The mud can be pumped using a device called a mud pump which is used in the oil and gas industry during drilling operations. A mud pump is a reciprocating piston/plunger device that pumps drilling fluid (mud) into the borehole. The mud is circulated down the drill string and pumped back up to the surface in a continuous loop. The mud pump creates the required pressure and flow rate to move the mud through the system. Mud pumps are essential for drilling operations as they help to maintain and control the pressure and viscosity of the drilling fluid to optimize drilling efficiency, cool and lubricate the drill bit, and prevent the borehole from collapsing.
Mud, often referred to as drilling fluid, is a mixture of water or oil-based fluids, various additives, and solids. The purpose of pumping mud is to circulate it in the wellbore during drilling operations. Mud pumps create hydraulic pressure required to lift rock cuttings and debris from the drill hole to the surface.
Drilling Mud pumps are typically reciprocating pumps that use pistons or diaphragms to generate high pressure and flow rates. They have inlet and discharge valves that allow mud to enter and exit the pump. As the pump's piston or diaphragm moves back and forth, it creates a suction effect, drawing mud into the pump chamber during the suction stroke and then pushing it out during the discharge stroke.
The pumped mud is directed to the drilling system, where it flows down the drill string, exits through the drill bit, and returns to the surface via the annular space between the drill string and the wellbore walls. At the surface, the returned mud undergoes filtration and cleaning processes to remove solid particles, which can then be disposed of or recycled.
The ability to pump mud is crucial in maintaining drilling operations, as it helps control well pressure, cools and lubricates the drill bit, removes drilled cuttings, stabilizes the wellbore, and facilitates overall drilling efficiency and safety.
For more information, welcome to visit us at www.elephantmudpump.com.
A mud pump is a type of reciprocating pump specifically designed to circulate drilling fluid, commonly known as "mud," in drilling operations. It plays a crucial role in various industries, particularly in oil and gas exploration, mining, and geothermal drilling. So, how to use mud pumps?
Using a mud pump involves the following general steps:
1. Safety first: Ensure that the pump is installed on a stable surface or foundation.
2. Connect the hoses: Connect the input hose to the mud pit or tank, and connect the output hose to the drill string or displacement fluid system.
3. Priming the pump: This involves filling the pump with the mud or fluid to be pumped. Priming is crucial as it eliminates air bubbles, which can cause damage to the pump. To prime, open the valve and turn on the pump, allowing the mud or fluid to flow into the pump.
4. Adjusting the speed: Adjust the pump speed to the required level. Different mud pumps have different speed control mechanisms.
5. Pumping: Once the pump is primed and the speed control is set, begin pumping the mud or fluid using the designated control panel. Ensure that the flow rate matches the drill string or displacement fluid system's required rate.
6. Monitoring: Continuously monitor the pressure and flow rate. Regular monitoring helps detect any potential issues and allows for timely corrective measures to be taken.
7. Shutting down: Once done with pumping, stop the pump and disconnect the hoses. Clean the mud pump thoroughly, and store it in a safe place.
For more information, welcome to visit us at www.elephantmudpump.com.
A mud pump is a type of reciprocating pump specifically designed to circulate drilling fluid, commonly known as "mud," in drilling operations. It plays a crucial role in various industries, particularly in oil and gas exploration, mining, and geothermal drilling.
The primary purpose of a mud pump is to pump drilling mud into the drill hole, creating hydraulic pressure to lift rock cuttings and debris to the surface. The drilling mud serves multiple purposes:
Cooling and lubrication: Mud helps cool and lubricate the drill bit and drill string, reducing friction and heat generated during the drilling process.
Suspended solids removal: The pumped mud carries cuttings, rocks, and other solid particles from the drill hole to the surface, where they are separated and removed. This prevents the accumulation of debris, which can hinder drilling progress.
Formation stabilization: Mud exerts pressure on the formation walls to prevent cave-ins and maintain stability while drilling.
Well control: Mud weight and density control the pressure in the wellbore, preventing blowouts or uncontrolled fluid flows.
Mud pumps are typically powerful, high-pressure pumps capable of handling abrasive drilling fluids. They provide the necessary hydraulic energy to carry out drilling operations efficiently and safely. For more information, welcome to visit us at www.elephantmudpump.com.
Rapid suction pressure fluctuation in a trenchless mud pump can result from various factors, but it generally indicates a problem with the pump's suction system or the fluid supply. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and potentially solve the issue:
1. Over worn of the plungers/ pistons or liners inside cylinders:
Solution:Check and replace the parts.
2. Over worn of valve seats or valves:
Solution:Check and replace the parts.
3. Gap existed between valve seat and valve bores:
Solution:Eliminate the gaps.
4. Excessive air included in the fluid:
Solution:Check the root cause and eliminate the air completely.
5. The pump suction system blocked or out of water tank:
Solution:Clean the suction system and then put back.
