This week the Energy Workforce & Technology Council released a report drafted by the Well Servicing Committee titled “The Stability of Well Service Unit Masts.” This report examines the use of base beam systems for well service rigs and details the industry best practices and procedures for utilizing these systems. Compiled by the industry experts represented on the Well Servicing Committee, the report will serve as the industry standard for rig stabilization operations.
This report provides an overview of the history of rig stabilization operations and how base beams have served as a standard form of well service rig stabilization for over 20 years. Equipment manufacturers have designed and engineered their rigs and masts for safe, efficient and economical operation when guyed to base beams. These state-of-the-art systems have undergone rigorous engineering and safety analyses, and have proven safety and efficiency records.
“The Stability of Well Service Unit Masts” delves into the land and environmental conditions, as well as the structural components that are taken into account when determining what type of rig stabilization system is best fit for a specific rig. Rigs located in rugged topography, multi-well pads or limited size locations are just some of the factors that necessitate the use of the base beam stabilization system.
Well service rig crews undergo extensive training on the proper rigging of their equipment, and are capable of identifying and mitigating external factors that may interfere with the stability of their systems. Accidents on rigs caused by properly engineered and deployed base beams are virtually non-existent, which demonstrates the quality and safety of the base beam stabilization mechanism.
A rig stabilization system that operates as defined in this report will meet any E&P expectations for safety and efficiency. “The Stability of Well Service Unit Masts” has codified the industry standard for well service rig stabilization, and should serve as the definitive authority on these systems.
If your company is interested in this issue and working with the Council’s Well Servicing Committee, contact SVP Government Affairs & Counsel Tim Tarpley.
Deidre Kohlrus, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Council’s newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, Council activities and more.
