A good bored-pile bentonite system uses the minimum effective, pumpable and cleanable mineral-solids concentration needed for support. The goal is not maximum viscosity or maximum bentonite dosage.

Water first

Check make-up water before increasing bentonite. Hardness, salinity and pH can influence hydration. Where testing justifies it, SODA ASH may be used for water conditioning before ALKABEN addition.

Mixing is not hydration

Disperse ALKABEN under effective agitation, then allow the qualified hydration period. A visually homogeneous slurry can still be under-hydrated.

Control contamination

During excavation, track density, Marsh funnel and sand content. High density with high sand points toward coarse solids; high density with low sand points toward silt/clay fines that conventional desanding may not remove efficiently.

Filtration vs whole-fluid loss

Where the problem is excessive filtration, MUDOPAC LV can be evaluated with limited added rheology, while MUDOPAC HV can support both filtration and rheology. Neither should be treated as a structural bridge for open gravel or large fractures.

Before concrete

Working slurry acceptable for excavation may still require cleaning, exchange or replacement before concrete. Excessive mineral solids and viscosity are not advantages at the concrete stage.

Frequently asked questions

Should more bentonite be added when density rises?

Not automatically. Rising density usually indicates formation solids unless the fresh batch itself was wrong.

Can a desander remove clay?

Not efficiently. Fine clay and silt can require finer separation or slurry replacement.

Is a high Marsh funnel value always better?

No. It can indicate excessive concentration or contamination.