Beneficiation and Characterization of a Benetonite from Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The characterization of a tropical bentonite (Niger delta bentonite) has been performed by different techniques for drilling application. While the chemical elements was determine qualitatively by measuring characteristic radiation of the X-ray fluorescence, the powder diffraction XRD of a random powder mount was used to obtain the definitive clay and nonclay components. The SEM was used to determine the particle size and geometry. The optimum sodium carbonate addition was observed between 2 and 3% which balance the exchangeable/surface cation such that a ratio of 56:23:21 for Na:Ca:Mg indicated a promising rheological property if the clay is applied for viscosity builing in any industrial application. The mixed monovalent divalent cation saturation in its crude state tends toward a better swelling index desired for drilling application with sodium carbonate activation. The clay mineral was found to be chemically stable, having a balanced surface charge distribution and the particles are highly colloidal with unique atomic structure as of a typical bentonite. The clay is a calcium bentonite and the chemical analysis reflects that an economical peptizing route is achievable.