Drilling becomes safer, less expensive with automation

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Petroleum Engineer International

OSTI ID:438973

The oil and gas industry has arrived at the point where it can efficiently move drill pipe and casing from the horizontal pipe rack next to the rig to the vertical rack on the rig floor, makeup the stand, trip the pipe in and out of the hole, and break out without a human hand ever touching the tubulars. The safety benefit alone is enormous. These automated systems, long used on offshore locations, are increasingly being used onshore as well because they improve rig crew safety and reduce drilling time. These systems are operated by programmable logic controllers with memory chips so certain repeatable sequences can be programmed for consistency. They are normally operated by the assistant driller. Upgraded or newbuild offshore rigs and platforms, almost without exception, are being fitted with this type of equipment. The economic decision is whether the contractor wants to upgrade from second generation to third or fourth, and whether he wants to get involved in deepwater activity. Rigs are being custom designed for specific applications requested by the operator, with the result that no two are exactly alike. Combining the safety and reliability factors with time and cost savings and reduced down time results in a compelling argument to implement top drive, pipe racking and handling and computer-controlled systems, and the market for this equipment is expected to continue to grow into the next century.

• OSTI ID: 438973
• Journal Information: Petroleum Engineer International, Journal Name: Petroleum Engineer International Journal Issue: 9SUP Vol. 69; ISSN 0164-8322; ISSN PEEID4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
AUTOMATION
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
COST
DRILLING RIGS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
PRODUCTIVITY
SAFETY ENGINEERING
WELL DRILLING