Mud system · Drilling
Mud Pumps
Large reciprocating positive displacement pumps that push drilling fluid down the drill string, through the bit and back up the hole.
What it does
Keep the drilling fluid circulating through the whole active system, the borehole and the surface tanks. The triplex, with three plungers, is the most common type in drilling and well service.
Basics
| Common type | Triplex, three plungers |
| Principle | Positive displacement, reciprocating |
| Part of | The rig circulating system |
Common failures
- A leak or an eroded hole in a pressure part, in the pump or in the drill string
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Pump pressure drops at the same rate
- Likely cause
- Leak in the pump or a washout in the string
- What to check
- Check the pump first, then pull and inspect the string