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Why Proper Mixing Matters: Understanding Gel Blocking in the Field

ByRyan Arioli

And How AquaSol’s Dispersible Technology Solves a Costly, Common Problem

In real-world drilling and industrial operations, proper mixing isn’t just a procedural step, it’s a critical factor that determines whether an additive performs as intended. One of the most frequent issues encountered in the field is gel blocking, a problem caused by incomplete or low-shear mixing that prevents products from properly hydrating or dispersing into solution.

Our latest video demonstration breaks this down clearly, showing side-by-side how different products behave under identical mixing conditions. The results highlight a challenge many operators face, and how AquaSol technology solves it.

What the Video Demonstrates

1. Non-Dispersible Products: Immediate Gel Blocking

The first product shown in the first frame is a traditional, non-dispersible polymer.
When introduced into water under low shear, it immediately forms gel clumps, preventing hydration and creating stubborn, rubber-like masses that never fully dissolve.

In the field, this leads to:

  • Waste of material
  • Increased mixing time
  • System inconsistencies
  • Poor fluid performance

This is the classic gel block problem that many drilling and industrial crews encounter every day.

2. A Competitor’s “Dispersible” Product: Still Gel Blocks

The second product, shown in the second frame, is labeled as dispersible; however, under the same low-shear mixing conditions, it also forms gel blocks, albeit slightly smaller.

Despite being marketed as field-friendly, it still:

  • Fails to disperse uniformly
  • Hydrates inconsistently
  • Leaves behind clumps that require additional mixing energy

This proves that not all dispersible technologies are created equal.

3. AquaSol’s Dispersible Technology: No Gel Blocking, Clean, Complete Solution

In the third frame of the video, we introduce AquaSol’s dispersible product under the same low-shear conditions.

The difference is immediate and dramatic:

  • No gel blocking
  • No clumping
  • Rapid, uniform dispersion
  • Clean, consistent hydration

This is the performance operators need in real field environments, where high shear isn’t always available, and efficiency matters.

Why This Matters for Operators

Poor dispersion isn’t just a nuisance. It affects:

  • Productivity
  • Fluid performance
  • Downhole stability
  • Environmental impact
  • Cost

AquaSol’s dispersible technology was engineered specifically to eliminate these issues, offering fast, clean mixing even in the lowest shear conditions.

When a product disperses correctly the first time, operators save time, reduce waste, and gain more reliable system performance, all of which translate into real operational value.

Built for the Field. Proven in the Lab. Delivered by AquaSol.

At AquaSol, our focus is on practical innovation, engineered solutions that perform where it matters most: on the job site.

This demonstration is more than a comparison; it shows how thoughtful chemistry and real-world understanding lead to better results, safer operations, and more efficient workflows.

If your team struggles with mixing or gel blocking in the field, our technical specialists are ready to help assess your needs and match the right solution to your operation.

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