Chapter 4 - Drilling and Well Completions

Abstract

Structures for drilling and well servicing provide the clearance and structural support necessary for handling tubular, such as drill pipe and casing that are used in these operations, and for handling and use of blowout preventers and well intervention equipment. Derricks are structural towers commonly used where disassembly is seldom or never required, such as on offshore floating vessels and fixed platforms, and they are rarely guyed. Masts are structural towers typically used in applications where the structure must be partially disassembled for transportation among well locations. Drilling and well servicing structures must be designed to safely carry all loads that are likely to be imposed during the structure’s lift. The traditional hoisting system is composed of the draw works, traveling block, crown block, extra line storage spool, various clamps, hooks, and wire rope. The more recent drilling and completion rigs utilize top drive systems that have made the handling of tubular goods more efficient for both land and offshore drilling, completion, and production operations. A regular preventive maintenance program should be established for all hoisting tools (traditional rotary table and the newer top drive systems). Written maintenance procedures should be given to the crew or maintenance personnel. The International Association of Drilling Contractors classification system, discussed in this chapter, is a four-character design and application-related code. The first three characters are always numeric; the last character is always alphabetic. The first digit refers to bit series, the second to bit type, the third to bearings and gage arrangement, and the fourth to bit features.