1. n. []

A chemical with the formula NaHCO₃. It is called bicarb at the drilling rig and is used to treat cement contamination in water mud. When cement hydrates, substantial amounts of lime, Ca(OH)₂, are produced. As the cement sets, less free lime is available. When partially set cement is drilled with a water mud, Ca⁺² and OH^- ions are leached into the mud, often causing problems associated with clay flocculation and polymer precipitation. Bicarb can be added, either as a pretreatment or over a period of time, to remove the Ca⁺² in the form of insoluble CaCO₃ while simultaneously neutralizing OH^- ions with the H⁺ ion in the bicarb molecule.

Synonyms: bicarb

See related terms: acrylate polymer,  bicarbonate,  carbonate ion,  carbonate test,  Garrett Gas Train,  hardness ion,  hydrolysis,  pH,  phenolphthalein,  polymer,  sodium carbonate