The Sparta Series Drilling System (SSDS) is a safe, highly efficient, fast-moving rig designed specifically for shallow shale gas plays where drilling time is minimal and fast and efficient rig moves are essential. This modular drilling system is available from Integrated Drilling Equipment (IDE) in 1,000-, 1,200- and 1,500-hp ranges with hook load ratings from 500 k to 750 k, and will meet the strictest US DOT load requirements.
The system combines two industry-proven structure technologies:
- A bootstrap-style, vertically-erecting mast that uses an independent hydraulic drive
- A self-elevating parallelogram substructure, raised with hydraulic winches.
The free-standing mast design can be supplied in Range 3 singles or doubles or Range 2 doubles and triples. The traveling block is transported in the mast crown section and remains strung during transportation. Mast sections are handled with an integrated boom using a hydraulic winch mounted on the drawworks’ skid.
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Fig. 1. SSDS combines two proven technologies: a vertically-erecting mast and a self-elevating parallelogram substructure.
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The SSDS is supplied with a self contained diesel-driven hydraulic power unit, eliminating the need for rig power to erect the mast and substructure. The rig move procedure and location design facilitate simultaneously setting of the rig site loads during the mast and substructure erection procedure. It also has an option for a second substructure package to facilitate leapfrog rig moves.
All loads are less than 13-ft wide by 10-ft 6-in. tall and the standard location is broken down into 20 loads. IDE supplies the SSDS with 1,000 hp mud pumps as standard, but the rig is also available with optional 1,300 hp or 1,600 hp mud pumps. The intention is to keep all the loads combined with the tractor trailer to less than 118,000 lb (59 tons). The IDE top drive is available in AC or hydraulic and an integrated torque tube is designed into the mast.
The rig is available with optional skidding systems capable of moving the mast and substructure with a full setback, and can be supplied with a retractable cable tray for multiple-well pad skidding.
IDE has also designed an optional air drilling package with an electrically-powered, electronically-controlled control system.
The self-elevating driller’s cabin is climate-controlled with the latest technology for drilling controls and automation, and is integrated into the water tank assembly for transport, minimizing transport loads.
The rig is available with AC VFD or DC SCR control systems and is powered with Caterpillar 3512C diesel engine generators as standard. All cables and piping are integrated in an HPU cable tray system with special cabling arrangements to simplify rig up.
One very important safety design feature is the open drill floor where workers are not confined next to equipment that is under load. 
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