PET E 367 Experiment #1: Yield of Bentonite and Sepiolite Clays Rheological

Characterization Of Water-Base Drilling Fluids

Lukasz Nader

1088130
Group #5
January 23, 2008

Nancy Bjorndalen
780-450-5394
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB

Dear Nancy Bjorndalen:

The purpose of this experiment was to determine how drilling fluid viscosity is affected by clay
concentration (part1) and also to select the best rheological model describing the shear stressshear rate relation of a water based drilling fluid system (part 2).
In part 1 of the experiment we used two different clays, bentonite and sepiolite, and mixed them
in different percent by mass and either fresh water or salt water. With a rotational viscometer and
mud balance we were able to determine and plot apparent viscosity versus clay concentration.
Interpretation of the resulting graphs along with analysis of the theory provided in the lab manual
enabled us to develop some interesting and appropriate findings.
Mud Viscosities
APPARENT VISCOSITY, App (cp)
Fresh Water
Clay
Bentonite Sepiolite
Content (%
weight)
4
7.5
8
7
27.25
38.25
10
51.5
83.5

15000mg/L Brine
Bentonite Sepiolite

Bentonite and Sepiolite

increase viscosity with
increased clay

6.5

48.5

concentration in fresh
water.

Sepiolite has similar viscosity effects in salt water and fresh water because of its high
affinity for water. Sepiolite shows useful property of possessing shear strength and
viscosity quite independent of electrolyte concentration.

Bentonite fails to increase viscosity of the drilling fluid in salty formations

The plots also allowed us to find the yield of bentonite and sepiolite from interpolation of
figure two of the lab manual (Typical clay yield curves Gray and Darley, 1988). A yield
of 120 bbl/ton was found for bentonite and 140 bbl/ton for sepiolite.

In part two of the experiment we determinined the representative rheological models using two
drilling fluids. Bentonite and Xantham Gum were used. Newtonians and non-newtonians

rheologic models were compared to the experimental rheograms. Shear stress versus apparent
viscosity was plotted. Outcome of the comparison found that bentonite displays characteristics
consistent with Bigham Plastic Model. While Xantham Gum was found to display
characteristics consistent with the Power model. Both of these rheological models represent
Non-Newtonian fluids. Bentonite mud demonstrates a linear relationship that requires an initial
force to allow flow. Xantham gum presents a non-linear relationship that does not require an
initial force to flow.

This experiment seemed to display trends and results similar to the theory provided indicating
that the procedures, equipment used, formulas used and calculations carried out where
appropriate and efficient.

Sincerely,
Lukasz Nader

Theory, concepts, and objective of the experiment:

Part 1: Yield of Bentonite and Sepiolite Clays
Objective:

To determine the effect of clay concentration on drilling fluid viscosity for the two
common commercially available clays, bentonite and sepiolite.

To analyze the effect of salt-contaminated fluid on viscosity and clay yield on bentonite
and sepiolite.

Theory and concept:

The use of clays in drilling operations is very important because:

Clays represent the main component of drilling fluid.

Clays help to minimize the loss of drilling fluid into the formation.

Clays assist with contamination and wellbore stability problems.

Clays help to control formation pressure.

Clays assist with removing drilling cuttings from the wellbore.

One of the most used clays in the oil industry is montmorillonite clay. Montmorillonite, a
member of the smectite family, is a 2:1 clay, meaning that it has 2 tetrahedral silica sheets
sandwiching a central octahedral alumina sheet.
The lattice is loosely bound with a cation such as sodium (bentonite) which will swell to ten
times its initial volume when mixed with fresh water and calcium (sub-bentonite) which swells
2-4 times it original volume. The ability of the molecules to swell is caused by water entering
between the 3 layered complex inducing expansion of the mineral structure. Sepiolite clay on the
other hand is a crystalloid hydrous magnesium-aluminum silicate mineral present in needles,
fibres, or fibrous clusters. It has very good colloidal properties such as high temperature
endurance and salt/alkali resistance. Its higher affinity for water is the main reason that it is used
in salt water systems to build viscosity.
Yield of clay is the ability of commercial clays to increase the viscosity of water and helps to
grade different clays used in drilling fluids. It is representative of the quality of the clay and is
equal to the number of barrels of 15 cp mud that can be made from one ton of dry clay. In this

part of the experiment bentonite and sepiolite were used to build viscosity and plot of apparent
viscosity versus clay content was made.
Part 2: Rheological Characterization of Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Objective:

To identify the best rheological model for the relation between shear rate and shear stress
of a water based drilling fluid.

