Blow Through

A situation that can occur in an atmospheric mud–gas separator (MGS) when the pressure generated inside the separator and associated vent line exceeds the hydrostatic pressure created by fluid in the separator U-tube (dip tube). This can result in well fluids in the gaseous state being “blown through” the MGS to the shale shaker area in a gaseous state. This affects fluid properties and can be hazardous if the shale shaker area is enclosed.