how does a mud pump work manufacturer

Mud pumps are essential equipment for any oil or gas well. They are used to move drilling mud and other fluids needed during the drilling process. To select the right mud pump for your well, you need to understand the different types available and what each one can do.

In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at mud pumps and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. We will also discuss how mud pumps are used in drilling operations and highlight some of their key features. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand what mud pumps are and what they can do for your well.

A mud pump is a type of reciprocating positive displacement pump that is specifically designed for use in drilling operations. It helps to circulate the drilling fluid (or “mud”) through the drill bit and back up to the surface. The mud pump also provides pressure to keep the drill bit from becoming plugged.

The pump creates suction that pulls the drilling fluid from the pit and then uses its piston to push the fluid back up the well. This action not only circulates the fluid but also helps to remove any cuttings or debris that may have been generated during the drilling process. Mud pumps are an essential part of the drilling process and are typically used in conjunction with other pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, to create a complete pumping system. Without a mud pump, drilling would not be possible.

There are many different types of mud pumps, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, pump experts generally understand the requirement and then suggest which type of pump design would be more efficient. Here are five of the most popular types:

Piston mud pumps are the most common type of mud pump. They use a piston to draw mud from the pit and then force it to the drill bit through the hose. Piston mud pumps are very durable and can handle a lot of pressure. However, they are also very loud and can be challenging to operate.

Plunger mud pumps work similarly to piston mud pumps, but they use a plunger instead of a piston. As a result, plunger mud pumps are quieter than piston mud pumps and are easier to operate. However, plunger mud pumps are not as durable and can only handle a limited amount of pressure.

Hydraulic mud pumps use hydraulic power to draw mud from the pit. They are very powerful and can handle a lot of pressure. However, these types of pumps are generally costly and can be challenging to operate.

Diaphragm mud pumps use a diaphragm to draw mud from the pit. They are less powerful than hydraulic mud pumps but are much cheaper. They are also easier to operate. These merits make such pumps more used in small scale operations.

Peristaltic mud pumps use peristaltic action to draw mud from the pit. They are the most expensive type of mud pump but are also the most powerful. Unfortunately, they are also the most difficult to operate. But given their operational power, they are used in large-scale mining and drilling operations.

Even though mud pumps are very lucrative for mining and drilling purposes, they exhibit many more merits, making them useful in other industries. Following are some of the main advantages of mud pumps:

Mud pumps help to increase the efficiency of drilling operations by allowing for fluid circulation and cooling of the drill bit. This results in faster drilling and less wear on the equipment.

Mud pumps also help to improve safety during drilling operations by providing a means to circulate and cool the drill bit, which reduces the risk of overheating and fire.

Mud pumps can also help to improve the accuracy of drilling operations by preventing the drill bit from wandering off course due to excessive heat build-up.

The use of mud pumps can also help to reduce the costs associated with drilling operations by reducing the need for frequent replacement of drill bits and other worn items.

The use of mud pumps can also help to increase the productivity of drilling operations by reducing the downtime associated with the frequent replacement of drill bits and other worn items.

Mud pumps are an essential part of the oil and gas industry, as they are used to pump drilling fluid (mud) into the drill hole. There are many different mud pumps, each with its own unique set of features and applications. A reliable pump expert will help you choose which pump to use where. Here are 10 of the most common applications for mud pumps:

Mud pumps are extensively used to circulate drilling fluid during the drilling process. This helps to cool and lubricate the drill bit and remove cuttings from the hole.

Mud pumps are also used in hydraulic fracturing operations, where high-pressure fluid is injected into the rock formation to create fractures. The pump helps to circulate the fracturing fluid and keep the pressure at the desired level.

Mud pumps are sometimes used in geothermal operations to circulate water or other fluids through the drilled well. This helps extract heat from the rock and bring it to the surface.

In coal seam gas extraction, mud pumps are used to circulate water and chemicals through the coal seam to dissolve the methane gas and make it easier to extract.

In potash mining, mud pumps are used to circulate brine solution through the ore body to dissolve the potassium chloride (potash) and pump it out of the mine.

Mud pumps are often used in water well drilling operations to circulate water through the drill hole and help flush out any cuttings or debris. Pump experts can customize mud pumps to suit this application.

In tunnelling operations, mud pumps can circulate a slurry of water and clay through the drilling area. This helps to stabilize the walls of the tunnel and prevent collapse.

Mud pumps are sometimes used in pipeline operations to help clean and inspect the inside of the pipe. The pump circulates water or other fluids through the pipe to remove any build-up or debris.

In environmental remediation projects, mud pumps can circulate water or chemicals through contaminated soil or groundwater. This helps to break down contaminants and make them easier to remove.

Mud pumps can also be used in construction projects to help remove water from the site or stabilize the ground. For this application, they are extensively used in large construction sites.

