Activation of calcium bentonite for use as a drilling fluid: Physical and chemical methods evaluation

Abstract

This study explores the activation of calcium bentonite through physical (ultrasonic) and chemical (carboxymethylcellulose and starch) methods. The bonding between bentonite and polymers was analyzed, and X-ray diffraction characterized the effect of ultrasound. Physical method considered water to bentonite ratios, while the chemical method focused on bentonite to polymer ratios following the API method. Results showed that physically activated bentonite met OCMA type specifications, with a density of 1.125g/cm3, suitable for desert drilling fluids. Chemical activation using polymers effectively regulated properties to meet OCMA, API, and high yield grade specifications, making it the preferred method for versatile drilling fluid applications.

Keywords

• Calcium bentonite
• Activation
• API grade
• OCMA grade
• Ultrasound