Safe Operation Procedures for Mud Pump

Mud pump is also a popular term for a wide range of pumps. Different regions and customs may involve different types of pumps. The mud pump discussed in this article refers to a type of pump widely used in the field of petroleum drilling.

Performance of Mud Pump

The two main parameters for the performance of mud pumps are displacement and pressure.

• Displacement

Displacement is calculated as the number of liters discharged per minute. It depends on the diameter of the borehole and the required speed of the flushing fluid returning from the bottom of the hole. The larger the diameter of the hole, the greater the required displacement. The upward velocity of the flushing fluid should be sufficient to flush away the rock debris and powder cut by the drill bit in a timely and reliable manner and carry them to the surface. During geological core drilling, the upward velocity is generally around 0.4 to 1.0 meters per minute.

• Pressure

The pressure of the mud pump depends on the depth of the borehole, the resistance of the flushing fluid passing through the channels and the properties of the flushing fluid being transported. The deeper the borehole, the greater the pipeline resistance, and the higher the required pressure.

As the diameter and depth of the borehole change, the pump's displacement can be adjusted as needed. The pump mechanism is equipped with a gearbox or hydraulic motor to adjust its speed in order to change its displacement.

To accurately grasp the changes in the pump's pressure and displacement, a flowmeter and pressure gauge should be installed on the mud pump to enable the drilling personnel to understand the operating conditions of the pump at any time. Changes in pressure can be used to judge whether the borehole conditions are normal to prevent accidents inside the hole.

Safe Operating Procedures for Mud Pump

1. Check before starting: all connections should be tight; the direction of electric rotation should be correct; the clutch should be flexible and reliable; the pipeline should be connected firmly, sealed reliably, and the bottom valve should be flexible and effective.

2. Before starting the submerged mud pump, the suction pipe, bottom valve and pump body must be filled with water, and the top of the pressure gauge buffer should be filled with oil.

3. Use your hand to move the piston back and forth twice. If there is no obstruction and the insulation of the circuit is good, you can start with no load. After starting, gradually increase the load when the operation is normal.

4. During operation, pay attention to the sealing status of various sealing devices and adjust them if necessary. The pull rod and the auxiliary rod should be lubricated frequently.

5. During operation, the mud content must not exceed 10% and should be tested frequently.

6. For mud pumps with several speeds, to ensure reliable splash lubrication, run each speed separately for each shift, and the time should not be less than 30 seconds.

7. Changing the speed during operation is strictly prohibited. If speed adjustment is required, the pump should be stopped and the shift changed.