1. n. []
The common name for sodium hydroxide [NaOH]. Caustic soda is used in most water-base muds to increase and maintain pH and alkalinity. It is a hazardous material to handle because it is very caustic and gives off heat when dissolved in water. Proper training and equipment are needed to handle it safely.
Alternate Form: sodium hydroxide
See: buffered mud, caustic potash, chemical barrel, conventional mud, hardness ion, salt, seawater mud, water-based drilling fluid