PROCESSING OF FAYA BENTONITE CLAY USING JIGGING AND FROTH FLOTATION FOR OIL AND GAS DRILLING MUD PRODUCTION

Faya bentonite clay has been processed using jigging and forth flotation to meet the requirement for the oil and gas drilling mud production .samples of Faya bentonite were collected from language south local government area of plateau state, Nigeria. The head sample of the bentonite was analyzed for elemental composition using x-Ray fluoresce (XRF). It was then concentrated using gravity method by jigging technique and froth flotation. The result of X-Ray fluoresce analysis showed that 38.7% BaO 35.6% SiO2 and 16.6% Al2O3  as the major oxides. The beneficiation test was carried out with particle sizes of 90,125,and 180 µm. the recoveries of BaO using Jigging are 82% 89% and 85% BaO while Froth flotation Yielded  97.2% BaO recovery, an enrichment ratio of 1.4, and a concentration ratio of 1.4. The best yield for both concentration Methods was obtained with particles size 125 µm.  Froth Flotation is more effective for upgrading Faya bentonite for oil and gas drilling mud production., Further concentration of Faya Bentonite clay should be explored using classifiers such as Hydrocyclone to enhance separation efficiency, Flotation parameters such as particle size and pH should be optimized through simulation studies to optimize recovery and product quality, The use of local collectors (such as Olive oil, Coconut oil, and Avocado oil) in flotation should be assessed for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.