Sneak preview: IADC Well Servicing Committee calls for renewed focus on derrick integrity

“Derrick failures can be catastrophic events in terms of equipment damage, lost revenue and, far more importantly, human life,” Mr Eustace writes in the upcoming editorial. “Our industry needs to pay much closer attention to maintaining and inspecting our masts and load-bearing structures before it’s too late.”

Mr Eustace points out that the average age of the worldwide well-servicing fleet exceeds 25 years.

“The idea of using 25- to 30-year-old equipment seems ludicrous in most industries, yet there are still more rigs working today over 25 years of age than there are under the age of 10,” he observes.

Mr Eustace describes highlights from the newest version of APR RP-4G, which sets recommended practices for well masts and structures. Key elements include anchors, inspections and documentation.

The full editorial will appear in the IADC Connection section of the January/February DC, which will be published in late January.