Mudlogging involves rigging up equipment at drill sites, maintaining the equipment, and analyzing mud and cuttings samples to compile data on drilling operations, geology, and geochemistry. Mudloggers work 2-4 week shifts at drill sites, where they take samples under all conditions while using proper protective equipment. The job requires skills in various sciences as well as computers and communication, and those who are responsible and self-guided can gain an overview of the drilling process and opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

1. Mudlogging: the needs of the job
• Rigging up/using/maintaining equipt. in mudlogging unit:
Steve Grimes, Ph.D., P.G., Empirica
Gas measurement & analysis Advanced analytical equipt. (here: mass spec)
Sample analysis (microscope & fluoroscope) All rig data
Mysterious ancient technology

2. Working conditions
• Work 2-4 weeks at drill
site
• Rig up/rig down
• Sample mud/cutttings
(at right)
– At lag depth
– All conditions
– PPE required

3. The mudlog: a compilation
of…everything
• Good to have skills in:
math, geology, chemistry,
physics, computers, com
munication; mechanical
aptitude
• Responsible, self-guided
• Can gain:
– Overview of drilling
– Entry to oil/gas business
– Opportunities in our
company
drilling
data
geochemical datageological data &
interpretation