To determine the flow behaviour parameters of the rheological models.

Theory and concept:

Shear Stress is the force per unit area required to sustain a constant rate of fluid movement. Shear
rate is velocity gradient measured across the diameter of a fluid-flow channel. It is the rate of
change of velocity at which one layer of fluid passes over an adjacent layer. These values are
found in the lab using a rotational viscometer. A rotational viscometer works by having the
drilling fluid contained in the annular space between to concentric cylinders and outer cylinder is
rotated at a constant rpm. The rotation in the fluid causes a torque on the bob which is displaced
and gives a reading at that specific rotational velocity.

Figure 1: Relation between shear rate and shear stress.

The readings obtained are:

Shear stress in (lb/100 ft2)
= 1.067*

where : dial reading corresponding to the applied shear rate.

Shear rate in (s-1)

= 1.703*N

where N: viscometer rotating speed.

Apparent Viscosity (cp)

= 600 /2
Plastic viscosity (cp)

p= 600 - 300
With these parameters we can build a shear stress versus shear rate plot and determine to which
type of model a certain drilling fluid belongs.
Rheological Models
Rheological models are based on relationship between shear rate and shear stress for a given
drilling fluid. How we determine this is to run a standard test to measure the shear rate response
to changes in shear stress.

1) Newtonian Model, =

The Newton model gives a linear relationship between shear rate and shear stress with
the y-intercept equal to 0 from the shear stress vs. shear rate graph (examples of such
fluids are water,gasoline). Viscosity for Newtonian fluid depends only on temperature
and pressure ( independent of shear stress applied).

2) Bingham Plastic, = o + p

The Bingham plastic model gives a linear relationship with the y-intercept not equal to 0
on a shear stress vs. shear rate graph. Some stress required to overcome muds gel
structure to initiate movement.

= o + p
where o: yield point (lbf/100ft)
p: plastic viscosity (cp); affected by size, shape, concentration of particles in mud
system

p= 600 - 300
o = 300 - p
where,
600: viscometer reading at 600 rpm
300: viscometer reading at 300 rpm

3) Power Law, = K()n

The power law model gives a curved relationship and the shear stress vs. shear rate
graph that the y intercept is equal to 0. ( do not require initial stress to start flow)

Where K: consistency index (lbf/100ft)

n: flow behavior index ( n<1: pseudoplastic, shear thinning; n>1:dilitant, shear
thickening)
n = 3.322*log(600/ 300)
K = (510* 300)/(511^ n)

Concept of Thixotropy:
Thixotropy is the property of non newtonian fluids to show a time-dependent change
viscosity ; the longer the fluid undergo shear stress ; the lower its viscosity.

Experimental procedure:
Part 1:
1) Calibrate mud balance using fresh water.
2) Measure funnel viscosity of water at room temperature.
3) Mix desired drilling fluid sample and stir for 10 minutes at high speed.
4) Place drilling fluid sample in rotational viscometer and measure apparent viscosity at
600rpm (Apparent Viscosity = 600/2).
5) Measure density of drilling fluid using the mud balance and discard sample.
6) Repeat steps 3)-5) for 4%, 7%, 10% bentonite and sepiolite by weight in fresh water and
salt water.
7) Plot apparent viscosity vs. clay content and density vs. clay content. Also, compute the
yield of bentonite and sepiolite in fresh water (bbl per ton).
Equipment used: refer to the following diagrams.

Weight Slide

Bar/Scale

Bubble Level

Calibration Screw

Cup and Lid

Figure 2. Mud Balance

Figure 3. Rotational Viscometer.

