Drilling Riser for Offshore Rig

A drilling riser is a large pipe or duct used to encapsulate drilling equipment during underwater operations. These risers allow workers over the surface of the water to drill deep into the bottom of the sea. A drilling riser is commonly used to drill for oil under the sea, or just to explore the bottom of the sea and the ground below. After the tube has been placed in water, the drill itself drops down through the center of the duct to access the seabed.

Companies can choose between two basic types of drilling risers depending on the needs of each application. Marine punching risers are used with floating platforms or boats, and include an explosive preventer placed under the surface of the water. When working from a fixed oil platform, companies rely on tie-back drilling rigs. These systems include blowout preventer located at sea level, which protect workers and equipment from pressure variations or potential explosions.

A drilling riser can end at the bottom of the sea, or it may extend a little in the ground to prevent water infiltration. The tip itself and all the associated equipment pass through the upright and continue below the surface of the earth. Without these risers in place, the drill would be vulnerable to corrosion and damage caused by salty water. All cuts of rock and other debris would simply be released into the water, resulting in pollution that could have an impact on the quality of water and sea life. Drilling risers helps to contain drilling operations within the duct boundaries.

During sub-sea drilling, workers pump down drilling fluid down through the drill line into the cutting bit at the end. This spray fluid spray out of the bit to help reduce the heat generated by cutting through stone and hard ground. This fluid then carries rock and other debris back through the duct to the surface of the sea, where it can be harvested and treated by oil workers. The drilling riser should be slightly larger than the drill itself to make room for this fluid.

The use of puncture posts enables water drilling companies for long periods, with little risk of damage to the equipment. The tip can be left in place over time without being exposed to sea water, allowing workers to dig deeper than in previous years. Bringing waste and rocks to surface for disposal, the risers help to reduce water pollution and its effects.