Potential use of Saudi clays in the drilling of oil and water wells

Abstract EN

Various types of clays are present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The mineralogical, chemical, and mechanical analyses of these clays determine their different in- dustrial applications.

Clays and shales of different geologic ages composed of smectite (bentonite, montmorillo- nite) or palygorskite minerals could be successfully used as constituents for drilling fluids in oil and water wells.

Not only could millions of dollars spent in purchasing these materials from ab- road be saved, but more money could be obtained if these materials were exported to other Gulf countries.

Thus, the present study includes mechanical, mineralogical and chemical characterization of some Saudi clays by X-ray diffraction and atomic absorption.

The Theological properties of suspensions (viscosity, gel strength, filtration properties, resistivity, and pH) are determined.

Improvement of the Theological behavior was achieved by the addition of bentonite and starch to raw materials of poor Theological properties.

The study proved that the industrial use of these clays in shallow oil wells and water wells is possible since their Theological behavior is more or less comparable with the commercial standards.