Oil-Based & Invert Emulsion Systems
DUROIL is an oil-dispersible powdered additive used to control filtration in oil-based and invert emulsion drilling fluids under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions. It is based on a chemically modified organophilic polyphenolic tannin and contains no asphalt or asphalt derivatives.
Typical Functions
• Controls fluid loss in HPHT drilling environments
• Improves filter cake quality in invert emulsion systems
• Supports stable fluid performance at elevated temperatures
KEMWET
Wetting Agent | Invert Emulsion Systems
KEMWET is a blend of biodegradable surfactants compatible with hydrocarbon and synthetic base fluids, used to promote oil-wetting of drilled solids and weighting materials in invert emulsion drilling fluids. It helps maintain stable emulsion systems and reduces the risk of water-wet solids during drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Promotes oil-wetting of drilled solids and weighting materials
• Supports stability of invert emulsion systems
• Helps prevent water-wet solids and emulsion instability
WATER-BASED MUD ADDITIVES
WATER-BASED MUD ADDITIVES
Rheology Modifiers & Dispersants
DRILLFLO
Dispersant | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
DRILLFLO is a chromium-free dispersant based on modified tannin (natural polyphenol) used to control viscosity and improve solids dispersion in water-based drilling fluids. It functions as an effective thinner across a wide pH range and maintains performance at elevated temperatures.
Typical Functions
• Reduces viscosity and acts as a deflocculant in water-based fluids
• Improves dispersion of drilled solids and clays
• Provides thinning performance across a wide pH range and elevated temperatures
KEMTHIN
Polymer Dispersant | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
KEMTHIN is a synthetic anionic copolymer used as a deflocculant and thinner to control rheology in freshwater drilling fluids. It performs effectively in low-salinity systems where chloride concentrations do not exceed approximately 10,000 mg/L and hardness levels remain below 500 mg/L.
KEMTHIN helps maintain stable viscosity and reduces the risk of high-temperature gelation in water-based drilling fluids.
Typical Functions
• Controls viscosity in freshwater drilling fluids
• Improves dispersion of drilled solids and clays
• Helps prevent high-temperature gelation in low-salinity systems
Fluid Loss Control
STARFLO
Fluid Loss Control Additive | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
STARFLO is a carboxymethylated potato starch polymer used to control filtration in freshwater and saltwater drilling fluids. The polyanionic carbohydrate structure helps encapsulate reactive clays,
reducing swelling and improving removal of drilled solids.
Typical Functions
• Reduces API fluid loss in water-based drilling fluids
• Improves filter cake quality and wellbore stability
• Encapsulates reactive clays and drilled solids
• Can be used as an alternative to PAC in selected systems
THERMALITE
High-Temperature Fluid Loss Control Additive | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
THERMALITE is a filtration control additive based on chemically modified tannin (natural polyphenol) used in water-based drilling fluids. It provides effective control of both API and HPHT
fluid loss while stabilizing rheological properties over a wide temperature range.
THERMALITE performs reliably in the presence of common drilling fluid contaminants such as
calcium, magnesium, and chloride salts and remains effective across a broad pH range.
Typical Functions
• Controls API and HPHT fluid loss in water-based drilling fluids
• Stabilizes rheological properties at elevated temperatures
• Maintains performance in contaminated systems
• Compatible with a wide range of drilling fluid formulations
STAREX
Fluid Loss Control Additive | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
STAREX is a biodegradable filtration control additive designed for use in mixed metal hydroxide (MMO) drilling fluid systems. It helps regulate fluid loss while supporting stable fluid properties in low-solids drilling fluids.
Typical Functions
• Controls fluid loss in MMO-based drilling fluid systems
• Supports stable filtration properties in low-solids fluids
• Provides environmentally compatible filtration control
• Compatible with specialized polymer drilling systems
Shale Inhibitors & Stabilizers
BOREMASTER
Shale Stabilizer | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
BOREMASTER is a water-dispersible gilsonite-based resin used to stabilize reactive shale formations and reduce filtrate invasion in water-based drilling fluids. It helps seal microfractures and pore spaces in shales, limiting water ingress and improving wellbore stability during drilling operations.
BOREMASTER is treated with a wetting additive to ensure rapid dispersion in drilling fluids without the need for additional surfactants.
Typical Functions
• Stabilizes reactive shale formations
• Seals microfractures and pore spaces in shale formations
• Reduces filtrate invasion and water ingress
• Provides shale stabilization in high-temperature drilling environments
ALKEM
Shale Inhibitor | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
ALKEM is a powdered aluminium complex used to control hydration and dispersion of water- sensitive clays and shales in water-based drilling fluids. It interacts with clay minerals through
surface charge adsorption, reducing clay swelling and improving wellbore stability.
