You are on page 1of 97

DRILLING TECHNIQUE

Prof. dr. Davorin Matanovi

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drilling rig
The

purpose of drilling rig is-to enable drilling the hole. The difference to stationary facilities is that such rigs are mobile, because they have to be moved frequently. That requirement can not limit the ability of the rig to drill desired hole.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drilling rig
CROWN BLOCK WIRE ROPE

TRAVELING BLOCK

HOOK

SWIVEL

ROTARY TABLE

DRAWWORK AND BRAKES

MUD PUMP

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drilling rig
The hole is a mining object that has minor diameter compared to the

length. It serves as the conduit for hydrocarbons from the layer to the surface. Drilling of the hole is accomplished by: - connecting the bit and drill string, - adding the pipes as the bit progresses, - work of bit or crown at the bottom of the hole (drilling), along with circulating mud to take out drilled particles - withdrawing the drill string (e.g. to change worn bit).

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

1. Bit 2. Sub: bit drill collar 3. Drill collars 4. Drill pipes 5. Sub: drill pipe - kelly 6. Kelly 7. Preventer stuck 8. Rotary hose 9. Swivel 10. Rotary table 11. Draw work 12. Power engines and transmission 13. Mud pumps 14. Mud tanks 15. Hook and traveling block 16. Mast/derrick 17. Wire rope/drilling line 18. Crown block

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drilling rig schematics through three aspects of energy transmission

a sub; drill collar - bit b sub; kelly drill pipe c sub; swivel - kelly d hook e wire rope f mechanical transmission g mud discharge lines h mechanical transmission i mechanical transmission j drive bushing

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drilling rig
To

drill the hole it is necessary to: - rotate the bit or crown, - put weight on bit, - remove drilled formation from the bottom of the hole, to enable bit contact with clean surface of intact formation. Drilling is unique mechanical and hydraulically process that defines drilling rig construction and energy transmission.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Bit rotation
There

are three ways to rotate

the bit: - with rotary table, - top drive and - down hole motor. When rotation is generated from the surface, all drill pipes and drill collars with the bit are rotated: by the use of rotary table (needs kelly), or by top drive (no kelly).
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 8

Weight on the bit


To penetrate with destructing

elements of the bit, certain amount of the weight must be obtained on the bit. The weight is achieved by the use of the weight of the part of drill collar, and the rest of the weight of the bit, drill pipes, kelly, swivel, traveling block and hook are suspended on the drill line and the draw work through friction effect of the brake.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Removing parts of drilled formation from the bottom of the hole


When

bit rotates and is weighted with certain axial force his teeth or inserts crush or cut the rock. Formation cuttings have to be removed from the bottom hole immediately. That enables bit contact with intact rock and prevents pipe stacking. That is the third component that completes the term drilling in basic sense.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 10

Drilling rig
According to mobility drilling rigs can be:

- light, mobile, often set on adequate vehicle and - heavy plants, that are driven on the location in parts and there assembled. Main defining parameters of the drilling rig are: - rated derrick load (hook load), - rig power, ability to rise and lower certain amount of drilling equipment and the hook average speed, - pumping volume and the working mud pump pressure, - rotary table rotation speed or indirectly bit rotation speed, - derrick dimensions and substructure dimensions and ratings.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

11

Derrick (mast)
Derrick is trussed steel construction, that serves as a carrying structure while drilling. Sheave blocks suspended on the drilling line in such structure, carry drill stem during drilling process or maneuver. A standard derrick is a structure with four supporting legs situated on the picks of the square supporting base.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 12

Derrick (mast)
There are two different ways of installing the derrick on the working place (location): - first is to assembly the derrick of the segments in stand up position, - second is to assembly the segments when laying on the ground and that erect the mast by the use of own draw work and transmission.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 13

Often

the mast or derrick is erected on a substructure, which serves two main purposes: (1) supports the rig floro, and provides the working space for equipment and workers, (2) provides the space under the floor for well head and blowout preventers.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

14

Substructure

supports full derrick load, rotary table load, and the load of the drill stem that can be suspended in the hole by the slips, on the hook, or rests i finger.
When lowering casing in the hole special spider serves to accommodate pipes of large diameter. Working floor also accommodates draw work, rotary table, control panels and auxiliary equipment.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 15