Mud pumps are an essential part of many different industries and have various applications. If you need a mud pump for your next project, be sure to consult with a pump expert to find the right pump for your needs.

As an integral part of onshore and offshore drilling, mud pumps circulate the drilling fluid used to facilitate the drilling of oil and gas wells. Drilling fluids are used to stabilize pressure and support the well during drilling, as well as to reduce friction and remove rock chips.

Drilling fluids have come a long way since the early days of drilling and offshore mud pumps are constantly being taxed to help operators find and develop hydrocarbons in tougher, deeper, and more difficult locations.

Depending on the drilling conditions and the type of rock formation encountered by the bit at each depth, drilling fluids consist of a variety of components, including clay, water, oil, and synthetic materials. When drilling offshore, the environmental impact of drilling fluids must be considered more carefully.

The mud pump is one of the keys and essential pieces of equipment on land or offshore drilling rig. Offshore, where real estate is at a premium, mud pumps are equipped with compact top-mounted drive systems, reducing the overall length in a smaller package and strategically placed in the pump room for permanent installation.

There are many different situations that can be encountered when drilling offshore. For example, while jack-up rigs focus on waters up to 350 feet deep, drillships and semi-submarines can drill in waters up to 12,000 feet deep.

Both jack-up semi-subs and drillships use the same mud pumps; however, the number of pumps installed in the pump room will vary depending on the drilling specifications.

In addition, the formations and pressures encountered while drilling may vary; HT/HP and environmental conditions may also affect the drilling process, as well as the drilling fluid selected and the mud pump required.

As drilling projects require higher flow rates and higher pressures, it is necessary to increase the pressure rating, either by increasing the number of mud pumps required or by using larger capacity mud pumps. Most early jack-up rigs used two mud pumps and piping systems rated at 5000 psi and 1600 HP working pressure, while most jack-up rigs today have 7500 psi working pressure and up to four 2200 HP pump piping systems.

Mud pumps are integrated into the rig, so they are not usually stand-alone units. The mud pump has a drive motor and is connected to a mixing tank to supply mud as required. The input and output fluid ends of the pump are piped directly to the drill column and borehole annulus. The pump usually has pulsation dampers at both the fluid inlet and outlet ends to eliminate pressure variations in the mud flow.

Mud pumps are usually driven by electric or diesel engines. Diesel engines are best suited to remote areas. The motor is slowed down as most pumps run at around 100 to 200 rpm as the motor usually spins much faster. Most electric pumps use AC motors, but DC motor units are also available. The largest mud pumps are rated at over 2,500 hp.

The drilling fluid or mud is circulated through the fluid end of the pump. It is pumped through the center hole of the drill pipe and through the drill column of its bit. The mud is returned to the surface through the borehole annulus or the space between the shaft and the borehole ID. Deep wells, such as offshore oil rigs, require 7,500 psi to force the mud downwards and backward. These wells can be at the surface and up to 10 miles below the seabed. Drilling mud is usually a water-based viscous slurry of suspended clay-like colloids, but it may vary depending on where it is used or the purpose of the well being drilled. It can also be a fluid mixture based on oil or synthetic fluids. The mud mixture is usually stored in a large mixing tank.

The policy set forth below outlines the personal data that Power Zone Equipment may collect, how Power Zone Equipment uses and safeguards that data, and with whom we may share it. This policy is intended to provide notice to individuals regarding personal data in an effort to be compliant with the data privacy laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which Power Zone Equipment operates.

Power Zone Equipment encourages our employees, independent contractors, customers, suppliers, commercial visitors, business associates, and other interested parties to read this policy. By using our website or submitting personal data to Power Zone Equipment by any other means, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to be bound by this policy, and agree that Power Zone Equipment may collect, process, transfer, use and disclose your personal data as described in this policy.

Power Zone Equipment is committed to maintaining all reasonable precautions to ensure the privacy and security of personal data gathered by Power Zone Equipment. During your use of our website or through other communications with Power Zone Equipment, personal data may be collected and processed by Power Zone Equipment. In general, Power Zone Equipment collects personal contact information (e.g. name, company, address, telephone number and e-mail address), which you knowingly provide either by registration, requesting quotes, answering questions or otherwise for use in our commercial relationship. At times we may collect additional personal data that you voluntarily provide, including, but not limited to, job title, additional contact information, date of birth, hobbies, areas of interest, and professional affiliations.

