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Rigorous trials prove genuine Gilsonite® uintaite will not remass
May 27, 2021
In laboratory testing and in client use, Gilsonite® uintaite, supplied by American Gilsonite Company, has proven its resistance to caking or remassing, even under high pressure, extreme temperatures and long-term storage. The chemical composition and refined purity of American Gilsonite® uintaite allow particles to remain loose and easy to mix, as opposed to competing products that tend to fuse together in storage and require re-milling in order to use them. For this reason, other asphaltites contain added fillers that reduce the purity of the product.
Gilsonite® uintaite showed no tendency to clump or cake, even after 4 weeks at constant high temperature and pressure
To test for any tendency to clump, cake or remass, American Gilsonite Company’s lab subjected a sample of Gilsonite® uintaite to constant heat of 60º C (140º F) for four weeks. At the conclusion of the test period, there was no appearance of any clumping or re-massing.
Additionally, the research and development lab at Gumpro Drilling Fluids conducted a carefully controlled test of Gilsonite® uintaite under high pressure as well as heat. Sacks of Gilsonite® uintaite were stacked in a 60º C (140º F) test oven as they would be in a warehouse, with the bottom bag bearing a load of 16 times its own weight. After eight days, the test concluded that there were no signs of caking.
Gilsonite® uintaite remained granulated in storage for almost 2 years
In the field, Gilsonite® uintaite has been tested under extreme 
conditions. In Odessa, Texas, a pumping company stored 37,000 pounds of Gilsonite® uintaite loose in a vertical silo for 22 months. Temperatures ranged from above 38º C (100º+ F) for months at a time to below freezing. “After sitting in bulk storage for nearly two years under tons of its own weight, Gilsonite® showed no clumping or remassing,” said a spokesperson for the pumping company. “There were no issues when unloading the silo, dry blending in the bulk plant or mixing at the wellsite.”
Conclusion: Unlike inferior competing products, Gilsonite® uintaite will not remass
Competing products and counterfeit products posing as Gilsonite® uintaite have presented remassing issues as well as combustion issues when stored under similar conditions.
Results in the lab and in the field prove that Gilsonite® uintaite from American Gilsonite Company is the cost-effective, high-performance, multipurpose additive that will not cake or remass.
Contact us to learn more about how the world’s only true source of Gilsonite® can benefit your company.
Gilsonite® uintaite controls fluid loss without damaging the formation
April 14, 2021
Gilsonite® reduces formation damage
Lab tests show that Gilsonite® uintaite used as a fluid loss control additive in synthetic-based drilling mud (SBM) causes negligible formation damage. Third-party lab testing indicated that mud with Gilsonite® uintaite reduced damage to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation compared to synthetic-based mud alone.
Low-tier “black powder” additive damages the formation, reduces permeability
Testing shows that aminated lignite (a black powder additive) causes significant formation damage as measured by decreased return permeability.
Filtrate measurements indicated that Gilsonite® uintaite had negligible impact while mud filtrate containing the black powder additive showed a 15.7% decrease in return permeability. Measurements made without removing the mudcake again showed that Gilsonite® additive caused no formation damage while the black powder additive caused a 26.9% decrease in return permeability.
“It appears that Gilsonite® creates a good seal in the exposed formation, and therefore avoids causing formation damage,” stated Dario Montes, technical director for American Gilsonite Company.
Gilsonite® preserves production potential
Because Gilsonite® uintaite controls fluid loss while minimizing reservoir formation damage, it enables faster and safer drilling operations as it preserves the production potential and helps to optimize the value of an operator’s asset. Gilsonite® is the only drilling fluid additive that prevents lost circulation while increasing wellbore stability and minimizing differential sticking. Contact us today to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite® and how our high-performance drilling fluid additives can benefit your company.
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GILSONITE® uintaite classified GREEN in rigorous North Sea environmental standards
March 23, 2021
Gilsonite® uintaite has registered green under the Norwegian
HOCNF Color Category System, demonstrating it is environmentally safe for use in the North Sea where there is potential for discharge into the marine environment.
“This registration opens a whole new market since it comes at a time when our customers are looking for environmentally safe alternatives to microplastics, which up until a few years ago were deemed the environmentally safe option,” noted Ghery Sotomayor, Global Account Director at American Gilsonite Company. “Then it was determined that microplastics are in fact entering into marine organisms.”
The HOCNF (Harmonized Offshore Chemical Notification Format) is a mandatory reporting format in all countries that are members of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, or OSPAR. The HOCNF is increasingly used as the most appropriate method to document and control offshore chemicals’ environmental properties.
