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.