Power Zone Equipment’s website is intended to be used by Power Zone Equipment customers, commercial visitors, business associates, and other interested parties for business purposes. Personal data collected by Power Zone Equipment through its website or by other means is used in support of our commercial relationship with you, including, but not limited to, the processing of customer orders, orders from vendors, managing accounts, learning about customers’ needs, responding to inquiries, and providing access to information. Also, in compliance with the laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdiction to support our relationship with you:

we may use third party service providers to assist us in collecting, assembling or processing personal data in connection with services related to our business relationship;

we (or a third party on our behalf) may use personal data to contact you about a Power Zone Equipment offer in support of your business needs or to conduct online surveys to understand better our customers’ needs; and

If you choose not to have your personal data used to support our customer relationship (especially direct marketing or market research), we will respect your choice. We do not sell your personal data to third parties, nor share it with third parties except as set forth in this policy. Power Zone Equipment will retain your personal data as long as you maintain a customer relationship with Power Zone Equipment and/or if you have registered to receive marketing or other communication from Power Zone Equipment, until such time as you request that we delete such personal data.

Power Zone Equipment is the commercial operator of its website and uses service providers to assist in hosting or otherwise acting as data processors, to provide software and content for our sites and to provide other services. Power Zone Equipment may disclose personal data supplied by you to these third parties who provide such services under contract to protect your personal data. In addition, where consistent with the laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdiction, Power Zone Equipment may disclose personal data if such disclosure:

For our customers in Switzerland and the European Union (EU), please note that Power Zone Equipment is a US based company. If you use our websites or web portals or, all information, including personal information, may be transferred to Power Zone Equipment (including subcontractors that may be maintaining and/or operating our website) in the United States and elsewhere and may be transferred to third parties that may be located anywhere in the world. Although this may include recipients of information located in countries where there may be a lower level of legal protection for your personal information than in your location country, we will protect your information in accordance with requirements applicable to your information and/or location. Specifically, for data transfers out of the EU, Power Zone Equipment will utilize data transfer agreements containing the Standard Contractual Clauses. By using our websites or web portals, you unambiguously consent to the transfer of your personal information and other information to the United States and elsewhere for the purposes and uses described herein.

When you access Power Zone Equipment’s websites or web portals, we may automatically (i.e., not by registration) collect non-personal data (e.g. type of Internet browser and operating system used, domain name of the website from which you came, number of visits, average time spent on the site, pages viewed). We may use this data and share it with our worldwide affiliates and related service providers to monitor the attractiveness of our websites and improve their performance or content. In this case, processing is performed on an anonymous basis and at Power Zone Equipment’s discretion.

In addition, certain online technical applications or other interactions you have with Power Zone Equipment may require the entry of business and technical data. By providing the requested information, you are consenting to the processing and storage of such information by Power Zone Equipment. Unless Power Zone Equipment is advised that you want this information removed from Power Zone Equipment’s server, such information may be retained by Power Zone Equipment and used for future commercial communications. A request for removal of this information can be made at the contact information provided below. Power Zone Equipment will take all reasonable precautions to assure that no such information will be provided or divulged to other third parties, except, if applicable, those third parties performing site hosting, maintenance, and related site service activities.

Cookies are information stored automatically on a website user’s computer. When a user views Power Zone Equipment’s website(s), Power Zone Equipment may store some data on the user’s computer in the form of a “cookie” to automatically recognize the user upon future visits to Power Zone Equipment’s website(s). Power Zone Equipment will make reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations of relevant jurisdictions with regard to cookies.

Power Zone Equipment will not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 18. Power Zone Equipment’s website(s) is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age

Power Zone Equipment will take reasonable precautions to protect personal data in its possession secure against the risk of loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration and destruction. Power Zone Equipment periodically reviews its security measures in an effort to ensure the privacy of personal data.

Power Zone Equipment will use personal data only in ways that are compatible with the purposes for which it was collected or subsequently authorized by you. While Power Zone Equipment will take reasonable steps to ensure that personal data is relevant to its intended use, accurate, complete, and current, Power Zone Equipment is also relying upon each individual to assist in providing accurate updates of his or her personal data.

Power Zone Equipment website(s) may contain “links” to websites owned and operated by third parties. By accessing these links, which are provided for your convenience, you will leave our site and will be subject to the privacy practices of the other website. This policy does not apply to any personal information you provide to unrelated third parties.

In general, Power Zone Equipment will only retain personal data for as long as needed for the specific purpose of processing and in accordance with Power Zone Equipment’s records management policy, or as otherwise required by the laws and regulations of a particular jurisdiction. For example, data will be retained during the time period that you are authorized to use Power Zone Equipment website(s), including any Power Zone Equipment tools accessible through our website(s). Upon termination of such authorization, your personal data related to use of Power Zone Equipment website(s) will be removed.

Upon request, Power Zone Equipment will grant individuals reasonable access to personal data that it holds about them. In addition, Power Zone Equipment will take reasonable steps to permit individuals to correct, amend, or delete information that is demonstrated to be inaccurate or incomplete. Power Zone Equipment also relies upon each individual to assist in providing accurate updates of his or her personal data. In order to access, correct, amend, or delete the personal data Power Zone Equipment holds about an individual, the individual should contact the following:

If your personal data is processed in the EU or you are a resident of the EU, the EU General data Protection Regulation grants you certain rights under the law. In particular, the right to access, correct, or delete the personal data Power Zone Equipment holds about you.

