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BENTONITE

Bentonite is a clay generated frequently from the alteration of volcanic ash, consisting predominantly of smectite minerals, usually montmorillonite. Bentonite deposits are normally exploited by quarrying. Extracted bentonite is distinctly solid, even with a moisture content of approximately 30%. The material is initially crushed and, if necessary, activated with the addition of soda ash (Na2CO3). Bentonite is subsequently dried (air and/or forced drying) to reach a moisture content of approximately 15%. According to the final application, bentonite is either sieved (granular form) or milled (into powder and super fine powder form). For special applications, bentonite is purified by removing the associated gangue minerals, or treated with acids to produce acid-activated bentonite (bleaching earths), or treated with organics to produce organoclays. The different types of bentonite are each named after the respective dominant element, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and aluminium (Al).

 

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Bentonite Type :-

There are two basic types of Bentonite, Sodium type and Calcium type:

  • Sodium Bentonite: Because of its high absorbency and clumping tendency, Sodium Bentonite is useful as a sealant. It is considered a safe, natural, nontoxic and inexpensive treatment for porous soils. Its swelling capacity gives Sodium Bentonite the ability to bond with soil and create and impenetrable barrier. 

  • Calcium Bentonite: Calcium Bentonite is referred to as “living clay” because of the belief found in many cultures that it is useful as a medicine. The practice of geophagy or “earth eating” is centered on the belief that some clays such as Calcium Bentonite is able to be safely ingested for the absorption and removal of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. 

 

APPLICATION/FUNCTION

  • API Bentonite is used to increase viscosity and reduce fluid loss in water base drilling fluids. It is a cost-effective means of achieving viscosity, fluid-loss control and filter-cake quality in freshwater and seawater mud.

  • Bentonite is used in drilling fluids to lubricate and cool the cutting tools, to remove cuttings, and to help prevent blowouts. Much of bentonite’s usefulness in the drilling and geotechnical engineering industry comes from its unique rheological properties. The bentonite in the flush fluid lubricates and cools the cutting tools while protecting against corrosion. As the drilling fluid generates hydrostatic pressure in the borehole, it hinders fluid and gas penetration. The drilling liquid conveys the drill cuttings to the surface. When the purge pumps have idle periods, the thixotrophy of the bentonite hinders the stone material from dropping back into the drilled shaft.

  • Viscosities.

  • Filtration control.

  • Builds up impervious coating on the wall.

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RECOMMENDED TREATMENT

Add API Bentonite in concentrations of 0-25 lb/bbl (0-70 kg/m³) to any active system. Mix slowly through a jet mixer or sift slowly into the vortex of a high-speed stirrer.

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ADVANTAGES

  • Meets or exceeds API manufacturing standards

  • Stabilizes the borehole

  • Improves hole-cleaning capacity of drilling fluids

  • Reduces fluid loss into the formation

  • it Is environmentally responsible

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PACKAGE AND STORAGE

25kg bags, jumbo bags or according to customer's requirement.

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