49. My two words of the week

What do I think is the best way to learn something new?? Grit your teeth, get out there, ask lots of questions and just generally give it a go... SO, for the first three days of this week I decided to get my butt down to Laredo, Texas to spend some quality time with my Drill Site Manager and Site Safety Rep to basically pick their brains dry on drilling practice... I'm only two days through my trip AND my brain is already overflowing with new theories, practices, and terms... SO its only fair that I share two of them this week as my two words...

Possum Belly

'A Possum Belly, is the metal container at the head of the shale shaker that receives the flow of drilling fluid and is directly connected to, and at the end of the flow line. The purpose of the possum belly is to slow the flow of the drilling fluid (after it has gained momentum from coming down the flow line) so that it does not shoot off the shale shakers. The Possum Belly, derives its name from the similarity of its appearance to the underbelly of a female possum.' 

AND

Pup

'A heavy coupling element for drill pipe, made of special metal alloy steel and has coarse, tapered threads and seating shoulders designed to sustain the weight of the drill string, withstand the strain of frequent coupling and uncoupling, and provide a leak-proof seal.'