M-I Wate weight material is a high quality, drilling-grade barite (barium sulfate) used to increase the density of drilling fluids. This high-specific-gravity mineral is the most widely used weight material and has applications in all drilling fluid systems and meets all API specifications for barite except density. M-I Wate material can be used to increase the density of any mud system. Mud weights up to 19.6 lb/gal (2.35 SG) can be achieved in most drilling fluids while still maintaining good flow properties. M-I Wate material is also excellent in formulating special kill fluids and barite plugs that often reach 21.5 lb/gal (2.58 SG) for well control procedures.