Tonal sound from onshore drilling rig top drive unit

摘要

Over the last 10 years onshore drilling for hydrocarbons (natural gas and oil) in the Taranaki region of New Zealand has reached new levels of intensity. As exploration expanded between 2005 and 2015 so too did the potential for conflict with communities. Sound emissions from onshore drilling rigs are generally well understood and can be mitigated accordingly. However, the top drive unit of onshore rigs can emit strong tonal sound. This paper summarises the results of detailed analysis in determining whether drilling processes are influential in the causation of tonal sound from the top drive unit. The results of this analysis were also used to provide the rig operator guidance as to how to modify drilling, especially at night, to avoid generating tonal sound that may cause disruption to communities.