What are drilling fluids?

drilling fluids are liquid or gaseous substances that are often pumped into growl during drilling. These fluids are usually called drilling mud when liquids are used, although it does not mean they consist of a real mud. Liquid drilling fluids can be either water or oil -based and gaseous fluids often contain air. One of the main purposes of drilling fluid is to maintain the stability of the wells, although it can also perform several other tasks. Some other functions include the removal of the drilled material from the well, controlling the pressures within the formation, cooling and lubrication of the bits, and even transferring the hydraulic power to the lower hole component.

There are many different types of drilling fluids, each with features that are uniquely suitable for specific situations. Most drilling fluids can be divided into categories based on fluid and gas. Liquid -based fluids are usually called drilling mud and may be divided into water and oil -based solutions. Water je sometimes used in itself, although it is more often mixed with bentonite clay and various other chemicals. The clay is colloquially referred to as "gel" in the oil and gas industry and chemical additives are usually intended to control various characteristics such as viscosity.

oil -based drilling liquid can be either synthetic or natural and diesel is one naturally occurring substance that is sometimes used. These fluids are often selected for applications where larger lubrication properties are required, or are likely to generate a large amount of heat in the drilling process. Synthetic oils are usually selected when natural oil toxic fumes can be dangerous, which is often considered in closed working conditions found in coastal oil platforms.

gaseous drilling fluids sometimes consist of air pumped into a drill chain even if they mayAlso include various other gases. Air is sometimes mixed with water that can increase the viscosity of drilling fluid, ensure added dust control or help clean the well. Polymers are sometimes included in air/water mixtures when a foaming agent or other ingredient is required.

The main purpose of drilling fluid is to maintain the integrity of the borehole and prevent liquids present in the rock formations in the entrance to the drilling string. Another primary function is to help pass drills into the borehole to the surface where they can be destroyed. The fluid often relies on the properties of cooling and lubrication, both on the drill assembly and the lower opening assembly, such as mud engines. The hydraulic pressure present in the liquid can also be used to power mud engines and other components.