DESIGN ISSUES

There are many things to consider when constructing a drilling platform. To get an understanding of just how big these systems can be, a picture is worth a thousand words. This rig, constructed in 1997 by Pool Arctic of Alaska inc., stands 175 feet tall and weighs ove 1 million pounds fully asseembled. The derrick telescopes and uses hydraulic rams to stand it up. It is a modular system that is designed to meet the demands of its operating environment. It can be assembled by a crew of about 20 persons in just a few days. It can also be moved as a unit with a large capacity "sow". This section, along with a pipe handling section, a mud module and a living quarters module comprise this workover rig configuration. This particular rig is still in use on the North Slope of Alaska, now known as Nabors inc. rig 19. The physics involved in this design are incredible. Cranes, pulleys, electrical systems, piping systems, heat exchangers, rotary tables, traction motors, hydraulic systems and more.

CONSTRUCTION ISSUES
While under construction, this rig underwent an amazing birth of sorts. From truckloads of raw materials and smaller parts, this project developed its own identity. As a construction worker in this industry, I take great pride in the work we produce. There were many enjoyable experiences, opportunities to learn and challenges to overcome in the development of this rig. The environment was a large factor, as most of this work was done in the winter season, while temperatures were -10 to -30 degrees F. Other concerns were the mere size of this rig. The derrick itself weighed more than 150,000 pounds and had to be placed with two cranes. The surface in which it was set upon was more than 30 feet above ground elevation. The imporatnce of craftsmanship was also critical. Knowing that an error could lead to failure of a part of this rig. Under operating conditions a flaw in construction often is very expensive and sometimes extremely dangerous. The physics of construction are important to mention. The use of cranes, pulleys, hydraulics, material characteristics such as elasticity, and brittleness, insulating capacities, welding and much more.

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OPERATIONS ISSUES
When this rig finally gets to work, it should be a very efficient process. It flows like a ballet on an icy stage. Every part of this system has a pace to maintain. The most visible section of this rig is the derrick, but this is small part of the whole. There are power generators, transformers, mud pumps, fire suppression systems, intercom systems, lighting, cranes, pipe handling systems, heating systems,motors of enormous capacity, hydraulics, pneumatics, moving systems, monitoring systems and much more. All of these systems need to be running efficiently to ensure profitability. Something as simple as a blown fuse or broken fitting can shut down production completely. It is crucial to have skilled people to operate a rig such as this. A rig like this may be in operation hundreds of miles away from an established hub, so it needs to be self sufficient and capable of being repaired quickly with materials on site. The platform also needs to be universal in the sense that standard industry parts and methods are used. This ensures that the operators, management and the customer area familiar with the capacities and procedures of this equipment.

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