Mud tanks store drilling fluid for drilling rigs, with custom designs available. They can be open or have a roof with compartments and are periodically cleaned. Different mixtures of fluid are used depending on drilling type and geology. Recycled fluid can be stored in mud tanks after passing through a series of tanks to separate debris.
A mud tank is a large storage container used to hold reserves of drilling fluid, also known as drilling mud, for a drilling rig. Drilling fluid is used to reduce friction on bit components to allow them to work harder and faster with less risk of breakage. Numerous companies manufacture and refurbish mud tanks of various shapes and sizes for industrial use, and specialist contractors are also available to clean tanks and other drilling equipment. The cost for tanks and associated services varies widely, especially when it comes to custom designs.
Historically, pits in the ground near a well were used to hold drilling mud and mud tanks are sometimes still referred to as mud pits in reference to this. A modern sludge tank is a large container, typically open and divided into several compartments. In some environments, to reduce the risk of worker injury, a roof may be used, with a guardrail and walkway allowing people to look inside the tank to check the level and consistency of the drilling fluid.
New fluid can be added periodically and, if deemed necessary, the components can be mixed to change the formulation. Drilling mud serves as a lubricant and coolant and the demands placed on it are very high. It is imperative to maintain a constant supply at a drilling site to avoid shutdowns. If a system runs out of fluid, temporarily shutting it down can be extremely costly.
Different drilling fluid mixtures are used, depending on the type of drilling being performed, the geology and the equipment being used. The mud tank stores fluid for pumping over and through the drill. Mud tanks can also be set up to receive recycled drilling fluid, a common practice at many sites. In these situations, the fluid is pumped back from the drill site, passed through a series of tanks to separate the fluid from rocks and other debris, and then routed back into a mud tank for storage.
These tanks can eventually become caked with drilling mud and can be corroded by the components in the fluid. For this reason, companies periodically empty and clean their tanks with pressure washers and other equipment. A large company cleans and maintains its mud tanks, while smaller companies can call a company to clean their mud tanks and prepare them for continuous field service.
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