Bentonite:

Because of its gel forming properties, bentonite is a major component of water-based drilling muds.

See gel, mud.

Terms Related to Bentonite

• High-yield drilling clay

  A classification of commercial drilling-clay preparations having a yield of 35 to 40 barrels per ton and intermediate between bentonite and low-yield clays. Usually prepared ...

• Mud-up

  To add solid materials (such as bentonite or other clay) to a drilling fluid composed mainly of clear water to obtain certain desirable properties.

• Montmorillonite

  A clay mineral often used as an additive to drilling mud. It is a hydrous aluminum silicate capable of reacting with such substances of magnesium ...

• Colloidal

  Pertaining to a colloid, i.e., involving particles so minute (less than 2 microns) that they are not visible through optical microscopes. Bentonite is an example ...

• Clay extender

  Any of several substances--usually organic compounds of high molecular weight--that, when added in low concentrations to a bentonite or to certain other clay slurries, will ...

• Gel strength

  A measure of the ability of a colloidal dispersion to develop and retain a gel form, based on its resistance to shear. The gel, or ...

• Gel

  A semisolid, jelly-like state assumed by some colloidal dispersions at rest. When agitated, the gel converts to a fluid state. Also a nickname for bentonite.