Geotechnical and mineral exploration contractors have been using drilling fluids and grouting products provided by bentonite manufacturers for years. This article will attempt to cover most of the products that have been used over the years and some new ones that are more specific to certain formation conditions. These products are also used in various other drilling markets such as water well, horizontal directional drilling and geothermal heat loop installations.
In geotechnical and mineral exploration, there are several types of drilling that use minimal amounts or no drilling fluids and these include auger drilling, both solid stem and hollow stem, along with coring. The two main types of drilling that employ the use of drilling fluids are mud rotary drilling and air drilling. It is these two areas that will be the focus of this discussion.