(Newswire.net — January 10, 2022) —
Crude oil is one of the most vital resources in the world. It is used to make gasoline and diesel to power all types of vehicles. It’s also important for producing a variety of other products, from fertilizers and insecticides to soap and vitamin capsules.
The process of obtaining oil begins with extraction from the ground by rigs. These contain all the equipment necessary for drilling, including the derrick, piping, drill bits, cables, and other components.
There are many different types of oil rigs. Each is ideal for distinct conditions and drilling requirements.
The good news is that, once you understand each category, it will be easy to see when and why each type of rig is suitable. Keep reading to find learn about oil rigs, how they function, and the distinct advantages to each kind.
Platform Rigs
Platform rigs sit on the ocean floor. They have a framework of steel supports that rise out of the water and support a concrete platform.
Platform rigs are permanent structures that can house facilities for large crews as well as heavy equipment. Besides having living quarters, these rigs can afford ongoing education for crews, such as oil spill cleanup training.
Platform rigs can drill in waters up to 1,700 feet deep. Smaller platform rigs, called “compliant towers,” can reach greater depths. Platform rigs also have a wide radius––about five miles––in which they can drill horizontally.
Jack-Ups
The first jack-up rig was built in 1954. Since that time, they have become the most common type of mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU). They can drill in waters as deep as 350 feet.
Jack rigs have three or four columns that descend to the seafloor. This gives the rig a great deal of stability without sacrificing mobility. Jack rigs drill either through an opening in the platform or over the side with a cantilever setup.
When the legs are not deployed, jack-up rigs float. This makes them easy to transport. Some have self-propulsion, although most rely on tug boats or barges to move them around.
Semisubermisbles
For waters deeper than 350 feet, semisubmersibles are a good alternative. This type of rig floats on pontoons and can drill in depths up to 10,000 feet.
Since semisubmersibles are not anchored to the seafloor like jack-ups, they must have a means of remaining over the drill site. This is accomplished through one of two methods.
Some semisubmersibles use an extensive moring system that comprises a dozen or more anchors that stabilize the rig. Others have a dynamic positioning (DP) system that relies on GPS signals. Computers use this information to trigger automatic responses from propellers, or “thrusters,” that keep the rig in place.
Drillships
As the name implies, drillships are vessels with drilling equipment installed in the middle of their decks. The drill descends through an opening in the bottom of the ship, called a “moon pool.” Like semisubmersibles, when drilling, these ships use mooring or a DP system to remain stationary.
Drillships are the most mobile type of rig. This makes them ideal for oil exploration. The flip side is that drillships are less stable than jack-ups, semisubmersibles, or platform rigs.
Understanding the Types of Oil Rigs
Now that you know different types of oil rigs, you can have a better idea of how this valuable resource gets from the ground to refineries and their end users.
We hope you found information on oil drilling rigs helpful. If so, be sure to take a look at some of our other posts on business, technology, e-commerce, and many other topics.