1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

A nonionic cellulose derivative with hydroxyethyl groups attached to the polymer structure. HEC is used as a viscosifier in brines and saline fracturing fluids, workover fluids, completion fluids and drill-in fluids. It gives pseudoplastic rheology but essentially no gel strength development. HEC offers little fluid-loss control, other than its rheological effects. HEC is seldom used in drilling fluids. Cellulose fibers are reacted with caustic soda and ethylene oxide to form HEC. Hydroxyethyl groups attach to the OH groups of the polysaccharide structure by ether linkages. A high degree of substitution (from 1.5 to 2.5 out of 3 maximum) gives HEC superior solubility in water and various brines. Being nonionic, it is not precipitated by hardness ions and disperses well at high salinity. HEC is not degraded by common bacteria.

Alternate Form: hydroxyethylcellulose