Prehydration

{
  "id": "MLC-T-OAG-002906",
  "term": "Prehydration",
  "field": "Oil and gas",
  "definition": "The process of mixing bentonite clay or certain polymers with fresh water to allow for full hydration and yielding before their introduction into a brine or contaminated mud system. This step is performed because the high concentration of electrolytes in saltwater drilling fluids suppresses the swelling of clay platelets and polymer chains. The resulting prehydrated slurry is then added to the active system to provide the required viscosity and fluid-loss control.",
  "subject": "Drilling Fluids",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/oil-and-gas/prehydration/"
}