Drawworks

Drawworks is the hoisting system on drilling rig. It is a large winch that spools off or takes in the drilling line and thus lowers or raises the drill stem and bit. Drawworks is an assembly of rotating drum, a series of shafts, clutches, chains & gears for changing speed & for reversing. It also contains the main brake stopping the drilling line. This brake is called Elmagco Brake. The drilling line is wound a number of times around the drum & passes to the crown block & travelling block. Brake System An outstanding feature of the drawworks is the brake system, which enables the driller to easily control a load of thousands of pounds of drillpipe or casing. On most rigs, there are at least two brake systems. One brake is a mechanical friction device and can bring the load to a complete stop. The other brake is hydraulic or electric; it can control the speed of the descent of a loaded traveling block, but is not capable of bringing it to a complete stop. It is used to reduce the wear on the primary friction system. Gear An integral part of the drawworks is the gear (transmission) system. This gives the driller a wide choice of speeds for hoisting the drillstring. Drive Sprocket The drawworks also has a drive sprocket that drives the rotary table by means of a heavy-duty chain. In some cases, however, the rotary table is driven by an independent engine or electric motor. Catheads Another feature of the drawworks are the two catheads. The make-up cathead, on the drillers side, is used to spin up and tighten the drillpipe joints. The other, located opposite the driller's position on the drawworks is the breakout cathead. It is used to loosen the drillpipe when the drillpipe is withdrawn from the borehole. Drawworks Drum The spool-shaped cylinder in the drawworks around which the drilling line is wound or spooled. Drawworks Brake The mechanical brake on the drawworks that can slow or prevent the drawworks drum from moving. Main Controls The Lever Brake. The Elmagco Brake. Foot Throttle.

Brakes stop or allow drawworks drum position whereas throttle controls the pulling speed. Power Requirements of Drawworks The drawworks should have 1 HP for every 10 ft to be drilled. Hence for 20,000 ft well, the drawworks should have 2000 HP. Threats to Release Hazard 1) Incorrect operation of the Drawworks. 2) Overloading of the Drawworks. 3) Failure of part of the Drawworks. 4) Over heating or wetting of the Drawworks brake. Hazard Controls 1) Only the Toolpusher, Driller or Assistant Driller are permitted to operate the Drawworks. 2) Drawworks Maintenance, Repair and Inspection a) Only trained and approved personnel are permitted to inspect, maintain or repair the Drawworks. b) A routine must be in place for the inspection and servicing of all drawworks components. This must include the brake blocks, the brake linkers, travelling block parts and dead line anchor. c) Guards or covers must not be removed from the Drawworks while it is in operation. All guards must be put back in place before the Drawworks is returned to operation. 3) Procedures a) The Driller must chain down the brake anytime he leaves the drillers consoles. b) The Driller must not be distracted while operating the Drawworks. c) The Drillers view of the blocks or drill string must never be blocked. d) Water must never be sprayed on the brake down when washing the Drawworks. Protection Equipment Regular Safety Clothing, Hart Hat, Cover-all, Safety Boots, Gloves and Safety Glasses. Supervision Requirements Toolpusher or Driller to supervise all drawworks operation. Recovery Methods

1)Give immediate first aid. 2) Get assistance from the Rig Medic.