What Does
Colloidal Materials Mean?
Colloidal materials are used to incorporate additional properties to a solution. A colloid can be defined as a microscopic substance that is suspended in another medium usually a liquid. Colloidal materials can remain evenly distributed in the solution without settling to the bottom or becoming dissolved.
The size of a colloid ranges between 1 and 1000 nanometers, and can be seen under a microscope but not with the naked eyes. In directional drilling, a type of colloidal clay called Bentonite is used as a drilling fluid.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Colloidal Materials
Adding small amounts of chemicals to particulate materials can greatly enhance the properties of the material. Colloids act by modifying the interfacial properties of the solution. Bentonite acts as an excellent lubricant for drilling using trenchless technology. It is an expansive montmorillonite which, when added to water, becomes a superior sealant and lubricant. Because of its excellent properties as a sealant, it is used as a lubricant in sandy or porous soils.
When driving an auger and casing system through the ground, the outer side of the casing is lubricated using Bentonite. Lubrication reduces the friction between the soil and the casing, thus the thrust required for driving the system is reduced.