Thixotropic evaluation of bentonitic clay dispersions modified with nonionic surfactants for organic drilling fluids

Abstract

The use of nonionic surfactants to modify the surface of bentonite is still quite restricted, although many advantages of that method can be found in the literature, like superior stability and low toxicity. On the other hand, problems involving the fluidity and viscosity of dispersions used in organic drilling fluids have become more and more challenging to colloid science. Therefore, the present study had the purpose of assessing the thixotropic behavior of dispersions of Brazilian bentonite organophilizated with nonionic surfactants for use in organic drilling fluids. Bentonite samples were organophilizated by a combination of two nonionic surfactants, being the process evaluated by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis, in which the amount of nonionic surfactants incorporated was quantified. Fluid evaluation followed current standards. The flow curves of the organophilic clays revealed pseudoplastic behavior and the presence of hysteresis, which suggested thixotropy, with a relation between the thixotropy and the apparent viscosity of the final dispersions. Most of the process parameters evaluated showed significant effects on the value of d001 and the overall performance. Factors like clay type and organophilization method also directly affect the thixotropic behavior of dispersions. One of the samples can be considered promising for use in organic drilling fluids.