Special OBM procedures

 Objective
This procedure is to ensure the safe and correct handling of oil based mud and to protect
personnel and the environment from any OBM spills.
To protect the environment against spills of Oil Based Mud during mixing and transfer.
To avoid economic losses as a consequence such spills

 Background Information
Transfer and mixing of mud involves the risk of overflows or outflows of mud or mud mixing
materials. The counter measure to these risks are precise instructions, efficient communication,
careful control and timely action on readings, instructions, and information.
The procedure describes how to avoid any losses of Oil Based Mud during mixing/transferring
caused by misunderstandings/bad communication.
Lost mud or mud mixing materials carries a high risk of ending up in the environment. In addition
the materials used are expensive, and the work required to clean up after a spill is costly, and at
the very best time and money could have been spent more useful

 Application/scope
These procedures will apply to all personnel involved in the handling of OBM.

 Responsibility
The Senior Toolpusher is in charge of all drilling related topics, he must ensure that this procedure
is adhered to.
The STP is responsible for proper instruction of the Driller and Derrickman
The Driller is responsible for advising the Derrickmen of upcoming operations that involve the use
of OBM.
The Driller is responsible for supervising the work and the working area
The AD and Derrickmen are responsible for the correct line up of valves on the stand pipe and C &
K manifolds.
The Derrickmen is responsible for preparing for taking on OBM, monitoring volumes and transfers
and advising Driller, Mud Loggers and relevant person of any fluid transfers and informing the
Driller when and how the mud pumps and returns are lined up.
The Derrickman is responsible for conducting the work in compliance with the below procedure.
The Derrickman should specifically emphasise on avoiding misunderstandings and only act in
accordance with written instructions from the Mud Engineer
The shaker hand is responsible for monitoring the shakers at all times when circulating with OBM,
if at any time the shakers cannot cope with the return flow he must inform the Driller immediately.

 Abbreviations
OBM Oil Base Mud
PJSM Pre-job Safety Meeting
SDS Safety Data Sheet

 Procedure steps
 Upon receiving written instructions from the Mud Engineer, the Derrickman will advise the
Driller and the Mud Logger of his intent and quoting the instructions given by the Mud
Engineer.
 The Derrickman shall then check the pits, recording all volumes on a pre-printed form
 SDS sheets should be available in all areas where exposure to OBM is expected.
 All equipment which will minimise the spillage of OBM must be checked and made as effective
as possible, (e.g. mud bucket, mud vac).
 Ensure all crewmembers are aware of all spill kit stations and their contents, raise the alarm
should any unplanned spillage occur. Ensure all OBM transfer requests are fully understood
and volumes accounted for.
 All personnel working with OBM must use barrier cream on their hands and the lower part of
arms before their work periods. The barrier cream should be re-applied according to the
effectiveness of the cream and the working conditions.
 All personnel working in contact with OBM must use the correct PPE to prevent direct contact
with skin, clothing etc.
 Ensure Driller, Derrickmen, Mud Engineer and mud-Logging crew are notified of fluid transfers
to assist with monitoring volumes at all times.
 Hold PJSM with all involved prior to any mixing or transfer of OBM. All transfer lines to be used
should be double checked and walked prior to commencing with transfer.
 The volume of all pits should be recorded prior to any transfers.
 After the pump has been started, but before commencement of mixing, the pit levels must be
checked again and make sure you are sucking and returning into the correct pits, check again
routing and then start mixing.
 Check the routing and only open the valves on that route. Check that all other valves are
closed. Control the pit levels and write them down on the printed form
 Valves between mud pumps and flare booms and from mix lines to loading stations. Should
remain closed and padlocked whilst there is OBM in the mud pits.
 All suction and equalizing valves should be checked also to ensure no communication is
possible between pits.
 The mud loggers must keep a constant check on the volumes in each pit and the Derrickmen
should monitor the pit levels on a regular basis.
 The Derrickmen must inform the Driller of any changes to the line up to the pumps or any
changes to the line up of the returns.
 The shaker hand must inform the Driller if any OBM starts to spill over the shakers.
 Derrickmen to confirm that has checked their valve and line alignments and the connection to
the rig transfer line.
 Derrickmen to confirm a permanent watch is in position on the OBM job on the rig.
 Start the pump and check both suction and return. Control the pit levels again and make sure
the mud is going to the right place.
 Upon instruction from the Mud Engineer to transfer base oil inform the Driller and Mud Logger
of your intent, the volumes and to which pit. Report when you start and when you finish. At
the end of the day inform the Mud Engineer of the amount taken from the storage tanks for
his variable load sheet.
 Ensure all instructions from the Mud Engineer are written instructions. Verbal instructions
should only be acted on in emergencies.
 Process Checklist

# ACTION CRITERIA
1 Lockout the no required lines to Verify that the no required valves are in the closed
the OBM mud pits. position and remain locked, as per isolation permit.
2 Check that the valves going from These valves to remain closed and locked to prevent
mix lines to loading station and the unintentional transfer of OBM to spill.
mud pumps to flare booms are
locked.
3 Ensure that only one line is Ensure that all X/O valves and pit equalising valves
dedicated to transfer and mix the remain closed to prevent cross contamination of the
OBM. two different mud systems.
4 Prior to any fluid transfers double Record all volumes prior to and after any fluid
check the correct valve alignment. transfers.
5 AD to check the line up of the This must be checked at the beginning of every tour
stand pipe and C & K manifolds. and findings reported to the driller.

STP/Driller to confirm none of the pits in which fluid transfer will occur are included in the rig’s or
mud logger’s active system.