ALKEM provides an effective alternative to conventional electrolyte shale inhibitors in reactive
shale formations.
Typical Functions
• Reduces hydration and dispersion of reactive clays
• Stabilizes water-sensitive shale formations
• Adsorbs onto clay mineral surfaces to limit swelling
• Supports wellbore stability in water-based drilling fluids
BLACK MUD
Wellbore Stabilizer | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
BLACK MUD is a liquid gilsonite-based additive containing gilsonite particles and polyglycols, formulated to stabilize reactive and microfractured shale formations in water-based drilling fluids. It helps reduce dynamic filtrate invasion and minimize the risk of differential sticking during drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Stabilizes hydrosensitive and microfractured shale formations
• Reduces dynamic filtrate invasion into the formation
• Helps minimize the risk of differential sticking
• Supports wellbore stability in water-based drilling systems
Lubricants
KEMLUBE
Vegetable-Based Lubricant | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
KEMLUBE is an environmentally compatible lubricant based on modified vegetable oils, formulated as a thermally stable ester for use in water-based drilling fluids. It reduces torque and drag while providing effective lubrication in systems where hydrocarbon-based lubricants are restricted.
Typical Functions
• Reduces torque and drag in water-based drilling systems
• Improves lubricity in directional and extended-reach wells
• Provides an alternative to hydrocarbon-based lubricants
• Maintains performance at elevated temperatures
KEMLUBE EP
Extreme Pressure Lubricant | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
KEMLUBE EP is a high-performance lubricant designed to maintain lubricity under extreme pressure and high-load conditions in water-based drilling fluids. It provides enhanced thermal stability and helps reduce torque, drag, and mechanical wear in demanding drilling environments.
Typical Functions
• Provides lubrication under extreme pressure conditions
• Reduces torque and drag in high-load drilling operations
• Protects metal surfaces from wear and friction
• Maintains performance at elevated temperatures
LUBRIFYBER
Torque Reduction Additive | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
LUBRIFYBER is a fiber-based additive designed to reduce torque and drag in water-based drilling fluids. The fibrous structure helps create a lubricating effect along the wellbore, improving sliding performance in directional and extended-reach drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Reduces torque and drag in directional wells
• Improves sliding efficiency in extended-reach drilling
• Enhances wellbore lubrication through fiber-based action
• Supports smoother drilling operations in deviated sections
COIL LUBE
Lubricant | Coiled Tubing Operations
COIL LUBE is a specialized lubricant designed to reduce friction and mechanical wear during coiled tubing operations. It improves lubrication between tubing and wellbore surfaces, enhancing operational efficiency and extending equipment life.
Typical Functions
• Reduces friction in coiled tubing operations
• Minimizes mechanical wear on tubing and equipment
• Improves operational efficiency during CT interventions
• Supports smoother running and retrieval of coiled tubing
ROLLBEAD
Friction Reducer | Multi-System Compatible
ROLLBEAD is a borosilicate microsphere lubricant used to reduce torque and drag in drilling fluids. The spherical particles act as micro ball bearings, reducing surface contact friction and improving sliding performance in directional drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Reduces torque and drag in drilling systems
• Improves sliding efficiency in directional wells
• Provides lubrication through borosilicate microsphere technology
• Compatible with multiple drilling fluid systems
Lost Circulation Materials
BIOCEL B
Cellulosic Lost Circulation Material | Water-Based Systems
BIOCEL B is a fine fibrous cellulose additive composed of chemically modified fibers, used to control seepage losses in porous and highly permeable formations. It helps seal micro-fractures and improve wellbore integrity in water- and hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids.
Typical Functions
• Controls seepage losses in porous and highly permeable formations
• Seals micro-fractures and fine voids
• Effective in calcareous formations
• Improves wellbore integrity during drilling operations
SOLUBRIDGE
Acid-Soluble Lost Circulation Material | Multi-System Compatible
SOLUBRIDGE is a mineral fibre additive used to bridge and seal porous formations in drilling fluids. Its cross-linked fibre structure forms a low permeability barrier that reduces fluid losses and can be removed during acid treatments when required.
Typical Functions
• Bridges and seals porous and fractured formations
• Forms low-permeability plugs to reduce fluid losses
• Acid-soluble for removal during stimulation treatments
• Compatible with water-based, oil-based, and completion fluids
SEAL OFF
High-Solids Lost Circulation Material | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
SEAL OFF is a blended mineral material used to rapidly seal severe loss zones in water-based drilling fluids. It forms high-solids suspensions that deposit quickly in loss zones, helping restore circulation and minimize non-productive time during drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Seals severe loss zones in drilling operations
• Forms high-solids plugs through rapid deposition
• Helps restore circulation in critical conditions
• Reduces non-productive time associated with fluid losses
Bactericides / Biocides
BIOTEC
Bactericide | Water-Based Drilling & Completion Fluids
BIOTEC is a broad-spectrum bactericide based on dithiocarbamate chemistry, used to control microbial activity in water-based drilling and completion fluids. It is effective against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, helping prevent slime formation and reduce corrosion associated with microbial contamination.
