What Does
Mud Pump Mean?
A mud pump is a reciprocating pump used to circulate fluid (mud) through a well during drilling. The reason for circulating fluid through the well is to carry the cuttings from the drilling process back up to the surface. The mud pump is used in oil and gas drilling operations as well as water drilling.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Mud Pump
Mud pumps can have two or three cylinders depending on the application and sometimes more than one pump can be run together when large amounts of mud are being circulated. A powerful motor is used to drive the pump.
Pulsation dampers on the discharge end of the pump smooth out the surges caused by the pistons discharging mud. Pumps can be designed for differing operating conditions by adjusting the size of the pistons and setting the discharge pressure.
A discharge relief valve will open if there is a plug in the system, which causes the pressure to rise too high.