Min-u-Gel^® for Drilling & Construction Groundwork Technologies

Attapulgite Clay vs. Bentonite

How to solve issues with construction and drilling in brackish water environments?

Choosing the right components and additives for drilling fluids and clay slurries is essential during construction groundworks and oil and gas well drilling.

Oil and Gas

A water-based drilling fluid, containing clay, is used to aid the drilling of deep wells for oil and gas. The fluid or mud slurry cools and lubricates the drill bit; provides hydrostatic pressure preventing formation water from entering the well; suspends drill cuttings; and reduces fluid loss. 

Commonly known as ‘Salt gel’ and unlike traditionally used bentonite clay, attapulgite clay is inert towards salinity but is still able to gel. This makes Min-u-Gel^® from Active Minerals the superior choice when the drilling area contains brackish water. 

Construction Groundworks

Clay slurries are required in the groundworks of large infrastructure developments as a thixotropic, support and lubricating agent. The slurries stabilise the excavation by exerting hydrostatic pressure and forming a filter cake on the walls. This prevents the walls from collapsing. The slurry hardens producing a low permeability barrier. The slurry cut-off wall prevents the flow of groundwater and leachates. 

Min-u-Gel^® from Active Minerals is the best choice for construction taking place in areas of high ionic concentration waters.

INERT TOWARDS SALINITY,
BUT STILL ABLE TO GEL

FOR CONSTRUCTION IN
AREAS OF HIGH IONIC
CONCENTRATION WATERS

FOR DRILLING AREAS
CONTAINING
BRACKISH WATER

Get in contact with our trained team for further information.