Impact of Bentonite Clay Addition on Rheological Properties and Corrosion Characteristics of Water-Based Drilling Mud

Abstract

Drilling muds represent sophisticated fluid systems filled with several additives targeted at boosting and managing their rheological properties, including density, viscosity, yield point, and gel strength. This inquiry digs into the impact of bentonite clay addition on the rheological features of water-based drilling mud, conforming to the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard for mud composition. The research scrutinizes the influence of different bentonite clay additions, ranging from 2 to 15g, on mud characteristics, with regular additions of 5g each of starch, caustic soda, and gypsum, supplemented with 10g of barite. The data demonstrate a clear association between greater bentonite addition and improvements across many rheological parameters, including density, apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, gel strength, and yield point. Although the effects of aging on the trials remain ambiguous, results imply a general loss in rheological characteristics at ambient temperature during age. Hence, maintaining an appropriate mud concentration appears as important for managing the rheological behavior of drilling mud. Notably, considerable differences in mud density, plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strength are detected corresponding to modifications in the concentration of bentonite addition.