Maximizing ROI on Every Job: How to Get More from Your Portable Mud System
In drilling, every hour counts and so does every gallon of fluid. Portable mud systems are designed to help operators stay efficient, reduce waste, and protect the bottom line. But not every system is used to its full potential.
At Portable Mud Systems, we work with operators across West Texas who are looking not just for equipment, but for better performance. If you’re using a portable mud system on your site, here are a few ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of it and avoiding the costly mistakes that hold your project back.
1. Avoid Undersizing Your System
One of the most common issues we see in the field is underestimating how much fluid volume a job will actually require. If your system is too small, you’ll end up dealing with overflow, unnecessary downtime, and increased fluid loss.
What to do:
Work with a provider who understands the scope of your job not just from a tank capacity standpoint, but from a flow rate and solids control perspective too. We help our clients configure the right combination of tanks, shakers, and screens to match their job size and drilling conditions.
2. Check Your Shaker Screen Setup
Your shaker is the first line of defense in separating solids from the mud. If the screen is the wrong size, damaged, or not set up correctly, you’ll lose valuable drilling fluid and potentially recirculate solids that should have been removed.
Quick tip:
Inspect shaker screens daily and replace them before performance drops. We stock a full range of screen options so you can always match the right one to your formation and flow rate.
3. Stay Ahead of Maintenance
Like any equipment in the field, portable mud systems need regular maintenance. But with tight timelines, this step is often skipped until there’s a problem.
What to look for:
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Leaks or weakened seals in the tanks
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Vibrator motors running unevenly
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Caked solids buildup in hoppers or piping
A quick preventative maintenance check between jobs can save hours of downtime later.
4. Rethink Your Fluid Recovery Goals
Sometimes, it’s not about the equipment it’s about the expectations. Are you tracking how much fluid you’re recovering vs. how much you’re losing or hauling off?
We recommend setting clear fluid recovery goals at the start of each job. With the right system, you should be able to reuse a large percentage of your drilling fluid while minimizing the amount of waste sent to disposal.
5. Partner With a Local Provider Who Knows the Terrain
West Texas drilling comes with its own set of challenges from remote locations to unpredictable soil conditions. Working with a local team means faster service, smarter system setup, and support when you need it.
At Portable Mud Systems, we’re based right here in West Texas. We don’t just rent equipment we help you run it smarter.
Ready to Maximize Your Mud System’s Performance?
If you’re planning a project or looking to improve your current setup, we’re here to help. Contact Portable Mud Systems today to get expert recommendations and field-tested solutions that deliver real results.
📞 Call us or 📩 Send us a message to get started.
