Oil Well Pictures in the Permian Basin

The oil well picture above is a nice overview of the Noodle Canyon #1 rig.

Oil Rig Components

An onshore oil rig consists of several critical components that work together to drill for and extract oil and natural gas. Here are some of the main components:

1. Derrick/Mast: The tall, tower-like structure that supports the drilling apparatus and facilitates the raising and lowering of drill pipes.
2. Drill String: A column of drill pipes that transmits drilling fluid (mud) and rotational power to the drill bit at the bottom of the wellbore.
3. Drill Bit: The cutting tool at the bottom of the drill string that crushes or cuts rock to make the wellbore.
4. Mud Pumps: High-pressure pumps that circulate drilling fluid (mud) through the drill string and back up the annulus, carrying rock cuttings to the surface.
5. Blowout Preventer (BOP): A large valve or series of valves installed at the wellhead to control and seal the wellbore in case of a blowout, preventing uncontrolled release of oil or gas.
6. Mud System: Includes mud tanks, mud pumps, and mud treatment equipment. This system circulates drilling mud, cools and lubricates the drill bit, and removes rock cuttings from the drilling fluid.
7. Rotary Table/Top Drive: Equipment that turns the drill string to drill the well. A rotary table rotates the drill string from the platform floor, while a top drive rotates the drill string from the derrick.
8. Drawworks: A large winch used to raise and lower the drill string and other equipment into and out of the well.
9. Casing and Casing Head: Casing is steel pipe placed in the wellbore to maintain the integrity of the well. The casing head is the equipment that connects the casing to the blowout preventer or wellhead.
10. Shale Shakers: Equipment used to separate rock cuttings from the drilling fluid (mud), allowing the cleaned fluid to be reused.
11. Power Generation Systems: Typically includes diesel engines and generators that provide electricity for the rig’s operations.
12. Storage Tanks: Tanks used for storing oil, water, and drilling mud on-site.
13. Cranes and Winches: Used for lifting and moving equipment and supplies around the rig site.
14. Doghouse: A small, portable building on the rig site used as an office for the driller and for storing small tools and supplies.
15. Pipe Racks: Structures used to store drill pipes, casing, and other tubular goods in an organized manner.

Each of these components plays an essential role in the drilling and operation process of an onshore oil rig, ensuring efficient and safe extraction of oil and natural gas.

For a more detailed explanation of oil & gas rig components, please see our Oil Rig 3D Virtual Tour and our Oil & Gas Glossary of Terms.