Functionality of Drilling Mud Pumps and Their Applications

Drilling mud pumps are among the most critical components of a drilling rig, which is exactly why rig operators must have an extensive understanding of their functions and applications. Mud drilling pumps are reciprocating piston-plunger pumps that are specifically designed to help circulate drilling fluid under extreme pressure. Mud pumps can be classified in two ways: first, according to liner quantity and second, according to acting type.

The number of liners or piston-plunger configuration in a mud pump varies between drilling mud pumps. Triplex or three piston-plunger pumps are very common, replacing old duplex mud pumps, which contain two piston-plungers. The hex pump, which features six vertical piston-plungers followed the development of quintuplex pumps, which have five piston-plungers configured horizontally. There are many advantages to using newer pump configurations over conventional pump designs, such as lower mud noise, which allows for better MWD (measurement while drilling) and LWD logging while drilling decoding processes.

In a typical setup, drilling mud pumps consist of two subassemblies, namely the fluid and power ends. The fluid end is what produces the pumping motion through valves, liners, and pistons. These components are extremely high-wear items, which is why it is important to have go-to equipment developer to ensure the constant supply of these parts. Shale Pumps develops and supplies an entire range of industrial and heavy duty rugged equipment parts and assemblies to drilling contractors, well service companies, and frac operators, helping make sure that you get only superior quality products for your drilling rig.

The power end of drilling mud pumps is where drive shaft rotation is converted to the reciprocating piston motion. Mud pumps further consist of a variety of parts and components including but not limited to pump liners, pistons, modules, and hydraulic seat pullers, for which you have Shale Pumps to ensure the longevity and consistent performance of your rig.