Setting Up

Setting Up

Once you arrive at the job, the first operation will be setting up the equipment for drilling. Once the well site is located you should select the direction in which the machine will be most level when it is in its natural position as it is driven in. Also, consideration should be given to the problem of getting the machine out. You should never set up the machine in such a manner as to block your exit once the new well is drilled.

Once you have selected the proper direction in which to place the machine, you should then check carefully for high tension power lines that come in contact with the derrick or the equipment you are working with. Many drillers' lives are lost through electrocution.

Once you are sure you are clear of power lines, you should visually check the machine to be sure that nothing that should be tied down is loose and might fall when the derrick is raised.

With these things behind you, you are ready to start the actual set-up of the machine. The machine has two jacks on the back end and one jack on the front end. To avoid twisting the machine it is always best to level the back end of the machine before leveling the machine from front to rear.

If the back of the machine is going to have to be picked up very high, the front jack on the low side of the machine is extended to bring the machine to a level position. When the machine is level sideways, then it can be leveled front to rear using the front and/or rear jacks together.

Most machines will have either a spirit level or a plumb bob located on it at some point to tell you when the machine is level. Bring it to this point. Then, if your jacks have safety valves on them, the valves should be closed to be sure that the jacks will stay in the position you placed them. The next step will be to raise the derrick.

As the derrick is raised you should be paying particular attention for any loose objects or loose lines that will allow any part of the equipment to slide or fall unexpectedly and injure someone. Once the derrick has been placed in the vertical position, the safety locks for the derrick should be put in place and the level of the machine checked. Frequently, when the derrick is raised, it will affect the level and the machine will have to be releveled. Once all of these steps are taken the machine should be in position to start drilling.