Abstract: A method of determining mud pump operational lifespan expended includes operating the mud pump. While operating, a cycle rate of a crankshaft of the mud pump and a discharge pressure are measured. From the cycle rate and discharge pressure, the amount of mud pump operational lifespan expended may be determined.

Abstract: A washpipe assembly for use in a drilling operation, comprises a washpipe having upper and lower ends, an upper seal assembly in fluid communication with the washpipe upper end and including at least one seal in sealing engagement with the washpipe, a lower seal assembly in fluid communication with the washpipe lower end and including at least one seal in sealing engagement with the washpipe, at least one of the upper and lower seal assemblies being rotatable relative to the washpipe at a relative rotation rate, a pressure sensor for measuring a fluid pressure indicative of fluid pressure in the washpipe, a rotation sensor for measuring the relative rotation rate; and a microprocessor adapted to calculate a total pressure-distance value (TPDV) indicative of the amount of washpipe assembly lifespan expended, wherein the TPDV is a function of the relative rotation rate and the pressure.

Abstract: A washpipe assembly includes a seal stack including at least one packing ring adapted to seal between a washpipe and the seal housing; a packing spacer ring adapted to maintain spacing between the seal housing and the washpipe, and a guide bushing ring positioned between the packing spacer ring and the washpipe. The guide bushing ring is made from a softer material than the wash pipe such that any contact therebetween will avoid damage to the washpipe. Additionally, the inclusion of the guide bushing ring may allow the packing spacer ring to be offset further from the washpipe than otherwise allowable.

Abstract: A method of determining mud pump operational lifespan expended includes operating the mud pump. While operating, a cycle rate of a crankshaft of the mud pump and a discharge pressure are measured. From the cycle rate and discharge pressure, the amount of mud pump operational lifespan expended may be determined.

Abstract: A washpipe assembly for use in a drilling operation, comprises a washpipe having upper and lower ends, an upper seal assembly in fluid communication with the washpipe upper end and including at least one seal in sealing engagement with the washpipe, a lower seal assembly in fluid communication with the washpipe lower end and including at least one seal in sealing engagement with the washpipe, at least one of the upper and lower seal assemblies being rotatable relative to the washpipe at a relative rotation rate, a pressure sensor for measuring a fluid pressure indicative of fluid pressure in the washpipe, a rotation sensor for measuring the relative rotation rate; and a microprocessor adapted to calculate a total pressure-distance value (TPDV) indicative of the amount of washpipe assembly lifespan expended, wherein the TPDV is a function of the relative rotation rate and the pressure.

Abstract: A washpipe assembly includes a seal stack including at least one packing ring adapted to seal between a washpipe and the seal housing; a packing spacer ring adapted to maintain spacing between the seal housing and the washpipe, and a guide bushing ring positioned between the packing spacer ring and the washpipe. The guide bushing ring is made from a softer material than the wash pipe such that any contact therebetween will avoid damage to the washpipe. Additionally, the inclusion of the guide bushing ring may allow the packing spacer ring to be offset further from the washpipe than otherwise allowable.