Solids control is a technique used on a drilling rig to separate the solids produced by crushed drill bits and other debris from drilling fluids or mud. You’re a solids control technician, but some days, you’re part electrician, part millwright, part chemist, and part customer service representative. You wear many hats, all required to support drillers to be able to reuse drilling fluids.
Solids control technicians operate equipment to separate out particles, debris and other solids that are crushed by the drill and carried to the surface. The separation allows the drilling fluids to be reused in the drilling process. The separation process is carried out over stages involving multiple types of processes and equipment. Solids control technicians work with other well services members at the drilling site. They are also responsible for maintaining the solids control equipment and ensuring the treatment of drilling fluids complies with environmental regulations.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Oil and gas services
- Environment Primarily outdoor work
- Average Salary $45,000 to $77,000
- Education High school diploma
- Career Demand Growing
In this occupation activities may include:
- Coordinating with other services at the well location to ensure safe and efficient operations
- Maintaining a computer database of the solids control equipment, spares, tools and consumables
- Setting up, tearing down and preparing the solids control equipment and its related systems for transport
- Operating the solids control equipment and its related systems (e.g. mud tanks, shale shaker, vacuum degasser, centrifuge)
- Conducting tests on drilling fluids to ensure the system is functioning properly
Education
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required. Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot and repair problems with motors, electrical, panels and valves are considered assets.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive
Licensing
- Class 5 driver’s licence (or equivalent) and clean driving record
Additional Requirements
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical assessment and drug test
- Minimal or no travel
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily outdoor work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
You have solid soft skills, such as customer service and communication. You also have solid hard skills – particularly when it comes to working with machinery and chemistry.
- Mechanics
- Public safety and security
- Maintaining equipment
- Monitoring operations
- Troubleshooting
- Building and construction
- Computers and electronics
- Critical thinking
- Installation
- Building a successful team
