Abstract This paper is aimed at determining and comparing the rheological property, mud weight, pH and sand content of the suspected bentonite clay from Ejeme-aniogor of Aniocha South Local Government Area in Delta State. The clay was collected from a depth of about 3ft, dried, crushed and sieved using 212 mesh size, low, mid and high viscous mud was prepared using the fann-VG meter and the various parameters were analyzed.
Before beneficiation, it was observed that the sand content was 0.25 % using the sand content kit which is very good compare to API standard for mud sand content of 1-2 %. The mud pH was also observed to be 7 and upon beneficiation using 0.1g of potassium hydroxide (KOH) the pH was observed to increase to a value of 12 which is appreciably good with reference to minimum and maximum of 9.5-12.5 for API standard. The viscosity of the clay at various concentrations in grams of 17.5, 21.0 and 24.5 was also observed to be far below the required value of 30 cp at 600 rpm, but upon beneficiation with 1.0 g of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose and allowed to age for a period of five days the viscosity was observed to meet up to standard of 30 cp at 600 rpm. The mud weight was also improved to meet up with standard using 0.5 g of barite. From the analysis it could be seen that if properly beneficiated and allowed to age, the clay could serve as substitute for foreign clay used in drilling.