Drilling & Well Completion

tourly (pronounced "towerly")

Tourly: A Drilling & Well Completion Nomenclature

In the demanding world of drilling and well completion, clear communication is paramount. To facilitate this, industry professionals have developed a unique vocabulary. One term that stands out is "Tourly," pronounced "Towerly."

What is "Tourly"?

"Tourly" is a slang term used in drilling and well completion operations, particularly in rig environments, to describe the time period covered by a specific shift. It's essentially a combination of "tour" and "daily," reflecting the cyclical nature of work in these settings.

Shift Descriptions:

The concept of "Tourly" is intrinsically linked to the different shifts that comprise a continuous drilling or completion operation. Here's a breakdown of the typical shifts and their corresponding "Tourly" descriptions:

  • Day Tourly: Typically runs from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, covering the daylight hours. This shift is often considered the most "normal" schedule, with a standard work day.
  • Swing Tourly: Covers the mid-day hours, typically from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This shift represents a transition between the day and night crews.
  • Night Tourly: Operates through the night, usually from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. This shift requires a high level of vigilance and adaptability to work in non-standard hours.

Why is "Tourly" Important?

The term "Tourly" serves several critical functions in the drilling and completion industry:

  • Clear Communication: Using "Tourly" allows for concise and unambiguous communication about specific time periods. This is crucial in an environment where safety and efficiency are paramount.
  • Shift Coordination: The concept of "Tourly" helps establish clear boundaries for each shift, facilitating smooth transitions and handover between crews.
  • Operational Efficiency: By using "Tourly," teams can easily track and manage tasks and progress across different shifts, ensuring that operations run smoothly.

Example Usage:

  • "We'll be running casing on the next Day Tourly."
  • "The mud weight was adjusted during the Swing Tourly."
  • "The Night Tourly crew reported a minor equipment malfunction."

Conclusion:

"Tourly" is a valuable term in the drilling and well completion lexicon, providing a clear and efficient way to discuss work schedules and shifts. It reinforces the importance of communication and coordination, vital for ensuring safety and operational success in these demanding environments.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Tourly - Drilling & Well Completion Nomenclature

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does the term "Tourly" represent in the drilling and well completion industry?

a) A specific type of drilling rig b) A specialized tool used in well completion c) The time period covered by a specific shift d) A unit of measurement for drilling depth

Answer

c) The time period covered by a specific shift

2. Which of the following is NOT a typical "Tourly" designation?

a) Day Tourly b) Swing Tourly c) Night Tourly d) Midday Tourly

Answer

d) Midday Tourly

3. What is the usual time range for the Swing Tourly?

a) 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM b) 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM c) 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM d) 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Answer

b) 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

4. Why is the concept of "Tourly" important in drilling and well completion operations?

a) It helps distinguish between different types of drilling fluids b) It facilitates clear communication about specific time periods c) It is used to calculate the cost of drilling operations d) It is a safety protocol for emergency situations

Answer

b) It facilitates clear communication about specific time periods

5. Which of the following sentences uses the term "Tourly" correctly?

a) The drilling rig was moved to a new location on the Tourly. b) The engineers conducted a safety inspection during the Day Tourly. c) The Tourly was responsible for installing the wellhead equipment. d) The drilling crew worked on the Tourly to complete the well.

Answer

b) The engineers conducted a safety inspection during the Day Tourly.

Exercise: Tourly Schedule

Scenario: You are a drilling supervisor responsible for overseeing a 24-hour drilling operation. Your crew works in three shifts: Day Tourly, Swing Tourly, and Night Tourly.

Task: Create a sample daily schedule using the "Tourly" terminology, including:

  • Start and end times for each shift
  • Key tasks planned for each shift
  • Any special instructions or considerations

Example:

Day Tourly (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)

  • Continue drilling operation
  • Monitor mud parameters
  • Run casing string if necessary
  • Safety inspection of drilling equipment

Swing Tourly (3:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

  • Handover from Day Tourly crew
  • Continue drilling operation
  • Prepare for potential well control event
  • Safety inspection of wellhead equipment

Night Tourly (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM)

  • Handover from Swing Tourly crew
  • Continue drilling operation
  • Monitor mud parameters
  • Run casing string if necessary
  • Safety inspection of drilling equipment

Exercice Correction

The correct answer will vary depending on the specific drilling operation. However, the schedule should be realistic and include details relevant to the different "Tourly" designations. Make sure to include:

  • Specific tasks for each shift
  • Clear time boundaries for each shift
  • Any special instructions or considerations for each shift

Remember, the "Tourly" concept helps ensure efficient communication and coordination between different crews working on the drilling operation.


Books

  • "Drilling Engineering: A Complete Course" by Robert E. Krueger: This comprehensive textbook covers various aspects of drilling operations, including shift work and crew management. It might mention the concept of "Tourly" indirectly.
  • "Well Completion Design and Operations" by John M. Campbell: This book focuses on the well completion phase, which also involves shift work and crew scheduling. It may discuss similar concepts related to "Tourly".

Articles

  • Search for articles on "Drilling Crew Scheduling", "Well Completion Shift Work", "Rig Operations", or "Drilling Industry Terminology". You might find articles discussing shift patterns and scheduling practices that indirectly relate to "Tourly".
  • Consult industry publications like "Oil & Gas Journal", "World Oil", or "Petroleum Technology Quarterly" for articles about drilling and well completion operations. These publications often use specialized terminology and might mention "Tourly" or similar concepts.

