Mud rotary drilling

Since the 1930's, mud rotary has been the preferred technique for advancing boreholes into unconsolidated bedrock formations. Mud rotary drilling incorporates the use of a rotary-driven drill bit and recirculated drilling fluid - commonly referred to as mud - injected through the drill stem. By using the right combination of mud, viscosity and filtration, rapid drilling rates and great depths can be achieved. The three general functions of the mud are to:

1. Remove drill cuttings from the boreholes. The correct viscosity and velocity of the mud will entrain the drill cuttings in the borehole and drop the cuttings into the circulation (mud) pit at the ground surface.

2. Stabilize the boreholes. The hydrostatic pressure in the boreholes caused by the weight of the mud will overcome most formation pressures, thus preventing the inflow of natural water and any associated contamination. The mud also forms a "cake" on the inside of the boreholes preventing the uncontrolled loss of the drilling fluid into highly permeable layers in subsurface.

3. Lubricate the drill bit. The mud constantly flows out of and around the bit, cooling the bit and removing impacted cuttings.

Modern polymers are now added to most drilling fluids to aid in forming the correct viscosity and to facilitate cake removal from the boreholes after the well is constructed.

Using our fleet of Failing and Midway 1500s, our team of licensed drillers can provide expert drilling of large-diameter wells to depths of over 1,000 feet below grade.