In the following article, we will consider the issues involved in drilling fluids management, the purposes we want the drilling fluids to achieve, characteristics of each fluid and what products are available to make drilling more efficient.
Managing drilling fluids is not a small task and is a very important part of the drilling project. The job of mixing drilling fluids is often given to the newest member of the drilling crew, and that works if that person realizes how important the job is. But the driller/owner needs to take an active interest in the drilling fluids program, which can be a profit driver if done correctly or a profit drainer if done incorrectly. This article will deal primarily with mud drilling, but drilling fluids management also applies to air/foam drilling and drilling with polymers, along with other types of drilling fluids. If you are trying to drill with straight water, may the Lord help you because anything can happen and you will eventually need His help!