IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL PROCESSES (IJCCP )

E-I SSN 2545-5265
P- ISSN 2695-1916
VOL. 11 NO. 1 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijccp.vol.11.no1.2025.pg107.124

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Evaluation of the Suitability of Arochukwu Clay for Drilling Mud Formulation: A Comparative Study with API Standards for Bentonite Clay

Lily Obioma Irabor

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Abstract

In line with the industrial adoption of bentonite, the Nigerian oil and gas industry has historically relied on imported bentonite to meet its drilling needs. The financial burden of this dependency is significant as imported drilling muds accounts for millions of dollars in annual expenditures. Thus, the urgent need for cost-effective and locally available alternatives has gained traction, especially in light of Nigeria’s abundant clay deposits. This research seeks to determine whether Arochukwu clay can serve as a viable alternative to imported bentonite, thereby contributing to cost savings, resource optimisation, and the localisation of drilling fluid production in Nigeria. The evaluation of Arochukwu clay for drilling mud formulation highlights its potential as an alternative material, although certain properties fall short of API standards for bentonite. The study assessed pH, mud weight, sand content, and rheological properties, including plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and apparent viscosity (AV). Results showed that while higher clay concentrations maintained a more alkaline pH essential for mud stability, all samples failed to meet the API pH standard (9.5– 12.5), necessitating chemical modification. Mud weight performance was reasonable, with higher concentrations achieving densities near the API range (8.65–9.0 ppg), but lower concentrations showed variability. Sand content generally aligned with API thresholds (<1%), though some variability was noted. Increasing clay concentration improved viscosity and gel strength, yet rheological properties remained below API standards, limiting cuttings suspension and fluid flow efficiency. Despite these limitations, Arochukwu clay shows promise for drilling mud formulation, particularly at higher concentrations, with further refinement required to meet API standards for modern drilling applications.

keywords:

Arochukwu clay, Drilling mud formulation, Bentonite alternatives, Rheological properties, Nigerian oil and gas industry.

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