Method of upgrading crude sodium bentonite

摘要

A method of upgrading crude sodium bentonite to improve its fluid loss properties, comprises subjecting the bentonite to shearing forces that are sufficient to increase the methylene blue uptake by the bentonite, and then drying and pulverizing the bentonite. The shearing forces are applied to the bentonite by extruding the bentonite while it has a moisture content between about 20 and 40 wt. %.