LSAT 125, Section 1, RC Passage 2, Drilling Fluids

RC Passage 2 Explanation (Comparative)

PASSAGE TEXT: Drilling fluids, including the various mixtures known as drilling muds, play essential roles …

Paragraph Summaries

Passage A

1. Drilling fluids are important in oil drilling because they lubricate equipment, cool the drill, remove rock pieces, provide information, and control pressure. They help drilling operations run safely and efficiently.
2. Drilling muds are made from clays, polymers, and fluids, with barite being the main ingredient by weight. Barite is a heavy mineral also used in some medical and food applications.
3. Drilling companies create their own drilling fluid formulas for different jobs. Studying the environmental effects of drilling waste is difficult because these fluids can contain thousands of ingredients, many of which are toxic or kept secret.

Passage B

1. Drilling mud and waste are mainly released while a well is being drilled. These releases are the main environmental concern in offshore oil production and are controlled by regulations.
2. Water-based muds are used for shallow drilling and are generally not very harmful to marine life. Companies recycle them until they are no longer useful, then release them into the ocean under current rules.
3. Oil-based muds are used for deeper drilling and contain more oil, barite, and additives. They are more harmful to the environment, so only limited amounts of leftover oil-based mud can be discharged.

Analysis

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