Mud pumps are reciprocation plunging devices that are specifically designed to pump the drilling fluid down the drill string and back up the annulus. These are large pumps used on drilling rigs. However, some of these pumps are also used in construction sites for transferring the concrete mixture. Most pumps used in drilling rigs are far too powerful for such needs.
Mud pumps used in drilling rigs serve a variety of purposes. The primary job is usually pushing the mixture into the fractured earth’s surface, but they are also used to clear out the sludge and mud extracted from the drilling hole. The most-used pumps at a drilling rig are triplex and quintuplex pumps. Both are designed with specific applications in mind. Quintuplex pumps are more powerful and sophisticated than the others.
The major benefit of mud pumps is their efficiency with the immense amount of strength generated by them, often exceeding 2700bhp with a pressure of 20,000psi along with the flow rate of 51.3 bpm. Such figures illustrate the strength of high-power mud pumps.
Good-quality mud pumps have a suction valve retainer with a unique design. The superior valve design significantly reduces fluid end erosion. This directly impacts the life of the fluid end, making it last much longer than it otherwise would. Superior-quality mud pumps are also able to provide increased fluid capacity at slower speeds that raises the longevity of the major parts and components. Quintuplex pumps are extremely effective whenever under high rod-loads.
Some of the other benefits of mud pumps include:
- Simple structure for easy maintenance and disassembly
- Smooth operation, minimal vibration, and low noise
- It can deliver high concentration and high viscosity suspended slurry
- The drilling fluid flow is stable. It has no over-current, pulsation, and remains stirred.
- The discharge pressure is not proportional to the speed. The displacement can be adjusted easily by the shifting mechanism or motor.
- The pumps usually have a high self-absorption capability, and they can suck the liquid directly without the bottom valve.
