Influence of morphology and surface charge on the suitability of palygorskite as drilling fluid

This study investigates the influence of physical chemistry properties of three palygorskites from Brazil on the suitability of the dispersions for use as a component of drilling fluid. Characterization and technological tests have been carried out.The analysis were done with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Laser Particle Sizer and Electro Kinetic Sonic Amplitude (ESA). The samples were prepared as recommended by Petrobras' Normalization Standard (N-1967, 1984).Both the morphology and surface charge of the particles have a major effect on the suitability as the drilling fluid. The dark São Pedro palygorskite sample showed the best suitability in both fresh and salt water. The dark and white São Pedro samples were classified as type 1 palygorskite and are of high yield. The Boa Vista sample was classified as medium yield.