Field Experience: First All-in-One Machine for Making Up Drillstring, BottomholeAssemblies, Casing, and Tubing in the Norwegian Sector

摘要

A new-generation, multifunctional iron roughneck wasinstalled and operated on the ULA platform in the North Sea,offshore Norway, in 2003. This iron roughneck is unique in itsability to make up and break out a vast variety of drillstringcomponents without personnel on rig floor, and itaccommodates remotely operated power tongs for casing andtubing running by simple exchange of tong modules inside theroughneck carrier. The iron roughneck included such featuresas a new integrated mud bucket, a cleaning and doping devicefor drillpipe (tool joint box), and a stabbing guide.All of these features contributed to a safer rig flooroperation, but they also enabled a streamlined interface withrig floor operations without a multitude of control panels andinterfaces. The operator initially rented the equipment, whichreplaces traditional iron roughnecks, for a one-well programbut decided to purchase the system for subsequent drillingoperations.This paper discusses the rationale for selection of theequipment for the ULA project; the operator’s expectations;installation, interface, start-up, and operational experiencefrom the ULA platform; and success of the equipment inmeeting Norwegian authorities’ more stringent requirementsfor remote operation.