Drilling Rig Mud Pump Triplex Design For Efficient Hole Cleaning

Common Faults of the Drilling Pump

1. Pump pressure drop and insufficient displacement: Mostly caused by damaged and washout pistons, failed sealing of the suction and discharge valves, and liner wear.

2. Severe pressure fluctuation and heavy pump vibration: Caused by incorrect pre-charge pressure in the air chamber (pulsation dampener), or cavitation due to poor suction.

3. Valve knocking and abnormal noise: Caused by worn or damaged valve flaps (valve plates) and valve seats.

4. Overheating and abnormal noise in the power end: Caused by insufficient lubrication and worn bearings and gears.

During drilling operations, the operators must continuously monitor the pump pressure and the running sound of the pump, and regularly inspect and replace the wear parts. Once the drilling pump fails and circulation stops, drilling must be halted in accordance with operating procedures and circulation must be restored within a short time — a long pump shutdown can easily trigger downhole accidents.