abstract:Mud weightas described in the oilfield] is the density (weight) of the [[drilling fluid and is normally measured in pounds per gallon (lbm/gal) or (ppg). In the field it is measured using a mud scale or mud balance.
If a stable column of mud has been set up in the well, keeping the oil at bay through its sheer weight, the next step would be to set cement in the well and seal it off permanently.