Question 3290 Deck General

The correct answer is D) trip tank. A trip tank is specifically designed to accurately measure the volume of drilling mud required to fill the hole when the drill stem is removed. By monitoring the change in volume in the trip tank, the operator can precisely determine the amount of mud needed to maintain well control and avoid potential well kicks or blowouts. The other options are not as accurate for this purpose. A mud return flow indicator only monitors the mud flow rate, not the total volume. Pit level changes can be impacted by other factors besides just the removed drill stem volume. And a pump stroke count does not account for any mud losses or gains in the system.