6. Not fully sealing and there exist air leakage in suction line:
Solution:Check the root cause and eliminate the problem.
7. Disorder of one or some valves:
Solution:Check the valves and valve seat.
The above methods are only for drilling mud pumps of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us (www.elephantmudpump.com) for more details.
When a triplex mud pump is producing abnormal noise during operation, it can indicate potential issues that require attention. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and potentially solve the problem:
1. Connection rod bearings too loose or the clearances too big:
Solution:Check the clearance and adjust it to right scope, or replace the bearings if in need;
2. The connection between linking rod and crosshead get loose:
Solution:Check and tightening;
3. Bearings, gears or other parts damaged:
Solution:Check and replace the parts;
4. The valve lift is too big and cavitation appears:
Solution:Lower the valve lift to be 6~7mm.
The above methods are only for mud pump HDD of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
When a reciprocating mud pump is running roughly, it can indicate several potential issues that need to be solved. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and potentially solve the problem:
1. The plunger/piston and liner are assembled with too big interference fit value:
Solution:Loosen the nuts and decrease the interference fit value;
2. The connection rod bearings are too tightly installed:
Solution:Check the clearance and adjust it to right scope;
3. Misaligned assembly between plunger/piston, linking rod and cross-head:
Solution:Check and eliminate the misalignment;
4. Some connection parts are loose:
Solution:Check and tighten the connection parts;
The above methods are only for reciprocation mud pumps of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
When a horizontal directional drilling mud pump is unable to discharge the flushing fluid, it can indicate a problem in the system that needs to be addressed. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and potentially solve the issue:
1. Inlet pipe is not in the water:
Solution: Put the suction strainer into the water with depth no less than 0.3~0.5m.
2. Inlet pipes blocked:
Solution: Disassemble the inlet pipes for cleaning.
3. Air leakage in suction line or fittings:
Solution: Check the inlet line's connection area and hoses, and eliminate any problems identified.
4. Suction and discharge valves blocked and do not work:
Solution: Replace the worn or failed valve parts, or clean the valves if blocked by muds and sands.
5. Plunger or piston and liner worn:
Solution: Fasten the nut or replace the parts with new ones.
6. Inlet pipes not full of water or occupied by air:
Solution: Fill the inlet pipes fully, remove the air completely.
7. Insufficient NPSHA:
Solution: Lower the suction height below 2.5 meters (for mud, then below 1m).
8. Inlet pipe too long or too small in diameter:
Solution: Decrease the suction pipe length to be no more than 5 meters, or increase the pipe diameter to proper size.
9. Hydraulic motor doesn’t work:
Solution: Check the oil system.
10. Discharge gate valves closed:
Solution: Open the gate valves.
The above methods are only for mud pump drilling of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
Lubrication of mud pump is very important. In order to ensure that pumps can continue to work normally and reduce wear and tear of moving parts, regular lubrication should be carried out according to the table below. After 80 hours of operation, the pump body must be cleaned and changed, and then oil must be changed every 200 hours.
Lubrication of hydraulic motor mud pumps / electric mud pumps:
No.#
Lubricating location
Lubrication Oil (grease) Brand
Remarks
1
Gears and bearings in the Crankshaft case
L-AN46 oil for total loss system
All the time
Lubrication of extended mud pumps:
No.#
Lubricating location
Lubrication Mode and Lubricating Oil Varieties
Lubricant replacement period
Lubricating oil consumption
1
Gears and bearings in the Crankshaft case
Splash lubrication L-AN46 oil for total loss system
After 80 hours of operation, the pump body must be cleaned and changed, and then oil must be changed every 200 hours.
Indicate position according to oil mark
2
Reducer
Splash lubrication L-AN46 oil for total loss system
After the new pump works for 80 hours, the gearbox must be cleaned and replaced with oil, and then the oil must be changed every 200 hours.
Indicate position according to oil mark
3
Universal spline and crosshead parts
Pressure injection of lithium grease SY1412-75 with oil gun
Timely note, irregular
Appropriate amount
The above methods are only for mud pump system of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
HDD mud pumps are critical equipment in drilling operations, and mud pump spare parts are essential to keep them operating efficiently. How to assemble the mud pump spare parts?
1. The tightening torque for the connection rod bolts is 193~257Nm, and lock washers are installed to prevent the bolts from loosening.
2. All the connection bolts and nuts should be tightened well, no bolt loosing is allowed.
3. When assembling the suction and discharge valve seats, special attention should be paid for that no foreign material is allowed to exist between valve seat bores and the valve seat surfaces. The valve seat should be fastened well and no bolt is allowed to be loose.
4. When assembling the piston, put the clamping plate above the piston seat, screw the piston seat to use the special piston dismantle tool, put the piston seat into the linking rod so that no rotation can happen, loosen the special piston dismantle tool, and then install the piston according to the sketch (after hand tightening, use the forcing rod to tighten 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 turn). After these, start up the pump and check by hand if the liner surface is too hot; if yes, then please disassemble the liner cover and loosen the thin hex nut for a half-turn, adjust it carefully until it’s no longer over-heating.
