Drilling & Well Completion

company hand

The Company Hand: An Essential Part of Drilling and Well Completion

In the world of drilling and well completion, the term "company hand" refers to a skilled and experienced individual who plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient operations. They are the hands-on, multi-talented workforce who work closely with the drilling crew, carrying out a wide range of tasks under the direction of the company representative.

Who is the Company Representative?

The company representative, often referred to as the "company man" or "wellsite supervisor," is the individual responsible for overseeing all aspects of the drilling and completion operations on behalf of the oil or gas company. They act as the liaison between the drilling contractor and the company, ensuring that the work is conducted according to the approved plans and specifications.

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Company Hand:

Company hands are crucial members of the wellsite team, contributing to the success of every operation. Their responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks, including:

  • Rig Maintenance and Housekeeping: Keeping the rig clean, organized, and in good working order is a priority for company hands. They assist with daily maintenance tasks, such as cleaning equipment, greasing parts, and ensuring the safety of the rig environment.
  • Drilling Operations: Company hands assist the drilling crew with various tasks, such as:
    • Handling and Running Tubing: Loading, unloading, and running the tubing string, ensuring it's properly connected and sealed.
    • Handling Drill Pipe and Casing: Assisting with the handling, running, and pulling of drill pipe and casing strings.
    • Monitoring Drilling Parameters: Recording and monitoring drilling parameters such as weight on bit, rotary speed, and mud flow rate.
    • Maintaining Mud System: Cleaning and maintaining the mud system, ensuring proper mud circulation and quality.
  • Well Completion Operations: Company hands are also involved in well completion activities, which include:
    • Installing and Cementing Casing: Assisting in the installation and cementing of casing strings to protect the wellbore and isolate different zones.
    • Running Completion Strings: Assisting in the running of completion strings, including tubing, packers, and production equipment.
    • Performing Well Tests: Assisting in performing well tests to evaluate production rates and reservoir characteristics.

The Importance of Experience and Expertise:

Company hands need to be physically fit and possess strong technical skills. They often have years of experience in the oil and gas industry, developing a comprehensive understanding of drilling and completion operations. They work closely with the drilling crew, learning from experienced professionals and gaining valuable hands-on knowledge. This experience allows them to quickly adapt to changing conditions and contribute effectively to the team's success.

In Conclusion:

The company hand plays a critical role in the efficient and safe execution of drilling and well completion operations. Their dedication to their tasks, coupled with their expertise and experience, makes them valuable assets to any wellsite team. As they work alongside the company representative and the drilling crew, they contribute to the success of every operation, ensuring that the well is drilled and completed to the highest standards.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: The Company Hand

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary role of a company hand? a) Supervise the drilling crew b) Perform hands-on tasks under the direction of the company representative c) Manage the budget for drilling operations d) Design well completion strategies

Answer

b) Perform hands-on tasks under the direction of the company representative

2. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a company hand? a) Running tubing and casing strings b) Monitoring drilling parameters c) Designing the wellbore trajectory d) Maintaining the mud system

Answer

c) Designing the wellbore trajectory

3. What is the company representative's role in relation to the company hand? a) The company representative provides direct supervision to the company hand. b) The company hand reports to the company representative. c) The company representative and company hand have equal authority. d) The company hand reports to the drilling crew supervisor.

Answer

b) The company hand reports to the company representative.

4. What is the significance of experience and expertise for a company hand? a) It allows them to operate heavy machinery. b) It helps them adapt quickly to changing conditions and contribute effectively. c) It enables them to manage the budget effectively. d) It ensures they can design well completion strategies.

Answer

b) It helps them adapt quickly to changing conditions and contribute effectively.

5. Which of the following is NOT a well completion activity that a company hand might assist with? a) Installing and cementing casing b) Running completion strings c) Performing well tests d) Designing the wellbore trajectory

Answer

d) Designing the wellbore trajectory

Exercise:

Scenario:

You are a company hand working on a drilling rig. The drill pipe is stuck in the wellbore. The company representative has asked you to assist with the situation.

Task:

  1. Identify three possible causes for the drill pipe becoming stuck.
  2. Describe one action you could take to help resolve the situation.

Exercice Correction

**Possible Causes:**

  • Differential Sticking: The pressure difference between the mud and the formation can cause the drill pipe to become stuck.
  • Key Seating: The drill pipe can get stuck in a key seat, a tight spot in the wellbore.
  • Torque and Drag: Excessive torque and drag can lead to the drill pipe sticking.

**Action to take:**

  • Help with the circulation of mud: Maintain proper mud circulation and pressure to reduce the potential for differential sticking.


Books

  • "Drilling Engineering: Principles and Practices" by J.P. Brill and A.H.C. Smits: This comprehensive text covers all aspects of drilling engineering, including detailed information about drilling operations, rig equipment, and the roles of various personnel on a drilling crew.
  • "Petroleum Production Systems" by John M. Campbell: This book offers a broad overview of the entire petroleum production process, with sections dedicated to drilling, well completion, and production operations, highlighting the contributions of different roles.
  • "The Well Completion Handbook" by John A. Davies and G.R. Mason: This handbook focuses specifically on well completion operations, providing detailed explanations of the various techniques and equipment used. It includes information on the roles and responsibilities of different personnel involved in completion processes.

Articles

  • "The Role of the Company Hand in Drilling Operations" by [Author name]: This type of article would provide a specific focus on the tasks and responsibilities of a company hand, highlighting their importance to drilling operations. Look for articles published in industry journals like "World Oil," "Oil & Gas Journal," and "Drilling Contractor."
  • "Wellsite Safety: The Importance of Teamwork and Communication" by [Author name]: While not specifically focused on the company hand, this article will likely discuss the importance of effective communication and teamwork between all members of the drilling crew, including the company representative and company hands.

Online Resources

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): The SPE website (spe.org) offers numerous resources for professionals in the oil and gas industry, including technical papers, webinars, and industry news related to drilling and well completion.
  • International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC): The IADC website (iadc.org) provides resources specifically for drilling contractors, offering information on industry standards, training programs, and safety protocols.
  • Oil & Gas Journal: The Oil & Gas Journal website (ogj.com) is a reputable source for news, analysis, and technical articles related to the oil and gas industry, including drilling and completion operations.
  • World Oil: World Oil (worldoil.com) is another reputable source for industry news, articles, and technical information related to the oil and gas industry, with a focus on drilling and production.

Search Tips

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  • Combine keywords: Use phrases like "company hand responsibilities," "company hand role in drilling," or "company hand training."
  • Include industry journals: Add phrases like "company hand article in World Oil," "company hand research in SPE," or "company hand publication IADC."
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