What is barite primarily used for in drilling operations?

Barite, or barium sulfate, is primarily used in drilling operations to increase the weight of drilling fluid, also known as mud. This property is essential because denser drilling fluids help to control the pressure in the borehole, preventing blowouts and allowing drillers to effectively manage the well's hydrostatics. The increased weight provided by barite helps to counteract the pressure exerted by underground formations, ensuring stability and safety throughout the drilling process. This capability to stabilize and prevent the influx of fluids from surrounding formations makes barite a critical component in the formulation of drilling muds.

Other uses of materials related to drilling operations, such as abrasives, lubricants, or friction reducers, are common, but barite's unique attribute of adding weight is what specifically distinguishes its primary function in this context.