Causes and Solutions of Mud-related Pollutions

May 08, 2014

READ: In drilling operations, drilling fluids are prone to be deteriorated by pollutions of H2S, plaster, brine, CO2, etc., exposing drilling safety to great risks and elevating the costs. As the mud attributes to successful drilling operations, environmental problems should be emphasized. Now, let’s discuss about causes and solutions of mud-related pollutions.

In drilling operations, drilling fluids are prone to be deteriorated by pollutions of H2S, plaster, brine, CO2, etc., exposing drilling safety to great risks and elevating the costs. As the mud attributes to successful drilling operations, environmental problems should be emphasized. Now, let’s discuss about causes and solutions of mud-related pollutions.

I. How does the mud pollute?

1. On one hand, its difficult organic chemicals will form an insulating layer to prevent water penetration into soil and plants. On the other hand, the other organic chemicals will poison the plants in water.

2. Its engine oil and diesel content are critically harmful to the soil, plants and water.

3. Its salt and exchangeable sodium ions will crust the soil, complicate water penetration into the soil, do harm to the plants and immensely affect the ground water.

4. Its rock cuttings will also harm the soil, plants, ground water and aquatic life, more or less.

II. How should we lessen or even eliminate the pollution surrounding drilling field?

1. Add setting liquid into finishing drilling fluids since the solidified fluids is environmentally conscious.

2. Apply non-solids drilling fluids as much as is practical in order to readily carry the rock cuttings, to free of changing the fluids and to recycle the drilling fluids.

3. Use quality fluids to settle as much rock cuttings as possible for better getting rid of rock cuttings.

4. Install a desilter if possible to soften the solid content and extend the mud’s life cycle.

5. Drill into the surface of the soil with the upper well drilling fluids.

6. Bury the rock cuttings in a large hole and seal with plastic film.

7. If possible, reduce or even stop adding the inorganic salt, especially the sodium salt or less biodegradable high-molecule chemicals.