Drilling fluid, also referred to as “drilling mud”, is a term that includes most fluids used in the drilling business to facilitate the drilling of oil and gas wells. The term includes fluids based upon water, hydrocarbon or gases, together with various additives designed to adjust the properties of the fluid systems. Drilling fluids are designed to encompasses the functions of cleaning the hole, stabilizing the rock drilled, controlling subsurface pressures, enhancing drilling rates and protecting potential production zones while conserving the environment in the surrounding surface and subsurface area. Drilling fluids are vital to the successful completion of virtually all drilling projects. An effective drilling fluid system, though representing a relatively small proportion of the overall cost of drilling, can reduce time to drill, increase wellbore stability and maximize recovery from the reservoir, which ultimately impacts the economic return of the well. The following diagram illustrates the circulation of drilling fluids through a drilling rig.
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Drilling Fluids