FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DRILLING FLUIDS FROM POLYMER AND LOCAL CLAY

Abstract

The formulation and characterization of local clay, beneficiated with polymer was investigated. Firstly, the clay samples were collected and characterized as non-hydrated clay after processing it to 75 micron size. The effects of various polymer used were determined. Using ten different compositions the clays were formulated with Sodium Carboxyl methyl cellulose (SCMC) with/without Lignosulphonate were investigated. Further Formulations were carried out using BSM clay based on results obtained from above formulation, using Polyanionic Cellulose (DRISPAC) and Hydroxyl ethyl Cellulose (HEC) at clay concentrations of 17.5g, 21.0g and 24.5g. The results revealed the addition of SCMC and with/without Lignosulphonate produce an unsatisfactory result with BSM clay having better results compared to MTB clay. Further beneficiation at different concentrations of clay sample, starting with O.5g of polymer was investigated. The used of 2.5g of Polyanionic Cellulose (DRISPAC) with the local clay gave a satisfactory result than 2.0g of Hydroxyl ethyl Cellulose (HEC) because of its lower gel strength despite the fact that all other parameters satisfactorily attained the API standard. Both investigation involving DRISPAC and HEC record a satisfactory values for both power index (n) and characteristic factor (k).