To the extent required by applicable law, Power Zone Equipment will grant individuals reasonable access to personal data that Power Zone Equipment holds about them and will take reasonable steps to permit such individuals to correct, amend, or delete information that Power Zone Equipment holds about them. Power Zone Equipment also relies upon each individual to assist in providing accurate updates of his or her personal data. In order to access, correct, amend, or delete the personal data Power Zone Equipment holds about an individual, the individual should contact his or her Power Zone Equipment commercial contact or contact us at the following email address:sales@powerzone.com.

If you have a comment, question, or complaint about how Power Zone Equipment is handling your personal data, we invite you to contact us in order to allow us to resolve the matter. In addition, individuals located in the EU may submit a complaint regarding the processing of their personal data to the EU data protection authorities (DPAs). The following link may assist you in finding the appropriate DPA:http://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/bodies/authorities/index_en.htm.

Power Zone Equipment reserves the right to modify this policy from time to time in order that it accurately reflects the legal and regulatory environment and our data collection principles. When material changes are made to this policy, Power Zone Equipment will post the revised policy on our website.

If you have any questions or comments about this policy (e.g. to review and update, or remove your personal data from our database) please contact +1-719-754-1981 orsales@powerzone.com

The drilling industry has roots dating back to the Han Dynasty in China. Improvements in rig power and equipment design have allowed for many advances in the way crude oil and natural gas are extracted from the ground. Diesel/electric oil drilling rigs can now drill wells more than 4 miles in depth. Drilling fluid, also called drilling mud, is used to help transfer the dirt or drill cuttings from the action of the drilling bit back to the surface for disposal. Drill cuttings can vary in shape and size depending on the formation or design of the drill bit used in the process.

Watch the video below to see how the EDDY Pump outperforms traditional pumps when it comes to high solids and high viscosity materials commonly found on oil rigs.

Solids control equipment including shakers, hydro-cyclones, and centrifuges are utilized to clean the drill cuttings from the drilling fluid, which then allows it to be reused and recirculated. The circuit includes the mixing of the drilling fluid in the rig tanks.

The drilling fluid is prepared to control fluid loss to the formation by the addition of chemicals or mineral agents. Commercial barite or other weighting agents are added to control the hydrostatic pressure exuded on the bottom of the well which controls formation pressures preventing fluid or gas intrusion into the wellbore.

The fluid is charged into high-pressure mud pumps which pump the drilling mud down the drill string and out through the bit nozzles cleaning the hole and lubricating the drill bit so the bit can cut efficiently through the formation. The bit is cooled by the fluid and moves up the space between the pipe and the hole which is called the annulus. The fluid imparts a thin, tough layer on the inside of the hole to protect against fluid loss which can cause differential sticking.

The fluid rises through the blowout preventers and down the flowline to the shale shakers. Shale shakers are equipped with fine screens that separate drill cutting particles as fine as 50-74 microns. Table salt is around 100 microns, so these are fine cuttings that are deposited into the half-round or cuttings catch tank. The drilling fluid is further cleaned with the hydro-cyclones and centrifuges and is pumped back to the mixing area of the mud tanks where the process repeats.

The drill cuttings contain a layer of drilling fluid on the surface of the cuttings. As the size of the drill cuttings gets smaller the surface area expands exponentially which can cause rheological property problems with the fluid. The fluid will dehydrate and may become too thick or viscous to pump so solids control and dilution are important to the entire drilling process.

One of the most expensive and troubling issues with drilling operations is the handling, processing, and circulation of drilling mud along with disposing of the unwanted drill cuttings. The drilling cuttings deposited in the half round tank and are typically removed with an excavator that must move the contents of the waste bin or roll-off box. The excavators are usually rented for this duty and the equipment charges can range from $200-300/day. Add in the cost for the day and night manpower and the real cost for a single excavator can be as much as $1800/day.

Using the excavator method explained above, the unloading of 50 barrels of drill cuttings from the half round can take as long as two hours. This task is mostly performed by the solids control technicians. The prime duty for the solids control technicians is to maintain the solids control equipment in good working order. This involves maintenance for the equipment, screen monitoring and changing, centrifuge adjustments, and retort testing to prepare a daily operational summary of the solids control program.

Operating the excavator takes the technician away from these tasks and can lead to poorly performing equipment. Additionally, the excavator has the potential for abuse as some solids control technicians use the climate-controlled cab as a break area or refuge from the elements. Many times, these guys are found asleep on the job.

One solids control company reported the idle time for the excavator can be more than 8 hours for a 24-hour period with 8 hours of operation and 8 hours of shut down time. Fuel and time lost can cause an economic drag on rig operations. And lastly, there have been several accidents on each rig causing a potential for injury, loss of production, and lost revenue as the excavator must be repaired.

