Studies on the Suitability of Ubakala Bentonitic Clay for Oil Well Drilling Mud Formulation

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.