Beneficiation of Usen Clay with Local Additives for Improved Mud Properties
Authors: Christopher EF, Ohenhen I
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
The cost of importation of Bentonite for drilling activities in Nigeria runs to millions of dollars annually and this has been detrimental to the Nigerian economy considering that about 4% to 18% of the cost of drilling well accounts for cost of drilling fluids. This study investigated the effect of beneficiation of local mud (Usen clay) with local additives like potash and ginger in order to meet American Petroleum Institute (API) standard. API RP-13B standard procedures were employed throughout the laboratory work to determine mud properties. The mud weight and gel strength of the local mud increased appreciably to API standard when beneficiated with 1.0 g potash and 25 g ginger. pH values of the mud increased when treated with 1.0 g of potash, and the modification raised the mud pH within the API standard range of 9.5 to 12.5. The viscosity of the local mud did not meet standard requirement of 30 cp, but appreciated favorably to the standard requirement when beneficiated with 25 g of ginger. It is concluded that local additives can improve local mud properties.
Affiliations: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
Keywords: API, Rheological Properties, Viscosity, Additives, Potash
Published date: 2018/12/30