Offshore drilling rigs follow a similar process in which the mud is loaded into empty drums and held on the oil platform. When a certain number of filled drums is met, the drums are then loaded onto barges or vessels which take the drilling mud to the shore to unload and dispose of.

Oil field drilling operations produce a tremendous volume of drill cuttings that need both removal and management. In most cases, the site managers also need to separate the cuttings from the drilling fluids so they can reuse the fluids. Storing the cuttings provides a free source of stable fill material for finished wells, while other companies choose to send them off to specialty landfills. Regardless of the final destination or use for the cuttings, drilling and dredging operations must have the right high solids slurry pumps to move them for transport, storage, or on-site processing. Exploring the differences in the various drilling fluids, cutting complications, and processing options will reveal why the EDDY Pump is the best fit for the job.

The Eddy Pump is designed to move slurry with solid content as high as 70-80 % depending on the material. This is an ideal application for pumping drill cuttings. Drill cuttings from the primary shakers are typically 50% solids and 50% liquids. The Eddy Pump moves these fluids efficiently and because of the large volute chamber and the design of the geometric rotor, there is very little wear on the pump, ensuring long life and greatly reduced maintenance cost for the lifetime of the pump.

plumbed to sweep the bottom of the collection tank and the pump is recessed into a sump allowing for a relatively clean tank when the solids are removed. The Eddy Pump is sized to load a roll-off box in 10-12 minutes. The benefit is cuttings handling is quicker, easier, safer, and allows for pre-planning loading where the labor of the solids control technician is not monopolized by loading cuttings. Here, in the below image, we’re loading 4 waste roll-off bins which will allow the safe removal of cuttings without fear of the half-round catch tank running over.

Mud cleaning systems such as mud shaker pumps and bentonite slurry pumps move the material over screens and through dryers and centrifuges to retrieve even the finest bits of stone and silt. However, the pump operators must still get the raw slurry to the drill cuttings treatment area with a power main pump. Slurry pumps designed around the power of an Eddy current offer the best performance for transferring cuttings throughout a treatment system.

Options vary depending on whether the company plans to handle drill cuttings treatment on-site or transport the materials to a remote landfill or processing facility. If the plan is to deposit the cuttings in a landfill or a long-term storage container, it’s best to invest in a pump capable of depositing the material directly into transport vehicles. Most dredging operations rely on multiple expensive vacuum trucks, secondary pumps, and extra pieces of equipment.

Using an EDDY Pump will allow a project to eliminate the need for excavators/operators to load drill cuttings, substantially lowering both labor and heavy equipment costs. The EDDY Pump also allows a company to eliminate vacuum trucks once used for cleaning the mud system for displacing fluids. Since the pump transfers muds of all types at constant pressure and velocity throughout a system of practically any size, there’s little need for extra equipment for manual transfer or clean up on the dredge site.

The EDDY Pump can fill up a truck in only 10 minutes (compared to an hour) by using a mechanical means such as an excavator. For this reason, most companies can afford one piece of equipment that can replace half a dozen other units.

This application for the Eddy Pump has the potential to revolutionize the drilling industry. Moving the excavator out of the “back yard” (the area behind the rig from the living quarters) will make cuttings handling a breeze. Trucking can be easier scheduled during daylight hours saving on overtime and incidences of fatigued driving. Rig-site forklifts can move the roll-off boxes out of the staging area and into the pump loading area. The operator can save money on excavators rental, damages, and keep the technician operating the solids control equipment.

The EDDY Pump is ideal for drilling mud pump applications and can be connected directly onto the drilling rigs to pump the drilling mud at distances over a mile for disposal. This eliminates the need for costly vacuum trucks and also the manpower needed to mechanically move the drilling mud. The reasons why the EDDY Pump is capable of moving the drilling mud is due to the hydrodynamic principle that the pump creates, which is similar to the EDDY current of a tornado. This tornado motion allows for the higher viscosity and specific gravity pumping ability. This along with the large tolerance between the volute and the rotor allows for large objects like rock cuttings to pass through the pump without obstruction. The large tolerance of the EDDY Pump also enables the pump to last many times longer than centrifugal pumps without the need for extended downtime or replacement parts. The EDDY Pump is the lowest total life cycle pump on the market.

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

The 2,200-hp mud pump for offshore applications is a single-acting reciprocating triplex mud pump designed for high fluid flow rates, even at low operating speeds, and with a long stroke design. These features reduce the number of load reversals in critical components and increase the life of fluid end parts.

The pump’s critical components are strategically placed to make maintenance and inspection far easier and safer. The two-piece, quick-release piston rod lets you remove the piston without disturbing the liner, minimizing downtime when you’re replacing fluid parts.

Many things go into getting the most life out of your mud pump and its components — all important to extend the usage of this vital piece of equipment on an HDD jobsite. Some of the most important key points are covered below.

