Investigation of oil based drilling mud

One of the essential elements of drilling a well for the extraction of oil and gas is the drilling fluid, known as the ‘mud’ system. The mud is pumped down the drill pipe to flood from the neck of the drill bit. It is then returned to the surface around the outside of the drill pipe. The main functions of drilling mud are: cooling and lubrication; removal of cuttings; and maintaining the well under pressure to control ingress of liquid and gas. The specific objective of this work was to establish the best method for measuring exposure to drilling mud vapours and mist. Information on personal exposures to oil based drilling muds generated during this work will also go towards the development of an occupational exposure limit. Phase 2: report number HSL/2007/10

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