We are coming out of our heavy horizontal directional drilling (HDD) mud school season and entering the spring start-up.

This column goes over a few more ways to evaluate mixed-metal hydroxide (MMH) fluids, and touches on troubleshooting when contractors don't get the results they want.

Back in early 2000, when I first started working with mixed-metal hydroxide, very few drillers had ever heard this type of fluid and even fewer had ever seen it used.

Cetco says super-concentrated fluid ideal for short distance bores.

If you participate in a mud school, try these tips to get the most out of it.

For many applications, bentonite chips are sufficient. However, there are cases where the use of bentonite tablets is preferred.

In Ask Brock episode 29, host Brock Yordy has a swell time advising a driller on tactics for clay holes.

What is the best way to reduce remnant drilling mud from the well before installing the pumping system?

Having the proper training and understanding of drilling fluids to know if a drilling fluid is capable of performing the task at hand can save contractors a lot of grief and money.