The most important thing you can do is service your pump, per the manufacturer’s requirements. We get plenty of pumps in the shop for service work that look like they have been abused for years without having basic maintenance,  such as regular oil changes. You wouldn’t dream of treating your personal vehicle like that, so why would you treat your pump like that.

Check the oil daily and change the oil regularly. If you find water or drilling mud contamination in the oil, change the oil as soon as possible. Failure to do so will most likely leave you a substantial bill to rebuild the gear end, which could have been avoided if proper maintenance procedures would have been followed. Water in the oil does not allow the oil to perform correctly, which will burn up your gear end. Drilling mud in your gear end will act as a lapping compound and will wear out all of the bearing surfaces in your pump. Either way it will be costly. The main reasons for having water or drilling mud in the gear end of your pump is because your pony rod packing is failing and/or you have let your liners and pistons get severely worn. Indication of this is fluid that should be contained inside the fluid end of your pump is now moving past your piston and spraying into the cradle of the pump, which forces its way past the pony rod packing. Pony rod packing is meant to keep the oil in the gear end and the liner wash fluid out of the gear end. Even with brand new packing, you can have water or drilling fluid enter the gear end if it is sprayed with sufficient force, because a piston or liner is worn out.

Monitor your oil and keep your pistons, liners and pony rod packing in good condition. If a liner starts to leak, identify the problem and change it as soon as possible.

There is also usually a valve on the inlet of the spray bar. This valve should be closed enough so that liner wash fluid does not spray all over the top of the pump and other components.

Liner wash fluid can be comprised of different fluids, but we recommend just using clean water. In extremely cold conditions, you can use RV antifreeze. The liner wash or rod wash system is usually a closed loop type of system, consisting of a tank, a small pump and a spray bar. The pump will move fluid from the tank through the spray bar, and onto the inside of the liner to cool the liner, preventing scorching. The fluid will then collect in the bottom of the cradle of the pump and drain back down into the collection tank below the cradle and repeat the cycle. It is important to have clean fluid no matter what fluid you use. If your liners are leaking and the tank is full of drilling fluid, you will not cool the liners properly — which will just make the situation worse. There is also usually a valve on the inlet of the spray bar. This valve should be closed enough so that liner wash fluid does not spray all over the top of the pump and other components. Ensure that the water is spraying inside the liner and that any overspray is not traveling out of the pump onto the ground or onto the pony rod packing where it could be pulled into the gear end. If the fluid is spraying out of the cradle area and falling onto the ground, it won’t be long before your liner wash tank is empty. It only takes a minute without the cooling fluid being sprayed before the liners become scorched. You will then need to replace the pistons and liners, which is an avoidable costly repair. Make a point to check the liner wash fluid level several times a day.

Liner wash fluid can be comprised of different fluids, but it is recommended to just using clean water. In extremely cold conditions, you can use RV antifreeze.

Drilling fluid — whether pumping drilling mud, straight water or some combination of fluid — needs to be clean. Clean meaning free of solids. If you are recycling your fluid, make sure you are using a quality mud recycling system and check the solids content often throughout the day to make sure the system is doing its job. A quality mud system being run correctly should be able to keep your solids content down to one quarter of 1 percent or lower. When filling your mud recycling system, be sure to screen the fluid coming into the tanks. If it is a mud recycling system, simply make sure the fluid is going over the scalping shaker with screens in the shaker. If using some other type of tank, use an inline filter or some other method of filtering. Pumping out of creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds can introduce plenty of solids into your tanks if you are not filtering this fluid. When obtaining water out of a fire hydrant, there can be a lot of sand in the line, so don’t assume it’s clean and ensure it’s filtered before use.

Cavitation is a whole other detailed discussion, but all triplex pumps have a minimum amount of suction pressure that is required to run properly. Make sure this suction pressure is maintained at all times or your pump may cavitate. If you run a pump that is cavitating, it will shorten the life of all fluid end expendables and, in severe cases, can lead to gear end and fluid end destruction. If the pump is experiencing cavitation issues, the problem must be identified and corrected immediately.

The long and the short of it is to use clean drilling fluid and you will extend the life of your pumps expendables and downhole tooling, and keep up with your maintenance on the gear end of your pump. Avoid pump cavitation at all times. Taking a few minutes a day to inspect and maintain your pump can save you downtime and costly repair bills.

Many things go into getting the most life out of your mud pump and its components — all important to extend the usage of this vital piece of equipment on an HDD jobsite. Some of the most important key points are covered below.

The most important thing you can do is service your pump, per the manufacturer’s requirements. We get plenty of pumps in the shop for service work that look like they have been abused for years without having basic maintenance,  such as regular oil changes. You wouldn’t dream of treating your personal vehicle like that, so why would you treat your pump like that.

