Practical Handbook for Drilling Fluids Processing

A Practical Handbook for Drilling Fluids Processing delivers a much-needed reference for drilling fluid and mud engineers to safely understand how the drilling fluid processing operation affects the drilling process. Agitation and blending of new additions to the surface system are explained with each piece of drilled solids removal equipment discussed in detail. Several calculations of drilled solids, such as effect of retort volumes, are included, along with multiple field methods, such as determining the drilled solids density. Tank arrangements are covered as well as operating guidelines for the surface system.

Rounding out with a solutions chapter with additional instruction and an appendix with equation derivations, this book gives today’s drilling fluid engineers a tool to understand the technology available and step-by-step guidelines of how-to safety evaluate surface systems in the oil and gas fields.

• Presents practical guidance from real example problems that are encountered on drilling rigs
• Helps readers understand multiple field methods and drilled solids calculations with the help of practice questions
• Gives readers what they need to master each piece of drilling fluid processing equipment, including mud cleaners and safe mud tank arrangements

Samuel Bridges is currently a Technical Service and Product Line Manager with an equipment company in Houston, providing technical expertise on drilling solids equipment for contractors and operators worldwide. Previously, he was active in the United States Navy assisting in program management in Afghanistan, Assistant Officer in charge of construction post-Katrina in Mississippi, a Facilities Operations Officer based in Iraq, and a Public Works Officer in the Navy based in Washington, DC. Sam is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas and is a member of Society of Petroleum Engineers, and Society of American Military Engineers. Samuel earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University.

Leon Robinson is retired after a nearly 40-year career with a major operator and a 25-year career as a drilling instructor. Previously, he taught physics at Clemson, University of Chattanooga and North Carolina State College. He was a research engineer and research advisor with a major operator, traveling to 35 countries working on drilling operations. Leon graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Physics from Clemson, a Master of Science in Physics from Clemson, and a PhD. in Engineering Physics from North Carolina State College. He has published and authored multiple articles, papers, and chapters, including one book, and earned over 55 patents. He is a member of many organizations such as Society of Petroleum Engineers and Pi Epsilon Tau and was awarded induction into the AADE Hall of Fame and the SPE Drilling Legend award.