Drilling fluids
From Wikimarcellus
Drilling fluids (aka drilling mud) are used as part of the process of drilling natural gas well bores. Drilling fluid is often referred to as drilling mud, and either has an oil or water base. It can also have a gaseous base. These fluids serve to provide hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering a well bore. They also help cool the drilling bit and keep it clean by carrying away drill cuttings. It is also a medium to suspend drill cuttings in when drilling is paused or else equipment is moved in and out of the bore hole. The type of drilling fluid used serves to limit formation damage and corrosion. Water-based mud often is made from a clay gel.
Drilling fluid should not be confused with fracturing fluid. The latter is used in hydro-fracturing a well after drilling concludes.
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