Typical Functions
• Controls aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth
• Prevents slime formation in active fluid systems
• Reduces risk of microbially induced corrosion
• Maintains fluid stability during drilling operations
GLUTA 25
Biocide | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
GLUTA 25 is a glutaraldehyde-based biocide used to control aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in water-based drilling fluids. It is compatible with all types of brine systems but is not recommended for use with sulphite-based oxygen scavengers.
Typical Functions
• Controls aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth
• Maintains fluid stability in water-based systems
• Compatible with freshwater and brine drilling fluids
• Supports microbial control in active mud systems
BACCIDE
Biocide | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
BACCIDE is a broad-spectrum biocide used to control bacterial contamination in water-based drilling fluids. It helps maintain fluid stability by preventing microbial growth and associated degradation during drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Controls bacterial growth in water-based drilling fluids
• Helps maintain fluid stability in active systems
• Prevents degradation caused by microbial contamination
• Supports consistent drilling fluid performance
DRILL-XIDE
Granular Biocide | Water-Based Drilling & Completion Fluids
DRILL-XIDE is a broad spectrum granular biocide based on a mixture of isothiazolinones, used to control slime-forming and sulphate-reducing bacteria in water-based drilling fluids. The granular form allows effective and sustained microbial control in active fluid systems.
Typical Functions
• Controls slime-forming and sulphate-reducing bacteria
• Provides sustained microbial control in drilling fluids
• Helps maintain fluid stability in active systems
• Suitable for drilling and completion fluid applications
Corrosion Control & H₂S Scavengers
OXICOR
Oxygen Scavenger | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
OXICOR is a catalyzed sodium bisulphite solution used to remove dissolved oxygen from water-based drilling fluids. It helps minimize oxygen-related corrosion and protects metal components in drilling fluid systems.
Typical Functions
• Removes dissolved oxygen from drilling fluids
• Reduces oxygen-related corrosion
• Protects metal surfaces and equipment
• Maintains fluid stability in water-based system
UNICOR
Corrosion Inhibitor | Brine & Water-Based Systems
UNICOR is a water-soluble filming amine corrosion inhibitor designed for use in high- density brines, seawater, and calcium chloride systems. It provides long-term corrosion protection in water-based drilling fluids, including applications exposed to high temperatures and difficult or inaccessible downhole environments.
Typical Functions
• Forms a protective film on metal surfaces
• Provides long-term corrosion inhibition in brine systems
• Protects equipment in high-density and saline environments
• Maintains performance under high-temperature conditions
SULFOCHECK
H₂S Scavenger | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
SULFOCHECK is a water-soluble hydrogen sulphide scavenger based on polyphenolic zinc chelate chemistry. It sequesters hydrogen sulphide in water-based drilling fluids and brines, improving operational safety while also providing partial protection against oxygen- related corrosion.
SULFOCHECK is compatible with a wide range of drilling fluid systems and remains stable without precipitation at high pH.
Typical Functions
• Removes hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids
• Improves safety by reducing H₂S exposure
• Provides partial protection against corrosion
• Maintains performance in high-pH and contaminated systems
SULFOCHECK AC
H₂S Scavenger | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
SULFOCHECK AC is a water-soluble, amine-based sulphide scavenger used to permanently remove hydrogen sulphide from water-based drilling fluids. It helps control H₂S contamination and maintain safe operating conditions during drilling operations.
Typical Functions
• Permanently removes hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids
• Controls H₂S contamination in active systems
• Improves operational safety during drilling
• Suitable for water-based drilling fluid applicationsPermanently removes hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids
• Controls H₂S contamination in active systems
• Improves operational safety during drilling
• Suitable for water-based drilling fluid applicationsPermanently removes hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids
• Controls H₂S contamination in active systems
• Improves operational safety during drilling
• Suitable for water-based drilling fluid applications
Defoamers
CUT FOAM
Defoamer | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
CUT FOAM is an alcohol-based liquid defoamer used to control surface foam and entrained air in water-based drilling fluids. It is particularly effective during mixing and circulation, helping eliminate trapped gas and air within the fluid system.
Typical Functions
• Controls surface foam in water-based drilling fluids
• Removes entrained and trapped air during mixing
• Improves fluid handling and measurement accuracy
• Supports stable fluid performance in active systems
CUTFOAM X
Defoamer | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
CUTFOAM X is a polyglycol-based defoamer designed for persistent foam control in water-based drilling fluids. It provides sustained defoaming performance during circulation and in systems where recurring foam generation is expected.
