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The Hydraulic System
Regardless of the size, configuration or type of
rig, the hydraulic system is crucial to the drilling
operation. Circulating the drilling fluid cleans the
cuttings from the well bore, controls down hole
formation degradation and prevents differential
sticking of the drill pipe. The mud pumps are the heart
of the hydraulic system and must remain operational.
Drilling expendable products are often overlooked
because of their relatively low cost in comparison to
the major components of the drilling rig. However, the
performance and reliability of these expendable
products have an extraordinary impact on drilling
operations. Reliable performance of the drilling
expendables can translate into an expeditious rate of
penetration whereas failure of these expendable parts
means costly downtime.
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It is just a piston, right?
Oversimplifying the importance of expendable parts can be
costly. Although tempting when looking at daily rig
expenses, low cost expendable parts are not the bargain
that they seem. If you bought an expensive high
performance vehicle would you fill it up with the
cheapest gas you could find? Of course not, so why should
a multimillion dollar drilling rig be treated worse than
a hundred thousand dollar automobile?
With drilling rig day rates at an all time high, hours
of downtime due to the failure of cheap products is not a
bargain. In addition to the monetary loss, excessive
downtime can cost the drilling contractor irreparable
reputation damage with the operator. Also each time a
repair must be conducted there is the potential for an
accident to occur. Profits are maximized and risks are
reduced by keeping the equipment running.
Mud pump fluid ends, their internal wearing parts, the
pushrod assembly from the power end and swivel or top
drive rotating seal can be the strengths or weak points
in the hydraulic system and should be considered
carefully during the purchasing process.
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Quality Solutions Exist
National Oilwell Varco Mission
®
Products, has invested many years in developing a line
of premium products that provide both outstanding
performance and reduced risk for rig personnel.
Blak-JAKâ„¢ Liner Retention System
The
Blak-JAKâ„¢ Liner Retention System
provides faster liner change outs, eliminates the
need for hammers and provides consistent and uniform
energizing of the liner gaskets to reduce
washouts.
Blak-JAK HydrA-LIGNâ„¢ Rod
The
Blak-JAK HydrA-LIGNâ„¢ Rod
replaces the original equipment pushrod
assembly reducing piston change out times to as
little as 5 minutes. The HydrA-LIGN can also
compensate for up to 0.120" pump
misalignment (0.060" in any one direction)
greatly extending piston and liner life.
Blue Lightningâ„¢ Piston
The
Blue Lightningâ„¢ Piston
is another cost saving solution that features a
proprietary centering bearing that increases the life
of the piston and the liner.
Mission Ceramic Liners
Mission Ceramic Liners
have established history of reliable service at
pressures up to 7500 PSI even in the harshest mud
conditions. Mission's ceramic liners have
documented runtimes in excess of 16000 hours!
Blak-JAKâ„¢ Washpipe Cartridge System
The latest safety inspired product is the
Blak-JAKâ„¢ Washpipe Cartridge System
. This cartridge design provides a solution to the
swivel rotating seal. The Blak-JAK Washpipe Cartridge
is 10 to 15 pounds lighter than OEM equipment, has
packing run times over 2000 hours and can be changed
out in less than 15 minutes. In contrast to competing
aftermarket washpipe designs, the Blak-JAK Washpipe
Cartridge virtually eliminates finger pinch hazards
and does not require an air hose for installation.
Additional advantages are the elimination of the need
for heavy sledge hammers during installation or
removal and the unit comes with a lifting hanger to
prevent falling part or tool hazards.
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