Abstract
New deposits of smectic clays were discovered in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, improving the issue of the scarcity of better quality clays. Studies have shown that the moisture content, curing time and cation exchange capacity of bentonites added with sodium carbonate directly influence the rheology of dispersions in aqueous media. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the influence of moisture variation and curing time on the cation exchange of bentonite clays for aqueous drilling fluids. The clays were benefited by hydrocyclone and were characterized physically, chemically and mineralogically. Then, they were added with sodium carbonate varying the moisture content and the curing time. The cation exchange capacity was determined before and after the additivation process. The rheological and filtration properties were determined by apparent and plastic viscosities and the volume of filtrate. The results allowed to conclude that curing time and moisture content had an influence on cation exchange capacity and rheological and filtration properties. After 15 days of cure of the clays, there was a decrease in cation exchange capacity and rheological and filtration properties.
Keywords:
bentonite clays; moisture; time to cure; cation exchange capacity; drilling fluids
