Foundation drilling projects typically come with a customer asking a ton of questions to fully understand the timeline of the project and what the project actually entails.
Below, we discuss some of the most common drilling rig questions that we often hear from customers.
1. What are the Most Essential Tools for Diagnosing Drilling Rig Malfunctions?
The most frequent issues that cause downtime or malfunction in a drilling rig are electrical mishaps. Because of this, it’s essential to keep some basic equipment on hand to identify and diagnose any potential breakdowns.
A basic multimeter can be the best $10 you’ll ever spend as it can allow you to quickly assess electrical problems without waiting for a service technician to arrive at your job site. This helps you find a quick solution that can often be performed without costly repairs or downtime.
2. How to Develop Maintenance Schedules and What Should I Expect?
Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules are some of the best ways to prevent breakdown or malfunction. Preventative care is much more ideal than performing expensive repairs that cause costly delays and unnecessary expenses.
Develop a comprehensive checklist that your crew can evaluate on a regular schedule to make sure that all systems are operating correctly.
While you may not use your drilling rig on a daily basis, one of the easiest ways to make sure it’s functioning optimally is simply turning it on every day to ensure that it’s working and no issues have arisen.
3. What Servicing do Hydraulic Systems Need?
Changing the filters and oil on a hydraulic system is generally one of the most simple and effective ways to prevent malfunction or a complete breakdown. However, it can often be overlooked when a CZM drilling rig is being operated continuously on larger projects.
It’s important to note that filters can be changed without draining the oil from the tank. If you do remove the hydraulic oil, make sure to use a proper storage container and dispose of it according to local, state, and federal guidelines.
4. What Specific Features and Specifications Should I Expect for my Drilling Project?
When you start evaluating drilling rig options for your project, consider the following factors to make sure you get the right piece of equipment:
- Average Working Height and Weight
- Transport Width and Height
- Maximum Torque of the Rotary Head
- Horsepower
- Kelly Depth and Diameter
- Undercarriage Length and Width
Once you have analyzed these factors, you can start to nail down the best rig for your site conditions and project expectations.
Often, the best way to make this decision is to consult with a local dealer or service technician who can help you evaluate your project and develop a comprehensive plan.
5. Is Mobility an Important Consideration?
This is an often overlooked aspect of drilling projects when other factors can seem more important.
However, it can be one of the most essential parts of the job. Transportation costs are variable, and self-contained rigs offer the best option for rapid transportation. That said, smaller rigs can be more easily transported but may not be powerful enough for medium or larger projects.
It’s critical to evaluate your specific site conditions to ensure your drilling rig can be moved around on varying soil conditions or in marine environments.
Another factor to consider is auxiliary equipment and how that is going to be installed and removed from your job site.
6. What are the Most Versatile Options for a Drilling Project or Fleet?
There’s no singular option that will perform every job, though there are options that can perform multiple jobs on a project.
Foundation drilling rigs can be equipped with drilling teeth and augers to offer a variety of drilling options in different conditions, which can increase efficiency and reduce equipment costs.
7. Does Buying Used Make More Sense than Renting a Drilling Rig?
As you begin to develop a cost estimate and scope for your drilling project, it’s imperative to evaluate the rental costs of your project and if the costs will extend beyond one or two months. Reach out to a local dealer to explore the option of purchasing a used drilling rig.
This option is only viable if your drilling project is long-term and you can save money on rental, transportation, and maintenance costs.
Before purchasing a used drilling rig, make sure to inspect the equipment or have a licensed technician perform a service check to make sure your rig does not need repairs or has significant problems that can lead to costly downtime or malfunction.
8. How Important is Customer Service when Looking for a Drilling Rig Rental?
When you purchase or rent a drilling rig, one of the most important considerations is your dealer’s commitment to customer service. By working with a trusted local vendor, you can develop a mutually beneficial professional relationship.
One of the most significant benefits of choosing an experienced dealer that has experience in your region is their familiarity with soil conditions in the area.
If you start your evaluation process in collaboration with a local vendor, you can gain crucial information and tips to ensure the success of your project.
9. Can you Modify Drilling Rigs?
The simple answer to this question is no. Drilling rigs are pieces of heavy equipment that should only be serviced or repaired by professional licensed technicians.
Unauthorized modifications can create dangerous situations that may violate local, state, and federal guidelines as well as OSHA statutes.
If you need to modify your equipment, consult with a local dealer or technician to ensure you won’t put your crew at risk or create a hazardous environment.
10. What are the Different Requirements for an Offshore Drilling Rig?
Onshore and offshore drilling rigs are similar in various way, however, they do require different auxiliary equipment.
To explore offshore drilling rig options, first, determine the depth at which you will be drilling and the weight of your rig to get a proper floatation setup or foundation.Offshore drilling requires more preparation than onshore projects, and these sites are often developed for years of pumping and permanent installations.
For more information on drilling rigs and how they can assist you in saving costs and resources on your foundation drilling projects, contact our team of experts today.
