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The Construction of Oil Drilling Platforms in the Ocean

Offshore oil drill rigs fall into two separate categories with unique designs and functions. Because oil is found all over the ocean, drills are designed for various depths and weather conditions. Some are used to find oil, while others are specifically made for long-term extraction operations.

  1. Drillling Template

    • The drilling template is attached to an artificial platform placed above the water. Platforms can differ based on factors like the well's depth and characteristics. The drilling template is an extremely important piece of equipment. Its role is to connect the underwater well to the drilling platform so that oil can be extracted. It is lowered with precision using the global positioning system (GPS). Workers then dig a shallow hole and put the template in place with cement and cables. This is important, since platforms may be moved around by rough seas.

    Blowout Preventer and Marine Riser

    • With ocean drilling, certain safety measures must be taken. For this reason, drillers will install a blowout preventer. This device is installed on the sea floor to keep oil from leaking out. A marine riser is also installed, which extends from the sea floor to the surface platform. Its job is to house the drilling components, such as the drill bit. Like the drilling template, the marine riser must be flexible to withstand with rough waters.

    Exploratory Wells

    • Before full-blown extraction can begin, a potential oil source must be located. This is where exploratory wells come in. Geologists survey an area, and if they believe to have found an oil deposit, they hire a contractor to construct an exploratory well. The purpose is to confirm or rule out the existence of oil. The length of the process can vary, ranging from fifteen days to twelve months.

    Rig Types

    • There are two main types of oil rigs: movable and immovable. Movable rigs, such as drilling barges, are generally used for exploration. Drilling barges are basically ships with built-in rigs. Immovable platforms are attached to the sea floor in different ways, depending on the water depth. For example, fixed platforms can be attached to the sea floor with steel or concrete legs. Other rigs, like compliant towers and seastar platforms, rely on flexible towers that attach them to the sea floor. The flexibility makes it possible for the construct to withstand pressure changes and weather conditions farther offshore.

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