Drilling Facilities
Design Guidelines
Rev: 1.0 16/06/01
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Drilling facilities design guidelines
These guidelines are presented only as a generic guide to rig specifications, without
reference to any specific drilling programme or field conditions.
The design basis is applicable to typical operational requirements in the Central North
Sea.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Table of contents
DRILLING FACILITIES DESIGN GUIDELINES ....................................................................2
Table of contents ...........................................................................................................................3
RIG LAYOUT CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................................4
Operational Requirements.............................................................................................................4
Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................4
EQUIPMENT SELECTION CRITERIA.....................................................................................5
Weight ...........................................................................................................................................5
Cost ...............................................................................................................................................5
Track Record .................................................................................................................................5
Size................................................................................................................................................5
Vendor Stability ............................................................................................................................5
QA/QC ..........................................................................................................................................6
General ..........................................................................................................................................6
Logistics ........................................................................................................................................6
Environment..................................................................................................................................6
Well Conditions ............................................................................................................................7
Simultaneous Operations ..............................................................................................................8
Surface Equipment Pressure Rating..............................................................................................8
STANDARDS, REGS, CODES OF PRACTICE .........................................................................9
Statutory Regulations ....................................................................................................................9
Department of Energy ...................................................................................................................9
Lloyds............................................................................................................................................9
API Standards..............................................................................................................................10
British Standards .........................................................................................................................11
Miscellaneous standards..............................................................................................................12
IP Codes ......................................................................................................................................12
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Rig Layout Considerations
Operational Requirements
The drilling rig must be designed for safe and efficient operation.
Equipment shall be positioned for ease of access for all operations and shall have
sufficient space around it for safe personnel passage.
Pipe work, ductwork and cable trays shall be located so that they do not impair access
routes through the rig, nor obstruct any equipment operation.
Manually operated valves shall be located at accessible height for easy and safe
operation.
Controls for load moving equipment shall be positioned so that the operated equipment
and its load will be readily visible from the control point.
Maintenance
Maintainability should be considered in any layout considerations.
Space for withdrawal of shafts, removal of motors etc. should be defined on the layout
drawings.
Lifting equipment and overhead runway beams shall be included in the design to
facilitate the replacement of equipment.
Access routes out of each area shall be adequate, both in size and floor loading, to be
able to remove the largest item.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Equipment Selection Criteria
Weight
The weight of any item of equipment is an important factor in the selection of that item.
The overall aim is to minimise the lift and operating weight of the drilling facilities, thus,
all other selection parameters being equal, the item of equipment, which has the lowest
weight, should be chosen.
Cost
The cost of equipment is another obvious major factor in the selection process, although
lowest equipment price is not always the lowest cost to the project. All ancillary costs,
e.g. installation, spares etc. should also be taken into consideration.
Track Record
Previous operating experience of similar equipment from the same Vendor should be
assessed, including its maintenance records.
Size
Physical size and shape of an item of equipment is also an important aspect of selection.
Space is a premium in drilling rigs, so compact equipment can be considered as a cost
saving.
Vendor Stability
The financial stability of the Vendor should check to ensure that the equipment/material
will be completed.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
QA/QC
The vendor should have adequate QA/QC procedures in place to enable the complete
trace of design and manufacturing procedures and operations.
The vendor shall issue Certificate of Compliance to confirm that:
QA requirements of ISO 9000 BS 5750 are met
The equipment, components and performance meet the requirements of the
relevant certifying authorities, codes and standards
All electrical appliances, where applicable, meet the BASEFA requirements
General
The data given below is typical of the development for which the standardised rigs shall
be installed.
Logistics
The re-supply period for the drilling rig shall be taken as 4 days. The storage capacities
shall be designed for this figure.
Environment
The mean water depth shall be considered as 120m, typical of a location in the Central
North Sea.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Well Conditions
Typical well conditions for the design of systems and equipment shall be the following:
Casing-Design
OD
Weight
(inches) (lbs/ft)
True vertical
depth (meters)
Measured
depth (meters)
Maxi incl
(degrees)
30
310
250
250
20
106
600
600
20
13 3/8
72
1500
1800
45
9 5/8
47
3600
4400
90
29
3600
5200
90
Mud Programme
Hole size (inches)
Mud type
Mud density (s.g.)
