1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

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