OCMA DFCP-4 is the grade most often named when sodium bentonite is specified for drilling, piling and earthing work in the Gulf. This page explains what the designation means, lists the specification of the DFCP-4 bentonite Fonzal supplies, and sets out where the grade is used.
What OCMA DFCP-4 means
OCMA stands for the Oil Companies Materials Association, an industry body that set standards for drilling-fluid materials, largely for oil companies operating in the Middle East. DFCP-4 is the number of its specification for bentonite.
The association no longer exists. Its bentonite specification was taken over and maintained by the American Petroleum Institute, and API Specification 13A now includes OCMA grade bentonite as one of its bentonite grades. In practice, “OCMA bentonite”, “OCMA grade” and “DFCP-4” all refer to the same class of material.
Specification
These are the values for the OCMA Grade DFCP-4 sodium bentonite supplied by Fonzal.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Grade | OCMA DFCP-4 |
| Yield | Min. 16.5 m³/ton |
| Moisture content | Max. 13% |
| Sand content (>75 µm) | < 2.5% |
| Dry screen (100 mesh) | Min. 98% passing |
| Residue (200 mesh) | Max. 2.5% |
| Colour | Golden beige |
| Density | 2.5 g/cm³ |
| pH | 6–9 |
| CAS number | 1302-78-9 |
| Unit weight | 25 kg bag |
| Origin | India |
The values delivered with any consignment are those stated on its technical data sheet and certificate of analysis.
How to read the main values
- Yield is the volume of drilling fluid of a standard viscosity that one ton of bentonite produces. A higher yield means less bentonite is needed for the same volume of fluid.
- Moisture content is the water already held in the powder. A lower figure means more active clay per bag.
- Sand content and screen analysis describe how fine the powder is. Coarse particles do not swell and add wear to pumps and equipment, so lower residue is better.
Where OCMA DFCP-4 bentonite is used
- Drilling fluids. Bentonite gives the fluid the viscosity to carry cuttings to the surface and forms a thin filter cake that seals the borehole wall.
- Piling and diaphragm walls. A bentonite slurry supports the sides of an excavation until concrete is placed.
- Earthing and grounding. Bentonite swells when wet and holds moisture around the electrode, which lowers and stabilises the resistance to ground.
- Civil engineering and sealing. Its swelling makes it suitable for sealing ponds and other water-retaining works.
What to confirm with a supplier
Ask for the technical data sheet and the safety data sheet for the grade, and check that the stated values match the specification your project calls for. Fonzal supplies OCMA Grade DFCP-4 sodium bentonite in 25 kg bags, with supply across the UAE and export throughout the GCC.
Need earthing or drilling materials in the UAE or GCC?
Fonzal supplies sodium bentonite, industrial salt, charcoal powder and earthing compound from our Sharjah warehouse, with delivery across the UAE and export throughout the GCC.
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