Industrial

  Barium sulfate (or sulphate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula BaSO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is odorless and insoluble in water. It occurs as the mineral barite, which is the main commercial source of barium and materials prepared from it. The white opaque appearance and its high density are exploited in its main applications. Uses Drilling fluids About 80% of the world’s barium sulfate production, mostly purified mineral, is consumed as a component of oil well drilling fluid. It increases the density of the fluid,[5] increasing the hydrostatic pressure in the well and reducing the chance of a blowout. Radiocontrast agent Main article: Barium sulfate suspension Barium sulfate  in suspension is often used medically as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging and other diagnostic procedures. It is most often used in imaging of the GI tract during what is colloquially known as a “barium meal”. It is administered orally, or by enema, as a suspensio...