A load-balanced, high-capacity mud pump is provided. In some embodiments, load balancing is achieved by spacing hubs along the crankshaft of the mud pump with the bull gears disposed opposite one another, on outer ends of the crankshaft adjacent to the housing. In such an embodiment, the hubs are disposed along the crankshaft between the bull gears. A pinion shaft (or separate pair of shafts) can be provided, mechanically supported in the mud pump by roller bearings or lubricated pads. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

A drilling fluid flowback tracking system and method for determining quantities and qualities of drilling fluid returned from the wellhead in drilling operations, providing a frame, a receiving pipe, a riser pipe, and a surge suppressor for conveying returned drilling fluid, a tapered fluid bin having a calibrated drain slot, which retains fluid at a level corresponding to the inflow rate of the fluid, and flow rate marks for visual correlation of the highest level of outflow with the flow rate of the inflow. Collection and retention of data is further provided through sensors in an inline sensor housing communicating through a data cable with a data collection unit. Remote access to the data collection unit is further provided through a data transceiver and remote data unit.

A drilling fluid flowback tracking system and method for determining quantities and qualities of drilling fluid returned from the wellhead in drilling operations, providing a frame, a receiving pipe, a riser pipe, and a surge suppressor for conveying returned drilling fluid, a tapered fluid bin having a calibrated drain slot, which retains fluid at a level corresponding to the inflow rate of the fluid, and flow rate marks for visual correlation of the highest level of outflow with the flow rate of the inflow. Collection and retention of data is further provided through sensors in an inline sensor housing communicating through a data cable with a data collection unit. Remote access to the data collection unit is further provided through a data transceiver and remote data unit.

A washpipe assembly for a rotational device includes a gland assembly, a washpipe positioned within the gland assembly, and a seal assembly positioned about the washpipe within the gland assembly. The seal assembly includes a plurality of ring seals, a plurality of annular chambers positioned between the ring seals along the washpipe, and a pressure manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of annular chambers. The pressure manifold is configured to receive a first fluid pressure and is configured to apply a plurality of pressures to the annular chambers, and the plurality of pressures are each less than the first fluid pressure.

A washpipe assembly for a rotational device includes a gland assembly, a washpipe positioned within the gland assembly, and a seal assembly positioned about the washpipe within the gland assembly. The seal assembly includes a plurality of ring seals, a plurality of annular chambers positioned between the ring seals along the washpipe, and a pressure manifold fluidly coupled to the plurality of annular chambers. The pressure manifold is configured to receive a first fluid pressure and is configured to apply a plurality of pressures to the annular chambers, and the plurality of pressures are each less than the first fluid pressure.

A method for identifying anomalous mud flow includes determining an operating rate of a mud pump discharging to a pipe string in a wellbore. Mud returned from the wellbore is moved to a first metering tank. Mud is moved from the first transfer tank to a mud storage tank using a first pump having a flow rate directly related to an operating rate thereof. A first parameter related to volume of mud in the first metering tank is measured. Anomalous mud flow is identified by detecting changes in the operating rate of the first pump wherein the operating rate is adjusted to maintain the first parameter substantially constant.

A method for identifying anomalous mud flow includes determining an operating rate of a mud pump discharging to a pipe string in a wellbore. Mud returned from the wellbore is moved to a first metering tank. Mud is moved from the first transfer tank to a mud storage tank using a first pump having a flow rate directly related to an operating rate thereof. A first parameter related to volume of mud in the first metering tank is measured. Anomalous mud flow is identified by detecting changes in the operating rate of the first pump wherein the operating rate is adjusted to maintain the first parameter substantially constant.

A dry product additive system includes a skid, a hopper, a pickup funnel, a feeder system, a supply pump, and an eductor assembly. The feeder system may be configured to transport product from the hopper to the pickup funnel. The eductor assembly including a suction inlet, a motive inlet, and an outlet. The suction inlet may be coupled to the pickup funnel by a suction hose. The motive inlet may be coupled to the supply pump by a motive fluid hose.

A dry product additive system includes a skid, a hopper, a pickup funnel, a feeder system, a supply pump, and an eductor assembly. The feeder system may be configured to transport product from the hopper to the pickup funnel. The eductor assembly including a suction inlet, a motive inlet, and an outlet. The suction inlet may be coupled to the pickup funnel by a suction hose. The motive inlet may be coupled to the supply pump by a motive fluid hose.

A pressure compensation device with an accumulator group for controlled pressure drilling includes an electrical flat valve, a check valve, an accumulator group, a flanged pup joint and a support base. The electrical flat valve is connected to the check valve and is mounted on a top surface of the support base. The accumulator group mounted on the whole support base is a pre-storage pressure compensation device for controlled pressure drilling, and is located at a downstream position of the check valve. The liquid inlet end of the accumulator group is connected to the check valve, and the liquid discharge end is connected to the flanged pup joint.