Check the oil daily and change the oil regularly. If you find water or drilling mud contamination in the oil, change the oil as soon as possible. Failure to do so will most likely leave you a substantial bill to rebuild the gear end, which could have been avoided if proper maintenance procedures would have been followed. Water in the oil does not allow the oil to perform correctly, which will burn up your gear end. Drilling mud in your gear end will act as a lapping compound and will wear out all of the bearing surfaces in your pump. Either way it will be costly. The main reasons for having water or drilling mud in the gear end of your pump is because your pony rod packing is failing and/or you have let your liners and pistons get severely worn. Indication of this is fluid that should be contained inside the fluid end of your pump is now moving past your piston and spraying into the cradle of the pump, which forces its way past the pony rod packing. Pony rod packing is meant to keep the oil in the gear end and the liner wash fluid out of the gear end. Even with brand new packing, you can have water or drilling fluid enter the gear end if it is sprayed with sufficient force, because a piston or liner is worn out.

Monitor your oil and keep your pistons, liners and pony rod packing in good condition. If a liner starts to leak, identify the problem and change it as soon as possible.

There is also usually a valve on the inlet of the spray bar. This valve should be closed enough so that liner wash fluid does not spray all over the top of the pump and other components.

Liner wash fluid can be comprised of different fluids, but we recommend just using clean water. In extremely cold conditions, you can use RV antifreeze. The liner wash or rod wash system is usually a closed loop type of system, consisting of a tank, a small pump and a spray bar. The pump will move fluid from the tank through the spray bar, and onto the inside of the liner to cool the liner, preventing scorching. The fluid will then collect in the bottom of the cradle of the pump and drain back down into the collection tank below the cradle and repeat the cycle. It is important to have clean fluid no matter what fluid you use. If your liners are leaking and the tank is full of drilling fluid, you will not cool the liners properly — which will just make the situation worse. There is also usually a valve on the inlet of the spray bar. This valve should be closed enough so that liner wash fluid does not spray all over the top of the pump and other components. Ensure that the water is spraying inside the liner and that any overspray is not traveling out of the pump onto the ground or onto the pony rod packing where it could be pulled into the gear end. If the fluid is spraying out of the cradle area and falling onto the ground, it won’t be long before your liner wash tank is empty. It only takes a minute without the cooling fluid being sprayed before the liners become scorched. You will then need to replace the pistons and liners, which is an avoidable costly repair. Make a point to check the liner wash fluid level several times a day.

Liner wash fluid can be comprised of different fluids, but it is recommended to just using clean water. In extremely cold conditions, you can use RV antifreeze.

Drilling fluid — whether pumping drilling mud, straight water or some combination of fluid — needs to be clean. Clean meaning free of solids. If you are recycling your fluid, make sure you are using a quality mud recycling system and check the solids content often throughout the day to make sure the system is doing its job. A quality mud system being run correctly should be able to keep your solids content down to one quarter of 1 percent or lower. When filling your mud recycling system, be sure to screen the fluid coming into the tanks. If it is a mud recycling system, simply make sure the fluid is going over the scalping shaker with screens in the shaker. If using some other type of tank, use an inline filter or some other method of filtering. Pumping out of creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds can introduce plenty of solids into your tanks if you are not filtering this fluid. When obtaining water out of a fire hydrant, there can be a lot of sand in the line, so don’t assume it’s clean and ensure it’s filtered before use.

Cavitation is a whole other detailed discussion, but all triplex pumps have a minimum amount of suction pressure that is required to run properly. Make sure this suction pressure is maintained at all times or your pump may cavitate. If you run a pump that is cavitating, it will shorten the life of all fluid end expendables and, in severe cases, can lead to gear end and fluid end destruction. If the pump is experiencing cavitation issues, the problem must be identified and corrected immediately.

The long and the short of it is to use clean drilling fluid and you will extend the life of your pumps expendables and downhole tooling, and keep up with your maintenance on the gear end of your pump. Avoid pump cavitation at all times. Taking a few minutes a day to inspect and maintain your pump can save you downtime and costly repair bills.

When choosing a size and type of mud pump for your drilling project, there are several factors to consider. These would include not only cost and size of pump that best fits your drilling rig, but also the diameter, depth and hole conditions you are drilling through. I know that this sounds like a lot to consider, but if you are set up the right way before the job starts, you will thank me later.

Recommended practice is to maintain a minimum of 100 to 150 feet per minute of uphole velocity for drill cuttings. Larger diameter wells for irrigation, agriculture or municipalities may violate this rule, because it may not be economically feasible to pump this much mud for the job. Uphole velocity is determined by the flow rate of the mud system, diameter of the borehole and the diameter of the drill pipe. There are many tools, including handbooks, rule of thumb, slide rule calculators and now apps on your handheld device, to calculate velocity. It is always good to remember the time it takes to get the cuttings off the bottom of the well. If you are drilling at 200 feet, then a 100-foot-per-minute velocity means that it would take two minutes to get the cuttings out of the hole. This is always a good reminder of what you are drilling through and how long ago it was that you drilled it. Ground conditions and rock formations are ever changing as you go deeper. Wouldn’t it be nice if they all remained the same?

