Reducing hazards by redirecting fluids

State-of-the-art rig safety and spill prevention systems can be installed on any rig, in any working environment, requiring no structural modifications to the rig. The devices are passive and protect both the worker and the environment through complete containment of drilling fluids in and around the rig floor.

Safety and cost impacts are greatest when using hazardous materials such as invert or oil-based fluids.

Difficult and expensive cleanup practices can be easily avoided using Katch Kan’s Rig Safety System (RSS) and Zero Spill System (ZSS).

The systems are composed of off-the-shelf, self-contained components that integrate to contain, redirect, recycle and reuse drilling fluid. All components are made from polymers that are lightweight and strong, while being temperature and invert resistant.

The heart of the RSS is the Kelly Kan, a device that fits on regular drillstring, heavyweight pipe, saver subs, service tubing, casing and test tools to control and redirect drilling fluid released while making and breaking pipe connections, Fig. 1. The device helps keep crews dry and work floors safe by redirecting the fluids down through the rotary table bushings/slips. It weighs 27 lb and has an easily replaceable seal that can be sized for any pipe from 2 to 8 in. in diameter.

Fig. 1. Katch Kan’s Rig Safety System directs drilling fluid downward and protects workers.

The device is most effective when used in conjunction with a Splash Guard, a flexible guard that fits around the rotary table. The guard eliminates splashing and flooding of the rotary table, and acts as a safety barrier to keep workers’ feet, hoses, ropes, slings, chains and other objects out of slip handles/bushings.

The Katch Mat addresses drill floor flooding hazards by providing fluid containment through a unique connection system, which has a waterproof seal at each section interface.

The ZSS is composed of three main components: an Upper Katch Kan (UKK), a Low Profile Katch Kan (LPKK) and an Adjustable Containment Enclosure (ACE). The UKK installs directly below the rig floor, and fluids caught are returned to the fluid system, reducing drilling waste and spillage.

Use of the LPKK and ACE protects against unwanted fluid distribution caused by wind, and aids in keeping the substructure area clean and dry.