1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

The common name for potassium hydroxide [KOH]. Caustic potash is used in potassium-based water muds to increase pH and alkalinity and to help maintain the K⁺ ion concentration. As the name implies, it is highly caustic and gives off heat when dissolved in water. Caustic potash is hazardous to use without proper training and equipment.

See related terms: caustic soda,  chemical barrel,  hardness ion,  potassium mud,  salt,  water mud