ActiGuard is a non-toxic blend of surfactants and low-toxicity vegetable oils and derivatives which chemically bond to clays to inhibit water absorption and swelling.

When mixed with fresh water, salt water or drilling mud, ActiGuard is designed to produce a novel, uniform particle size micro-emulsion. This micro-emulsion produces a high surface area, reactive liquid that has an affinity for larger clay particles. It bonds to the clay matrix of shales to control swelling and sloughing.

The ActiGuard micro-emulsion reacts and forms a hydrophobic surface on the shale surface. In addition, the micro-emulsion can act as a deformable particle and will exhibit some sealing abilities in micro-fractured shales. This mechanical sealing property helps limit the entrance of fluids into the micro-fracture while reacting with the shale to form a hydrophobic surface.

The effect of ActiGuard on fine clay particles such as bentonite is minimal.