Derrick (mast)
Derrick

height does not influence of his loading rating, but influences on the length of drill string that can be manipulated as a section. Such length is defined by the working height of the derrick, that defines the distance of hook traveling from the lowest to the highest point inside the derrick.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 16

Derrick (mast)
As

the standard enabled is the use three pipes connected in the stand with threaded connections. For average stand length of 27 meters, standard derrick height is about 41 meter.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 17

Derrick characteristics are defined in API spec.4F

Derrick (mast)
STAND PIPE HEIGHT ET m 2,44 2,44 2,44 2,44 3,66 3,66 5,18 5,18 5,18 OPPENING HEIGHT (DRAWWORK SIDE) OPPENING HEIGHT (FRONT SIDE) CROWN WIDTH BASE WIDTH

MARK

10 11 12 16 18 18A 19 20 25

AT BT m m 24,38 6,10 26,52 6,10 28,65 7,32 37,19 7,32 41,45 7,92 41,45 9,14 42,67 9,14 44,81 9,14 56,61 11,28

HEIGHT

Basic derrick dimensions


Tolerances: AT 0,1524 m; BT 0,127 m; CT +1,0668 m; DT 0,0508 m; ET 0,1524 m

CT m 2,29 2,29 2,29 2,29 2,29 2,29 2,29 2,29 2,29

CT m 7,21 7,21 7,21 7,21 7,21 7,21 8,08 8,08 8,08

DT m 1,68 1,68 1,68 1,68 1,68 1,68 2,29 1,97 2,29

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

18

Derrick load-bearing capacity


The

derrick must carry full load of drill stem while drilling or when suspended in rotary, or set up in finger. That results with stresses and strains. Additional load is generated when derrick with pipes in finger is exposed to strong wind or vibrations of any kind or reason. Because of that the derrick must be designed to withstand loads of doubled amount compared with those calculated for the job:

Derrick load-bearing capacity is that amount of weight that can be suspended in the derrick with adequate safety factor if additional preconditions are fulfilled: - all four legs are equally weighted - there are no pipes in the derrick and no additional load due high wind - the weight of the derrick is neglected.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 19

Derrick load-bearing capacity


Maximal static hook load of conventional derrick is such load that can be carried by the derrick and the hook with safety factor (about 2). In that case the derrick weight, crown and traveling block weight, wire rope weight and similar must be included. Maximal hook load is:

2k Qk = + Qt 2k + 4

Qk maximal static hook load, N k number of sheaves in traveling block, Qt allowed derrick load (manufacturer data), N

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

20

Derrick erection

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

21

Two

common means of power transmission are: mechanical and electrical. In the past most rigs were mechanical. Analyzing efficacy of energy transmission on drill rigs greater effect is in use of diesel-electric rigs. Mechanical transmission uses clutches, couplings, belts, gears, sprockets, chains, shafts, bearings and pulleys to transfer the power.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Power transmission

22

On a diesel-electric rig, diesel

engines, which on land rigs are located at ground level, away from the rig floor, drive electric generators. Produced electricity is sent through cables to electric switch and control station. Thereof, through additional cables electricity goes to electric motors that are attached directly to the drive shaft of the user; mud pumps, draw work, rotary table . Main advantage of such energy transmission is in avoiding complicated mechanical compound, that needs precise aligning.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Power transmission

23

Systems of energy transmission on rotary drilling rig

(a) mechanical

(b) diesel-electric

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

24

Pipe manipulation system Hoisting system


Draw work is a huge piece of machinery that consists of a drum with spooled wire rope, additional drum called cathead spool with catheads on either end. To facilitate speed and direction change, several other shafts, clutches, chain-and-gear drives are used.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 25

Pipe manipulation system Hoisting system


Two main purposes of the drawworks are: to lift pipes out of the hole, and to lower the pipes back in the hole. Work of hoisting system is done by spooling (wrapping) wire rope on the drum. When lowering, the gravitation is used to initiate pipe movement.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 26

Pipe manipulation system Hoisting system


Connected to the hoist are additional system that allow driller to control the weight on the bit while drilling, and with good accuracy the amount of drill pipes or casing that is suspended on the hook the brakes. System comprises at last two kinds of brakes: friction brake (main brake) and hydraulic or electric brake (auxiliary brakes).

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

27

Drawworks
The

way of transforming or energy transport is achieved by - transmission system.

