In the vast and intricate world of the oil and gas industry, understanding specific equipment and processes can be daunting for many. Wikipedia, the go-to source for quick definitions, describes a workover rig in the following manner: “The term workover is used to refer to any oil well intervention involving invasive techniques, such as wireline, coiled tubing or snubbing. More specifically, though, it will refer to the expensive process of pulling and replacing a completion.” While this definition provides a succinct overview, the jargon and terms used can be complex for those unfamiliar with the industry. The post aims to deconstruct this definition, breaking it down for easier comprehension, focusing especially on core terminology like “wireline,” “coiled tubing,” and “snubbing.”
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The term workover is used to refer to any kind of oil well intervention involving invasive techniques, such as wireline, coiled tubing or snubbing. More specifically, a workover refers to the expensive process of pulling and replacing completion or production hardware in order to extend the life of the well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workover
Navigating the language of the oil and gas sector can sometimes feel like learning a new dialect altogether. To truly grasp the concept of a workover rig, it’s essential to understand the terms used in its definition. Let’s start with “Oil Well Intervention.” This refers to any action undertaken during or after a well’s operational life to modify its state, manage its production, or even diagnose its condition. Moving on to “Wireline,” this is essentially a cable system used to lower tools or devices into a well, serving both intervention and evaluation purposes. “Coiled Tubing,” on the other hand, is a long, flexible metal pipe designed for similar tasks as wireline but boasts the added capability of pumping chemicals directly to where they’re needed. Finally, there’s “Snubbing.” Reserved for the more challenging situations, snubbing involves using a hydraulic workover rig to run the bottom hole assembly on a pipe string, especially when the alternatives don’t offer the necessary strength and resilience. Each term, though technical on the surface, plays a critical role in piecing together the workover rig puzzle.
Oil Well Intervention: Occurs during or after the life of an oil or gas well. It changes the state of the well, well geometry, manages production, or provides well diagnostics.
Wireline: A cable to lower equipment or measurement devices into a well for well intervention, reservoir evaluation, and pipe recovery.
Coiled Tubing: A long metal pipe used to carry out operations similar to wirelining. However, it can pump chemicals through the pipe and push it downhole.
Snubbing: This method is used in more demanding situations when wireline and coiled tubing do not offer the strength and durability needed. Snubbing runs the bottom hole assembly on a pipe string using a hydraulic workover rig.
Diving deeper into the world of oil and gas, we encounter the primary role of a workover rig: to replace a well with a fresh completion.
But why is there a need for interventions in natural gas processing and oil extraction? There are a couple of fundamental reasons.
Firstly, there’s the challenge of well deterioration. Just like any machinery or infrastructure in the realm of natural gas processing, wells aren’t immune to the test of time. Essential equipment within the well, such as production tubing, safety valves, or electrical pumps, might face issues like damage or corrosion. This compromises the efficiency of oil and gas extraction and poses safety risks.
Secondly, reservoir conditions in the context of natural gas processing can change. For instance, over the span of a well’s operational life, its flow may diminish. Situations like these necessitate adjustments to the well’s structure, such as substituting larger tubing initially set for higher oil flows with more compact ones that match the reduced flow. At its core, a workover rig is instrumental in ensuring that wells in natural gas processing sites maintain optimal functionality and safety, adapting to internal and external shifts.
When delving into the intricacies of workover rigs, it becomes evident that their necessity is rooted in two primary concerns.
The first revolves around the inevitable reality of deteriorating equipment. The constant wear of operations and the harsh conditions often present in wells means that essential components such as production tubing, safety valves, and electrical pumps might become damaged or severely corroded over time.
The second issue pertains to the evolving nature of reservoir conditions. For example, imagine a well initially drilled with a certain flow capacity in mind. Over time, this flow might decrease, necessitating modifications to the well’s infrastructure. The original tubing, designed for a robust flow of oil and gas, may now be too large, prompting a switch to smaller tubing to better manage the reduced flow. Thus, workovers proactively respond to these challenges, ensuring wells remain productive and safe throughout their lifecycle.
Ensuring the seamless operation of an oil or gas well isn’t a spontaneous act; meticulous planning is at its core, especially when it comes to workovers. Before diving into the technical processes, one crucial step must be taken: killing the well, or in simpler terms, halting the flow of oil or gas. This procedure is not to be taken lightly, given the complexities and potential hazards associated with such an operation. Stopping the flow allows for the safe execution of workover procedures, whether it’s replacing damaged equipment or adjusting to altered reservoir conditions. The significance of this preparatory phase underscores the importance of foresight in the industry. Workovers, given their intensity and the risks they pose, must be planned well in advance, ensuring both workers’ safety and the well’s continued productivity.
