faq

q.	How thick should my mud be?
a.	Mud thickness is measured as "viscosity" which is "resistance to flow." Generally viscosity for most drilling should be 42 to 48 seconds on a Marsh Funnel reading (DF-1, Marsh Funnel)
q.	How much pump do I need?
a.	The rig pump should be sufficient to create up-hole velocities of no less than 60 feet per minute. (Chart DF-6: Page 1, Page 2)
q.	What about water quality?
a.	Poor water can effect the performance of most drilling mud. Usage can increase by 25% in poor water. Check the ph. It should be between 8 and 9.
q.	What does it mean when I have free water on the surface of my mud pit?
a.	Hard water or bad water prevents proper mixing of the drilling mud. This also effects the bore hole, increases corrosion, and increases the consumption of bentonite.
q.	Can the ph be too high?
a.	Yes. If the ph climbs above 9 the drilling fluid can adversely affect intersected formations. This can cause sloughing of shale zones, caving sands, swelling of clay stringers.
q.	How do I prevent mud-rings?
a.	Mud rings are caused when drilling through clay formations and the cuttings are not removed from the hole. The clay wants to swell, increasing viscosity and restricting fluid flow up and out of the hole. Adding Uni-Drill to the mud system will coat the clay cuttings while they are being drilled and not allow them to swell.