Two heavy duty North Sea semi-submersible drilling units have been enhanced by the installation of additional buoyancy chambers and upgraded drilling equipment. This relatively recent investment in the rigs has improved drilling performance. It also means that the future challenge of an increasingly demanding North Sea exploration programme can be tackled with both confidence and vigour.

Keywords:
buoyancy chamber, drilling performance, drilling equipment, top drive, mast extension, drilling fluids and materials, society of petroleum engineers, drillpipe, programme, mud pump
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Drilling Equipment, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Drilling fluid management & disposal
Copyright 1988, Society of Petroleum Engineers
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.