Technical compliance, specific gravity assays, and Middle East vessel chartering for API Spec 13A drilling barite.
For petroleum drilling contractors, mud service companies, and chemical distributors across the Gulf and Asia, Khuzdar barite provides a dependable high-density weighting material that satisfies strict API Spec 13A standards. To review full pycnometer test sheets and screen distribution curves, see our dedicated Khuzdar Drilling Barite Specification Dossier.
Role in Drilling
In high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) oil and gas wells, maintaining hydrostatic pressure balance is paramount to prevent formation blowouts and stabilize borehole walls. Barium sulfate (BaSO₄)—with its natural chemical inertness, high density, and low abrasiveness—is the global standard weighting material.
The Khuzdar–Gunga district in central Balochistan hosts Pakistan’s most extensive, high-purity barite formation. With certified specific gravities consistently exceeding 4.20 g/cm³ (and premium lots at 4.25+ g/cm³), Khuzdar barite effortlessly satisfies API Spec 13A requirements without requiring chemical beneficiation. To review full pycnometer test sheets and screen distribution curves, see our dedicated Khuzdar Drilling Barite Specification Dossier.
API 13A Matrix
| Parameter | API 13A Standard | Khuzdar Barite Typical Assay |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity (SG) | 4.20 g/cm³ Min (or 4.10) | 4.22 – 4.28 g/cm³ |
| BaSO₄ Purity | Not Specified (Implied >90%) | 92.5% – 96.5% |
| Water-Soluble Alkaline Earths (as Ca) | 250 mg/kg Max | 110 – 180 mg/kg |
| Residue > 75 µm (200 mesh) | 3.0% Max | 1.2% – 2.4% |
| Particles < 6 µm (Diameter) | 30% Max | 18% – 24% |
| Moisture Content | 1.0% Max | 0.3% – 0.5% |
Lumps vs. Milled Powder
Depending on buyer processing capabilities, Balochistan Minerals supplies both raw mineral and finished milled powder:
- Crude Lumps (0–50mm or 10–100mm): High-density, unground lump rock washed and sorted at the quarry, ideal for grinding mills and chemical processors.
- API 200-Mesh Milled Powder: Ultra-fine pulverization processed via Raymond roller mills, treated with anti-caking agents for immediate addition to drilling mud pits.
Khuzdar API Spec 13A Barite Technical Dossier
Certified Oilfield GradeBalochistan Minerals operates primary barite extraction in the Khuzdar corridor, supplying drilling contractors and mud service providers across the Gulf and Asia. Review certified Le Chatelier specific gravity, sieve residue assays, and bulk packaging options.
Packaging & Shipping
- Jumbo Bags: 1.5 MT heavy-duty polypropylene bulk bags with inner waterproof liner, 4-corner lifting loops, and bottom discharge spout.
- 50kg Sacks: Multi-wall craft paper or polypropylene bags palletized and shrink-wrapped (40 bags per 2 MT pallet).
- Logistics: Khuzdar sits just 280 km from Karachi and 350 km from Gwadar Port via the paved N-25 highway. Short transit time enables rapid delivery to Dubai (Jebel Ali), Abu Dhabi (Mussafah), Dammam, and Basra ports in under 6 days sail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Khuzdar barite meet both API Spec 13A 4.20 SG and 4.10 SG standards?
Yes. Khuzdar barite naturally yields high-purity barium sulfate (BaSO₄ 92.5%–96.5%) with typical specific gravity measured by Le Chatelier pycnometer between 4.22 and 4.28 g/cm³. This readily complies with both API Spec 13A Section 7 (4.20 SG standard) and Section 9 (4.10 SG standard) for deep-well drilling fluids.
What are the allowable limits for soluble alkaline earths (as calcium) and heavy metals?
API Spec 13A strictly caps water-soluble alkaline earths (reported as calcium) at 250 mg/kg max. Khuzdar barite consistently assays between 110 and 180 mg/kg, ensuring zero flocculation or viscosity spikes in water-based bentonite muds. Heavy metal contaminants (cadmium and mercury) test well below offshore environmental thresholds (Cd < 1.0 mg/kg, Hg < 0.2 mg/kg).
What packaging options ensure zero moisture ingress during maritime transit?
Finished 200-mesh drilling barite powder is packed in 1.5 MT heavy-duty woven polypropylene jumbo bags featuring an internal polyethylene moisture barrier liner, 4-point heavy lifting loops, and a bottom discharge chute. For bagged distribution, 50kg multi-ply moisture-proof craft bags on shrink-wrapped 2 MT pallets are supplied.
What is the transit lead time from Khuzdar mine to Jebel Ali, Dammam, and Basra?
Khuzdar is located 280 km from Karachi and 350 km from Gwadar Port via the paved N-25 highway corridor. Road transit takes under 12 hours from processing plant to port quayside. Feeder vessel transit from Karachi/Gwadar to Jebel Ali (UAE) is approximately 3 to 4 days, and to Dammam (Saudi Arabia) or Umm Qasr (Iraq) is 5 to 7 days.
Request SGS Barite Assay Report & CFR Price Quotation
Get instant specification sheets, specific gravity pycnometer test certificates, and vessel availability from our logistics desk.
Inquire for Barite Supply