Training on Drilling Fluids (Mud) Logistics and Management
Optimize drilling fluid supply and recycling operations. This intermediate course covers solids control, mud properties, and environmental compliance.
Next intake
20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru
Duration
5 days
Live instruction
Delivery
Physical + Virtual
Cohort based
Level
Intermediate
Working professionals
Certification
NITA reimbursable
For Kenyan cohorts
Language
English
All materials
About this programme
This intermediate course provides comprehensive training on drilling fluids (mud) logistics and management for oil and gas drilling operations. Participants will learn to plan, source, transport, store, mix, test, and dispose of drilling fluids, including water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based muds, ensuring wellbore stability and environmental compliance.
Who Should Attend:
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Drilling Fluids Engineers and Logistics Coordinators
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Mud Plant Supervisors and Operators
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Drilling Support and Supply Chain Staff
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Waste Management and Environmental Professionals
What you'll walk away with
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Plan drilling fluid logistics based on well design and formation requirements.
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Manage bulk transport, storage, and mixing of mud and additives.
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Implement mud recycling, solids control, and waste management.
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Ensure environmental compliance for mud and cuttings disposal.
What we cover, module by module
Module 1: Drilling Fluid Fundamentals
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Functions of drilling fluids: hole cleaning, pressure control, wellbore stability, and lubrication.
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Types: water-based muds (WBM), oil-based muds (OBM), and synthetic-based muds (SBM).
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Key properties: density (mud weight), viscosity, filtration, and rheology.
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Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Select a drilling fluid type for a given well scenario (e.g., reactive shale, high temperature, deepwater), justifying the choice.
Module 2: Mud Logistics Supply Chain
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Mud plants and bulk storage facilities.
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Transport modes: pneumatic trucks, bulk vessels, and totes.
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Additives: barite, bentonite, polymers, and specialty chemicals.
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Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Plan a mud supply for a deepwater drilling campaign 200km offshore, including bulk transport, storage on supply vessels, and rig transfer.
Module 3: Mud Mixing, Testing, and Quality Control
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Mixing equipment: bulk silos, hoppers, mud mixers, and shear pumps.
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Mud testing: density (mud balance), viscosity (Marsh funnel, rheometer), filtration (API filter press), and chemical analysis.
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Quality control and mud engineer responsibilities.
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Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: From a mud report, identify off-specification properties (e.g., low density, high viscosity) and recommend corrective treatments.
Module 4: Solids Control and Mud Recycling
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Solids control equipment: shale shakers, desanders, desilters, centrifuges, and mud cleaners.
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Mud recycling and reconditioning.
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Dilution and treatment for property maintenance.
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Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a solids control system for a drilling rig, specifying equipment type and arrangement to maximize mud recovery.
Module 5: Mud Waste Management and Disposal
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Types of waste: drilled cuttings, excess mud, contaminated water, and empty chemical containers.
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On-site vs. off-site disposal options.
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Environmental regulations and zero-discharge requirements.
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Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a drilling waste management plan for an offshore rig with zero-discharge policy, including cuttings reinjection or transport to shore.
Where the change lands
Organizational Impacts:
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Reduced drilling downtime due to mud supply interruptions.
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Optimized mud costs and minimized waste disposal expenses.
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Enhanced drilling performance and wellbore stability.
Individual Impacts:
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Mastery of drilling fluid types, properties, and functions.
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Expertise in mud logistics including bulk transport, storage, and mixing.
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Skills to manage mud recycling and waste disposal.
Dates and locations
Upcoming intakes
Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.
| City | Starts | Ends | Delivery | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NakuruNext | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kigali | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Accra | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kisumu | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Johannesburg | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Dakar | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
- NakuruNext
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kigali
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Accra
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kisumu
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Johannesburg
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Dakar
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake
Common questions.
Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.
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Course finder
Find the right course for you
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For corporate teams
Training 10+ professionals?
We deliver Training on Drilling Fluids (Mud) Logistics and Management in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.
