Bentonite

• Oil & Gas Industry Additives for Cementing

  Bentonite is a clay mineral commonly used as a cementing additive in well-cementing operations. It is a rheological additive added to the cement slurry to improve its flow properties and reduce its specific weight. Bentonite is primarily used as a secondary cementing operation, which is used to repair or reinforce an existing cement job.

  When bentonite is added to the cement slurry, it reduces the slurry’s specific weight, making it easier to pump and place in the wellbore. At higher percentages, bentonite can increase the viscosity of the slurry, which can be beneficial in specific applications, such as in deviated wells where a higher viscosity slurry can help to prevent fluid channeling.