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View Full Version : Service rigs vs. Drilling rigs
gonefishin
For those of you on here that works the rigs; is it better to be on a Service rig or Drilling rig? Do you get promoted faster on one over the other?
Any info would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance!
Glockster
Drilling Rigs - 12 hour shifts days/nights
Service Rigs - USUALLY 10 hour shifts daylights only
Drilling Rigs - Couple dollars an hour higher
Promotions - That's up to you.
Drilling Rigs - (Large Doubles/Triples/horizontal drilling) Lots of down time, read that washing, cleaning, mindless grunt work, especially when slow drilling.
Service Rig- Come ready to bust your ass for the shift.
Service Rigs-Probably more job security and year round work.
That's my take after working with (not on or for) both types of rigs over the past 12 years.
wolf308
most service rigs are drivable too,so theres that whole aspect to them,chaining up,checking and maintenance of tire /drive shafts etc, getting stuck,scary hills ,mud, cleaning window s, break downs on side of road.its an adventure.roughnecks falling asleep and smashing trucks into other companies equipment along side the road. service rigs have more variety of operations too ,so their not as boring,and generally see more wierd operations.
Swolf
Most service rigs have 1 crew, so forget about getting any days off.
Most service rigs in my experience work at least 10 hours a day and often work more.
Most drilling rigs have 3 crews that work a 14 and 7 shift.
I thought the work on drilling rigs was more interesting and exciting.
Nothing like taking a kick at 3 am and having mud blow past the crown on a triple!
yoteblaster
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit ymc-600 truck mounted drilling rig factory.
Glockster pretty much summed it up. It makes a huge difference what size rig you work on though. I worked on a small jacknife double for 12 years. Lots and lots of 4 and 5 day holes. Not much time for scrubbing when the derrick hits the crown stand every 4 to 5 days. Never boring though. I worked on a large triple during breakup one spring and HATED it. Too slow. Its probably whatever you get used to. Never worked on a service rig , but had lots working around us and looked like they worked really hard all the time. Probably move up faster on a smaller rig.
lake side
Whats the differance between the two as far as what they do?
hal53
Whats the differance between the two as far as what they do?
A drilling drills the original well to total depth, keeping the fluid in the hole heavy enough to hold back any potential pressure in the producing zones ( contrary to a previous post "kicks" are very rare these days....and if it goes over the crown on a triple...u don't have a kick...you have a blow out). They then run steel casing in the well...and they are done
A service rig then moves on to "complete" the well for production, shoot holes thru the casing into the potential zone to bring in hydro carbons ( think of saying "c'mon show me what you got). If satisfying results are encountered, production tubing, equipment is installed and you have a producer. Service rigs also regularly come back for maintenance, work over issue (failed downhole equipment) Lots more...but that's the Reader's Digest version...LOL
H.
bb356
Whats the differance between the two as far as what they do?
http://www.rigtech.ca/
1899b
Service rig is a glorified plumber for the well. Was a purchasing agent for a service rig company in a past life.
lake side
Thanks Hal, thats the best explanation that I have recieved to date. Much appercaited.
lake side.....
hal53
Service rig is a glorified plumber for the well. Was a purchasing agent for a service rig company in a past life.
well that's a nice analogy.......the previous life explains a lot.......
Dark Horn
What is better is an individual thing. I also have worked with them not for them for the last 12years and would say I would prefer a good sized drilling rig. My preference though. Things that can affect your decision could be the shift - service ~10hrs a day during the day. Drilling rigs are 2 and 1. 1 week days and 1 of nights. Service rigs you could be home every night and a drilling rig most likely hotel or camp. Drilling rig activity is always up and down whereas service rigs are more consistent. Service rigs are go go go and moving regularly and drilling rigs could be moving everyday or once every 6 months or more. Of course the company, size and condition of the rig can change everything. As was said they both do completely different things. Probably many more things to consider but as can be seen enough differences that it will be a personal preference as to which is better. Depends what you like.
1899b
well that's a nice analogy.......the previous life explains a lot.......
Just laymans terms. Didn't mean anything by it. You lookin to pick something once again their buddy??
hal53
Just laymans terms. Didn't mean anything by it. You lookin to pick something once again their buddy??
nope just stated "nice analogy".......and it's there, not their....:scared0018:
Alberta Bigbore
my bad two windows open
gonefishin
Thanks for the help!
Kolt30
Go drilling, i've never worked drilling but everyone i worked with on the service rigs that has said it is way better. If your smart you move up pretty fast in the service rigs (was derricking fulltime after 5 months) but the pay is not as good and you a have a **** poor schedule (21&3) and if you get a random day of in the middle you pretty much start over. impossible to plan things with you fam.
I LOVED and miss the work but the lifestyle was ****
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