Bentonite
Viscosity, fluid loss control, and a filter cake that holds.
Sodium montmorillonite swells to many times its dry volume in water, building the yield point and gel strength a drilling fluid needs to lift cuttings, and forming a thin, low-permeability filter cake against the borehole wall. The same sealing behavior is why it is the default material for slurry walls, landfill liners, and pond sealing.
Typical Specifications
What you're buying.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard | API 13A / ISO 13500 drilling gradePER STANDARD |
| Viscometer dial reading at 600 rpm | 30 minimumPER STANDARD |
| Yield point / plastic viscosity ratio | 3 maximumPER STANDARD |
| Filtrate volume | 15 mL maximumPER STANDARD |
| Residue greater than 75 µm | 4.0% by mass maximumPER STANDARD |
| Moisture | 10% maximum typicalTYPICAL — CONFIRM |
Per standard values are requirements of the cited specification. Typical values reflect commercial norms and should be confirmed against the certificate of analysis for your specific shipment.
Principal Industrial Uses
Where it's used, and why.
Drilling Fluids
Builds viscosity and gel strength for cuttings transport, and controls fluid loss into permeable formations through filter cake development.
Civil & Geotechnical
Slurry wall construction, geosynthetic clay liners, pond and lagoon sealing, and horizontal directional drilling support.
Foundry & Pelletizing
Serves as a green-sand binder in metal casting and as a binder in iron ore pelletizing operations.
Related Minerals
Often ordered alongside Bentonite.
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