Particle Size Study of Smectite Clays from the City of Pedra Lavrada-PB

Abstract

The state of Paraíba disposes of one of the largest deposits of smectites in the country. However, these smectites present in their composition elevated contents of accessory minerals, especially quartz. For these clays to become viable to determine technological use it is necessary the elimination of part of these minerals. The particle size analysis of a soil consists in the determination of the size of the particles that constitute it and their distribution in certain intervals. This work aims to study smectite clays from the city of Pedra Lavrada-PB, through the particle size analyses, for the use in water based drilling fluids. The determination of particle size was made by sieving and laser granulometer. Apparent and plastic viscosities were measured from the samples. The clays were left at rest before the test for periods of 7 and 28 days, with and without deflocculant. It was verified that there was no significant difference in the particle sizes in relation to the resting time of the samples.