Abstract
Problem statement: This study aimed at evaluating and beneficiating B entonitic clays of Pindiga Formation from the upper Benue trough in northeastern Nigeria to meet the standard required for use in oil well drilling. This will reduce the dependence on imported Bentonite into the country, increase foreign exchange, improve the country's ec onomy and create employment opportunities. Approach: Three clay samples from different locations within Pindiga Formation were collected using standard sampling procedure and brought to the laboratory for the study. Evaluation of Loss On Ignitio n (LOI) was carried out using Labocon Furnace (model 2-1200), elemental composition of the samples were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) while mineralogical phases of the samples were determined by X-Ray Diffractometry. Results: Results of analysis of crude Bentonitic clays indicates that t he clays are Ca-based which require some level of beneficiation before they can attain the properties that will qualify its use in oil well drilling, wh ile other properties such as Aluminum-Silicon ration which ranges between 0.34-0.39 as against 0.38 for the stan dard Wyoming Bentonite, LOI ranges between 14.8-15.63 as against 15.73 for the standard and fineness of the samples all attained the required standard even bef ore beneficiation. After beneficiating the samples, their rheological and other physical properties was found to have improved to a level that is acceptable for use in oil well drilling except for yield points which was still lower. Maximum values recorded for viscosity and yield points for crude and beneficiated samples at 300 and 600 rpm are 5, 34.5 and 3, 9 while 15 was recorded for floating drill cuttings, respectively. API has specified the viscosity and yield to be ≥30 for viscosity at 600 rpm and yield point at ≤3. Conclusion: This result indicates that Bentonitic clays from Pindiga Formation in Benue trough, northeastern Nigeria are Ca-base but can be beneficiated using sodium carbonate as beneficiating agent and ion exc hange procedure.
Highlights
Bentonite is a clay that is used in wellbore drilling operations primarily to float drill cuttings out of the hole by continually circulating it from the mud pit through the drill string down the hole and out through the annular space surrounding the string
This study has evaluated and improved the quality of local Bentonite occurrences from Pindiga Formation in Benue trough, north-eastern Nigeria by ion exchange to meet standards required for application as a drilling mud in the oil and gas industry
The Results of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) of the samples studied showed that they are Ca-based whereas the Wyoming Bentonite is Na-based
Summary
Bentonite is a clay that is used in wellbore drilling operations primarily to float drill cuttings out of the hole by continually circulating it from the mud pit through the drill string down the hole and out through the annular space surrounding the string. The use of Bentonite in drilling operations in the oil and gas industry in the country is very significant; any effort that is geared toward reducing the overdependence on imported Bentonite by the oil companies will go a long way in reducing the large sum of money spent on importation of foreign reserve thereby boosting the country’s economy and create employment opportunity.
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