Introduction
The objective of a drilling operation is to drill, evaluate and complete a well
that will produce oil and/or gas efficiently. Drilling fluids perform numerous functions
that help make this possible. The responsibility for performing these functions is held
jointly by the mud engineer and those who direct the drilling operation. The duty of
those charged with drilling the hole —including the oil company representative,
drilling contractor and rig crew —is to make sure correct drilling procedures are
conducted. The chief duty of the mud engineer is to assure that mud properties are
correct for the specific drilling environment. The mud engineer should also
recommend drilling practice changes that will help reach the drilling objectives.