Fine

{
  "id": "MLC-T-OAG-001419",
  "term": "Fine",
  "field": "Oil and gas",
  "definitions": [
    "Describing a solid material, such as a weighting agent or clay, that has been ground to a very small particle size. This texture contrasts with medium or coarse grades of the same material, affecting its dispersion and performance in a drilling fluid. The American Petroleum Institute (API) specifies particle size distribution standards for materials like barite, with a certain percentage required to pass through a specific mesh sieve.",
    "Extremely small solid particles suspended within a drilling fluid, including both commercial additives and drilled solids from the formation. While some fines like bentonite are beneficial for viscosity and fluid-loss control, an accumulation of drilled fines degrades mud properties by increasing density and plastic viscosity. Solids control equipment, such as centrifuges, is used to remove these undesirable low-gravity solids from the mud system."
  ],
  "subject": "Drilling Fluids",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/oil-and-gas/fine/"
}