36
Water based
1.10
26
Water based
1.15
17
Oil based
1.35
12
Oil based
1.6
Oil based
1.6
Completion
7 OD x 29lb/ft worst case design for water injectors.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Operational Schedule
Activity
Depth
Skid rig
Days
Cumulative
days
0.5
0.5
Set 30 conductor
250m
1.5
2.0
Drill 26 hole
600m
3.0
5.0
Case and cement 20 casing
600m
2.0
7.0
BOPs and prepare to drill
600m
2.0
9.0
Drill 17 hole
1800m
3.0
12.0
Case & cement 13 3/8 casing
1800m
3.0
15.00
Drill 12 hole
4400m
6.0
21.00
Log hole
4400m
1.0
22.00
Set 9 5/8 casing
4400m
3.0
25.00
Drill 8 hole
5200m
7.00
32.00
Log hole
5200m
2.00
34.00
Set 7 liner
5200m
3.00
37.00
Run completion
5200m
4.00
41.00
Well clean up & suspend
5200m
2.00
43.00
Simultaneous Operations
It shall be assumed that Simultaneous Drilling and Production will be performed, with
possible requirements to perform Wire line and Coiled Tubing Intervention activities on
producing wells during the development-drilling phase.
Surface Equipment Pressure Rating
Reservoir conditions are such that maximum shut-in wellhead pressure will be less than
10,000 psi.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Standards, Regs, Codes of Practice
The following Regulations, Standards, Codes of Practice etc. have been incorporated in
the System Design Guides where applicable.
Statutory Regulations
SI No. 289
Offshore Installations (Construction and Survey) Regulations 1974
SI No. 1019
Offshore Installations (Operational, Safety, Health and Welfare)
Regulations 1976
SI No. 486
Offshore Installations Life Saving Appliances
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Department of Energy
Offshore Installations: Guidance on Design, Construction and Certification Forth
edition 1990
Lloyds
Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment
Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Fixed Offshore Installations
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
API Standards
4E
Drilling and Well Servicing Structures
4F
Well Servicing Structures
5C3
Formula and Calculations
Rotary Drilling Equipment
8A
Drilling and Hoisting Equipment
8C
Drilling and Hoisting Equipment
9A
Specification for Wire Rope
16C
Draft Specifications for Choke and Kill Systems
RP2A
Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing and Constructing Fixed
Offshore Platforms
RP7G
Recommended Practice for Drill Stem Design
RP8B
Recommended Practice for Hoisting Tools
RP9B
Recommended Practice for Wire Rope
RP14C
Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation and Testing of
Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms
RP14E
Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Offshore Production
Platform Piping Systems
RP14F
Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems
for Offshore Production Platforms
RP53
Recommended Practice for Blow-out Prevention Equipment Systems for
Drilling Wells
RPSOOB
Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations
RP520
Recommended Practice for the Design and Installation of Pressure
Relieving Systems
RP2003
Recommended Practice for Protection Against Ignitions Arising out of
Static, Lightning and Stray Currents
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
British Standards
BS4
Specification for Hot Rolled Sections Part 1: 1980
BS 729
Hot Dip Galvanised Coatings on Iron and Steel Articles
BS 1706
Specification for Electroplated Coatings of Cadmium and Zinc on
Iron and Steel
BS 3692
Specification for Isometric Precision Hexagon Bolts, Screws and
Nuts
BS 4360: 1986
Specification for Weld able Structural Steels
BS 4395 Ptsl-3
High Strength Friction Grip Bolts, associated Nuts and Washers for
Structural Engineering
BS 4848
Part 2: 1975
Part 4: 1972
Hot Rolled Structural Steel Sections
Hollow Sections
Equal and Unequal Angles
BS CP3: 1972
Code of Basic Data for the Design of Buildings
Chapter V Part 2 Wind Loadings
BS 5750
QA Requirements
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Miscellaneous standards
ASME IX
Welding and Brazing Qualifications
ANSI B31.3
Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
ANSI/ASTM
A325-79 High Strength Bolts for Structural Steel Parts
AISC
Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural
Steel for Buildings
AWS D1.1
Structural Welding Code
DIN 50049
Documents on Materials Testing
CIBS
Guides Volumes A, B & C
HVCA DW142
Ductwork Sizing Methods
IEC 92-3
Electrical Installation in Ships: Cables (Construction, Testing and
Installation)
IP Codes
Part 1
Electrical, Safe Practice for Drilling and Production in Marine Areas
Part 8
Safe Practices for Drilling and Production in Marine Areas
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Managing developments.
