CAS ES 105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Drilling Fluid, Clay Minerals, Bentonite
24 Dec 2015
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Document Summary
Raw rock only supports the growth of the most simple organisms: lichen, algae, and fungi. At least 1/3 of soils are made of a mineral group called clays. Naturally formed through a variety of chemical reactions that break down minerals, such as feldspars, formed at higher temperatures and pressures. Corns, cactus & flowers (all need proper soil) Bentonite and other clays are used in the drilling of oil and water wells. The clays are turned into mud, which seals the walls of the boreholes, lubricates the drill head and removes drill cuttings. Bentonite is an absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate, impure clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. Filtering: clays are used to decolorize, filter, and purify animal, mineral, and vegetable oils and greases due to their high absorbing properties. Environmental sealants: bentonite is used to establish low permeability liners in landfills, sewage lagoons, water retention ponds, golf course ponds, and hazardous waste sites.
