Vol. 227 No. 12

Rig floor equipment

Casing drive system assures casing runs to bottom

Tesco’s Casing Drive System (CDS), originally developed with casing drilling in mind, offers numerous advantages to any casing-running operation. The system mechanizes casing handling and has proven to be a safe and reliable, integrated, drive-tool solution. It extends top drive benefits to the well construction process by improving safety and operational performance.

The system reduces risk to personnel and equipment by keeping people out of danger. Its primary components include the integrated drive tool and safer pipe-handling technology. Tesco’s proprietary Link Tilt system allows pipe to be picked up at the V-door and conveyed to well-center in preparation for assembly – no stabber position is necessary. The driller uses a remotely-operated, single-joint elevator for pipe engagement. This keeps rig floor personnel away from traditionally hazardous operations. Operating personnel can focus on their tasks with fewer distractions and complex pipe stabbing and manipulating systems are no longer needed.

The system eliminates:

• Power tongs, suspension lines or back-up lines in the derrick or on the rig floor
• Traveling elevators
• Elevated work platforms or scaffolding on the rig floor
• Separate fill-up/ circulating tool line
• Personnel working at heights or out of the driller’s line of sight.

Tesco’s 20-in. Casing Drive System reduces risk to personnel and equipment.

CDS can eliminate costly unscheduled events that can occur when the casing string is stuck. Its benefits become clearest in the running-casing operation. The system gives added assurance that casing will run all the way to the bottom. Its ability to simultaneously rotate, reciprocate and circulate extends the functionality of the top drive system and provides a greater chance of overcoming casing-running problems.

The system uses a hydraulically-operated, common actuator that permits numerous mandrel/ grapple configurations. CDS can handle assemblies of 4-1/2-in. to 20-in. casing, in any wall thickness or material grade, with any connection, whether API or premium joint. It is compatible with any top drive system.

Tesco has also developed an array of tools and accessories to enhance the performance of CDS in difficult and challenging environments.