System allows driller to change drum rotation speed in two, four, six or more (complicated) values. Optimal system has minimal two speeds, optimal four, and maximal eight speeds.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 28

Drawworks - Catheads
Another

feature of the drawworks is achieved through cat shafts and catheads. The makeup or spinning, cathead on drillers side is used to spin and tighten drill pipe joints. The other on opposite side breakout cathead is used to loosen the drill pipe when pulled from the hole
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 29

Drawworks - Catheads
Hemp rope or chain are used to connect catheads with pipes. Cathead can also be used to manipulate with light weights (e.g. one drill pipe from the storage to the rig floor). For such purposes air hoists are used mostly.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 30

Blocks
The traveling block, crown block, and drilling line are the three components are essential in pipe manipulation. Their function is to support the load of pipe in the derrick or mast as it is lowered into or withdrawn from the hole. During drilling operations, this load consists of the hook, swivel, kelly, drill pipe, drill collars, and a bit attached to the bottom of the drill collars. During cementing operations, a string of special pipe called casing, often a heavier load than the drill pipe and collars, has to be lowered into the hole and cemented.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

CROWN BLOCK

DEADLINE FASTLINE TRAVELING BLOCK

WIRE ROPE

DRUM BRAKE

31

Blocks and drilling line


Three

main parts of the system are: traveling block crown block, and drilling line The purpose of the system is to accept all pipe loads suspended on hook and transfer them to the drawworks.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 32

Drilling line wire rope


Wire rope is produced of same or different diameter of steel wires. The inner core i produced of hemp fiber core Rope diameter is from 28,58 mm (1 1/8) to 38,1 mm (1 1/2). Proper use of the wire rope implies lubrication. Bending and dynamic loading of the rope when combined with blocks cause the wear of the rope so it has to be moved periodically (slipped or cutoff).

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

33

Drilling line wire rope


One end of the rope is suspended in the brake crest.

The other end is fixed in the dead line anchor

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

34

Blocks
Large

pulleys or sheaves mounted on a framework through which the drilling line is fitted are up to 1,32 m (52) in diameter, and their axes up to 0,3048 m (1ft). Number of sheaves in traveling block is always for one sheave les than in crown block (dead line sheave).

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

35

Blocks
The hook is suspended on the traveling block.
-Hook can be an integral part of the traveling block or can be hung on the bail. -Bail is also used to hung up the swivel on the hook. -On both sides of the hook are two additional bails that bear elevator, that serves in pipe manipulation.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

36

The rotating equipment

The rotating equipment from top to bottom consists of the: 1. swivel, 2. the kelly, 3. the rotary table, 4. the drill stem and 5. the bit.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

37

The rotating equipment


The drill stem is the assembly of equipment between the swivel and the bit; including the: - kelly, - drill pipe, and - drill collars. The term drill string simply refers to the drill pipe and drill collars; however, in the oil patch drill string is often used to mean the whole works.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 38

Swivel
A swivel is a remarkable mechanical device. It is attached to the traveling block by a large The swivel has three main functions:

bail.
1.

2. 3.

it supports the weight of the drill stem; it allows the drill stem to rotate; and it provides a pressure-tight seal and passageway for the drilling mud to be pumped down the inside of the drill stem.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

39

Swivel
The drilling fluid is under extreme pressure sometimes exceeding 21 MPa (3,000 pounds per square inch (psi)). The fluid comes in through the gooseneck, a curved pipe that connects the swivel to a hose carrying the drilling fluid from the mud pump. The fluid then passes through the washpipe, a vertical tube in the center of the swivel body, and into the kelly and drill string.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 40

Kelly and Rotary Table


The kelly is a three-, four-, or six-sided length of pipe, about 12,19 m (40 feet) long, that is the upper part of the drill stem.
It serves as a passageway for the drilling fluid on its way into the hole and transmits the rotary movement to the drill pipe and bit.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

41

Kelly and Rotary Table


The kelly's upper end is connected to the swivel, and its lower end is connected to the drill pipe. The drill pipe screws onto a device called a kelly saver sub, or a saver sub. The sub is a short, connecting fitting that screws onto the bottom of the kelly.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

42

Kelly and Rotary Table


The kelly fits into corresponding square hexagonal opening in device called a kelly, drive, bushing. a or a or

The kelly bushing fits into a part of the rotary table called the master, or

rotary, bushng.

