Product Information
Our drilling-grade bentonite is manufactured from high-quality, predominantly natural sodium bentonite clay from the historic Askan deposit in Georgia. Characterized by exceptional dispersion properties and high swelling index, this bentonite forms stable suspensions with low solids content—making it the ideal thickening and structuring agent for drilling fluids in oil, gas, water well, and geotechnical applications.
Manufacturing Process: Our advanced two-stage production process ensures optimal preservation of bentonite’s colloidal-chemical properties:
- Raw material preparation (stone separation, crushing, wet grinding with additives)
- Two-stage drying in specialized equipment to maintain colloidal properties
- Precision grinding in roller-pendulum mills with controlled moisture levels
- Dynamic separator classification for consistent particle size distribution
- Optional activation with sodium or magnesium salts to enhance specific performance characteristics
Product Grades: We offer multiple specifications to meet diverse drilling requirements:
- ASKANGEL D 16 – Standard grade for general drilling applications
- ASKANGEL D 20 – Enhanced grade for demanding conditions
- Custom Specifications – Tailored formulations for specific project requirements
Key Applications:
Oil & Gas Drilling:
- Onshore and offshore oil well drilling
- Natural gas well construction
- Deep wells requiring high thermal stability
- Directional and horizontal drilling operations
Water Well & Geotechnical Drilling:
- Water well construction and development
- Geothermal drilling operations
- Environmental investigation boreholes
- Exploration and sampling wells
Construction Applications:
- Pile foundation construction (bored cast-in-situ piles)
- Diaphragm wall construction (“wall in soil” method)
- Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) for utilities
- Tunneling and microtunneling operations
- Soil strengthening to increase bearing capacity
- Construction of impervious screens and cut-off walls
- Structure-forming additives in specialized concrete
Benefits
- Superior Wellbore Stability – Creates hydrostatic pressure that prevents borehole collapse and controls formation pressures, eliminating blowout risks in oil and gas drilling
- Exceptional Cuttings Removal Efficiency – Thixotropic gel properties keep drill cuttings suspended during circulation and prevent settling when drilling pauses, ensuring clean wellbore conditions
- Optimal Filter Cake Formation – Forms low-permeability filter cake on borehole walls, minimizing fluid loss into formations while maintaining wellbore integrity and reducing water infiltration
- Outstanding Cooling & Lubrication – Reduces friction and dissipates heat from drill bit and cutting tools, extending equipment life and maintaining optimal drilling performance
- High Thermal Stability – Retains rheological properties under extreme temperatures encountered in deep drilling operations, suitable for depths exceeding 3,000 meters
- Cost-Effective & Reusable – Minimal quantities generate large volumes of drilling mud; can be recycled and reused after proper cleaning and reconditioning, reducing operational costs
- Environmentally Safe – Natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable material with minimal environmental impact, suitable for environmentally sensitive drilling sites
Specifications
Powder Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product composition | Natural sodium bentonite from Askan deposit (predominantly Na-form) |
| Moisture content | 8.0-12.0% |
| Bulk density | 0.8-0.85 g/cm³ |
| Sieve residue (0.063mm mesh) | As per specification |
| Color | Light grey to cream |
Suspension Properties (22.5g per 350ml – ISO 13500, Section 11)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield of standard viscosity solution | 16-22 m³/t |
| Fann-35 viscometer reading at 600 rpm | 30-45 |
| Filtrate volume | 12-16 ml |
| Yield Point / Plastic Viscosity ratio (YP/PV) | 3-6 |
| Sieve residue (0.075mm mesh) | 1.0-2.5 mass % |
Performance Characteristics
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Swelling capacity | High – several times dry mass in water |
| Gel strength | Excellent thixotropic properties |
| Dispersion | High colloidal dispersion in water |
| Suspension stability | Stable with low solids content |
| Activation options | Available with Na, Mg salts or organic reagents |
Standards Compliance
- Georgian Enterprise Standard STP GR 22983003-001-2017
- International Standard ISO 13500 (Section 11, Grade OCMA)
- Based on API 13A American Petroleum Institute Standard
- Custom specifications available upon request
Typical Dosage Rates
| Application | Recommended Concentration |
|---|---|
| Oil & gas drilling mud | 5-6% solids (50-60 kg/m³) |
| Water well drilling | 4-8% solids (40-80 kg/m³) |
| Diaphragm wall construction | 5-7% solids (50-70 kg/m³) |
| HDD operations | 4-6% solids (40-60 kg/m³) |
Note: Actual dosage depends on formation conditions, drilling depth, and specific project requirements
Packaging Options
- Big-Bag containers: 1,000 kg or 1,250 kg
- Polypropylene bags: 25 kg (for smaller projects)
- Bulk delivery: Available for large-scale operations
Storage & Handling
- Store in dry, covered conditions
- Shelf life: 24 months when properly stored
- Protect from moisture absorption
- Use proper mixing equipment for optimal hydration
Documentation
Technical Documentation Available:
- ✓ Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- ✓ Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
- ✓ Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- ✓ Quality Certificates
Please contact our sales team to request documentation or create an account for full access to technical resources.
Need Technical Support?
Our team of experts is ready to help you find the right solution for your application.
Contact Us