Mud rotary drilling involves the use of drill bits attached a drill rod to advance holes on the ground. However, the technique cannot work without the involvement of drilling mud. Also known as drilling fluid, drilling mud is characterized by its high viscosity and can be water-based oil-based. In addition, you should maintain the fluid at optimum pressure to prevent it from damaging the drill stem.

Below are 4 reasons why all drilling companies Kalgoorlie has to offer put a lot of value on the drilling fluid used in any rotary drilling process.

It cools and lubricates the drilling assembly

During the actual drilling process, the drill string and the bits rotate at very high speeds and hence generate a lot of heat due to the massive friction. Hence, drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string in order to reduce friction and cool the bits. In addition, the fluid aids in lubrication to enable smooth movement of the drill rods and the bottom assembly.

It transports rock cuttings to the surface

The drilling mud also helps to remove rock cuttings by suspending them. The ability of the fluid to suspend and transport the cuttings depends on the size, density, and shape of the cutting. In addition, the speed of the fluid influences the removal of the rocks. Most importantly, most drilling companies Kalgoorlie has to offer recommend the use of highly viscous drilling mud to enable the suspension of the rocks. Moreover, you should ensure that fluid has correct chemical properties to prevent the disintegration of the cuttings.

Prevents the borehole from collapsing

Creating holes deep in the ground can result in a difference in pressure, consequently causing the walls of the borehole to collapse. However, drilling mud alleviates the danger of the walls collapsing since its pressure offsets the pressure of the rock formations and hence brings about stability in the hole. Besides, you can add weighing additives to the mud in order to increase its density and as a result, the fluid exerts more pressure on the borehole walls.

It seals permeable borehole walls

The infiltration of substances in the borehole and the surrounding earth materials leads to contamination. In addition, the invasion of water in the well can challenge the effectiveness of the drilling process. To counter the invasion, the drilling fluid deposits a thin, less permeable clay cake on the walls of the well. However, you should ensure that you use well-engineered drilling mud to prevent damages that can result from the deposition of a thick filter cake on the borehole walls.

Conclusion

Owing to the highly-engineered properties of the drilling fluid, its role in mud rotary drilling cannot be ignored. Beside transporting rock cuttings to the surface and cooling the drill bits, the fluid also adds lubricity to smoothen the movement of the drilling assembly down the borehole.