Clay Mineralogy Course
From time-to-time training courses for professionals, looking for an insight into clay mineralogy, are run at the Institute's Aberdeen site. We can also tailor courses to suit your needs. These can vary in topics covered and on course length. Software and appropriate facilities will be provided for the duration of the course.
A Clay Mineralogy Course titled 'Clay Mineralogy and its application to the oil industry' first took place in March 2011. This course was designed for oil industry staff to help them understand the nature, properties, behaviour and occurrence of clays in the context of hydrocarbon exploration and production and to demonstrate in a practical way how clay minerals can be identified and characterised using the primary analytical techniques of X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy.
Two further courses were run in 2012, then again in March 2013, and the next 3 day course is planned for September 30th to October 2nd 2013.
If you are interested in upcoming courses please contact Jane Lund.
Courses are delivered by our staff with contributions by honorary fellow of The James Hutton Institute Dr Jeff Wilson.
The following modules are included:
Module 1
* The Importance of Clays in the Oil Industry
* Introduction to the Chemistry and Mineralogy of Clays
* Principles of X-Ray Powder Diffraction
* Tour of X-Ray Labs
* Separation and Preparation of Clays for XRD Analysis; Practical
Module 2
* Chemistry and Mineralogy of Kaolinite, Illite and Smectite Minerals
* Chemistry and Mineralogy of Chlorite and Mixed layer Minerals
* Principles of Infrared Spectroscopy and Clay Analysis
* Principles of Scanning Electron Microscopy and Clay Analysis
* Tour of IR and SEM Labs
* Measurement and Analysis of Clay XRD Patterns; Practical
Module 3
* Fundamental Concepts in Geology
* Geology of Clays
* Infrared Analysis of Clay Minerals
* Quantitative Analysis of Clay Materials by XRD; Practical
Module 4
* Particle Size, Surface Area and Morphology of Clays
* Physicochemical properties of Clays
* Clay Interactions with Water and Organics
* Clay Minerals and Drilling Fluids
* Clay Analysis and Assessment of Formation Damage by SEM; Practical
Module 5
* Clay Mineralogy and Shale Instability
* Clay Mineralogy and Reservoir Quality
* Round Table Discussion
* Tour of Clay Technology Unit
If you are interested in upcoming courses or for anything related to courses please contact Jane Lund.
Attendees and instructors from some previous clay mineralogy courses.