Introduction
Operators development decisions in the past have resided on a long and arduous
process of offset drilling, completion, testing and detailed modelling of data. Extensive
investment is required and is generally a defeating process for all but the major operating
companies. In deeper waters due to the risk and uncertainties that exist in both the
reservoir exploitation and profits achievable, this approach cannot be taken.
A PHASED development is thus often viewed as the essential strategy in marginal field
developments, essentially eliminating many of the recoverable volume and production
flow risks that operators face.
Phased development strategy
A typical managed strategy and goals for a phased development strategy would include
(but not be limited to)
1. Develop a field development strategy
2. Evolve a conceptual development
3. Identify technology needs
4. Evaluate innovative best systems & practices
5. Establish a co-operative industry wide effort
6. Unload engineering i.e. Outsource engineering and contractors to develop solutions
7. Develop a technology team, i.e. A multidisciplinary team
8. Establish Partner relationships. Develop solutions for problems simultaneously
9. Combine services. Relative capabilities in order to provide combined services for operator
10. Technology focus, i.e. technology that is tired and tested to provide immediate results
11. Standardization. Use off the shelf proved, tried and tested, fit for purpose technology,
12. Commercialise project on a field cycle development. Not as individual and separate
elements. (e.g. There is no point skimping on a drilling equipment if the net result is millions
of dollars lost in drilling and completion operations.)
13. If reservoir testing and evaluation schemes is required. Indication from regulatory and
governmental bodies may also be required.
14. A tax systems may be negotiated with governments to provide incentives for
development in view of risks associated with investment.
15. Encourage government to stimulate greater co-operation between operators.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Key Features for marginal developments.
The key features for operators in drilling & completion development to focus on are:
The high technical risks,
Commerciality
Need to develop fields in the shortest possible time
Provide best returns i.e. $$s/bbl over field life cycle.
To date however the biggest concern is that the supply side has yet to fully react to
marginal development needs. There are therefore bottle-necks in
The provision of equipment,
Suitable complaint fit for purpose plant, tools and equipment,
Fit for purpose drilling completion, well intervention rig systems
Trained and experienced personnel.
Field prospects providing most impact on commercial feasibility were viewed as;
1. Drilling and completions costs represent 40-60% of total development costs. (cost
reduction in this area is vital to project economics.)
2. Fewer wells (assuming greater recoverable) will greatly reduce capital and operating
cost requirements
3. Prospect viabilitys can be enhanced with subsea facilities tied back to hosts
Other prospect characteristics with lesser impact were
1. Fit for purpose will be a critical factor
2. Wells can be offset from host up to 60miles with existing subsea technologies
Achieving desired project results
Operators study
The following summary was taken from a study conducted by an operating company.
The study concluded essential key elements to successful drilling & completion projects;
Drilling & completion organization with a functional element
A loose alliance with selected contractors
Experienced and empowered COMPANY onsite personnel
Risk reduction / loss control at all stages
Motivated team
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Developing a top performing team.
The key elements in top performers were found very similar i.e.
organisation,
open culture,
active planning and
managed risk taking.
Organisational keys;
Structure, Team Selection, Contracting Strategy.
Culture Keys;
Ownership, Management buy-in, Team Management, (A team being one that is motivated to
achieve a shared vision.) Openness, Accountability
Rig/equipment selection, Pre-planning
Experiences from experts used to best effect.
Risk, organisational, resource management is critical to project management success.
Loss must be identified, controlled & managed for all managed activities.
Concentrate on the technical and commercial issues at hand.
Critical systems management.
Managed Risk-taking, Transfer of Knowledge
Consistent performance establish through reducing uncertainty during planning phases
Dont re-invent the processes, e.g. Gain information externally
De-bottleneck, e.g. target setting, technical limit, determine what is really possible
Value of information e.g. determine what is essential and what is nice to have
Risk management, Probability of outcomes, consequence, and contingency plans.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Understanding project costs, risk & impact.
Management must control and manage all technical, commercial, risk and loss drivers in
their correct proportion. E.g. Focusing on the highest cost/risk areas to bring most reward and
preferred results.
Prioritise corporate strategy,
Set goals and project objectives
Organise and resource accordingly
Learn from previous experiences
Develop a competent and multidisciplinary team
Risks
Costs, risk, and impact factors for each project area must be realised. Project areas
especially (drilling and completion) should also be evaluated and identified to conclude
similar results. It is a fact from loss control management that
Identifying 20% of the key problems will potentially eliminate 80% of all loss.
