Learn the Differences between Drilling Fluids and Drilling Muds

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In drilling mud pumps, the equipment relies on drilling liquids broadly classified into fluids and muds for performing important actions in the whole process. Though both are typically different, at times the two types of liquids are confused for each other. Here are quick facts about drilling liquids and the main differences between drilling fluids and drilling muds.

Main functions of liquids in drilling mud pumps

• Decrease friction in the drilling rig
• Prevent the walls of the hole from caving in
• Removing debris from the hole
• Holding the debris during breaks in drilling, when the rig is moved in and out of the hole 

Primary difference between drilling fluids and drilling muds

Drilling fluids are basically gaseous drilling fluids while drilling muds are either water or oil based.  This is the primary difference between a drilling mud and a drilling fluid. Engineers on sites use many different types of drilling fluids to carry out operations depending on the requirement, and the nature of the terrain. Here is a quick look at a few different types of drilling liquids comprising both categories, viz., drilling fluids and drilling muds. 

1. Compressed air
2. A combination of compressed air and water, offering better and dust control.
3. A combination of compressed air, water and polymer used when foaming is necessary.
4. Water as in offshore drilling
5. Water-based mud, comprising clay, water, and chemicals
6. Oil-based mud, comprising mud with petroleum derivatives for better lubrication and cleansing.
7. Synthetic-based fluid, offering lesser toxicity and preferred in operations where offshore rigs have closed spaces. 

Additives used in drilling muds 

Additives are typically used to change the properties of mud to provide it with desired characteristics during drilling. These are - 

• Weighting Agents – To increase fluid density.
• Stabilizers – To increase rheological and shale stability.
• Viscosifiers – To increase fluid viscosity
• Filtration Control Materials – To reduce the effects of fluid loss.
• Rheology Control Materials – To change the physical and chemical interactions between the mud, the dissolved salt, reduce the viscosity and gel strength of the mud.
• Alkilinity Agents – To control the alkalinity of the fluids. 

Limestone Powder is typically used in a drilling reservoir as the particles clog the pores, preventing them from flowing during work overs. On completion of tasks, the Limestone Powder is removed by acid treatment.  

Different types of muds

Three different types of muds are typically used in operations – water based muds, oil based muds, and air based muds.

Water-based muds

Water-based drilling fluids are common in mud systems, cheaper, and easy to maintain. When water-based drilling fluids are used, water enters the rock formation and changes the mechanical properties and these changes can damage and result in borehole instability. These are controlled through mitigating operations and water based muds are in turn further classified as dispersed and non-dispersed muds. 

Oil-based muds

These are used when it is necessary to prevent water from causing damage.  It offers borehole stability, and thermal stability. 

About The Company

Shale Pumps is a leading provider of superior quality completion equipment to players in the E & P market. Based in Houston, Texas, the company is known for its product line that includes top-notch frac pumps, mud pumps and well completion units that match the highest level of quality and industry standards.