D3201 - Mud service

Operational Details
Drilling mud, which is also known as drilling fluid have become much more sophisticated in recent years and is used to enhanced performance, while reducing environmental impact. Mud is typically a mixture of pulverized barite, clays, water and/or diesel fuel, mineral oil, and other fluids, including various minerals and chemicals. The precise amount depends on the depth of the well hole and the type of rock that is being drilled.

The flow of the mud, down the drill pipe and up the surrounding space, lubricates the drill bit and removes rock cuttings. The weight of the mud column is considerable when used at depths of several thousand meters and it is used to offset the pressure of underground reservoirs and prevents the uncontrolled release of gas or oil from a well bore. The weight of the mud is controlled by altering its composition. More viscosity means less weight.

Employers design mud programs, and as part of the sale, will travel to the drill site to ensure the proper mixture is used to conform with the prescribed mud program. Mud products are stored in a warehouse facility and while the delivery may be made by a warehouseman, the mud program is designed and administered by a mud technician.

Mud is seldom used in shallow wells as it also can penetrate surrounding formations and block channels that allow hydrocarbons to flow into the well bore. Mud conditioning refers to treating the drilling mud to ensure it has the correct properties. It may Include additives such as diesel fuel, mineral oil, the removal of sand or other solids, the addition of water and other materials.

SIC Codes
000000325 - Mud service