Studies on the Suitability of Ubakala Bentonitic Clay for Oil Well Drilling Mud Formulation
T. U. Apugo-Nwosu *
Pilot Plant Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria
I. A. Mohammed-Dabo
Petroleum Technology Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
A. S. Ahmed
Petroleum Technology Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
G. Abubakar
Pilot Plant Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria
A. S. Alkali
Pilot Plant Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria
S. I. Ayilara
Pilot Plant Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The suitability of a Nigerian bentonitic (Ubakala) clay material to be used as drilling mud for oil well drilling was investigated, with Wyoming bentonite being used as a standard. Particle size distribution, Cation Exchange Capacity of the sample were determined and compared. X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence of the samples were also determined. Rheological properties of the samples were determined using a rheometer (OFITE model 900 viscometer). Properties of the local clay improved appreciably when beneficiated with Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC), Poly Anionic Cellulose-Regular (PAC-R) and Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3). The best result which came close to the properties of Wyoming clay was Ubakala mud at 24.5g /350ml of water beneficiated with 2g CMC and 1.5g Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3). The Plastic Viscosity improved by about 1207%. This study indicates that Ubakala clay has a good potential for drilling purposes when beneficiated appropriately.
Keywords: Bentonite, rheometer, carboxyl methyl cellulose, poly anionic cellulose, sodium carbonate, rheological properties