BASIC DRILLING METHODS

PREPARING THE MUD FOR DRILLING

Mud can either be prepared in a slush pit dug in the ground near the drilling rig, or a portable mud container of metal can be used. In mixing either prepared or native mud, the mud pump and mud mixing hose are used. A small quantity of mud is placed either in the pit or box and mixed with the water. As the mud is formed, it flows out through a screen and into another pit where it circulates through the pump. When sufficient mud is mixed, the bypass valve is closed, the main stem point valve is open and the mud is ready to be circulated into the hole.