Extent of Beneficiation of Tsopoli and Akuse Clay Deposits as Drilling Fluids Materials

Abstract

The need to source for a local material for the design of drilling fluid has necessitated the study of two smectite clay reserve deposits which are abundant in Ghana and have been the subject of study for many years for other engineering disciplines. A study of their degree and extent of beneficiation quantities has been carried out using standard rheological and filtration test as well as governing protocols while at all times deploying appropriate state of the art equipment’s. Results indicate that the extent and degree of beneficiation is a function of the clay fractions in the samples. Overall it was concluded that the studied clays were low gravity weight solid materials but have potential to improve  upon beneficiation.