Part 2:
1) Place 350ml of water in a blender can.
2) Add 30 grams of bentonite to the water and mix at high speed for 5 minutes.
3) Record temperature of mud and measure its density using the mud balance.
4) Measure and record fann viscometer readings at 600, 300, 200, 100, and 6 rpm.
5) Find 10 sec. and 10 minute gel strength.
6) Repeat steps 1)-5) for 4 grams Xanthan Gum as a viscosifier.

Results and calculations:

Part 1: Yield of Bentonite and Sepiolite Clays.
Data:

Table 1: Water Properties

Density (ppg)
8.4
Funnel Viscosity (sec/qt) 27.72

Table 2: Mud Viscosities

APPARENT VISCOSITY, App (cp)
Fresh Water
Clay
Bentonite Sepiolite
Content (%
weight)
4
7.5
8
7
27.25
38.25
10
51.5
83.5

Table 3:

Fresh water &

bentonite
Fresh water &
sepiolite

6.5

Clay

Yield

bbl/ton

5.4

120

48.5

Graph 1: Apparent Viscosity vs. Clay Content for

Fresh Water Mud
Part 2: Rheological Characterization of Water-Based

4.4

140

Table 4: Bentonite Solution

Temperature (oC)
Density (lb/gal)

15000mg/L Brine
Bentonite Sepiolite

29.5
8.55

Drilling FluidsData:

Fann Viscometer Speed, N

(rpm)
600
300
200
100
6
10 second gel
strength(lbf/100ft)
10 minute gel
strength(lbf/100ft)

Shear
Rate,
(s-1)
1020
510
340
170
10

Shear
Stress
(lb/100ft2)
86.96
78.96
68.82
65.09
56.02
47
77

Graph 4: Shear stress vs. Shear rate for Bentonite solution.

Table 5: Xanthan Gum (XG)

Solution

Temperature (oC)
Density (lb/gal)

29.2
6.5

Table 5: Xanthan Gum Solution

Fann Viscometer Speed, N
(rpm)
600
300
200
100
6
10 second gel
strength(lbf/100ft)
10 minute gel
strength(lbf/100ft)

Shear
Rate,
(s-1)
1020
510
340
170
10

Shear
Stress
83.23
69.36
62.42
52.82
34.68
27
30

Graph 5: Shear stress vs. Shear rate for Xanthan Gum solution.

Analysis and discussion:

Part 1: Yield of Bentonite and Sepiolite Clays.
In this portion of the laboratory we tried to determine the effect of clay concentration on drilling
fluid viscosity for the two common commercially available clays, bentonite and sepiolite. We
also analyzed the effect of salt-contaminated fluid on viscosity and clay yield on bentonite and
sepiolite. Interpretation of the apparent viscosity curves gave some interesting and appropriate
results. Graph 1 shows the effect of increasing clay concentration on the apparent viscosity of the
resulting drilling fluid. In this graph it is noticeable that apparent viscosities of both bentonite
and sepiolite seem to increase with increasing amount of clay with sepiolite increasing at a
slightly higher rate. The plots also allowed us to find the yield of bentonite and sepiolite from
interpolation of figure two of the lab manual (Typical clay yield curves Gray and Darley,
1988). A yield of 120 bbl/ton was found for bentonite and 140 bbl/ton for sepiolite. The yield

values are an indication of a commercial clays ability to increase the viscosity of water and as a
result can be used to grade the different types of clay used. As indicated above the yield value for
sepiolite was higher than that of bentonite and therefore indicates that sepiolite has a greater
ability to increase the viscosity of fresh water. The funnel viscosity of water was also determined
in this portion of the lab using the marshel funnel. We found a value of 27.72sec/qt which
matches the expected value. The behaviour of bentonite and sepolite in brine solution seemed to
be quite different as compared to performance in fresh water. Increasing bentonite clay
concentrations appeared to be more effective in fresh water rather than in brine solution. In the
salty solution we observe that a higher concentration of bentonite will not change the viscosity
very much. There is a significant reduction in apparent viscosity for 7% weight clay content
obtained in the experiment from 27.25 cp to 6.5 cp. It seems that adding salt to the bentonite
holds back its ability to increase the viscosity. In fresh water, bentonites viscosity increased
almost exponentially. Sepiolites apparent viscosity in the brine solution was recorded to be 48.5
cp as compared to 38.25 cp in the fresh water which is an indication that sepiolites apparent
viscosity is almost unaffected in brine solution. These results are indicative of sepiolite high
affinity to water which allows it to produce the same results in fresh water and salt water.

