The properties, use and testing of drilling fluids
and the conduct of related drilling procedures shall be such as are
necessary to prevent the blowout of any well. Sufficient drilling
fluid materials to ensure well control shall be maintained in the
field area readily accessible for use at all times.
(1)
Drilling fluid control.
Before pulling drill pipe, the drilling fluid shall be
properly conditioned or displaced. The hole shall be kept reasonably
full at all times, however, in no event shall the annular mud level
be deeper than 30 meters (100 feet) from the rotary table when coming
out of the hole with drill pipe. Mud cooling techniques shall be
utilized when necessary to maintain mud characteristics for proper
well control and hole conditioning. The conditions contained herein
shall not apply when drilling with air or aerated fluids.
(2)
Drilling fluid testing.
Mud testing and treatment consistent with good operating
practice shall be performed daily or more frequently as conditions
warrant. Mud testing equipment shall be maintained on the drilling
rig at all times. The following drilling fluid system monitoring or
recording devices shall be installed and operated continuously during
drilling operations, with mud, occurring below the shoe of the
conductor casing:
(a) High-low
level mud pit indicator including a visual and audio-warning device,
if applicable,
(b)
Degassers if applicable, and desilters and desanders if required for
solids control,
(c) A
mechanical, electrical, or manual surface drilling fluid temperature
monitoring device. The temperature of the drilling fluid going into
and coming out of the hole shall be monitored, read, and recorded on
the driller's or mud log for a minimum of every 9 meters (30 feet) of
hole drilled below the conductor casing, and
(d) A hydrogen sulfide indicator
and alarm shall be installed in areas suspected or known to contain
hydrogen sulfide gas which may reach levels considered to be
dangerous to the health and safety of personnel in the area.
No exceptions to these requirements will be allowed
without the specific prior permission of the
department.
