Bentonite Testing, Specifications & Laboratory Tools

Evaluate the complete bentonite performance profile

Reliable bentonite evaluation requires more than a single viscosity reading. Rheology, filtration and coarse residue should be considered together under controlled and repeatable sample-preparation conditions.

The Bentonas Lab & Standards center combines practical test guidance, API 13A and OCMA-oriented reference limits, and calculation tools for drilling-grade and application-specific bentonite evaluation.

What the laboratory data tell you

R600 indicates the overall rheological response of the prepared suspension. YP/PV describes the relationship between yield point and plastic viscosity. Filtrate volume evaluates filtration behavior, while residue above 75 µm identifies the coarse fraction remaining after controlled wet dispersion and sieving.

No single result should replace the complete data set. A sample can develop strong viscosity while still showing unfavorable filtration or coarse-residue behavior.

Recommended workflow

1. Prepare the suspension with controlled water, mass, mixing and conditioning.
2. Record R600 and R300.
3. Calculate PV, YP, YP/PV and AV.
4. Measure filtrate volume using the applicable filter-press procedure.
5. Determine residue above 75 µm.
6. Compare the complete result set with the applicable reference or customer specification.

API and OCMA are not identical

API and OCMA reference limits overlap, but they are not interchangeable. API uses a tighter YP/PV ratio and filtrate limit, while OCMA uses a tighter limit for residue above 75 µm. One system should therefore not be described as universally stricter than the other.

Technical use

The information and tools in this section support laboratory comparison, training and technical screening. They do not constitute API certification, API Monogram authorization or third-party conformity assessment.