Feasibility and engineering studies can impact total costs in a similar way. e.g. A small
amount of extra resources allocated to up front engineering can result in huge savings during the
construction phase, i.e. WHEN LARGEST PROPORTION OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WILL OCCUR, Be
spent and where the RISKS ARE THE HIGHEST.
To understand all aspects one must review the data available. In that previous
Field development data should not be forgotten in the management strategy to control
and mitigate risk and cost overruns.
Contracting partners
The ideal contracting partner(s) must provide a combination of drilling completion,
subsea, and subsea/ pipeline construction expertise. Key features from companies to
add the most value to deepwater project would be in;
Solution engineering,
Project Execution
Offshore installation.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Solution engineering
Construction companies must understand subsea systems and be able to provide key
engineering services e.g.subsea system design; flow assurance; riser design; installation
design; subsea system installation/engineering; pipeline design; contingency planning, and
solution engineering.
The combination of these skills will provide best solutions and results for a field
development. Optimum solutions take into account everything from technical feasibility
and reliability through to cost and risk calculations for life and field economic modelling.
Offshore equipment needs must also be assessed from day one.
Contractors must have input into the design, as the more effective this effort will be. They
must also participate in managing all subsea, drilling and completion activities. As only
they will have the key equipment needed to perform some, but not necessarily all, of the
operational activities. They must thus work closely with the engineers to ensure systems
are easily installed and handled offshore.
Recent projects have shown substantial cost savings through such integrated
involvement in up front design process.
Many oil companies have yet to recognise the benefit of these savings.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Project Installation
Contractors must be allowed to manage systems and procedures to effectively control
the project. This includes all engineering, procurement and construction activities. Note:
This function is not normally implemented effectively by engineering companies, who understand
little about offshore construction issues.
Subsea developments will have some or all of the following characteristics at project
kick-off:
Fast track requirements
Incomplete data
Parallel engineering and reservoir appraisal
Fixed first oil date
Uncertain drilling schedule.
With uncertainties involved, it can be realised that flexibility is required.
Systems must be designed to allow changes throughout the project, e.g. to accommodate
changes in reserve estimates, production throughput, well count or drilling and completion
schedules.
Furthermore, the realities of today's market are:
Long lead times for key subsea, drilling and completion components
Unreliable delivery schedules for components
Lack of experienced engineers & qualified offshore personnel
Use of new/unproven offshore systems and procedures
Limited construction vessels.
Several key areas must be addressed for the overall plan: e.g
Vendor management
Close co-operation between vendors and contractors are important.
Standardised components used where possible to avoid expensive redesigns.
Early buy-in by vendors to understanding total project schedule requirements.
By adopting strategic alliances with vendors and service companies, contractors can
negotiate longer term pricing agreements. Cycle times are reduced due to the elimination
of the bidding process and standardised components help vendor use stocking programs
to reduce lead times.
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
Integration testing
Onshore integration testing is critical to the success of the offshore operations. It must be
managed effectively and include all parties involved in offshore operations, i.e. drilling,
completion, construction, ROV and hardware personnel. Error rectification will have a
substantial cost impact, money spent up front testing will pay for itself offshore.
Rental tooling
Project economics can be improved through the use of rental tooling packages.
They provide the added benefit of familiarity, which is particularly important for
offshore installation.
Offshore installation
Subsea activities may be shared between the drilling rig and the construction vessel(s).
e.g. limited resources entail vessels are selected for their availability rather than for their ability
to perform the work. Drilling rigs, may be modified/upgraded for deepwater drilling but not for
deepwater subsea completions.
Handling subsea equipment offshore is often difficult and cumbersome. E.g A surface
xmas tree may weight 15-20tons. A subsea deepwater xmas tree can be twice or three time this
weight.
The best solution for subsea well construction may thus involve the use of more than one
vessel. It is important that there is a willingness and ability for construction companies
not only to supply their own vessel(s), but also to act as general contractor for other
subsea construction activities.
Planning offshore activities demand a high degree of flexibility. It is not always possible
for drilling/ completion work to be performed at the same time as construction work.
There are therefore opportunities for companies to take a more leading role in offshore
installation phases.
For the operator, there is a significant value added by taking this approach in terms of
project flexibility, risk mitigation and cost reduction. In order to fulfil this role, contractors
have to manage their business
Author: Peter Aird
www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk
Ref: DFG01