“The Green classification documents that Gilsonite® uintaite poses no risk to the aquatic environment,” Sotomayer added. “Gilsonite® now can replace any additive that’s a microplastic or black powder, which is also problematic for the environment.”
The HOCNF classification is important beyond the North Sea because many other areas with offshore and deepwater oil and gas operations have adopted the strict North Sea environmental standards.
The OSPAR Convention is the mechanism by which 15 governments and the European Union cooperate to protect the marine environment of the Northeast Atlantic. Member nations include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Gilsonite® uintaite is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin that is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic and has been classified as safe by the EPA for use in the Gulf of Mexico. With a unique blend of strength, flexibility, bonding and high-temperature capability, Gilsonite® has proven to increase performance in cementing and drilling fluids for over 60 years. The American Gilsonite Company mines in the Uinta Basin of Northeastern Utah are the only true source of Gilsonite®.
Accident-free operations earn American Gilsonite highest safety award
September 30, 2020
While presenting the prestigious award, IMA-NA Chairman Doug Smith explained, “The Safety Achievement Award recognizes the best reportable injury rate for an individual IMA-NA member company by size category for the preceding calendar year. We’re pleased to recognize IMA-NA member companies that have compiled excellent safety records and who serve as examples for other companies.” American Gilsonite Company posted the highest safety rating in the Medium Category.
Noting the importance of the award, Smith added that the safety recognition awards program is run in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). “The safety performance of these IMA members is truly inspiring,” said IMA-NA President Mark Ellis. He took special note of the performance of American Gilsonite Company, emphasizing, “Medium Category Honoree American Gilsonite Company had zero injuries while working 178,957 employee hours, for an injury rate of 0.00 per 200,000 employee work hours. To put that in perspective, the injury rate for all metal and nonmetal mines in 2019 was 1.72.”
Accepting the award for American Gilsonite Company were Chief Operating Officer Nick Lott and Director HS&E Mike Wilhite. Lott said, “American Gilsonite Company is honored to receive this award, and the employees are grateful for this recognition for their daily efforts towards creating a safe and healthy environment.”
Wilhite said, “All of us at American Gilsonite in Bonanza, Utah, and in Houston, Texas, appreciate this award. I would like to thank IMA-NA for recognizing our men and women for their dedication to working safely.”
Further explaining the company’s record of operational safety, Lott added, “Although this is a recognition of 2019, American Gilsonite Company has achieved over four years without a lost time injury. Mike Wilhite and the other supervisors at the operations have worked hard to create a culture that focuses on collaboration and frequent participation with the employees.”
“Not only have these efforts resulted in a good safety record, but they have also provided a positive work experience for the employees that resulted in strong leadership and an improved operational efficiency,” Lott continued. “We are very appreciative of the culture that has been created and look forward to continued improvements towards the health and safety of our employees.”
Asphalt costs reduced 13%+ and performance improved with Gilsonite®
March 13, 2020
STUDY SHOWS GILSONITE® OFFERS SUPERIOR MASTIC ASPHALT PERFORMANCE AT LOWER ADDITIVE CONCENTRATIONS
An independent study was conducted to determine how the physical and chemical properties of Gilsonite® uintaite performed compared to Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA). The study compared a typical mastic asphalt bitumen modified with 24.4% TLA and formulations of bitumen modified with Gilsonite® at significantly lower concentrations of 5%.
Gilsonite® provides clear performance advantages over TLA
Compared to the TLA mixture, the samples modified with Gilsonite® uintaite provided greater resistance to rutting, cracking and deformation while also providing the ability to withstand colder temperatures without breaking.
Compared to the TLA mixture, the samples modified with Gilsonite® uintaite provided greater resistance to rutting, cracking and deformation while also providing the ability to withstand colder temperatures without breaking.
- Improved Fatigue Resistance
Gilsonitc® enhances viscosity and reduces fatigue and cracking - Improved Cracking Resistance
Gilsonite® provides superior cold temperature performance - Improved Rutting Resistance
Gilsonite® increases softening point to resist rutting and moisture
Less material = less energy required and significantly lower costs
A formulation with 24.4% TLA uses five times the additive as a mixture using 5% Gilsonite®. This reduction in additives can result in a 13% or more decrease in materials costs. When combined with lower energy costs required for blending, Gilsonite® provides significant savings.
The findings clearly demonstrate that Gilsonite®-modified binders make stronger, longer lasting roads, and that Gilsonite® uintaite is a superior alternative to the industry’s current mastic asphalt standard.
Contact us to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite® and how it can improve the performance and reduce the costs of your asphalt projects.
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American Gilsonite continues expanding customer base in the Middle East at ADIPEC 2019
December 20, 2019
American Gilsonite once again had a presence at one of the world’s largest
and most influential oil and gas conferences – the 2019 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). This year’s four-day event, held in November 2019, had a record-breaking attendance of more than 155,000 industry professionals from around the globe.
Alongside other companies that help shape the future of oil and gas landscape, American Gilsonite leveraged the opportunity at the conference to showcase the superior advantages of true Gilsonite® and provide information on the strength, flexibility, extreme light weight and environmental safety of Gilsonite® uintaite.
In addition to participating in the conference, the AGC Eastern Hemisphere 
Marketing and Sales Team hosted an ADIPEC After Party at the prestigious Azura Lounge at The St. Regis in the Abu Dhabi Corniche district. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and had the opportunity to learn more about the unmatched benefits of Gilsonite® in cementing and drilling fluids in virtually any downhole environment worldwide, as well as discuss their specific product and business needs with the AGC team.
Craig Mueller – VP and Chief Commercial Officer; Ghery Sotomayor – Senior Account Manager, Drilling Fluids; Ashley Barnes – Senior Marketing & Sales Analyst; and Rozalina Bojey – Marketing Coordinator for the Middle East and Far East markets represented American Gilsonite at the conference and after party. The AGC team was impressed with attendance at both events and appreciated the meaningful interactions with regional customers and potential business partners.
“This year’s participation at ADIPEC, and the customer social event we had the pleasure to host, were invigorating. As AGC moves closer to our goal of becoming a major local player in the Middle East, we continue to be amazed by the level of engagement and energy we see from the industry in this part of the world,” said Craig Mueller, VP and Chief Commercial Officer.
Contact us to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite and how it can benefit your company.
Slurry with Gilsonite® increases yield and reduces cost
October 22, 2019
A West Texas O&G operator wanted to reduce slurry costs for its lightweight cement applications in the Permian Basin. The cementing company, West Texas Cementers (WTC), an independent cementing company in Odessa, Texas, replaced hollow beads with Gilsonite® uintaite. The result was a significant reduction in slurry costs.
WTC had typically used hollow beads as the lightweight additive in a 10.5 
ppg cement system. “Our client asked us to provide a less expensive slurry with the same technical performance,” observed Kevin Swikert, WTC Engineer and Technology Manager. “We made a couple of additive substitutions in our cement system, with the primary change being to replace beads with Gilsonite® G-Bond.”
The revised 10.6 ppg cement system reduced slurry costs by 26% while still meeting all requirements defined by the operator and governing bodies in terms of thickening time, compressive strength development and cement fill behind the pipe.
Additional tests were conducted for offset wells in the Delaware Basin. Further testing showed that Gilsonite® G-Bond reduced slurry costs in a wide range of cement formulations, with up to 37% savings in an 11.0 ppg mixture.
“Other additives can change your design parameters. With Gilsonite® G-Bond, you don’t have to worry about that,” Swikert added. “In addition, Gilsonite® controls free water, lowers the slurry water ratio, prevents lost circulation, increases yield and mixes faster without foaming. I’m sold on Gilsonite® G-Bond as a cheaper option to glass beads. The other performance enhancements are an added benefit.”
Contact us to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite® and how Gilsonite® G-Bond can benefit your company.
American Gilsonite Company Announces CEO Succession Plan
October 1, 2019
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Craig Mueller to succeed David G. Gallagher as President and CEO in February 2020; Gallagher remains as Director transitioning to Special Advisor American Gilsonite Company (“AGC”), the world’s principal supplier of Gilsonite®, announced today that its Board of Directors approved a succession plan for the executive leadership of the company. Craig Mueller, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of AGC will succeed David G. Gallagher as President and CEO of AGC effective February 1, 2020. Gallagher will transition from his current role as President and CEO to Special Advisor and remain as a Board member of AGC. Gallagher joined AGC in 2013 and was named President and CEO of AGC in January 2016 with more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. “It has been an absolute privilege to serve AGC for the past six years, while building a brilliant team focused on innovation,” said Gallagher. “I am delighted that Craig will succeed me. He is a highly prepared professional and will undoubtedly drive the next wave of growth for our company.” Before joining AGC, Mueller garnered more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. During this time, Mueller amassed substantial domestic and international experience in oilfield operations management, business development and commercial strategy. In his tenure at Baker Hughes, Mueller held several executive leadership positions and holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Louisiana State University. “I am humbled and honored to be appointed President and CEO of AGC at such a dynamic time for our company,” said Mueller. “I look forward to building upon David’s momentum and leading our company into the future. I am committed to the continued focus on driving growth and strengthening our client collaboration.” “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank David for his gifted leadership. His highly valued versatile skill set was clearly exhibited during his tenure as CEO. We look forward to his continued guidance,” said Andrew Axelrod. “Under Craig’s leadership, we will continue strategically expanding AGC’s footprint in multiple business segments,” continued Axelrod. “Our Board of Directors underwent a deliberate and meticulous succession planning process. We are confident in our decision and pleased that Craig has accepted this role.” Forward-Looking Statements About American Gilsonite Company Contact |
 Craig Mueller  David Gallagher |
Drilling fluid with Gilsonite® outperforms alternative in same field
September 9, 2019
A large, international E&P oil company with a significant presence in the US unconventional market was experiencing inconsistent drilling fluid performance from two service companies operating within the same field.
