A Beginner's Guide to Being an Electrician on Drilling Rigs

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Welcome to the exciting world of electrical engineers on drilling platforms! If you're reading this, congratulations on taking your first step into this thrilling environment that puts your electrical engineering skills to the test. Years ago, I was just like you, eager to embark on this experience for the first time. I did a lot of research and wondered about the nature of this work. However, I found that there weren't enough resources available to answer these questions. That's why I started writing articles for new electrical engineers in this field, to help you understand the nature of the work and assist you in making your decision.

A drilling platform, or "rig," is not an ordinary workplace. It's a massive and complex structure, filled with high-powered mechanical equipment that requires a seamless electrical system to operate at maximum efficiency. As a new electrical engineer, you may find yourself starting in an "Assistant" position, but there are two higher positions: Night Electrician and Senior Electrician. Each job comes with a unique set of responsibilities and challenges, playing a crucial role in maintaining the electrical system of the rig. In this article, we'll discuss the basics of the drilling platform, its equipment, and its electrical system.

Stay tuned as we delve into these exciting topics, aiming to make your transition into this field as smooth as possible.

Your First Day on a Drilling Rig

Let's imagine together your first entry into the platform and seeing this massive structure in front of you. You'll feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, as this will be your home for maybe six months of the year. The Safety Engineer will warmly welcome you and provide a safety briefing, where you'll learn about the platform's safety procedures and potential risks. Then you'll meet your supervisor, the Senior Electrician, who will give you a tour, pointing out the different electrical systems. You'll see power generators, transformers, motors, control panels, and other complex systems that you'll need to understand well.

Perhaps you'll be assigned your first tasks, starting with cleaning and inspecting electrical panels. You'll follow the safety procedures you learned during the orientation session. As time goes by, while working, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the electrical system and how everything fits together. With more experience, you'll be entrusted with more challenging tasks, such as troubleshooting and repairing electrical issues, and you'll collaborate with other engineers to ensure the safety of the electrical systems on the platform.

Your journey on the platform will be filled with exciting challenges and rewarding experiences. Every day, you'll learn new skills and be part of a friendly team responsible for operating it efficiently and safely.

Understanding the Basics of Drilling Rigs

Drilling rigs are complex structures, often likened to small cities for their self-sufficiency and the range of operations they perform. They are used to drill wells into the earth's subsurface for extraction of natural resources like oil and gas. At its core, a drilling rig consists of a derrick, a tall framework that supports the drilling apparatus, and a rotary table that turns the drill bit to bore into the earth.

As an electrical engineer, it's crucial to grasp the main parts of a drilling rig. Here are some of the primary components. Don't worry if some terms are unfamiliar; you'll learn everything you need to know on the job.

1- The Rig Floor: often referred to as the "drill floor," is where the real action happens. It's the heart of the drilling operation and houses key equipment such as Drawworks, Top Drive and Rotary table. As an electrical engineer, you'll spend a significant portion of your time here, ensuring that the electrical equipment on the rig floor is operational and safe. It's a bustling, high-energy environment that requires rigorous safety measures, and it's where you'll feel the thrill of being part of the vital process of energy extraction.

2- Power System: This supplies the rig with the necessary electricity. As an electrical engineer, this is where you'll focus a lot of your attention. The setup often involves generators powered by diesel engines, though some rigs use direct drive natural gas turbines.

3- Hoisting System: The hoisting system is one of the most critical components of a drilling rig as it's responsible for raising and lowering the drill string into and out of the well. At its heart lies the Drawworks, a large winch that spools off or takes in the drilling line, effectively controlling the depth of the drill bit in the well. As an electrical engineer, your role will be crucial in maintaining the electrical elements of the Drawworks and ensuring it operates efficiently and safely.

5- Top Drive: The Top Drive is a device that operates within a rotating system. It is powered by a high-capacity electric motor that rotates the drilling shaft connected to the drilling bit. It is an important device in the drilling rig and replaces traditional systems such as Kelly and Rotary table due to its superior features.

6- Mud Circulating System: It is a vital component of drilling operations. It plays a crucial role in cooling and lubricating the drill bit, controlling well pressure, and efficiently removing drilling debris and cuttings. This system is equipped with multiple motors that ensure optimal functionality.

7- Blowout Preventer (BOP) System: It is a crucial system used to control the well during drilling operations. It consists of valves mounted on the wellhead and is closed to prevent issues like gas blowouts. The BOP allows for well isolation and control of the pressures inside, making it an essential requirement in drilling equipment.

As a rig electrician, you'll interact with many of these systems directly or indirectly. Your role will involve installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the electric and electronic equipment on the rig, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.

Electrical Systems on Drilling Rigs

Now that we've covered the basic components of a drilling rig, let's take a closer look at the electrical systems involved. As an electrical engineer, you'll be responsible for ensuring these systems are functioning correctly and safely.

