Navigating the "Tour" System: A Look at Shift Work in Drilling and Well Completion
In the world of drilling and well completion, the word "tour" doesn't refer to a sightseeing adventure. Instead, it's a crucial element of the industry's unique work schedule. This article will delve into the different "tours" employed, providing insights into the lives of drilling crews and other oilfield workers.
Shifting Gears: Understanding the Tour System
The oil and gas industry relies heavily on continuous operations, often running 24/7. To accommodate this, crews work in shifts known as "tours." A "tour" represents a specific working period, usually lasting 8 to 12 hours.
The 8-Hour Tours:
- Daylight Tour: This is typically the first shift of the day, often starting in the early morning hours and ending in the afternoon. It is often referred to as the "day tour."
- Evening Tour: This shift takes over from the Daylight Tour and typically runs from late afternoon into the evening. It is also known as the "afternoon tour."
- Graveyard Tour: The final tour of the day, this shift covers the overnight hours, running from late evening into the early morning. It is also known as the "morning tour."
The 12-Hour Tours:
- Day Tour: This shift encompasses a longer workday, starting in the morning and concluding in the evening.
- Night Tour: This tour covers the late evening and overnight hours, running from the evening until the morning.
A Typical Day (or Night) in the Life of a Drilling Crew
The specific duties of a drilling crew vary depending on the phase of the operation (drilling, completion, workover, etc.). However, a typical tour may involve:
- Pre-shift briefing: Receiving instructions and safety updates from the supervisor.
- Rig inspection: Conducting a comprehensive check of the equipment and environment.
- Drilling/Completion operations: Executing the specific tasks assigned, such as running casing, setting cement, or stimulating the well.
- Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on the rig and equipment.
- Reporting: Documenting all activities and any unusual occurrences.
- Shift handover: Passing information and tasks to the next crew.
The Challenges of Shift Work
Working in a "tour" system presents a number of challenges for oilfield workers:
- Sleep disruption: Adjusting to irregular sleep patterns can lead to fatigue and health problems.
- Social isolation: Working long shifts and alternating between day and night can make it difficult to maintain a social life.
- Family obligations: Balancing work and family life can be challenging, especially with long tours.
- Safety risks: Fatigue can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Conclusion
The "tour" system is an essential part of the drilling and well completion industry, allowing for continuous operations. While it offers unique opportunities for individuals to contribute to the industry, it also poses challenges that require careful management. By understanding the demands and complexities of the tour system, companies and workers can strive to create a safe and sustainable work environment for all.
Test Your Knowledge
Quiz: Navigating the "Tour" System
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What does the term "tour" refer to in the oil and gas industry? (a) A sightseeing trip (b) A specific working period (c) A type of drilling rig (d) A safety procedure
Answer
(b) A specific working period
2. Which of the following is NOT a typical 8-hour tour? (a) Daylight Tour (b) Evening Tour (c) Morning Tour (d) Night Tour
Answer
(d) Night Tour
3. What is a typical task during a pre-shift briefing? (a) Running casing (b) Setting cement (c) Receiving safety updates (d) Performing maintenance
Answer
(c) Receiving safety updates
4. Which of the following is NOT a challenge associated with shift work? (a) Sleep disruption (b) Social isolation (c) Increased productivity (d) Family obligations
Answer
(c) Increased productivity
5. The "tour" system is essential for the oil and gas industry because it allows for: (a) Reduced costs (b) Continuous operations (c) Increased worker safety (d) Shorter project completion times
Answer
(b) Continuous operations
Exercise: Planning a "Tour" Schedule
Instructions: Imagine you are the supervisor for a drilling crew. You need to create a 24-hour schedule for your team, using both 8-hour and 12-hour tours.
Considerations:
- Safety: Ensure adequate rest for workers to prevent fatigue.
- Efficiency: Maximize operational time by scheduling the most critical tasks during peak hours.
- Flexibility: Allow for potential delays and emergency situations.
Task:
- Create a table showing the different tours, their starting and ending times, and a brief description of the tasks planned for each tour.
- Explain your reasoning behind the tour schedule you created, addressing the considerations listed above.