Part 2: Rheological Characterization of Water-Based Drilling Fluids

In this part of the laboratory we were asked to select the best rheological model describing shear
stress-shear rate relation and find the rheological parameters of Bentonite and Xanthan Gum. To
do this we used the fann viscometer at multiple rotational speeds. Plotting the shear stress versus
shear rate gave a plot that we used to determine which rheological model each type of drilling
fluid represented. Based on the figure given in the lab manual page 17; bentonite can be
represented as a Bingham Plastic Fluid Model, and Xanthan Gum as a Power Law Fluid Model.
Also regression value supports a rheological model that is closer to a value R2 = 1.00. The
Xanthan Gum mud resembles the power law model with a regression value of 0.97. As for
Bentonite the rheological model that resembles closely would be Bingham Plastic model.
Bentonite has a regression value of 0.99.

Bentonite R2 values :
Bingham Plastic: R2 = 0.99
Power: R2 = 0.77

Xanthan R2 values :
Bingham Plastic: R2 = 0.89
Power: R2 = 0.98

Sources of Error:
In both parts of the experiment measuring specific amounts of clay on balances, use of the
fann viscometer and mud balance were required and may have lead to error in the results.
Precision in the amount of water, bentonite, sepiolite, and xanthan gum clays used may have
been slightly off the desired amount. Reading the Fann viscometer and mud balance may
have differed from one group member to the other. Also how well the equipment was cleaned
between each run may have affected the results. Mixing time may was not identical for each
mud even though it should have been which could lead to error. Reading values off of the
plots constructed in order to determine yield values, rheological models, and rheological
parameters is up to the person interpreting the graph and may result in slightly different
results being found.

Conclusions:

Bentonite and Sepiolite increase viscosity with increased clay concentration in fresh
water.

Sepiolite has similar viscosity effects in salt water and fresh water because of its high
affinity for water. Sepiolite shows useful property of possessing shear strength and
viscosity quite independent of electrolyte concentration.

Bentonite fails to increase viscosity of the drilling fluid in salty formations.

Marsh Funnel is a quick and efficient way of finding qualitative information about
viscosity.

Bentonite displays characteristics consistent with the Bingham plastic rheological model.

Xanthan Gum displays characteristics consistent with the Power Law rheological model.

Results obtained where consistent with the theory of the lab indicating the formulas,
calculations and equipment used were appropriate and efficient.

References:
Czuroski, John, PET. E. 367 Experiment 1: Yield of Bentonite and Sepiolite Clays Rheological
Characterization of Water-Base Drilling Fluids, 2008.
Schlumberger, Oilfield Glossary, www.schlumberger.com, 2008.
Rheological models: http://www.hdm-stuttgart.de/projekte/printing-inks/b_selec0.htm
Adam Bourgoyne Jr., Martin Chenevert, Keith Milheim, F.S Young Jr. Applied Drilling
Engineering. SPE Textbook

General comments

Graph 2: Apparent Viscosity vs. Bentonite Content for Fresh Water Mud

Graph 3: Apparent Viscosity vs. Sepiolite Content for Fresh Water Mud
quite in contra.st to
the gels produced by swelling montmorillonite. Attapulgite
suspensions are only feebly thixotropic, as might be
expected from their structure, and, moreover, have the
interesting and useful property of possessing shear
strength and viscosity quite independent of electrolyte
concentration.
which rock salt
is drilled through, and in which the mud thereupon becomes
saturated, or nearly so, with salt. In such a solution,
ordinary clays fail to swell and complete loss of gel
strength is the usual result. Attapulgite is added to such
muds to give the gel strength necessary and desirable
for cuttings removal, weighting material suspension, and
the like.
The acieular nature of attapulgite particles causes