ActiVator I is primarily a thermal stabilizer for certain types of natural, polymer-based drilling fluids. ActiVator I is a unique additive designed to be added to certain types of biopolymer-containing fluids to enhance their thermal stability. ActiVator I is particularly effective in the thermal enhancement of low-shear-rate-viscosity fluids.

ActiVator I also functions as an effective fluid loss additive under certain conditions. ActiVator I also acts to strengthen the micro-bubble wall. This increased strength of the micro-bubble wall (1) helps to prevent the coalescence and the formation of larger bubbles and eventually foam, and (2) is thought to aid in the aggregation of micro-bubbles which is an important property for good invasion control.