Mud logging is a term often used in the oil and gas industry. Mud logging isn’t new because it has been around for over half a century. However, there’s no denying that mud logging has become more important as mud loggers’ duties have evolved with the adoption of new technologies. Today, mud logging is essential in oil and gas exploration and production.
Mud logging has become crucial for the modern-day drilling process. Mu loggers typically utilize specialized modules when working offshore. Doing so is necessary because it protects expensive mud logging equipment from harsh sea conditions.
The mud logging process begins when companies want to harvest natural resources underneath the Earth’s resources. The oil and gas exploration and production company will select a spot to drill testing well. Once the well is drilled, the extraction process starts.
What is Mud Logging?
While mud logging has been around for over half a century, it has significantly evolved recently. Pressurized mud pumps are prominent in the oil and gas industry because they supply drilling fluid or mud down the hole and through the drill bit. Drill bits grind through the earth and drill oil and gas reserves back up the hole.
Once the drill bit exits the hole, the muds and contents undergo a screening process where the mud is separated from the cuttings. Oil and gas exploration and production companies will recirculate the mud back down the hole before repeating the process.
Once the screening is finished, mud loggers will analyze them to learn more about the drilled hole. Mud loggers create logs to track lithology, color, shape, and other factors of rocks. It’s also not uncommon for them to use ultraviolet light with solvents to detect hydrocarbons in the cuttings. The solvents and ultraviolet light cause the cuttings to become fluorescent, indicating oil gravity.
Mud loggers also have other responsibilities. They monitor gas levels by using flame ionization detectors. Gas chromatographs are also a popular option for examining gas levels,
What About Offshore Mud Logging Modules?
Offshore mud logging modules have to be engineered to withstand harsh sea conditions. As a result, they must receive certification from multiple regulatory bodies, like the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), United States Coast Guard (USCG), International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), etc.
Regulatory standards generally vary depending on the installation or vessel and the offshore rig’s location.
Since deck space is limited at sea, mud logging modules must be placed near the well. Often, these locations are hazardous, and, as a result, offshore mud logging modules might also have to meet additional safety regulations. Most offshore mud logging modules are 8’ wide and 20’ long. However, smaller modules are also common.
Some offshore mud logging module suppliers will also include other design features, including the following:
- They’ll build Versa mounts for computer monitors into the module’s walls to save desk space.
- Sinks with running water are designed to make performing cutting tests easier.
- Suppliers will often place multiple electrical outlets around the module. Doing so ensures power supply to instruments.
- It’s also not uncommon for offshore mud logging modules to feature cable transit frames. They allow penetration for cables to connect to equipment and computer racks inside the module.
File-Name: Oil rig
Alt-text: An oil rig in the middle of the sea
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