The drilling mud circulation system needs to understand the following six points:

The role and equipment composition of the mud circulation system; The layout classification and system of the mud circulation system, etc.

The role of the mud circulation system

The drilling mud circulation system plays a role in purifying and recycling the circulating mud in the drilling rig. 

The mud circulation system can prepare mud suitable for drilling. It mainly classifies and filters the particle parts in the mud step by step through solid control equipment such as vibrating screens, so that the performance of the mud meets the drilling requirements.

The equipment composition of the mud circulation system

The drilling mud circulation system is an important component of the drilling rig. The drilling mud circulation system includes

It is composed of a mud vibrating screen, an integrated sand and mud removal machine, a vacuum degasser, a drilling fluid centrifuge, a stirrer, a mud tank, a jet slurry mixer, a sand pump, an electrical control system, a liquid-gas separator, etc.

Design of Mud circulation system

The drilling mud circulation system is designed for different drilling conditions. Some drilling areas are extremely cold, such as Russia, and a mud circulation system that can withstand the cold is needed. For instance, in the Middle East, where the temperature is very high, the mud circulation system needs to be designed to withstand high temperatures, etc. For instance, in desert areas, the mud circulation system can be designed to prevent wind and sand erosion.

Layout of the mud circulation system

The layout of the drilling mud circulation system can also be designed according to the working conditions of the drilling site. For instance, if the drilling site is small, the mud circulation system can be arranged in a row. The drilling site is spacious, and the layout of the mud circulation system can be arranged side by side or in a straight line. The mud circulation system can be fully implemented side by side as required for the movement at the drilling site.

Classification of mud circulation systems

The drilling mud circulation system is also divided into the 1000HP drilling mud circulation system for different models of drilling RIGS, which is suitable for drilling RIGS with a drilling depth of 4 kilometers. 1500HP drilling rig mud circulation system, suitable for drilling RIGS with a drilling depth of 5 kilometers; 2000HP drilling rig mud circulation system, suitable for drilling RIGS with a drilling depth of 7 kilometers; 3000HP drilling rig mud circulation system, suitable for drilling RIGS with a drilling depth of 9 kilometers, etc.

Mud circulation system

According to the drilling mud system, the drilling mud circulation system can be further classified into: oil-based mud circulation system and water-based mud circulation system. 

Oil-based mud circulation systems are mainly used in ultra-deep well and directional well drilling. The water-based mud circulation system is mainly designed for shallow drilling where the requirements for drilling mud are not high.

In conclusion, the equipment composition and layout of the mud circulation system determine its function and classification. 

The drilling mud circulation system will be continuously improved along with the advancement of drilling technology. The future drilling mud circulation system will incorporate more intelligent elements.