Sedimentation of bentonite suspensions under the influence of low molecular weight polymers based on amino ester salts

Abstract

Among the available technologies for treating natural and wastewater from clay materials, coagulation/flocculation is the most common method due to its high efficiency, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. Inorganic coagulants such as aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride, widely used as destabilizing agents for colloidal particles, have several significant drawbacks: low efficiency and toxicity. Organic reagents of both natural and synthetic origin are a good alternative. This work is devoted to the evaluation of the flocculation action of new reagents, which are low molecular weight polymers based on amino ester salts on clay suspensions, as well as the selection of their optimal concentration, providing the maximum sedimentation rate. Studies have shown that amino ester salts can be effectively used for the treatment of water-clay suspensions. An important factor is the nature of the anion used, which has a significant influence on the oagulation ability of esters. Thus, 40–50 % (wt.) aqueous solutions of amino ester chlorides added to clay suspensions in an amount not exceeding 0.1% (vol.) can be used to thicken clay suspensions. At the same time, aqueous solutions of amino ester bromides regardless of the concentration, introduced into bentonite suspensions of 0.1–0.4 % (vol.), contribute to improved sedimentation, reducing viscosity, and increasing filtration capacity. These results allow us to recommend the use of amino ester chlorides as a thickener in the preparation of drilling muds for strengthening the walls of wells during drilling, and bromides – for flocculation of bentonite suspensions in oil production

Keywords

• flocculation
• coagulation
• amino esters
• sedimentation rate
• rheological properties
• bentonite
• drilling fluid