As the master rotates, the kelly and as the kelly the drill string rotate.

bushing rotates; rotates, and bit

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

43

Kelly and Rotary Table


The bottom threads on the sub are temporarily joined with threads on the top of each length of drill pipe that is added to the stem. The sub saves wear on the threads of the kelly; when the threads of the sub become worn, the sub is replaced or rethreaded.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

44

Upper kelly cock


An upper kelly cock is a special valve that can often be recognized as a bulge on the upper part of the kelly.
The kelly cock can be closed to shut off well pressure coming up from inside the drill stem. Most kelly cocks require a special wrench to operate the closing valve, and the driller should make sure that the kelly cock wrench is kept in one place and that every crew member knows where to find it.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 45

Lower kelly cock


A lower kelly cock (also called a drill pipe safety valve or a drill stem valve) is usually made up between the lower end of the kelly and the top joint of drill pipe.
When the kelly is pulled up high above the rotary table, as it usually is when a joint of pipe is being added to the drill stem (i.e., when a connection is being made), the upper kelly cock cannot be reached easily should it be necessary to close in the drill stem. However, the lower kelly cock is readily accessible when the kelly is raised.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 46

Rotary table

Rotary drilling derives its name from the rotary table.


The rotary table is powered by the compound or by its own electric motor. The rotary table also accommodates the slips - a tapered device lined with strong, teeth like gripping elements that hold the pipe suspended in the hole when the kelly is disconnected.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 47

Rotary table

The rotary table also accommodates the slips - a tapered device lined with strong, teeth like gripping elements that hold the pipe suspended in the hole when the kelly is disconnected.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 48

The drill string is made up of the drill pipe and special, heavy-walled pipe called drill collars.
Each length of drill pipe is about 9,14 m (30 feet) long and is called a joint of pipe. Each end of each joint is threaded. The end of the joint with the interior threads is known as the box, and the end of the joint with the exterior threads is called a pin.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drill String

49

Drill String
When pipe is made up (joined together), the pin is stabbed into the box and the connection is tightened. The threaded ends of the pipe are called tool joints and are actually separate parts that are welded onto the outside of the drill pipe body by the manufacturer who cuts the threads to industry specifications.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

50

Drill String
Drill collars, like drill pipe, are steel tubes through which mud can be pumped.
Drill collars are heavier than drill pipe and are used on the bottom part of the string to put weight on the bit. This weight presses down on the bit to get it to drill. Drill collars are about 9,14 m (30 feet) long and, unlike the drill pipe that has tool joints welded on, they have the boxes and pins cut into them.
51

a)

b)

C)

a) standard b) square c) spiraled

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Bits
Two main types of bits have been developed through the years for more efficient drilling.
Roller cone, or rock bits have cone-shaped steel devices called cones that are free to turn as the bit rotates. Most bits have three cones, although some have two and some have four. Bit manufacturers either cut teeth out of the cones or insert very hard tungsten carbide buttons into the cones.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

52

Bits
The teeth are responsible for actually cutting or gouging out the formation as the bit is rotated.
All bits have passages drilled through them to permit drilling fluid to exit. Most bits have nozzles that direct a high-velocity stream or jet of drilling fluid to the sides and bottom of each cone so that rock cuttings are swept out of the way as the bit drills. 53

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Diamond bits
Diamond bits do not have cones, nor do they have teeth.
Instead, several diamonds are embedded into the bottom and sides of the bit. Since diamonds are so hard, diamond bits are especially suited for drilling hard rock formations but can also be used effectively on soft formations.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 54

Polycrystalline diamond bits


PDC bit cutting elements have polycrystalline diamond cutter with transitional layer for strike absorption. They are embedded in bit body and some manufacturers make them interchangeable. Are produced with steel bodies or with impregnated matrix. PDC bits have interchangeable jet nozzles made of tungsten carbide.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 55

Circulating System
One of the essentials of rotary drilling is a circulating system.
For the rotary drilling system to function, fluid must be circulated downward through the drill stem, around the bit, and upward in the annular space between the drill stem and the wall of the hole or the casing. borehole.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

56

Circulating System
The principal purposes of circulation fluid are to:
1. 2. 3. 4. clean the bottom of the hole; cool the bit; flush cuttings from the hole; support the walls of the well so that they do not cave in; and 5. prevent the entry of formation fluid into the borehole.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 57

