Mar 22, 2016· Referring to FIG. 3, in a general process for in situ formation of nanoclay drilling fluid, large pieces of conventional clay, such as bentonite, are prehydrated (300) by soaking in water for at least about 2 hours, at least about 4 hours, at least about 8 hours, at least about 12 hours, at least about 16 hours, or for another period of time.