It's hard to drill for oil without mud.

View Comments

Into almost every well, oil drillers pump thousands of gallons of "mud" - actually a scientifically formulated mixture of chemical additives and oil or water - to cool the drill bit and carry rock fragments to the surface.Drilling Specialties Co. says special additives to the mud help control unstable conditions deep in the ground, enabling drillers to reach record depths.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.