Drilling Rigs

Overview of Basic Rig Types, Components, and Crews

• Rig selection is a crucial consideration in well program design, with factors like territory, well depth, rotary speed, and mud system to be taken into account.
• Land rigs are located onshore and come in light, medium, and heavy configurations, while submersible rigs can be anchored or submerged in water depths up to 175ft.
• Jack-up rigs are mobile offshore structures with tubular or derrick legs that support the deck and hull and can drill in water depths up to 400ft.
• Platforms are self-contained rigid structures for drilling and producing wells, and tenders are barge-shaped vessels that perform drilling operations over existing wellheads.
• Semi-submersibles are floating structures with submerged hulls and pontoons that can be anchored or dynamically positioned over drilling sites.
• Drillships are self-propelled floating drilling units capable of drilling in deeper waters and can be anchored or dynamically positioned over drilling sites.
• Rigs are classified by generation based on the year of construction and technology installed, with newer generations reflecting more advanced technology and capabilities.
• Basic rig components include the crown block, monkey board, traveling block, kelly, drawworks, drill floor, V door, derrick/mast, mud pumps, subbase, drilling line, and mud tanks.
• The operating company plans to drill a well and awards contracts to third-party companies, including a drilling contractor that provides the drilling rig, equipment, and crew.
• The company man represents the operating company at the rig site and liaises with the drilling contractor to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• The toolpusher is an experienced drilling person who supervises drilling operations and crew coordination, while the offshore installation manager provides marine support and manages resources on offshore drilling units.
• The OIM exercises authority and discretion to ensure the safety of the crew, vessel, and environment, and promotes compliance with drilling contractor policies and procedures.

Test your knowledge on the different types of drilling rigs, their components, and the crew that operates them with this overview quiz. Learn about land rigs, submersible rigs, jack-up rigs, platforms, semi-submersibles, and drillships, as well as the various components that make up a drilling rig and their functions. Understand the roles of the drilling contractor, company man, toolpusher, and offshore installation manager in ensuring safe and efficient drilling operations. This quiz is perfect for anyone interested