A Series hollow glass microspheres are used in both drilling fluids and cementing applications.  In drilling fluids, glass spheres help to obtain low fluid densities.  Drilling fluids made with glass microspheres can provide an economic alternative to standard or aerated fluids.

In cementing, glass microspheres reduce the slurry density without increasing the water content.  This in turn provides better compressive strength to the cement.  Using glass spheres can also reduce rig time, reduce the possibility of formation breakdown, and reduce the possibility of lost circulation.

A Series microspheres have different compressive strengths.  A10000 has a compressive strength of 69 MPa, A6000 has a compressive strength of 41 MPa, and A4000 has a compressive strength of 28 MPa; with each product delivering a survival rate of approximately 80%.

A Series hollow glass spheres are often compared to the 3M glass bubbles HGS Series.  A6000 is comparable to HGS 6000.