Drilling Fluid/Mud

drilling fluid is a fluid used to drill boreholes into the earth.

With the different additives, the drilling fluid is also called the
drilling mud.

The drilling fluid is basically the suspension of solids in the

liquid phase.
 Types of Drilling Fluid
The three main categories of drilling fluids are:

water-based muds (which can be dispersed and non-

dispersed),
non-aqueous muds, usually called oil-based mud,

and
gaseous drilling fluid, in which a wide range of gases
can be used.
 Gaseous Drilling Fluids
Air: Compressed air is pumped either down the bore
hole's annular space or down the drill string itself.

Air/water: The same as above, with water added to

increase viscosity, flush the hole, provide more cooling,
and/or to control dust.

Air/polymer: A specially formulated chemical, most

often referred to as a type of polymer, is added to the
water & air mixture to create specific conditions. A
foaming agent is a good example of a polymer.
 Water Based Muds
Water Based Muds consist of four components :

1, Liquid water, which is continuous phase and is used

to provide initial viscosity.

2, Reactive fractions to provide further viscosity.

3, inert fractions to provide the required mud weight.

4, Chemical additives to control mud properties.

 Oil Based Muds
Oil-based mud can be a mud where the base fluid is a
petroleum product such as diesel fuel.

Oil-based muds are used for many reasons, some being

increased lubricity, enhanced shale inhibition, and
greater cleaning abilities with less viscosity .

Oil-based muds also withstand greater heat without

breaking down.
 Functions
1,Remove cuttings from well

2, Suspend and release cuttings

3,Control formation pressures

4,Seal permeable formations

 Functions
5,Maintain well bore stability

6,Minimizing formation damage

7,Cool, lubricate, and support the bit and drilling

assembly

8,Transmit hydraulic energy to tools and bit

 Functions
9,Ensure adequate formation evaluation

10,Control corrosion (in acceptable level)

11,Facilitate cementing and completion

Mud System
Mud System
Mud Pits and Mud Pumps
Mud Pit