COMPOSITIONAL AND RHEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF DRILLING MUD FORMULATED FROM UGHELLI NORTH CLAY

Abstract

helps in ascertaining its suitability especially as it pertains to drilling mud formulation. Compositional and physical analysis of mud is important because it helps us to understand the mud’s properties, composition and behaviour which is in turn helpful to us in order to select a suitable clay for mud formulation. This research is focused on characterization of the properties of the locally sourced mud from Ughelli North clay deposit. The study evaluated the mud pH, mud density, rheological properties and sand concentration. The declining trend in plastic and apparent viscosities, coupled with a largely stable but low yield point, suggests that the Ughelli North clay may have limited capacity to maintain rheological stability over extended periods.