Drilling Fluid
The circulation fluid is usually a liquid but can also be air or gas. (Remember, a fluid can be either a liquid or gas.)
If the circulating, or drilling, fluid is a liquid, it is made up mostly of water, although occasionally oil is the major component. Both types of drilling fluids are called muds, or drilling muds, because that is what they appear to be.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 58

Drilling Fluid
Nevertheless, some drilling muds are quite a bit more than just muds; literally scores of special chemical additives and weighting materials are put into them in order to achieve their purpose with the greatest efficiency.
Special clays are used to give body to the mud, and barite -a heavy mineral- is added to increase the density of the mud. Chemicals are used to control the thickness, or viscosity, of the mud and to improve the ability of the solid particles in the mud to deposit a layer, or cake, on the wall of the hole.
59

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Drilling Fluid
In perhaps 1 percent of all oilwells drilled, compressed air or natural gas is used as the circulating fluid instead of mud.
Conditions are usually such that air drilling, although a very efficient drilling method, cannot be used. Circulating with a liquid is less efficient but offers the advantages of hydraulic lift (such as its ability to lift cuttings made by the bit), pressure buildup as depth increases, and so on.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

60

Mud Tanks and Pumps


The mud is mixed in the mud tanks (often called mud pits) with the help of a mud hopper into which most of the dry ingredients for the mud are poured. (It is very important to note that some dry ingredients, especially one called caustic, should never be added to the mud through the hopper.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 61

Mud Tanks and Pumps


The hopper works in such a way that it often throws out a little of the ingredients being added to it. Since caustic is just that -caustic- one can easily receive a severe burn from such ejected particles.)
The tanks contain agitators (paddle like projections) and jets that mix the mud. The mud is mixed with either oil or water, depending on the mud properties needed.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 62

The mud pump is the primary component of any fluid-circulating system.


Pumps are either powered by electric motors attached directly to them, or driven by the compound. The pumps for rotary drilling rigs have high ratings and are capable of moving large volumes of fluid at very high pressures. When circulating with air or gas, the pump is replaced by compressors, and mud tanks are not required.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Mud Pumps

63

The Mud Cycle


The mud is pumped from the mud suction tank through a discharge line to a standpipe.
The standpipe is a steel pipe mounted vertically on one leg of the mast or derrick. The mud is pumped up the standpipe and into a flexible, very strong, reinforced rubber hose called the rotary hose, or kelly hose.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 64

The Mud Cycle


The rotary hose is connected to the swivel.
The mud enters the swivel, flows down through the kelly, drill pipe and drill collars, and exits at the bit. It then does a sharp U-turn and heads back up the hole through the annulus, a space between the outside of the drill string and wall of the hole.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 65

The Mud Cycle


Finally, the mud leaves the hole through a steel pipe or trough, called the mud return line, and falls over a vibrating, screen like device called the shale shaker.
The shaker screens out the cuttings and dumps them into a reserve pit. The mud then drains back into the mud tanks and is recycled back down the hole by the mud pump.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 66

If fine silt or sand is being drilled, devices called desilters and desanders are mounted on the mud pits to remove these very small particles.
Recirculating silt and sand back down the hole makes the mud heavier than desired and might erode the drill string and other components.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

67

Mud-Gas Separator
A mud-gas separator is an essential item of rig equipment for handling a gas kick.
The mud-gas separator saves the usable mud coming out of the well while a kick is being circulated out and separates the flammable gas so it can be burned at a safe distance from the rig.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 68

Mud-Gas Separator
Most mud-gas separators are made of a length of large-diameter pipe.
Interior baffles are used to slow down the mud-gas stream, and a gooseneck arrangement at the bottom permits the mud to flow to the shaker tank while maintaining a fluid head to hold the gas at the top. The gas vent pipe at the top permits the gas to be flared without too much back-pressure on the mud.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

69

And, if a formation containing small amounts of gas is encountered, a degasser is often employed to remove the gas from the mud before it is recirculated into the hole.
Mud containing gas (gas-cut mud) should not be recirculated because it decreases the density of the mud, which could lead to a blowout.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

70

Well Control Equipment


When the subject of well control is mentioned, the first thing to come to mind is a blowout.
A blowout is a very undesirable occurrence on any rig, because it endangers the lives of the crew, can destroy a rig worth millions of dollars, wastes much-needed petroleum, and may damage the environment. Although relatively rare, a blowout is an awesome sight.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 71

