The slip-and-cut process on a drilling rig replaces the old drilling line and is triggered when the ton-mile metric (tracked in rig maintenance records) reaches a predetermined milestone. Here’s a streamlined, step-by-step guide to this operation:
The slip-and-cut process replaces the old drilling line when maintenance metrics (ton-miles) indicate it’s due.
Here’s a simplified guide to slip and cut operation using Cable Shark:
Safety Preparation:
Setup and Slack Removal:
Cable Shark Operation:
New Line Installation:
Completion:
The Cable Shark unit is mounted on the top and rear of the draw works shroud, secured with brackets to both the draw works and the rig floor directly behind the draw works. Sliding on dual rail sliders allows the unit to travel horizontally above the drawworks while the pivot hinges allow the unit to tilt and articulate forward, towards the drilling cable when it’s in operation, or backward, away from the drilling cable to be locked in its storage position. Once mounted and enclosed, the operator controls the line and the cable shark unit via the hand-held remote control.
Pre-Job Safety Meeting: Gather the crew to review the procedure, overhead risks (falling cable, tools, pinch points), and proper lifting techniques.
Assign Roles: The Rig Manager or Driller assigns tasks (e.g., air hoist operation, draw works control, handling the horsehead and dog knot, and cable disposal).
Check PPE and Tools: Ensure everyone has the required PPE, tools, and equipment.
Secure Drilling Blocks: Hang the blocks in the derrick to relieve weight from the drilling line.
Prepare the Horsehead: Loosen and release the horsehead for stringing new drilling line.
Access Draw Works: Remove the front panel section of the draw works.
Slack Removal: Use the air hoist to pull slack drilling line into the derrick as it is spooled off the draw works.
Cable Shark Setup: Insert the drilling line into the Cable Shark unit and secure the door.
Mark Cutting Point: Identify and mark where to cut the drilling line.
Position for Cutting: Use the Cable Shark remote to position the line for cutting.
Engage Brakes: Activate the Cable Shark brakes on both ends of the line.
Cut the Line: Use the remote to safely cut the line, eliminating injury risk from manual cutting.
Remove Old Line: Thread the line down until the cut section falls out of the unit.
Extract Remaining Line: Pull out the remaining old line and remove the dog knot.
Dispose of Old Line: Clear and properly dispose of the old drilling line.
Thread New Line: Use the remote to thread the new line through the Cable Shark until there’s enough slack to tie the dog knot.
Align with Draw Works: Position the Cable Shark and line with the draw works drum groove.
Set Drag: Engage the drag feature using the remote.
Release Brakes: Disengage the Cable Shark brakes.
Spool New Line: Turn the draw works drum, gently feeding the line through the Cable Shark to spool tightly onto the drum. This process eliminates the need for manual hammering.
Store Cable Shark: Release the new line, store the Cable Shark unit, and lock it in place.
Complete Spooling: Finish wrapping the new drilling line onto the drum.
Reinstall Horsehead: Lock the draw works and securely reinstall the horsehead.
Check Alignment: Ensure drilling blocks are properly positioned and the line moves smoothly through the sheaves.
Reassemble Draw Works: Replace the front panel section.