1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

A cationic amine salt in which the nitrogen atom has four groups bonded to it and carries a positive charge. Quaternary amines are used as oil-wetting agents, corrosion and shale inhibitors and bactericides.

See related terms: amines,  attapulgite,  cation,  clay,  fatty acid,  inhibitor,  lignite,  organophilic,  organophilic clay,  organophilic lignite,  surfactant