Well Control Equipment


Fluid (either liquid or gas) erupts from the well, usually with great force, and often ignites into a roaring inferno, especially if the fluid is gas.
The trouble arises when the pressure in the formation is higher than that in the well. The pressure in the well is maintained by the type and amount of drilling fluid being circulated through it.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 72

Well Control Equipment


Ordinarily, the drilling mud prevents the formation fluid from getting into the borehole and blowing out, but under certain conditions fluid sometimes enters the hole and causes difficulties.
The well kicks-that is, formation fluid enters the hole, and some of the drilling mud is forced from the hole. If the crew does not take prompt and proper action at the first indications of a kick, then eventually all of the mud could be spewed out of the hole, allowing the formation fluid to flow uncontrolled to the surface. The result is a blowout.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 73

Blowout Preventers
Blowout preventers (BOPs), in conjunction with other equipment and techniques, are used to close the well in and allow the crew to control a kick before it becomes a blowout.
The two basic types of blowout preventers on a drilling rig are annular preventers and ram

preventers.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

74

Blowout Preventers
An annular preventer has a rubber sealing element that, when activated, closes tightly around the kelly, drill pipe, or drill collars; or, if no part of the drill stem is in the hole, it closes on the open hole.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 75

Blowout Preventers
Ram preventers consist of large, steel valves (the rams) that have sealing elements.
One type of ram preventer is called a pipe ram because it closes on the drill pipe and is not able to affect a seal on an open hole. Blind-ram preventers are used to close an open hole. Shear rams, used mostly in offshore drilling, cut the drill pipe completely, thus sealing the hole.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 76

Blowout Preventers
Usually several blowout preventers are installed on top of the well in a stack with the annular preventer at the top and the pipe rams and blind rams below.
Several preventers are installed together in this way so that an impending blowout, or kick, can be controlled even if one or more of the preventers fail.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 77

Accumulator Koomey
Blowout preventers are opened and closed by hydraulic fluid, which is stored under pressure in a device called an accumulator
Several bottle-shaped or ballshaped containers are located on the operating unit, and hydraulic fluid is stored in these containers.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

78

Accumulator Koomey
The accumulator is usually located at least 30,48 m (100 feet) away from the rig floor so that, if a blowout and fire occur, the accumulator is not damaged and valves on the accumulator can be used to close the preventers.
A master control panel located on the rig floor is normally used to operate the preventers.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 79

Choke Manifold
When a kick is incurred, closing in the well with one or more of the blowout preventers is only the first step that must be taken.
In order to resume drilling, the kick must be circulated out, and mud of the proper weight must be circulated in (i.e., the well must be killed, or brought under control). Therefore, a series of valves called the choke manifold is installed as part of the system.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 80

The choke manifold is connected to the blowout preventer stack with a choke line.
When the well is closed in with the blowout preventers, the mud and intruded formation fluid are circulated out the choke line and through the choke manifold.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Choke Manifold

81

A choke is simply a valve.


There are adjustable chokes and fixed chokes. An adjustable choke is operated pneumatically or hydraulically and has an opening that is capable of being restricted or pinched in; it may be infinitely variable in size between full open and closed.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Choke

82

A fixed choke has a flow restriction of permanent size. In either case, the idea is that the well can be circulated "through the choke" and adequate back-pressure held on the well to prevent the further entry of formation fluids while well-killing procedures are being carried out.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

Choke

83

Auxiliaries
In addition to the major assemblies of equipment that make up a drilling rig, a great number of minor pieces of equipment are necessary to carry on the work.
Some of these auxiliaries are:
generators, air compressors, mud storage facilities, and various instruments.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 84

Electricity Generators
Modern rotary rigs are provided with alternatingcurrent generators, nearly always diesel powered.
Most of these generators have capacities of 50 to 100 kilowatts, although larger units are sometimes installed. They have enough capacity to carry the main power load of the rig-excluding hoisting, pumping, and rotating-using only one unit. Alternating-current electricity is used for rig lighting, shale shaker motors, mud pit agitators, centrifugal pumps, rig instruments, engine-cooling fans, and air conditioning for the bunkhouses furnished on many large rigs.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 85