One service company, using an alternative product to American Gilsonite®
uintaite, experienced poor drilling fluid performance, including issues with stuck pipe, wellbore instability, high rheology, lower tolerance for drill solids, lower temperature stability and mud gelation. Another service company, using American Gilsonite® in its drilling fluid, demonstrated superior performance with significantly better filtration and rheology characteristics and fewer drilling problems.
The operator conducted testing to better understand the differential performance. A company spokesperson observed, “Our testing highlighted that the superior performing fluid contained American Gilsonite® uintaite versus a lower tier product employed in the competing mud system.”
“Based on our testing, we recommended to utilize American Gilsonite®, along with other quality products, to drive differential performance and lower overall well costs,” the representative concluded.
Contact us to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite® and how our high-performance drilling fluid additives can benefit your company.
Not everything labeled “gilsonite” is Gilsonite® – here are the differences
August 7, 2019
There is only one source of Gilsonite®. If it doesn’t come from American Gilsonite Company, it isn’t Gilsonite®.
Gilsonite® is only found in our mines in the Uinta Basin of Northeastern Utah. Some companies claim to offer “gilsonite” from other parts of the world, but those products are simply misidentified to take advantage of Gilsonite® uintaite’s internationally recognized quality. Their performance is compromised due to inferior physical and chemical properties and lack of purity and consistency.
True Gilsonite® uintaite is the only additive that provides:
- Lowest specific gravity, greatest strength and superior flexibility to inferior asphalt and asphalt-like materials
- Product purity, with much lower content of inorganic or mineral material
- Versatility and economy that make a superior additive
– Less product is required, reducing costs
– Also reduces the need and cost for additional additives - Greater environmental safety, minimizing HSE impact, promoting worker safety
– OSHA classified as non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic
– Passed US Gulf of Mexico environmental tests for deep-water discharge
It’s easy to spot true Gilsonite® – and its superior advantages
It’s this simple: rub the product on a white porcelain tile. The purity of true Gilsonite® uintaite leaves a brown streak. Inferior asphalt and asphaltites leave a black streak.
True Gilsonite® even smells different – it smells like earth. Other products smell like hydrocarbons.
Pure performance and consistent quality
Gilsonite® uintaite, with its unique physical and chemical properties, only comes from one source. So the product is dependably consistent and remarkably pure. Other substitutes are contaminated with undesirable materials that can affect physical characteristics, mixability, the necessity of other additives that increase overall cost, and, ultimately, product performance. Notably, Gilsonite® is virtually sulphur-free, with less than 1% sulphur content. Substitutes exhibit up to 10 times that amount.
The strength, flexibility, extreme light weight and environmental safety of Gilsonite® uintaite make it a superior additive in a wide variety of applications.
| Properties | Gilsonite® | Glance Pitch | Grahamite | Natural Asphalt |
| Specific gravity @77°F | 1.01-1.04 | 1.10-1.15 | 1.12-1.50 | 1.40-1.45 |
| Softening point | >300°F | 270-375°F | 350-600°F | >250°F |
| Soluble in CS2 | >99% | >95% | 45-100% | 56-67% |
| Inorganic or mineral matter | 0.3% | 5% | up to 50% | 36.9% |
| Fixed carbon | <20% | 20-30% | >30% | 10.8-12% |
| Carbon content | 89.28% | 80.87% | 86.56% | 82.33% |
| Hydrogen content | 8.66% | 10.42% | 8.68% | 10.69% |
| Sulphur content | <1% | 9.52% | 1.79% | 6.56% |
Remember, if it isn’t from American Gilsonite Company, it’s an inferior substitute.
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