Influence of Ca2+ in the rheological properties and filtration of bentonitic clay dispersions in aqueous drilling fluids

Abstract

The physicochemical characteristics of cations may be able to modify the rheological properties of bentonite clays, such as their loads, exchangeable cation sizes adsorbed on clay minerals, hydration behaviors and different intercalations with the bentonite structural layer effect of the cations present on the rheology of dispersions of bentonite clays. In this way, the objective was to study the influence of Ca2+ on the rheological and filtration properties of dispersions of new occurrences of bentonite clays from the State of Paraíba, Brazil, in aqueous drilling fluids. Four bentonite clays were selected, being characterized chemically, physically and mineralogically. Sodium carbonate was then added to the clays, and the rheological and filtration behavior of their dispersions were studied. The results showed the direct influence of the Ca2+ present and its implications, resulting from physicochemical interactions, on the rheological and filtration properties of dispersions of bentonite clays.