Rig Crew and Company Man - Oil and Gas Drilling: From Planning to Production

Summary

The script describes the intricate roles and responsibilities within an oil and gas drilling operation. Rig managers, also known as tool-pushers, supervise around-the-clock activities, ensuring crew safety and efficiency. The driller, derrickman, and motormen perform specific tasks, including operating equipment and maintaining machinery. The company man represents the operator's interests, coordinating vendors and contractors to adhere to company standards. The operator is responsible for supplying materials, hiring experts, and arranging technical services, emphasizing the unique approach each operator takes to drilling.

Takeaways

• 👷‍♂️ The rig operates 24/7 with two rotating rig managers, also known as tool-pushers, who have multiple responsibilities including interfacing with the operator representative, monitoring drilling progress, and overseeing repairs.
• 🔑 The rig manager's toughest job is ensuring full crews, especially training new hands, maintaining safety, and keeping operations on schedule to meet the high expectations tied to the operation's cost.
• 👥 The rig works with two five-man crews on 12-hour shifts, known as 'towers', with a work schedule of seven days on and seven days off, rotating with the other team.
• 🚩 The driller, or lead man, operates the rig's tools, supervises any breakdowns, and ensures that the crew performs their jobs correctly, including maintenance tasks.
• 💧 The Derrickman is responsible for the mud system, which is crucial for the drilling operation, and may also assist with trips or other needs.
• 🔧 The Motormen handle mechanical issues on the ground, including engine maintenance and regular upkeep of ground equipment.
• 👷 The two floor hands perform tasks on the floor, such as making connections, assisting with the mud system, and keeping the rig clean.
• 🌐 The presence of the company man on site represents the operator's interests, directing the well program and ensuring compliance with company standards.
• 🛠️ The operator is responsible for supplying mud, arranging casing and cementing services, renting specialized equipment, and organizing technical support like directional drilling or logging services.
• 🛑 The operator's role is hands-on and varies significantly among different companies, with each having their unique approach to drilling a well, often determined by the engineers involved.

Q & A

What is the primary role of the rig crew in an oil and gas well drilling operation?

The rig crew, under the supervision of the rig managers, works around the clock to operate the drilling rig, monitor drilling progress, supervise the crew, oversee repairs, and procure necessary parts, supplies, and services for the rig's operation.

What is the term used for the rig managers who supervise the drilling operations?

The rig managers are also referred to as 'tool-pushers' and they have multiple responsibilities including interfacing with the operator representative, overseeing the crew, and preparing reports.

What challenges do rig managers face in their job?

Rig managers face challenges such as ensuring they have full crews, training new personnel, maintaining safety to prevent accidents, and managing the pace of work to keep operations on schedule.

How does the work schedule for rig managers and their crews typically operate?

Each rig manager and their crew work seven days on and seven days off, rotating with the other team, working 12-hour shifts known as 'towers'.

What is the role of the driller, also known as the lead man on the rig?

The driller operates the rig's equipment, oversees any breakdowns, ensures that the crew members perform their tasks, and directs traffic for jobs or maintenance that needs to be done.

What is the significance of the mud system in the drilling operation?

The mud system is one of the most important aspects of the rig, and the derrick man is responsible for its maintenance. It is crucial for lubricating the drill bit, removing cuttings, and maintaining wellbore stability.

What are the responsibilities of the motormen on the rig?

Motormen handle most mechanical issues on the ground, including the operation and maintenance of engines, ensuring proper functioning of equipment, and performing regular maintenance tasks.

What tasks are typically assigned to the floor hands on a drilling rig?

Floor hands stay on the floor, making connections, assisting the derrick man with the mud system, and performing any necessary tasks such as cleaning and maintenance.

Who is the 'company man' and what is their role in the drilling operation?

The 'company man' is the operator's representative on site who directs the well program, ensuring that drilling is done according to the company's standards and that all supplies and services are properly utilized.

What responsibilities does the operator have regarding the drilling supplies and services?

The operator is responsible for bringing mud supplies to the drill site, hiring a mud engineer, arranging casing and cementing supplies and services, renting special downhole equipment, and arranging any technical support services needed.

How does the approach to drilling a well differ between different operators?

The approach to drilling a well can vary significantly between different operators due to their unique methods, preferences, and the specific engineers they employ, leading to different ways of drilling even the same well.