Archive | 2010
Triple-deck shale shaker, mobile processing trucks push solids control capacity, efficiency
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, Features, Onshore Advances, September/October, Videos
Safety. Environmental footprint. Cost efficiency. In the oil and gas industry’s ever-expanding lexicon, no terms have become as top of mind as these critical watchwords that factor into every decision on every well…
Optimizing drilling parameters and drill bit design boosts ROP by 37% in Algerian field
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, Global and Regional Markets, September/October
Drilling challenges in the Hassi Messaoud (HMD) oilfield of Algeria have proven to be equal to the magnitude of its production. Historically, wells drilled…
Despite weak spots, contractors see decent prospects in West Africa offshore Angola, Ghana
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, Features, Global and Regional Markets, September/October
Despite a general oversupply of offshore rigs globally that is affecting utilization and dayrates in numerous markets, the West Africa region appears to be holding its own with consistent levels of E&P activity…
JIP study on BOP reliability 2004-2006: subsea control systems were most prone to failure
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
In 2008, several industry groups created a task force to define the work scope for a joint industry project to study BOP reliability experienced for wells…
Fuel consumption, overload capacity among critical criteria in selection of generator sets
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Modern horizontal drilling techniques used in oil and gas exploration require rugged, reliable and fuel-efficient on-site generator sets to supply electric power for the drawworks, drilling…
Alarm management: 7 practices to help drillers prioritize warnings, prevent ambiguous displays
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Many drillers encounter thousands or tens of thousands of alarms per day – far more than recommended. When alarms are displayed at this frequency…
Modular machine control may be next step to achieving integrated drilling control system
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
I once had a machine manufacturer tell me that his customers purchased his machines when their budget allowed it. This resulted in several standalone…
Hydraulic vs electrical rig designs: pros and cons on floater heave compensation systems
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Oil exploration today has moved into more extreme environments, forcing technological advancement in drilling equipment. Increased stringencies regarding environmental…
Wireless control systems help prevent hardwired service loop failures for moving equipment
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Wireless control systems offer great potential for modern drilling rigs, but increased reliability and lower costs can only be achieved if changes to industry culture occur…
Remote operations centers earning keep through drilling optimization, 24/7 support, ‘remanning’
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
As with most implementations of new technology, the technology itself is rarely the biggest hurdle. It’s the people – we humans with our fears, our hard-to-break habits…
Recent Drilling News
14 June 2013
UK HSE report: Reportable hydrocarbon releases nearly halved over three years
The UK oil and gas industry has achieved a 48% reduction in the number of reportable hydrocarbon releases over three years, the...
12 June 2013
Atwood Oceanics secures contract for Atwood Achiever ultra-deepwater drillship
Atwood Oceanics has been awarded a drilling services contract for the ultra-deepwater drillship Atwood Achiever by a subsidiary...
10 June 2013
Ensco orders its eighth Samsung DP3 ultra-deepwater drillship
Ensco has ordered an additional advanced-capability DP3 ultra-deepwater drillship based on the Samsung GF12000 hull design. The vessel, ENSCO DS-10, will be the eighth...
07 June 2013
Unconventionals lead the way for drilling automation, but business model defines uptake
Industry’s ongoing efforts to bring automation to the drilling sector will progress over time as a “natural alignment”...
05 June 2013
Exclusive video: Compact top drive, casing drive system built for mobility
Julio Quintana, president and CEO for Tesco, speaks with Drilling Contractor associate editor Katherine Scott...