About Bentonite
Bentonite is a natural clay of the smectite family. The montmorillonite platelet structure within bentonite makes it a versatile mineral, no two natural forms are the same and the chemistry is complex. Bentonite sometimes acts more like a chemical than a mineral. Bentonite has some interesting properties. The individual platelets of bentonite can be thought of as a “club sandwich”. The platelet consisting of a tetrahedral Silicon Oxide layer with some Silicon replaced with trivalent cations, sandwiched between two octahedral Aluminium Oxide layer with some Aluminium replaced with divalent cations. The edge of each platelet has a hydroxide group which allows it to form thixotropic gels in water.
Charge imbalances are generated on the surface due to the metal replacements in the structure which are countered by the cations bound to the surface. The individual platelets are surrounded by lattice moisture and stack together to form agglomerates. As a result, the overall properties of a bentonite are determined by the platelet size, number & size of charges.
- Moisture Content: Maximum of 10%
- Viscometer Dial Reading (at 600 rpm): Minimum of 30
- Filtrate Volume: Maximum of 15 ml
- Yield Point/Plastic Viscosity Ratio: Maximum of 3
- Particle Size Distribution: Primarily fine particles with a suitable range depending on application
- Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): High value for optimal swelling properties
API 13A Sec 10 Grade
Product Properties:
- It is an effective viscosifier and water loss control agent
- Increases viscosity and reduce fluid loss in water base drilling fluids
- Improve hole-cleaning capability of drilling fluids
- Extracts drill cuttings from the bit
- Stabilizes borehole
Benefits:
- Retains thixotopic properties when met with brine and high temperature in deep drilling
- Little loss of drilling fluids
- Withstands formation pressure
- Mixes easily and quickly reaches maximum viscosity
API 13A Sec 10 Grade
Product Properties:
- It is an effective viscosifier and water loss control agent
- Increases viscosity and reduce fluid loss in water base drilling fluids
- Improve hole-cleaning capability of drilling fluids
- Extracts drill cuttings from the bit
- Stabilizes borehole
Benefits:
- Retains thixotopic properties when met with brine and high temperature in deep drilling
- Little loss of drilling fluids
- Withstands formation pressure
- Mixes easily and quickly reaches maximum viscosity
API 13A Sec 10 Grade
Product Properties:
- It is an effective viscosifier and water loss control agent
- Increases viscosity and reduce fluid loss in water base drilling fluids
- Improve hole-cleaning capability of drilling fluids
- Extracts drill cuttings from the bit
- Stabilizes borehole
Benefits:
- Retains thixotopic properties when met with brine and high temperature in deep drilling
- Little loss of drilling fluids
- Withstands formation pressure
- Mixes easily and quickly reaches maximum viscosity
- Sodium Bentonite: Most commonly used due to its high swelling potential.
- Quality Testing: Regular testing to ensure consistency in properties like viscosity, filtration loss, and pH
- Application Specific Requirements: Depending on the drilling environment, specific adjustments to bentonite properties may be needed
Applications of Bentonite
| Category | Applications |
|---|---|
| Iron Ore Pelletisation | – Binder in the production of iron ore pellets for steel manufacturing |
| Foundry | – Bonding agent in molding sands for metal casting |
| Drilling | – Key component of drilling mud for lubrication, cooling, and stabilizing boreholes |
| Civil Engineering & Construction | – Waterproofing and sealing material for foundations, tunnels, and dams |
| – Soil stabilizer for road construction | |
| Paper Industry | – Filler and coating agent to improve paper quality and brightness |
| Animal Feed | – Additive to improve digestion and bind toxins in livestock |
| Fertiliser & Pesticide | – Carrier for fertilizers and pesticides |
| – Improves soil water retention and nutrient delivery | |
| Wine Industry | – Clarifying agent to remove impurities and improve wine clarity |
| Cosmetics & Detergents | – Ingredient in skincare products (e.g., face masks, creams) |
| – Thickening agent in detergents | |
| Earthing | – Used in grounding systems for electrical conductivity |
| Cat Litter | – Absorbent material for odor control and clumping |
| Bleaching Earth | – Purification of oils and fats in the edible oil industry |
