ROTATRY DRILLING

The hydraulic process of drilling that consists of

rotating a column of drill pipe, to the bottom of
which is attached a drilling bit, and during the
operation, circulating down through the pipe a
current of mud-laden fluid, under pressure, by
means of special slush pumps. The drilling mud and
cuttings from the bit are forced upward and outside
the drill pipe to the surface.
The rotary drill rig consists of a prime mover,
hoisting equipment, rotating equipment and
circulation equipment, all of which perform tasks
crucial to drilling a well or hole. [1]
With the help of pneumatics, hydraulics or an
electric motor, high torque and rotation are

ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROTATRY

DRILLING

Rotary Drilling Components

Varying degrees of technology has
contributed to rotary drilling. The basic
process of rotary drilling involves a
sharp drill bit being rotationally driven
into rock. Using a system of prime
movers, hoisting equipment, rotating
equipment, and circulation equipment,
the basic rotary drilling technique can
operate without problems.

Source of Power
The diesel engine is the most common
source of power for rotary rigs. Natural gas
and gas engines are also used, as well as
reciprocating turbines, which are capable
of producing energy on-site. The energy is
transmitted from these prime movers to
the rotary, hoisting and circulating
equipment. On larger rigs, power might
also be transmitted for lighting, water, and
compression requirements

Hoisting Equipment
The hoisting equipment of the rotary system is used to
raise and lower the tool in and out of the well or hole. The
hoisting equipment comprises a derrick, which sits atop a
rectangular structure made of steel 'I' beams; it also has a
steel floor to walk onthis is called the "substructure."
The hoisting structure, in addition to housing the derrick,
acts as a support for cables and pulleys that raise and
lower the tool. Hoisting equipment is necessary as the drill
can sometimes weigh thousands of pounds. The height of
the hoisting equipment helps stabilize the system. It also
supports the engines and the 'draw works,' which is the
mechanism that holds and controls the cable drums that
supply the lifting of the 'elevators' and 'swivel'.

Rotating Equipment
Rotating equipment is essentially a piece of equipment that
interprets the power transmitted from the prime mover and
puts it into action, rotating the drill bit. In turn, a swivel, which
is attached to the hoisting equipment, provides support for
the weight of the drill string in a way that enables it to rotate
uninterrupted. [6]
Inside the well, a string extends down as far as the drill pipe,
reaching towards the drill bit, the sharp, chiseled bit
responsible for chipping away earth and rock. Wells are dug
with long strings of drill pipe that extend from the surface
towards the drill bit. As rotating equipment rotates the drill bit,
the hole becomes deeper and deeper. As this is occurs, the
drill string is taken out in 20-foot (6.1-m) sections (as they are
joined together to help the pipe extend down the hole).

Circulation System
The circulation system is responsible
for cooling and lubricating the drill bit
to keep it at its optimal performance.
In addition, the circulating system
removes cuttings and debris, and
coats the walls of the well with a
mud-type cake to facilitate
circulation

Rotary Drill Bit

The rotary drill bit is located at the
bottom of the drill string. It is the hard,
chiseled, sharp tip that makes contact
with the rock formation and drills through
it to produce a hole. It does this by
breaking and dislodging rock. There are
many different types of drill bits designed
to facilitate the breakage of different
types of formations. Below are the three
main types of drill bits: