In the early third century BC, the Chinese used water as a drilling mud to facilitate ground penetration. But the term drilling mud was coined when Spindle top was used in the United States to lubricate a drill bit. As the technology of fabrication and chemical composition of drilling fluids became much more sophisticated; Its efficiency and concept are still the same as in the past. Drilling fluids are essential for successful drilling, maximizing efficiency and minimizing the amount of time required to achieve the goal.
Drilling chips are created as a result of drilling with each drill, which are fragments created by digging the drilling site. Of course, the presence of chips does not matter until the drill is stopped; But as soon as it stops, the chips are poured back into the hole created and prevent the drill from moving easily and advancing.
Drilling fluids are used as a tool to prevent this from happening. These fluids have a certain consistency and when the drill stops moving; Their viscosity makes them hard. This feature helps to get the chips out of the drill bit.
Another important function of drilling mud is rock stabilization. These fluids use special additives to ensure that the drilling fluid is not absorbed by the rock formation in the well and the pore formation pores are not blocked. The deeper the well; More drill pipes are needed to drill wells.
The drill becomes heavy with this amount of pipe, and here the drilling fluid increases the buoyancy and reduces the existing pressure. In addition, drilling fluid helps reduce friction and heat. This lubrication and cooling helps to extend the life of the drill.
In addition to considering the chemical composition and properties of the well, a drilling fluid engineer must consider environmental impacts when prescribing the type of drilling fluid. Oil-based drilling fluids may work better with saltier rocks. Water-based drilling processes are generally used in offshore drilling environments.
Disposal of drilling fluids after use can also be a challenge. Recent advances in technology have created methods for recycling drilling fluids; In addition to saving the cost of the drilling process, it reduces the environmental damage by releasing drilling fluids and chips into the environment.
