Evaluation of Bentonite Mixed Indigenous Clays for Development of Clay Liners

Abstract

This study presents experimental investigation of indigenous clays mixed with Bentonite to assess their suitability in potential use as clay liners. Soil samples with 0, 4, 8, and 12% Bentonite content from three different sites in Peshawar region were tested for various geotechnical properties. Grain size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits and free swell were found through laboratory tests using appropriate ASTM procedures. Maximum dry density and optimum moisture content were calculated using Atterberg limits in available relationships. Finally, one dimensional consolidation tests were conducted to find relevant parameters for calculating hydraulic conductivity. A decrease in specific gravity, increase in free swell, and in optimum moisture content, decline in maximum dry density and hydraulic conductivity was observed with increase in Bentonite content across all three soil samples. During free swell, the soil clusters become larger leading to formation of floccules resulting in the narrowing of inter-particle space and thus blocking of permeable paths. It is concluded that 8% Bentonite content by weight yields a suitable mixture for a clay liner that has hydraulic conductivity in the range of recommended limits.

Filter Cake Neural-Objective Data Modelling and Image Optimization

“…Filtration [3] loss explains the potency of the cake to return permeability or increase the enhancement of hydrocarbon production after washing. This study concentrated on synthetic-based muds [35] that were formulated in the laboratory as indicated in previous studies; the liquid phase of the slurry simply slipped into permeable formations, leaving behind packed solid particles. More so, cakes that have a higher degree of thickness or tightly packed particles increase the drag and torque, thereby easily getting pipes stuck in the well during drilling.…”