Mud Schools: Sharing Industry News With a New Generation
We recently sat down with Tommy Rush, Product Manager and Mud School Instructor for Drilling Specialties Company, a division of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Drilling Specialties Company) to find out more information about this unique offering of curriculum in the industry. This concept of share-based knowledge in a typically private industry is both innovative and one-of-a-kind, but not new to the scene. In fact, Drilling Specialties Company has been offering Mud Schools to loyal customers and college students from around the world for over 20 years. This industry news feature explores more about the Mud School and what makes this program such a highlight for Drilling Specialties Company and its students.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE GENERAL CURRICULUM COVER IN MUD SCHOOL
We have two separate courses. The first course, Fundamentals of Drilling Fluids, introduces drilling fluids to the students. We cover the functions of drilling fluids, composition of drilling fluids, types of drilling fluids, testing drilling fluids, identifying and treating drilling fluid problems, drilling fluid additives and their functions, and finally how to read and understand the mud report from the mud engineer. The second course, Advanced Drilling Fluid Technology, is an in-depth course covering non-aqueous drilling fluids, polymer drilling fluids, clay mineralogy, rheology, cementing chemicals, loss of circulation treatment and production chemicals.
Complete with textbooks and in-person instruction, these courses offer students everything they will need to have a successful experience with the Drilling Specialties Company products and to better understand and make the transition in the field, where it really counts.
WHAT TYPE OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MUD SCHOOL
We offer classes to any customer who is interested in learning more about drilling fluids, cementing and production chemicals. We cater to every customer no matter the level of experience and expertise, from college students who might be new to the oil and gas business to those who have 30 plus years of experience in the oil and gas industry. There is something to be learned about the industry and our products for everyone, and we are happy to facilitate the learning experience.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MUD SCHOOL
The best takeaway for our students is to understand the mud report that the mud engineer produces in the field. This is key in understanding the properties of the fluid and how the chemical treatment that is being used correlates to the fluid properties. This helps the student understand why certain chemicals are being added to the fluid system and why some are not being added to the system.
Hands-on learning experiences in the classroom help us teach these principles to our students, so they walk out better prepared to be successful in the field and more educated about the Drilling Specialties Company products.
UPCOMING MUD SCHOOLS:
If you are interested in becoming part of an upcoming Mud School or scheduling one of your own, please contact Customer Service at 800-423-3985, by email, @email or visit our website at www.drillingspecialties.com.