Sustainable bentonite recycling
for drilling fluids
Sustainable bentonite recycling is becoming increasingly important in the drilling industry. In this process, used drilling fluids are efficiently cleaned and restored, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs.
The innovative method ensures that drilling residues are removed and the composition of the bentonite fluid is optimized for reuse in drilling projects. The recycling process consists of several steps, in which the bentonite is separated, filtered, and balanced with new additives to restore its original composition.
Why is recycling bentonite important?
Recycling of bentonite is increasingly being applied because it results in less waste and more efficient use of raw materials. This reduces the ecological footprint by decreasing the need for new bentonite and additives. The process contributes to the conservation of natural resources and minimizes the environmental impact of extraction and production.
Additionally, it reduces pressure on landfills and waste processing systems. For companies, bentonite recycling not only offers environmental benefits but also enhances corporate reputation and attracts customers who value environmental awareness.
An added benefit is that reusing bentonite lowers the overall costs of drilling projects.
In summary, bentonite recycling offers the following benefits:
- Reduction of environmental impact
- Cost savings
- Compliance with environmental regulations and standards
- Enhancement of your sustainability image
Important parameters in the recycling process
1. Achieving optimal viscosity
Engineered drilling fluids provide consistent and controllable viscosity, reducing excess pressure and supporting efficient recycling.
2. Cutting suspension and transport
Choosing the right additives ensures that drill cuttings are efficiently transported, allowing the drill bit to perform its task effectively. Limiting reactive solids helps facilitate the easy removal of drill cuttings.
3. Removal of solids
Efficient removal of drilling cuttings and solids from a well-composed drilling fluid is essential for maintaining the properties of the fluid.
Solution from Cebo and BAROID IDP
Cebo and BAROID IDP products are designed to achieve a predictable and environmentally friendly drilling fluid. Effective viscosifiers can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of HDD operations.
BAROID IDP offers a comprehensive training program and technical support to optimize the entire process, from mixing to maintaining the drilling fluid. This program ensures that users follow best practices, resulting in a more efficient and safer drilling process.
Recycle-ready viscosifier
TUNNEL-GEL® PLUS
TUNNEL-GEL® PLUS is a bentonite-based viscosifier, characterized by its lower mixing ratio and designed for use in small-diameter horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The product’s lower mixing ratio results in a low gel strength of the drilling fluid. The additives are specially selected to provide stable performance and promote reuse after recycling. TUNNEL-GEL® PLUS enables the control of fluid and solids with stable performance in small-diameter operations and facilitates easy recycling and reuse.
TUNNEL-GEL® MAX
TUNNEL-GEL® MAX is a bentonite-based viscosifier, characterized by its higher mixing ratio and designed for use in HDD operations with larger diameters. The product's higher mixing ratio allows for an increased bentonite content per volume, resulting in a correspondingly high gel strength in the drilling fluid. The bentonite-based gel strength enables efficient transport of drilled solids - regardless of lower annular velocity - and maintains its properties even after multiple reuses. TUNNEL-GEL® MAX allows for stable control of fluids and solids in medium-diameter operations and facilitates easy recycling and reuse.
CEBOGEL® OCMA
CEBOGEL® OCMA is a versatile drilling bentonite designed for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) with large diameters and long distances, thanks to its high gel strengths and stable viscosity. CEBOGEL® OCMA can be efficiently recycled and reused. CEBOGEL® OCMA allows for stable control of fluids and solids in large-diameter operations and facilitates easy recycling and reuse.
Want to know more about bentonite recycling?
Discover more about bentonite recycling! Check out our informative infographic or contact our technical experts directly for personalized advice and support.
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