Abstract: A slurry diverter for use in well drilling of the type having a canister surrounding the drill shaft containing at least one compression ring member adapted to surround the drill shaft, having an O-ring-like outer portion and a thinner inwardly protruding lip portion adapted to contact the drill shaft so as to prevent the escape of slurry upwards on the drill shaft and divert such slurry through a slurry exit pipe held onto the diverter by quick release members which pipe extends away from the drill site to a diffuser held thereto also by quick release means.