A rig is a significant part of the drilling process. More so, it comes in various types, and each one is chosen depending on the precise requirements and considerations of the drill area. Since it is an essential piece for breaking new ground, significant concerns in the rig selection process should be prioritised. Some of these are noise, dust, and appearance.
Drilling rigs are categorised into two, namely, onshore, which is mainly utilised for inland projects; and offshore, which are situated in bodies of water and used primarily in marine operations. Here’s a breakdown of each type and their uses.
Directional drilling rigs
Directional drilling is most widely known as the non-vertical kind of drilling. These types mainly focus on installing underground pipelines, cables and service conduits through trenchless methods. It is used to drill along the chosen bore path accurately and back ream the required pipe. It might seem a little more complicated than other kinds. However, there are directional drilling companies which give a free estimate, 24/7 services and flat rate fees.
Rotary drilling rigs
A lot of drilling set-ups at present consider using rotary drilling rigs. They are flexible onshore and offshore options. Through this, the pilot hole is penetrated by spinning a bit and consequently applying a descending force. The core structures of land rigs are transferability and extreme functioning length. Different components are mounted so the apparatus can be transferred in units and linked quickly.
Jack-up Rigs
The jack-up rig elevates itself and is utilised mainly for offshore deposits that are small in size and near to the shallow part of the shore. Its floating platform is dragged to the spot by using barges, then sinks its back-up legs under the sea floor, raising the apparatus above the water’s surface. Once the depth of the water reaches 350 ft, jack-ups can be utilised. This kind is an underwater-supported rigs, through the use of metallic columns.
Submersible Rigs
An offshore type—a submersible rig showcases a posted barge that is larger in size and capable of 18ft-70ft water depths. It also consists of a floating drill unit which is composed of pontoons and rig columns that, if filled with water, cause them to sink to a predetermined depth.
Semi-submersible Rigs
Semi-submersible rigs are the most typical sort of offshore drilling rigs, integrating the vital elements of submersible ones with the capability to drill even in deeper water depths. Moreover, they don’t usually keep steady on the sea floor. Submersibles are floating platforms supported by sunken pontoons and kept stable through a set of mooring cables and anchors, and, in some cases, propellers. They operate in a water depth range of 20ft-2000ft.
Although drilling rigs differ significantly in outward appearance and method of deployment, they are the most visible part of a drilling project. Still, the most crucial part is how it operates underground. Study all of its types to be aware of which rig will suit your project best.
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