The above methods are only for mud pump unit of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
Drilling mud pumps are critical equipment in drilling operations, and mud pump wearing parts are essential to keep them operating efficiently. How to disassemble the mud pump wearing parts?
1. Piston / Plunger: remove the liner cover clamping nuts, loose the thick and thin nuts of the linking rod inside the liner, and then take the liner out by special piston disassembly tool.
2. Liner: after the disassembly of the pump head and then piston as per above procedure, put a special tool – jacking plate in-between the linking rod and the liner, rotate the pump until the linking rod push the liner out.
3. Valve Seat: take away valve cover firstly, and then disassemble the valve seat with special tool to remove the valve seat.
4. Linking Rod Seal: after taking out the liner, loose the connection between the linking rod and cross-head, disassemble the linking rod, and then open the clamping cover above the linking rod seal, now the seal can be taken out for replacement.
5. Safety Valves’ Spring: open the protection cover at the top of the valve, loose the adjusting bolts, remove the valve cover, and then the valve spring can be taken out for replacement.
6. Pressure Relief Valve: disassemble the valve lever firstly, then loose the jam nut, round nut and seal nuts, etc., then such valve parts as the V-shape seals, seal seat, valve levers can be replaced; further, loose the connection bolts beneath the valve body, then the valve seat can be removed for replacement.
The above methods are only for horizontal mud pump products of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
The service life of reciprocating mud pump not only relates with design and manufacture but also relates with pump’s service condition, operating and maintenance. Once the triplex mud pump is installed or stopped for a long time, the following preparations must be carried out:
1. Check whether the fuel tank is full of fuel, whether the water tank is full of coolant, and whether the pump is full of lubricating oil
2. The mud pump is connected with the main equipment by a high-pressure water supply pipe.
3. Open the valves in the pipeline system.
4. Check whether the circuit and oil circuit of the diesel engine are normal, whether the instrument is in good condition and whether the oil and water are enough.
5. Check whether the operation handles and switches are in the initial position.
6. If a mud pump package is newly assembled or has experienced long time stoppage, then below preparations must be arranged in advance before startup:
(1) Check the suction pipe and pump valve, the suction port is not blocked by foreign matter, the pump valve is opened and closed smoothly, the suction pipe is in good sealing condition, and there is no leakage. The suction end of the suction pipe should be 0.3~0.5m below the water, and 0.5m away from the bottom and side wall of the water pool or tank.
(2) Please check the Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) should be no more than 2.5m for clean water, and the value will be decreased if the medium is thick mud. In addition, the suction pipe length should be no longer than 5 meters.
7. Please make sure that specified brands of lubrication oil or grease shall be added into the pump body, all the oil cups and grease fittings until reaching right oil level.
8. Please make sure that all the components and parts are well tightened, especially the critical connection between piston and crosshead/connection rod.
9. Please check if the pressure gauge works well, and if its scale is in ‘0’ position when there is no pressure.
10. Before starting the pump, fill hydraulic 46 wear-resistant hydraulic oil into the oil discharge port of the hydraulic motor
11. Please fully open the pump relief valves before startup so that it is in idle load condition.
The above methods are only for rig mud pump products of Elephant brand. Some models may be difference, please contact us for more details.
The service life of mud pump not only relates with design and manufacture, but also relates with pump’s service condition, operating and maintenance. So operate strictly to make sure pump can work normally and continuously.
1. The pump should be fixed steadily and reliably with foot screws, and the ground should be steady and firm.
2. The installation site of pump should provide safety and convenience for operator. Set up pool, return flume and sand eliminator, according to site and shorten suction pipe length and suction height as much as possible.
3. It is forbidden for the operator to leave while pump running to make the pump without care.
4. Normal running pressure of the pump should not exceed 80% of rated pressure. While running in the max pressure state, the continuous running time should be no more than 1 hour.
5. Before manually operate the handle to adjust the running speed, it’s a must to stop the hydraulic motor, and wait until all the gears stopped running. This will help prevent the gears from damages.
6. It is forbidden to remove safety valve installation, and the opening pressure has been set well while leaving factory, and it is not allowed to adjust it at will.
7. The unloading valve is forbidden to be used to adjust discharge, or else, the branch pipe will be damaged soon and the pump performance is destroyed.
8. The pump is not allowed to work without flushing liquor, or else seal parts / pistons are easily damaged.
9. When mounting and dismounting parts, it is forbidden to knock parts with hammer or iron rod. When it needs to knock, put a wood block or copper bar on the parts.
The above methods are only for mud pump products from Elephant brand. Our hydraulic mud pumps,external mud pumps, and electric mud pumps are constantly updated and upgraded. Please contact us if you have any questions.