Method for improving the stain resistance of smectite clay by rewetting and impregnating smectite clay with water soluble polymer and redrying polymer-impregnated clay

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of mining and drying clay and then treating it to improve its properties upon contact with contaminated water. Typically after the initial drying step of drying the clay to a water content of 12% by weight or less, the clay is impregnated with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer dissolved in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight based on the dry weight of the clay. ; After drying the clay to a moisture content of at least 12% by weight, preferably about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay; Redry to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less based on the dry weight of the clay. Re-drying the clay after rewetting as described above to hydrate the clay and polymer-impregnating greatly improves the contaminant absorbency and viscosity when the clay is contacted with contaminated water; When encountering contaminated water during drilling, the rheological properties of clays are improved for oil well drill fluid and water applications, and suspended in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries of the oil-containing compositions of dissolved inorganic salts and / or organic liquids. Improves clay properties when used at zero; In the manufacture of bulkheads based on water-swellable clay, water absorption is greatly increased.