What is the difference between drilling mud and waste mud

Drilling mud is the general term for various circulating fluids with multiple functions that meet the needs of drilling operations. It is the lifeblood of drilling and is also known as borehole flushing fluid. Drilling mud can be classified by its composition into clear water, mud, clay-free phase flushing fluid, emulsion, foam, and compressed air. Clear water is the earliest type of drilling fluid, requiring no treatment, and is convenient to use, making it suitable for intact rock formations and areas with abundant water sources. Mud is a widely used drilling fluid primarily applicable to unstable borehole walls in loose, fractured, collapsible, or water-swollen and spalling rock formations. Drilling mud can be recycled after treatment, and waste mud can also be processed using a dewatering machine. The moisture content of the treated solids can reach approximately 6%-15%.