Activation of some Turkish bentonites to improve their drilling fluid properties

In this study three Turkish bentonites (Samaş, Çanbensan and Ceylan) were tested for their potential use in drilling fluids. The drilling-mud quality of the bentonites from Çanbensan and Ceylan were significantly improved with some additives such as salts (Na2C03, Na2SO4,Al2(SO4)3), gypsum, high molecular weight polymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Salts were, found not to be as effective as polymeric materials for this purpose.