Centrifugal-style mud pumps are very popular in our industry due to their size and weight, as well as flow rate capacity for an affordable price. There are many models and brands out there, and most of them are very good value. How does a centrifugal mud pump work? The rotation of the impeller accelerates the fluid into the volute or diffuser chamber. The added energy from the acceleration increases the velocity and pressure of the fluid. These pumps are known to be very inefficient. This means that it takes more energy to increase the flow and pressure of the fluid when compared to a piston-style pump. However, you have a significant advantage in flow rates from a centrifugal pump versus a piston pump. If you are drilling deeper wells with heavier cuttings, you will be forced at some point to use a piston-style mud pump. They have much higher efficiencies in transferring the input energy into flow and pressure, therefore resulting in much higher pressure capabilities.

Piston-style mud pumps utilize a piston or plunger that travels back and forth in a chamber known as a cylinder. These pumps are also called “positive displacement” pumps because they literally push the fluid forward. This fluid builds up pressure and forces a spring-loaded valve to open and allow the fluid to escape into the discharge piping of the pump and then down the borehole. Since the expansion process is much smaller (almost insignificant) compared to a centrifugal pump, there is much lower energy loss. Plunger-style pumps can develop upwards of 15,000 psi for well treatments and hydraulic fracturing. Centrifugal pumps, in comparison, usually operate below 300 psi. If you are comparing most drilling pumps, centrifugal pumps operate from 60 to 125 psi and piston pumps operate around 150 to 300 psi. There are many exceptions and special applications for drilling, but these numbers should cover 80 percent of all equipment operating out there.

The restriction of putting a piston-style mud pump onto drilling rigs has always been the physical size and weight to provide adequate flow and pressure to your drilling fluid. Because of this, the industry needed a new solution to this age-old issue.

Enter Cory Miller of Centerline Manufacturing, who I recently recommended for recognition by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) for significant contributions to the industry.

As the senior design engineer for Ingersoll-Rand’s Deephole Drilling Business Unit, I had the distinct pleasure of working with him and incorporating his Centerline Mud Pump into our drilling rig platforms.

In the late ’90s — and perhaps even earlier —  Ingersoll-Rand had tried several times to develop a hydraulic-driven mud pump that would last an acceptable life- and duty-cycle for a well drilling contractor. With all of our resources and design wisdom, we were unable to solve this problem. Not only did Miller provide a solution, thus saving the size and weight of a typical gear-driven mud pump, he also provided a new offering — a mono-cylinder mud pump. This double-acting piston pump provided as much mud flow and pressure as a standard 5 X 6 duplex pump with incredible size and weight savings.

The true innovation was providing the well driller a solution for their mud pump requirements that was the right size and weight to integrate into both existing and new drilling rigs. Regardless of drill rig manufacturer and hydraulic system design, Centerline has provided a mud pump integration on hundreds of customer’s drilling rigs. Both mono-cylinder and duplex-cylinder pumps can fit nicely on the deck, across the frame or even be configured for under-deck mounting. This would not be possible with conventional mud pump designs.

Centerline stuck with their original design through all of the typical trials and tribulations that come with a new product integration. Over the course of the first several years, Miller found out that even the best of the highest quality hydraulic cylinders, valves and seals were not truly what they were represented to be. He then set off on an endeavor to bring everything in-house and began manufacturing all of his own components, including hydraulic valves. This gave him complete control over the quality of components that go into the finished product.

The second generation design for the Centerline Mud Pump is expected later this year, and I believe it will be a true game changer for this industry. It also will open up the application to many other industries that require a heavier-duty cycle for a piston pump application.

Mud Pump is also a popular concept of a wide range of pumps. Different regions, habits, and ultimately the pump type will not be the same. The mud pump described in this entry is a pump type in most sense: Applied mud pumps in the field of oil drilling. In fact, some non-clean water pumps and mud pumps, such as sewage pumps and slurry pumps, are also commonly used when they are called.

Mud pump refers to a machine that transports mud or water and other flushing fluid into the borehole during drilling. Mud pumps are an important part of drilling equipment.

In the commonly used positive circulation drilling, it is to send the surface flushing medium—clear water, mud or polymer rinsing liquid to the bottom end of the drill bit through a high-pressure hose, faucet and drill rod center hole under a certain pressure. Cool the drill bit, remove the cut debris and transport it to the surface.

The commonly used mud pump is a piston type or a plunger type, and the crankshaft of the pump is driven by the power machine, and the crankshaft passes the crosshead to drive the piston or the plunger to reciprocate in the pump cylinder. Under the alternating action of the suction and discharge valves, the purpose of pumping and circulating the flushing liquid is achieved.