greatly increased. Without the need to engage the saver sub threads
over and over, this can also save the operator thousands of dollars
in operational costs.
Complimentary to the PDS is the DSD, which works with the
PDS to more easily break drill pipe connections at the floor when
compared to more complex traditional methods.
Using the power of the top drive and the simple concept of
mechanical advantage, the DSD can break the floor connection
without breaking intermediate connections on doubles and triples.
This eliminates the need for an automatic or hydraulic rough neck.
The system works by having a set of dies connected on either
side of the tool joint that rotate at different speeds. These dies
engage with the drill pipe, and when torque is applied from the
top drive, the difference in the speed of the dies breaks the pipe
connection. Since the DSD utilises the top drive for power, there
is no need for an additional HPU, saving in space and costs on the
rig.
The DSD provides a significantly safer operation on the drill
floor. With traditional tongs and auto/hydraulic rough necks, a
moment arm is created when breaking a connection. A tong under
pressure can slip causing damage to equipment or safety concerns
for the rig crew. The DSD also provides a hands-free operation for
making or breaking connections and reduces the number of rig crew
required for this rig operation.
Movingtowards furthermarket changes
Working closely with key industry stakeholders is vital when
introducing new products to the market successfully. Commonly,
clients are presenting concerns of a hands-free rig and the steps
needed to get there.
Creating a fully automated, hands free rig is possible. However,
it would require a drastic change from what the market is familiar
with, as many of the tools that drillers currently use on the rig floor
do not lend themselves to being automated.
However, a radical change such as this cannot be expected
to occur overnight and is not realistic at this time. The industry
simply cannot afford to invest the time or money in installing and
maintaining completely different, automated technology at high
prices. Rather than take this approach, Tesco has developed a
way to more easily and affordably automate the rig by integrating
existing systems with new, simplistic components such as the PDS
and DSD.
Furthermore, there is a tendency for an individual to want
to perpetuate old ways and methods because they are familiar.
Understanding this propensity of human nature while presenting a
new technology and planning for that initial resistance to change
will help bridge the gap for product integration.
When the first portable top drives were brought to land rigs, the
customer base insisted that they still needed to be able to revert
back to the rotary table and Kelly, should the top drive go down.
Over time, this request fell away due to rig worker familiarity and
knowledge of the new drilling machine combined with tortuous well
plans that could not be drilled with a Kelly as efficiently as simply
maintaining the top drive. The perceived need for a backup Kelly
drive, therefore, became a thing of the past on higher specification
rigs.
Today’s wells are challenging. Whether laterals are getting
longer, or water depths are getting deeper, the challenge to
innovate and differentiate will allow the industry to push ahead to
meet the demands of consumers.
Custom
made
compressor,
dryer
and
nitrogen
packages worldwide.
As an independent manufacturer of
turn-key packages for the oil and gas
industry, Airpack Netherlands provides
the highest quality innovative solutions
for our customers. Our packages are
reliable, fit for purpose, and adhere to
the requirements of our customers and
international standards. Airpack provides
aftersales services worldwide, providing
support for our packages over their entire
lifetime.
With more than 35 years of experience, we specialize
in providing equipment for extreme locations and
hazardous areas to include:
Compact
• packages for FPSO/Offshore platform locations
All-weather
• desert, saline, arctic, elevated, tropical, earthquake
sensitive areas
Hazardous
• ATEX, Zone 1 & 2, Explosion proof design
VISIT US AT:
GLOBAL PETROLEUM SHOW IN CALGARY,
7-9 JUNE 2016, BOOTH NO 4454
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PROCESS
| T +31 (0) 111 415 455 |
