Drillers needing extra suspension have long reached for suspension enhancers to increase gel strength and keep the returns flowing. Every bentonite company has a slick brand name for them but, for the most part, they are xanthan gum-based products.
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide secreted by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. PAC, guar, diutan gum, and welan gum are other common polysaccharides. Diutan and welan are non-ionic, like guar gum, whereas xanthan gum has an anionic charge. For the non-oil and gas side of drilling, xanthan proves to be the most cost-effective and job-specific suspension aide.