Typical Functions
• Controls persistent and recurring foam in drilling fluids
• Maintains stable circulation and fluid handling
• Reduces entrained air in active systems
• Effective in continuous treatment applications
Surfactants & Cleaners
DDETERGENT
Drilling Detergent | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
DDETERGENT is a biodegradable, low-foaming surfactant based on non-ionic chemistry, used to reduce clay accretion on drilling tools and solids control equipment. It helps
minimize clay sticking on shaker screens and downhole tools, reducing torque and drag while improving rate of penetration.
Typical Functions
• Reduces clay accretion on drilling tools and equipment
• Minimizes sticking on shaker screens and solids control systems
• Lowers torque and drag in drilling operations
• Improves rate of penetration (ROP) and drilling efficiency
RIGWASH
Rig Cleaning Agent | Water-Based Systems
RIGWASH is a heavy-duty, biodegradable detergent used for cleaning drilling equipment and rig surfaces. It effectively removes oil residues, drilling fluids, and operational contaminants from equipment and work areas.
Typical Functions
• Removes oil residues and drilling fluid contaminants
• Cleans rig equipment and operational surfaces
• Provides heavy-duty cleaning performance with biodegradable formulation
• Supports safer and cleaner working environments
KLEEN HOLE
System Cleaner | Oil-Based & Invert Mud Systems
KLEEN HOLE is a surfactant-based cleaner designed for use in invert emulsion drilling fluids to remove oil-based mud residues and improve wettability during wellbore cleaning and fluid displacement operations. It supports efficient system transitions and helps restore water-wet conditions where required.
Typical Functions
• Removes oil-based mud residues from wellbore and equipment
• Improves wettability during displacement operations
• Supports transition from invert mud to water-based systems
• Enhances cleaning performance in invert emulsion environments
Pipe Freeing Agents
UNIFREE
Pipe-Freeing Agent | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
UNIFREE is a biodegradable, chloride-free cationic surfactant-based spotting fluid formulated with fatty acid components, designed to assist in freeing differentially stuck pipe
in water-based drilling fluids. It reduces friction and penetrates stuck zones to improve the likelihood of tool release.
Typical Functions
• Assists in freeing differentially stuck pipe
• Reduces friction in stuck zones
• Penetrates filter cake and tight formations
• Supports effective spotting fluid applications
Foaming Agents
DRILLFOAM
Foaming Agent | Foam Drilling Systems
DRILLFOAM is a foaming agent used to generate stable foam in stiff-foam drilling applications. It improves cuttings transport and supports efficient drilling operations where
reduced fluid volumes and effective hole cleaning are required.
Typical Functions
• Generates stable foam for drilling applications
• Improves cuttings transport and hole cleaning
• Reduces fluid volume requirements during drilling
• Supports efficient drilling in low-fluid systems
MMO System Additives
MUDPLEX
MMO Additive | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
MUDPLEX is an additive used in mixed metal hydroxide (MMO) drilling fluid systems to build viscosity and enhance solids suspension in low-solids fluids. It develops a unique gel structure that provides strong suspension capacity while maintaining low viscosity during
circulation. MUDPLEX supports efficient drilling performance in low-solids systems by enabling effective cuttings transport while maintaining manageable flow properties.
Typical Functions
• Builds viscosity in MMO-based drilling fluid systems
• Provides strong solids suspension in low-solids fluids
• Maintains low viscosity at higher shear rates
• Improves cuttings transport and drilling efficiency
Environmental & Specialty Products
SORBOND
Hydrocarbon Absorbent | Environmental Applications
SORBOND is a biodegradable, fibrous organic absorbent designed for hydrocarbon remediation and spill control. It is chemically modified to enhance hydrophobicity, maximizing hydrocarbon absorption while minimizing water uptake. SORBOND is suitable for use in environmental cleanup and bioremediation applications.
Typical Functions
• Absorbs hydrocarbons in spill and remediation applications
• Provides high oil affinity with limited water absorption
• Supports environmental cleanup and bioremediation
• Suitable for drilling and industrial applications
Well Cleaning & Drilling Efficiency
WELLFLUSH
Wellbore Cleaning Additive | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Synthetic fiber additive designed to improve hole cleaning and cuttings transport. WELLFLUSH disperses easily in drilling fluids and enhances suspension without significantly affecting rheology.
BOREFAST
ROP Enhancer | Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Surfactant and lubricant blend designed to improve rate o penetration (ROP) by reducing
friction and torque in the drilling system. BOREFAST enhances drilling efficiency, particularly in directional wells.