Oil And Gas Career

Managing an oil rig requires skill, technique and team work. It is the work of project managers, skilled workers and engineers who work in close collaboration to effectively run a drilling rig. Candidates who wish to take on the Project Manager jobs need to be aware of the responsibilities and duties associated with the position. This article lists the various steps to follow in managing an oil rig.

Step#1: Pay Attention To The Set Up

An oil rigging site must be set up properly and necessary precautionary steps must be taken to avoid any accidents or injuries. Following safety guidelines will lead to effective tapping of the precious oil resource from the rig.

Part of the set up process is to choose the proper depth to drill down from the surface. Make sure that this point is present at a point above the spot where the oil trap is expected to be found. 

Step#2: Position The Drill Elements In The Hole

The next step is to place the drill elements like the collar, drill bit and drill pipe into the hole. Place the drill pipe in the drill pipe rack and attach the drill bit to the first joint of the rack. Allow the drill bit to fall in place slowly through the turntable and then engage the Kelly. Lower the drill bit to the ground and turn it to the right.

Step#3: Drill Into The Hole & Release Brakes

Proceed to drill into the hole and release the brakes occasionally. When drilling, ensure that the mud pumps are running to circulate drill fluid through the pipe and the drill bit. As long as the drill fluid is circulating, it  allows the cuttings of the drill bit to grind at the bottom. Pumping in of the mud eliminates the rock cuttings and facilitates the flow of oil from the oil well.

Step#4: Observe The Flow Of The Liquid

There is a demand for the jobs of Project Managers and Chemical Engineers in the oil rigging industry due to the prospects of increased pay. It is necessary to understand the job responsibilities expected of these positions before considering this type of work. Project managers analyze the flow of oil from a rig.

The flow of oil from the hole should be observed as it climbs up to the surface.  The drilling oil should continue until a stand of pipe that extends down to the derrick floor is reached. The slips on the drill pipe should then be set.

Step#5: Attach A New Set Of Drill Pipes

The next step is to attach a fresh pair of drill pipes to the pipe that reaches down to the derrick floor level. Carry on with the process of attaching the drill pipes till the bottom of the bore.

Step#6: Remove The Drill Pipe Out After Reaching Total Depth

On reaching the total depth of the hole, pull out the drill pipe onto the surface and set the casing for the hole. The casing should ideally be the dimension of the diameter of the hole. After setting the casing, cement it and then decide the depth to at which you can perforate the casing. 

Step#7: Burn Holes At This Level

The final step is to use the perforation gun to make holes in the casing. Burn holes in the casing at the predetermined depth and use the gun to open the casing. The oil will begin to flow once this step is completed.

It is necessary to possess a blend of skill, technique and teamwork when running an oil rig. This article throws light on the various steps involved in managing a drilling rig.