Exercice Correction
A sample schedule could include:
| Tour | Start Time | End Time | Tasks |
|---|
| Daylight Tour | 6:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Rig inspection, pre-shift briefing, drilling operations, maintenance, reporting |
| Evening Tour | 2:00 PM | 10:00 PM | Drilling operations, casing running, cementing, maintenance, reporting |
| Night Tour (12-hour) | 10:00 PM | 10:00 AM | Critical drilling operations, well stimulation, troubleshooting, maintenance, shift handover |
Reasoning:
- Safety: The 12-hour night tour allows for extended time for critical operations while providing sufficient rest time for the crew. The 8-hour tours are spaced out to ensure adequate sleep.
- Efficiency: The most demanding tasks are scheduled during the 12-hour night tour when the crew is fresh and can focus on complex operations.
- Flexibility: The schedule allows for potential delays by extending the night tour if necessary. The 8-hour tours can be adjusted based on operational needs.
Remember that this is just a sample schedule and may need to be adjusted based on specific project requirements and crew availability.
Books
- "The Oil and Gas Industry: A Comprehensive Guide" by Gary A. Schultz: This book provides a thorough overview of the industry, including sections on drilling, completion, and production. It may offer insights into the shift work system.
- "Drilling Engineering" by John C. Wilson: A detailed book on drilling operations, including chapters on drilling rigs, drilling procedures, and workover activities. This could be helpful in understanding the practical aspects of tour systems.
- "Petroleum Production Handbook" by J.A. Clarkson: This comprehensive handbook covers all aspects of oil and gas production, including a section on well completion and the associated work schedules.
Articles
- "Shift Work in the Oil and Gas Industry: Impacts on Health and Safety" by Smith, J. et al.: An article that specifically addresses the health and safety implications of the tour system in the oil and gas industry.
- "The Challenge of Shift Work in the Oilfield" by Jones, K.: An article that delves into the challenges faced by oilfield workers due to the shift work system.
- "Improving Work-Life Balance for Oilfield Workers: A Case Study of the Tour System" by Brown, L.: An article that explores potential solutions for improving work-life balance within the context of the tour system.
Online Resources
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): SPE is a professional organization with a vast collection of articles and technical papers on all aspects of oil and gas, including drilling and well completion. Search for "tour system" or "shift work" in their database.
- Oil and Gas Journal: This trade journal regularly publishes articles about the oil and gas industry, including topics related to drilling, completion, and work schedules. Search for relevant articles using keywords like "tour system," "shift work," or "drilling crew."
- Professional Organizations: Organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API) or the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) provide resources and information for oil and gas professionals, potentially including information on shift work practices.
Search Tips
- Use specific keywords: Include terms like "tour system," "shift work," "drilling crew," "well completion," and "oil and gas industry" in your searches.
- Combine terms: Use phrases like "tour system drilling" or "shift work well completion" to refine your results.
- Include location: Add terms like "North America" or "Texas" if you're interested in information relevant to a specific region.
- Explore advanced search options: Google's advanced search filters can be used to narrow your search by file type, language, date range, and other parameters.
Techniques
Navigating the "Tour" System: A Look at Shift Work in Drilling and Well Completion
Chapter 1: Techniques for Managing Tour Schedules
This chapter focuses on practical techniques employed to mitigate the challenges associated with the "tour" system in the drilling and well completion industry. Effective tour management is crucial for maintaining productivity, safety, and the well-being of the workforce.
Optimizing Shift Patterns:
- Rotation Schedules: Different rotation schedules (e.g., 2 weeks on, 1 week off; 7 days on, 7 days off) impact fatigue and rest significantly. Analysis of various rotation patterns to determine optimal rest periods is vital.
- Shift Length Optimization: The trade-off between longer shifts (increased productivity) and shorter shifts (reduced fatigue) needs careful consideration. Data-driven approaches to determine ideal shift lengths for specific tasks and roles are essential.
- Crew Synchronization: Maintaining consistent handovers between shifts is vital for seamless operations and safety. Techniques such as detailed shift logs, digital communication platforms, and pre-shift briefings enhance efficiency and communication.
