Gilsonite (Gls)

Gilsonite, originally known as “Uintaite” is a natural, high purity, solid hydrocarbon rich in asphaltenes and nitrogen compounds. It is glossy black and brittle and contains little sulfur or ash. Although it appears similar to hard coal or asphalt, its chemical properties are significant different. It is classified as an asphaltite. Gilsonite is soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents as petroleum asphalt. Due to its unique compatibility, Gilsonite is frequently used to harden softer petroleum products.

Much SIMONO^® Gls is used directly in its crude from, as insulation for pipelines, particularly hot pipes, as waterproofing and undercoating for wood and metal, and as paving, roofing and other uses identical with crude asphalt. It is also blended with refinery produced asphalt and petroleum products to obtain certain desired characteristics. SIMONO^® Gls is used in drilling mud fluids and oil well cementing. Gilsonite, in a range of softening points and particle sizes, is a standard ingredient in oil-based drilling muds used in shales and other difficult geological formations. The addition of specially-treated SIMONO^® Gls to water-based drilling fluids helps minimize hole washout by stabilizing troublesome shales, and seals off highly permeable sands while reducing torque and drag. The addition of SIMONO^® Gls to oil well cements reduces slurry weight without loss of compressive strength and acts as an effective bridging and plugging agent to seal fractures in weak formations while cementing.

SIMONO^® Gls is categorized into three main finished product groups of SIMONO^® P-Gls, SIMONO^® ASP and SIMONO^® BTM115/15.

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