Air Compressors
On mechanical rigs, a small compressor is usually mounted on the engine compound to supply air for the pneumatic controls and clutches.
The compressor has a volume tank to allow reserve storage of compressed air. Diesel-electric rigs usually have an electrically powered compressor to furnish high-pressure air to pneumatic controls and for other purposes, including starting the main engines and operating the air-powered hoists, air slips, air pumps on the BOP-operating equipment, water wells, air-operated tools, and the like.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 86

Mud Storage Facility


A complete mud system for a heavy-duty drilling rig usually includes not only settling tanks, or pits, but suction tanks, or pits, to which the pump is connected.
It also frequently includes a reserve or waste pit where surplus mud and cuttings are accumulated as drilling progresses. Some form of storage for the dry and liquid mud materials that are to be added as the drilling progresses is found on most rigs.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 87

Mud Storage Facility


Dry mud storage bins, an oil tank, and centrifugal pumps for mud mixing are necessary for the circulating system.
If a rig is in a remote location, adequate storage for the dry components of the drilling mud is especially desirable so that the mud may be treated readily without waiting for a mud company to deliver a supply from its warehouse. Sacked mud materials and chemicals are usually stored under cover for protection from severe weather.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 88

Drilling Instruments
An instrumentation system is a key part of almost all rigs today.
It may be no more than one simple weight indicator, or it may include a great variety of things such as a mud level recorder, a mud density

recorder, torque indicators and recorders, and logging devices to

keep a continuous graphic record of work being done on the rig, particularly the depth being drilled.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

89

Drilling Instruments
Figure shows the instruments placed at the driller's position for observing drill stem weight, mud pit level, pump pressure, rotary speed, tongline pull, and other variables.
A mud logging unit, generally supplied by a contracting service company, may be used to keep track of any indications of oil and gas brought up in the circulating fluid.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 90

Other Facilities
Drilling rigs also generally include such facilities as fuel storage installations; a change house (a place for rig workers to change from their work clothes to street clothes); a doghouse (a small structure on the rig floor that serves as an office for the driller and as a storage place for small tools); a tool house (a place to store spare parts for the pumps and other equipment); and other facilities. Rigs located in remote areas frequently have a bunkhouse where the rig crews live while on duty.
Sometimes, the tool pusher is provided with a trailer that serves as an office with a telephone and radio for communication with the head office and as his living quarters while on duty.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 91

Other Facilities
Offshore rigs are provided with sleeping quarters, mess facilities, electric power, water supply, and sewage facilities, as well as storage for enough dry mud, chemicals, cement, oil, and other supplies to operate the rig for many days.
Most large rigs are equipped to continuously transmit operation data by radio to the company headquarters. Good rig housekeeping requires that there be a place for everything while drilling is underway. Pipe racks and casing racks are standard items used for temporary storage. Provisions are made for moving and storing hand tools used in rig maintenance.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 92

The Crew
Although not a component of the rig as such, the crew is a very important part of the rig. Without the individuals in the crew, the equipment for rotary drilling would be worthless. Crews may consist of four, five, six, or more individuals, depending on the size and service rating of the rig itself.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

93

The Crew
The tool pusher also called rig manager is the man in charge.
His experience includes years of work on a drilling rig as a crewman and driller; He has expert knowledge of well drilling, rig machinery, tools and equipment. He directs the actual operation of the drilling rig and the work performed by the drilling crew, authorizes the employment of the crew and coordinates the affairs of the operating company and drilling contractor.

RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

94

The Crew
The driller is in charge of drilling; he operates the drilling machinery.
He is under the direct supervision of the tool pusher and is the overall supervisor of the floor men. The driller gives the actual instructions concerning work on the rig to the other five or six crew members.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 95

The Crew
The derrick man works on the monkey board, a small platform located up in the derrick at a level even with the upper end of a stand of drill pipe.
When the pipe is being tripped in or out, he handles the upper end of the pipe, guiding it to and from the finger. When drilling is going on he is responsible for maintaining the drilling fluid or repairing the pumps and other circulating equipment.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet 96

The motorman is responsible for the engines, fuel, and auxiliaries. Electrician maintains and repairs the electrical generating and distribution system on the rig. The floor man; rotary helper or roughneck, is responsible for handling the lower end of the drill pipe when it is being tripped in or out of the hole, handle the tongs, maintain equipment, keep it clean and painted, and keep the rig in general repair.
RudarskoRudarsko-geolo geolokoko-naftni fakultet

The Crew

97

You might also like