Lec. 3 equipment

Department of Earth Sciences and Petroleum

• Module: Drilling

• College: Science

• Students: Second-Year

• Term: Second Semester (2024 – 2025)

• Instructor: Dr. Mahdi Khairi Aswad

  • PhD: Petroleum Geology

  • MSc: Petroleum Geology, Heriot-Watt University/UK

• Contact: mahdi.aswad@su.ed.krd

• Date: 12 February 2025

Outlines

• Introduction to Drilling Equipment

Learning Outcomes

• Post-course, students will:

  • Identify and utilize drilling equipment effectively.

  • Resolve operational challenges.

  • Select suitable drilling techniques for specific reservoirs.

  • Contribute to enhanced hydrocarbon exploration and field development.

• Understand the fundamentals of drilling equipment, covering equipment from top to bottom.

Equipment Overview

Rotary Table

• Function: Transfers rotary motion through a master bushing to the Kelly, drilling strings, and drill bit.

• Purpose: Rotation is essential for rock breakage and making a hole.

Components of the Rotary System

• Kelly Bushing:

  • Transfers torque and allows vertical movement for drilling.

• Master Bushing:

  • Acts as a seat for slips and transfers rotation to the Kelly.

Additional Equipment

Mousehole

• A shallow bore under the rig where drill pipe joints are temporarily suspended.

Slips

• Gripping devices that hold the weight of the drill string when it cannot be supported by the hook.

• Design: Wedge-shaped with tooth-like gripping elements for secure suspension of the drill string.

Drillers Console

• Control panel where drilling operations are managed, located on the platform.

Doghouse

• Small enclosure for the driller's office or storage for small items.

Pipe Ramp

• Angled ramp for moving drill pipe to and from the platform.

Monkey Board

• A platform at a height in the derrick or mast equivalent to multiple pipe lengths.

Tongs

• Used for tightening and loosening drill pipes and collars, operated in pairs for efficiency.

Casing

Casing Sizes

• Casing sizes range from top to bottom, with specifications for the dimensions and weight.

Important Measurements

• 30" Casing:

  • Weight: 434.07 kg/m

  • Inner Diameter: 28.164 in

• 20" Casing:

  • Weight: 321.12 kg/m

  • Inner Diameter: 17.916 in

Maintenance of Drilling Equipment

Thread Maintenance

• Importance of checking wear and cleaning of pin threads to ensure proper fit and alignment of drilling bars or collars.

• Key Aspects:

  • Avoid loose connections to prevent structural failure.

  • Clean threads reduce chances of seizing during manual decoupling.

Drill String Components

Definition

• Comprises tubulars and accessories, including drill pipe, heavyweight drill pipe, and drill collars.

Functions

• Suspend the drill bit, transmit rotary motion, and provide flow paths for drilling fluids.

Mud Pump

• Circulates drilling mud through small nozzles to overcome frictional forces during drilling operations.

• Must produce sufficient pressure for effective circulation.

Shale Shaker

• Function: Removes primary solids from oil- and water-based mud.

• Design: Four screens per basket; operates to separate cuttings and solids effectively.

Choke Valve

• Used for regulating flow in pipelines, particularly in oil and gas operations.

Choked Flow

• Occurs when decreasing downstream pressure does not increase flow through the valve; relevant in high differential applications.

Sizing and Comparison

• Size specified by pipe dimensions and ratings. Differentiate between choke valves (for flow control) and check valves (one-way flow).

Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)

Components

1. Measurement While Drilling (MWD): Directional drilling capabilities.

2. Bit: Essential for cutting through rock.

3. Stabilizers: Aid in maintaining drill string alignment and minimizing vibration.

4. Float Valve: Prevents mud from returning to the surface.

5. Fishing Jar: For recovering stuck pipes.

Conclusion

• Understanding and proper utilization of drilling equipment and techniques is crucial for successful hydrocarbon exploration and field development.