SHARKSTAR® filtration control additive is high grade, pregelatinized starch used to reduce filtration in most water-based drilling fluids including fresh water, seawater and saturated brine up to 250°F. It does not increase fluid viscosity. SHARKSTAR® will encapsulate drill cuttings and exposed wellbore formations to reduce particle dispersion and reactive shale formation swelling. Subject to bacterial degradation, a biocide is recommended to prevent fermentation in fluids which are not salt saturated.