Rig Safety

Randy A. McClay, P.E., CSPExran Consulting

What is a Rig Derrick?

• Derricks get their name from a hangman who plied his trade in Tyburn, England (today a suburb of London), in the 1600s. Even though Derick’s first name is unknown, his gallows were so distinctive that everyone began calling any towerlike structure with cross braces and girders a “Derick.” BY the 19th century, scholars had added a the extra “r.”

A Primer of Oilwell Drilling - PETEX

The Hoisting System

• To do the job of drilling a well equipment must include a hoisting system, such as shown to the left.

A Primer of Oilwell Drilling - PETEX

Rig Safety Includes

• Operations– A topic for another day

• Maintenance

• Inspection

• Repair

API 4G – 4.2.1 General

• Inspection, maintenance and repair procedures should be carried out by a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by knowledge, training, or experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the subject. Inspectors should be familiar with the type of equipment to be evaluated.

9.2.1 Name Plate

• Masts and derricks should have a permanent nameplate attached to the structure indicating the following:– Name of manufacturer.– Model number and serial number.– Rating including static hook load capacity with

number of lines strung to the traveling block.– If guying is applicable, denote the recommended

guying patterns.

OSHA 1910.181(b)(2)

• "New and existing equipment." All new derricks constructed and installed on or after August 31, 1971, shall meet the design specifications of the American National Standard Safety Code for Derricks, ANSI B30.6-1969, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.

ANSI B30.6 Derricks – 19696-1.2.1 General

• Derricks shall be constructed to adequately meet all stresses imposed on main members and components under normal operating conditions when properly installed and handling loads not exceeding manufacturer's load ratings with recommended reeving.

Collapsed Hydraulic Ram

API RP 4G - Inspection

• The objective of these inspections is to detect defects.

• Prompt attention may be required to determine if it is necessary to remove the equipment from service immediately or to conduct the appropriate repair.

• Any significant manufacturing defects discovered should be repaired or replaced, and reported to the manufacturer.

API 4G – Frequency of Inspection

• The following inspection types and frequency are recommended.

Category Daily Rig Up 2-Year 10-Year Documentation

I X Optional

II X Optional

III X Equipment File

IV X Equipment File

Inspection Types and Frequency

Cross Brace Failure

6.2.1 Category I

• Visual observation of the mast/derrick and substructure by rig personnel during operations for indications of inadequate performance.

6.2.2 Category II

• Category I inspection plus a more thorough inspection of, but not limited to, load bearing areas and sheaves for cracks, damage, corrosion, loose or missing components and premature wear. This more detailed inspection should be performed during rig up operations.

6.2.3 Category III

• A thorough visual inspection of all load bearing components and members should be conducted to determine the condition of the mast/derrick and substructure and documented on the checklist in Appendix A, B, C, or D as applicable. The completed (and signed) checklist, as well as any major repairs completed, are to be documented in the permanent rig file. Inspections on well servicing, truck or trailer mounted masts should include observation of rig up/rig down operations.

6.2.4 Category IV

• A Category III inspection, plus the equipment is to be disassembled and cleaned to the extent necessary to conduct NDT of all defined critical areas. An ultrasonic thickness test is recommended on all tubular style (or closed style) members to test for internal corrosion. Internal cameras, usually run on cable, may also be used to visually inspect for internal corrosion.

8.2 Design & Modification• The designer of modifications to drilling

structures should take into account the impact of such modifications on operating capacities, environmental loads, erection loads, transportation loads, lifting load, structural overturning and foundation requirements, and other conditions as may be applicable. Fabrication associated with such modifications should be done under the governance of a qualified quality assurance program in accordance with the instructions of the professional engineer.

Modified

4.1.2 User/Owner Procedure Development

• If the manufacturer of the equipment no longer exists or is unable for any reason to provide suitable recommendations, the user/owner should develop inspection, maintenance and repair procedures including utilizing applicable API recommended practices and specifications.

THANK YOU

QUESTIONS?