Revision #: / 2
Implementation Date: / 2012/01/23
Page #: / 2 of 3 / Last Reviewed/Update Date: / 2013/02/07
SOP Owner: / HWD Executive Management / Approval: / HWD Executive Management
Standard Operating Procedure – Raising the Derrick
1. Purpose
The common thread throughout the SOP and HWD Policies and Procedures in general is the identification of responsibilities. This manual is intended to clearly and concisely identify the steps required by employees to complete any given operation in a manner that is consistent with Horizontal Well Drillers standards. It will document progressive steps required in sequence that are to be followed, an authorizing company department or position, and an author that is to be consulted if there are questions in any portion of the SOP standards.
2. Scope
ALL RIG PERSONNEL
3. Prerequisites
Personnel are required to wear proper personal protective equipment, follow job safety rules, and have the appropriate experience and certifications to carry out their job functions satisfactorily.
4. Responsibilities
Rig Superintendent will have responsibility for supervision and enforcement of all operations during this procedure. Superintendent will have the final decision making authority. Tool Pusher and Truck Pusher will be in charge and accountable for the operations of the crews in their respective departments.
5. Procedure
1. Complete an inspection of the derrick and crown while the derrick is on the ground. Complete a JSA and review the operations with all personnel on site.
· Complete all derrick maintenance and inspections possible from the ground, to eliminate the risk of working at heights once the derrick is raised.
· Check all sheaves for damage and wear.
· Check all lights, lines, fall arrests, shackles, and pins.
· Check that the drawworks is properly pinned.
· Grease the crown before raising.
· Make sure that the bypass valves are closed.
· Unsecure the top drive and unchain the derrick from the headache rack.
· Remove all loose items. Whenever a tool is used, it must be accounted for.
· Inspect the mast pins.
· Ensure derrick leg turnbuckles are unpinned and removed prior to raising the derrick. Leg turnbuckles shall be placed in front of the Drawworks, as not to be lost. Failure to remove the turnbuckle will result in significant damage to the derrick leg.
2. Inspect the hydraulic system.
· Check the conditions of the raising rams.
· Check the condition of the base plates on either end of the rams.
· Check the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir for sufficient volume.
· Inspect the hydraulic pump.
· Inspect all hydraulic hoses and fittings.
· Work the free stroke of the raising rams up and down to make sure of proper function.
· During colder weather, make sure that the hydraulics are warmed up before using.
· Check for ice buildup around rams in colder weather.
3. Raise the derrick slowly.
· The Rig Manager or Driller must assign positions of crews: positions should be away from areas where there is a potential for falling objects.
· Weather should be monitored, as extreme wind or extreme cold weather (–40° C) could affect the raising of the derrick. Call field superintendent if these conditions exist before raising the derrick.
· Make sure that the crew guides lines away from snag points. Stop the operation if any snags are noticed when raising.
· Needle valves on raising rams must be closed in case hydraulic hoses fail.
4. Once the derrick is in position, pin and bolt the derrick as required.
NOTE: Slant-capable rigs will pin the stiff legs once at proper height. Vertical-only rigs will install back derrick pins.
· All safety pins must be installed.
· Fall protection must be used when installing the safety pins in the stiff legs. If the derrick is on a slant, both the cable grab and retractable must be used.
Refer to fall protection codes of practice.
5. Hook up the tugger and picker to the derrick rams then lower the rams into the floor.
· Do not remove pins until personnel are out of the derrick.
· Open the bypass on valves on raising rams and remove pins. If valves won’t open, inform the Driller.
· Designate spotters and operators.
· Slowly lower the rams into the floor.
· Make sure that the tugger and Picker Operator have clear sight and communication with spotters.
· After the rams are lowered into floor, lock out the rams and install the floor plates immediately.
6. References
HWD Employee Handbook
7. Definitions
NA