- Fatigue Management Strategies: Implementing proactive fatigue management strategies is critical. These can include scheduled breaks, adequate sleep facilities, and training on fatigue recognition and mitigation.
Minimizing Disruption:
- Predictable Schedules: Providing crews with predictable and transparent schedules, whenever possible, improves planning and reduces stress.
- Flexibility and Accommodation: Companies should strive to accommodate individual needs where possible, balancing operational requirements with the well-being of the crew. This might involve adjusting schedules for personal appointments or emergencies.
Chapter 2: Models for Analyzing and Predicting Tour-Related Outcomes
This chapter explores various models used to analyze the impact of different "tour" systems on workforce performance and well-being. These models are crucial for data-driven decision-making in scheduling and fatigue management.
Statistical Modeling:
- Regression Analysis: Examining the correlation between different tour schedules (shift length, rotation patterns) and key performance indicators (KPI's) such as accident rates, production output, and employee turnover.
- Time Series Analysis: Analyzing trends in fatigue-related incidents or productivity changes over time, to identify patterns and potential issues.
Simulation Modeling:
- Agent-Based Modeling: Simulating the behavior of individual crew members and their interactions within a given tour system to predict overall outcomes, such as fatigue levels and operational efficiency.
Predictive Analytics:
- Machine Learning: Applying machine learning algorithms to predict potential problems, such as fatigue-related incidents, based on historical data and current conditions. This can facilitate proactive intervention.
Chapter 3: Software and Technology for Tour Management
This chapter focuses on the software and technologies used for planning, scheduling, and monitoring tour systems in the drilling and well completion industry.
Scheduling Software:
- Dedicated Shift Scheduling Programs: Software specifically designed to optimize shift schedules considering factors such as crew availability, skill sets, and fatigue management guidelines.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Integrated ERP systems that include modules for workforce management and scheduling, providing a comprehensive overview of personnel and operations.
Fatigue Monitoring Systems:
- Wearable Sensors: Sensors that track employee activity levels, sleep patterns, and other physiological data to assess fatigue levels and provide real-time alerts.
- Digital Logs and Reporting Systems: Systems for recording shift-specific data, maintenance logs, and other crucial information, improving data accuracy and transparency.
Communication Platforms:
- Real-Time Communication Tools: Platforms for seamless communication between crew members, supervisors, and support staff, enabling efficient problem-solving and information sharing during shifts.
Chapter 4: Best Practices for Tour System Management
This chapter outlines best practices for implementing and managing effective "tour" systems to minimize risks and maximize productivity and worker well-being.
Prioritize Safety:
- Comprehensive Safety Training: Training on fatigue recognition, hazard identification, and safe working practices is critical for minimizing accidents and injuries.
- Regular Safety Audits: Conducting regular safety audits to identify potential hazards and areas for improvement.
Promote Employee Well-being:
- Access to Healthcare: Ensuring access to adequate healthcare facilities and services for employees working long shifts.
- Mental Health Support: Providing resources and support for mental health, particularly addressing issues related to stress, isolation, and sleep disruption.
Foster Teamwork and Communication:
- Strong Leadership: Effective leadership is vital in maintaining a positive and safe working environment.
- Open Communication Channels: Encouraging open communication between crew members, supervisors, and management.
Continuous Improvement:
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data analysis to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the tour system and make necessary adjustments.
Chapter 5: Case Studies of Successful Tour System Implementation
This chapter presents real-world examples of successful "tour" system implementations in the drilling and well completion industry, highlighting best practices and lessons learned. Each case study would include:
- Company Background: A brief overview of the company and its operations.
- Tour System Details: Description of the implemented tour system, including shift lengths, rotation patterns, and supporting technologies.
- Results and Outcomes: Quantifiable results demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented tour system, including improvements in safety, productivity, and employee well-being.
Lessons Learned: Key takeaways and lessons learned that can be applied to other organizations. This would include challenges faced and how they were overcome.
The case studies would showcase a range of approaches, encompassing different company sizes, operational environments, and technological solutions. This would provide a valuable resource for organizations seeking to improve their own tour system management.
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