Power Generation

The rig power system is like the lifeblood of a drilling rig, providing the essential electricity needed to run a variety of equipment and systems, from motors and pumps to lighting and control panels. This intricate electrical network is often powered by powerful generators, usually fueled by diesel engines or natural gas turbines, ensuring that the rig operates efficiently and safely. As an electrical engineer on a drilling rig, your main focus will be on maintaining and troubleshooting this power system, making sure it remains strong and reliable in the challenging environment of drilling operations. Understanding the ins and outs of this power system is crucial for electricians to keep the rig's electrical heartbeat beating steadily.

Transformers

They play a crucial role in the electrical system on the rig. Usually, generators provide 600 volts, but sometimes certain devices like Mud system motors require different voltages, such as 460 or 380 volts. Lighting may also need 220 or 110 volts. That's where transformers come in! There are typically two types: one for feeding motors, converting voltage from 600V to 460V, and another for lighting, converting voltage from 460V to 110V. This is just an illustrative example, as each drilling rig may vary depending on its electrical system.

Motor Control Types: SCR and VFD

As mentioned before, rigs are made up of essential equipment like Drawworks, Mud pumps, Top drive, and more. These equipment are powered by motors that require precise control from the driller. This control is achieved through motor control methods such as SCR and VFD.

1- SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier)

The SCR system is a type of motor control that has been commonly used in the drilling industry for many years. The SCR system rectifies the alternating current (AC) from the generators into direct current (DC) to control the speed of the motors. As an electrical engineer, you'll likely encounter this kind of system in older rigs.

2- VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)

On the flip side, VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) is the latest motor technology that is gaining significant popularity, particularly in drilling platforms. It comes with superior features compared to older DC Motors, offering energy efficiency and precise control capabilities. Not to mention, it has many other advantages too! If you're interested in learning more about the VFD system, feel free to check out my article on it.

For a more in-depth look at VFDs, you can check out my article on The Fundamentals of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD): Understanding Motor Speed Control

Electrician Positions on drilling rigs

There are three main electrician positions on a drilling rig: assistant electrician, night electrician, and chief electrician.

1- Assistant Electrician

Assistant electricians are responsible for basic tasks such as cleaning and maintaining the electrical systems. This includes tasks such as:

• Cleaning electrical panels and equipment

• Inspecting electrical connections for wear and tear

• Replacing minor electrical components

• Assisting more experienced electricians with more complex tasks

Assistant electricians are typically new to the field and are learning the ropes. They are supervised by more experienced electricians and are given opportunities to learn and grow.

2- Night Electrician

Night electricians are responsible for monitoring the electrical systems overnight. This includes tasks such as:

• Patrolling the rig to check for any electrical problems

• Responding to any electrical alarms that occur

• Making minor electrical repairs

• Reporting any major electrical problems to the chief electrician

Night electricians must be able to work independently and be able to troubleshoot electrical problems. They must also be able to work safely in all weather conditions.

3- Senior Electrician

Senior electricians are responsible for supervising the other electricians and ensuring that the electrical systems are operating safely and efficiently. This includes tasks such as:

• Scheduling and overseeing electrical maintenance and repairs

• Ensuring that all electrical work is performed in accordance with safety regulations

• Training and mentoring assistant electricians

• Ordering and maintaining electrical supplies

• Collaborating with other rig personnel to ensure the smooth operation of the rig

Senior electricians must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and be able to work effectively under pressure. They must also be able to lead and motivate a team of electricians.

Safety First !

Working on a drilling rig demands a high level of safety awareness, particularly for electricians who handle potentially hazardous equipment. Here are some of the crucial safety precautions that you need to adhere to in order to ensure your safety on the rig:

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and insulated boots.

• Be aware of your surroundings and be careful of trip hazards and overhead obstacles.

• Lock out and tag out all electrical equipment before working on it.

• Test all electrical circuits before energizing them.

• Be aware of the potential for electrical hazards, such as live wires, arc flash, and electrocution.

• Never work on electrical equipment while it is wet or energized.

• Report any electrical problems or hazards to your supervisor immediately.

In addition to the above safety tips, it is also important for new electricians to be familiar with the safety regulations that apply to working on drilling rigs. These regulations are designed to protect workers from accidents and injuries.

If you are a new electrician working on a drilling rig, it is important to take safety seriously. Always follow the safety procedures that are in place, and be aware of the potential for electrical hazards. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help to ensure your safety and the safety of your colleagues.

As you begin your journey as a rig electrician, remember that every day is a chance to learn and grow. The drilling rig is a complex environment, and your role as an electrician is vital. While it can be challenging, know that it's equally rewarding. Keep safety as your top priority and let the guidance of your mentors and supervisors lead you on the right path. Embrace the unique experiences and opportunities this profession offers, and most importantly, enjoy the ride! Welcome aboard, and here's to a successful and safe career on the rig!