Online Resources

  • Online drilling and well completion forums: Websites like "RigZone", "Drilling Contractor", or "Oil & Gas People" often have discussion forums where industry professionals share experiences and information. Searching for "shifts" or "crew scheduling" in these forums might yield insights related to "Tourly".
  • Industry websites and blogs: Websites of drilling companies or equipment manufacturers sometimes provide information about their operations or industry practices, which might include mentions of shift work and "Tourly" concepts.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords like "drilling shift schedule", "well completion crew rotation", "oil rig work schedule", or "drilling industry jargon" along with "tourly" or similar terms.
  • Include specific locations or regions in your search, as drilling practices and terminology can vary regionally.
  • Try searching for "Tourly" in quotation marks to find websites that use the exact term.

Techniques

Tourly: A Drilling & Well Completion Nomenclature

Chapter 1: Techniques

The effective use of "Tourly" in drilling and well completion operations relies on consistent application and integration into established communication protocols. Several techniques maximize its utility:

  • Standardized Reporting: Each shift should utilize a standardized reporting format that explicitly references the "Tourly" (e.g., Day Tourly, Swing Tourly, Night Tourly) during shift handovers and in daily reports. This ensures continuity and prevents miscommunication. Key metrics, events, and issues should be clearly timestamped and associated with the relevant Tourly.

  • Visual Aids: Visual aids such as shift boards or digital dashboards can display the current Tourly and highlight key activities planned for the upcoming shift(s). This provides a quick overview for all personnel on the rig.

  • Communication Channels: Designated communication channels, such as radios or dedicated messaging platforms, should be used to relay critical information pertaining to each Tourly, ensuring timely updates across all shifts.

  • Pre-Tourly Briefings: Implementing short pre-shift briefings focusing on the activities planned for that specific Tourly helps teams prepare and anticipate potential challenges. This proactive approach enhances efficiency and safety.

  • Post-Tourly Debriefings: Post-shift debriefings allow teams to review the events of the Tourly, address any issues encountered, and identify areas for improvement. These sessions are crucial for continuous improvement and proactive risk management.

Chapter 2: Models

Several models can be utilized to enhance the management and understanding of work schedules using the "Tourly" concept:

  • Shift Rotation Models: Different shift rotation models (e.g., 7/7, 14/14) directly impact the frequency and experience with each Tourly. Analyzing the impact of these models on worker fatigue and operational efficiency is vital for optimizing scheduling.

  • Task Scheduling Models: Integrating "Tourly" into task scheduling models allows for more accurate estimations of project timelines and resource allocation. By breaking down projects into Tourly-specific tasks, progress can be easily monitored and adjusted as needed.

  • Crew Allocation Models: Optimizing crew allocation based on the demands of each Tourly (e.g., heavier workload during the day shift) is crucial for operational efficiency and worker well-being.

  • Risk Assessment Models: Integrating "Tourly" into risk assessment procedures allows for more precise identification of time-dependent hazards and mitigation strategies specific to each shift.

Chapter 3: Software

Specialized software applications can significantly improve the management and utilization of the "Tourly" concept. Features that would enhance efficiency include:

  • Shift Scheduling Software: Software dedicated to shift scheduling should allow for easy creation, modification, and visualization of Tourly schedules, ensuring clear assignment and communication of shift responsibilities.

  • Real-Time Progress Tracking: Software that tracks the progress of tasks in real-time, categorized by Tourly, facilitates better monitoring and management of operations.

  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Applications providing comprehensive reporting and data analysis capabilities, including data visualization related to Tourly performance metrics, allow for identifying bottlenecks and improving overall efficiency.

  • Communication Platforms: Integration with secure communication platforms allows for direct messaging and updates related to each Tourly, enhancing collaboration and reducing miscommunication.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Best practices surrounding the use of "Tourly" in drilling and well completion operations include:

  • Consistent Terminology: Maintain consistent use of the term "Tourly" across all communication channels and documentation to avoid ambiguity.

  • Clear Shift Boundaries: Establish clear and well-defined start and end times for each Tourly, ensuring smooth transitions between shifts.

  • Thorough Handovers: Implement comprehensive shift handover procedures, including detailed updates on the status of ongoing tasks and any potential issues for the next Tourly.

  • Proactive Communication: Encourage proactive communication between shifts to address potential challenges and ensure continuity.

  • Regular Training: Provide regular training to personnel on the correct use and importance of the "Tourly" terminology and associated procedures.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

(This section would require specific examples. The following is a template for potential case studies.)

Case Study 1: Enhanced Communication through Standardized Reporting: This case study would detail how a company implemented standardized reporting procedures using "Tourly" terminology, resulting in reduced miscommunication, improved safety, and increased operational efficiency. Quantifiable results, such as decreased incidents or improved task completion rates, would be presented.

Case Study 2: Optimizing Crew Allocation using "Tourly": This case study would show how a company used "Tourly" data to analyze workload distribution across shifts and optimized crew allocation to reduce fatigue, improve safety, and increase productivity. The improvements in worker satisfaction and operational performance would be highlighted.

Case Study 3: Improved Task Scheduling with "Tourly" Integration: This case study would demonstrate the successful integration of "Tourly" into a task scheduling model, illustrating the benefits of better project planning, improved resource allocation, and more accurate timeline estimations. The resulting reduction in project delays and cost overruns would be presented.

Comments


No Comments
POST COMMENT
captcha
Back