Possibility of complex use of bentonite clays and modeling of research processes

Abstract

The efficient and complex use of resources of high quality bentonite clays, as well as the application of relatively low quality bentonite clays in accordance with their mineralogical and lithological properties are identified in the article. As Azerbaijan’s oil industry developed, interest in studying the geological structure of bentonite deposits increased. Prospects for bentonite production to reach 1-1.5 million tons of annual productivity in the next 40-50 years are related to the industrial development of the Daşsalakhli deposit, the largest in terms of resources (explored reserves are 180 million tons). The Dashsalakhli field is unique in terms of mineral quality and is one of the largest deposits in the world. Since the Dashsalakhli field has been researched and prepared for industrial development, and taking into account the demand of the world market, it is possible to increase the production and pro- cessing of bentonites by 1.5-2 times with the production of various commodity products in the republic. For this purpose, a unique and powerful “Azbentonite” processing enterprise equipped with modern equipment was established in Baku. One of the most important physical properties of bentonite clay which determines its industrial use is swelling. The swelling of clays is determined by their granulometric and mineral composition, as well as the content of absorbed cations. Massive bentonites have a relatively low density due to the significant moisture content, in most cases greater than 2.09 g/cm3. Attention was paid principally to the study of the degree swelling of the studied clay samples . The process of swelling in clays depends on their mineralogical composition. As is known, according to P.A. Rebinder, clays with a hard crystal lattice are less exposed to swelling. The elastic skeletal lattice of «Dashsalahli» bentonite clay, which is characteristic of other bentonite clays, causes the swelling process to intensify on contact with water. Bentonite clays are char- acterized by high water absorption or water retention capacity compared to other types of clay. One of the important natural properties of bentonites is their dispersibility, which depends on the type and amount of functionally modifiable clay cations .The more alkali metal (usually sodium) cations in the diffuse layer of bentonite particles, the higher the dispersion. In order to comprehensively study the physical and chemical properties of «Dashsalahli» bentonite clay, samples were taken from the northern, southern, western, eastern and central directions of the clay deposit, and research work was carried out. As a result of the research, it was established that «Dashsalahli» bentonite clay belongs to the class of small dispersed, alkali-based montmorillonite clays and is characterized by plastic texture. The composition of these clays is weakly carbonate and consists mainly of quartz and plagioclase minerals. Reconstructive diagnostic and electron-microscopic data of the corresponding montmorillonite showed that these clays have variable cation capacity. The analysis of «Dashsalahli» bentonite clay ultimately examined the use of this clay in the production of drilling fluids used in wells drilled in the oil industry and in other industries. Bentonite clays, as well as their processed products, have many special qualities and are widely used in certain leading sectors of the economy, as well as in many industries. The possibility of their application in high-quality detergent used in the steel casting industry, granulation of iron ore concentrate, drilling of deep wells, production of expanded clay in the construction industry, production of special purpose aluminum sheets, and their application in the oil refining, chemical , food , liquid and gas in- dustries was determined. The feature of using low-condition bentonite clays and opening rocks in various fields ensures the full use of this raw material and the complex development of the deposit. Currently, bentonite clays, especially their montmorillonite varieties, are considered an important raw material in the world market due to the use of bentonites in the production of iron ore pellets.