Drilling & Well Completion

Finger Board (drilling)

Finger Boards: A Vital Component in Derrick Safety and Efficiency

In the world of oil and gas drilling, safety and efficiency are paramount. A key element in achieving this is the proper handling and storage of drill pipe within the derrick. This is where finger boards come into play.

What are Finger Boards?

Finger boards are steel structures, resembling long fingers, that are securely mounted to the derrick. They provide a designated and safe location for the derrick man to store pipe that is "standing" in the derrick – meaning it is not being actively used in the drilling process.

The Role of Finger Boards in Drilling Operations:

Finger boards play a crucial role in several aspects of drilling operations:

  • Safety: By providing a dedicated storage space for standing pipe, finger boards eliminate the risk of pipe falling and causing injury or damage.
  • Efficiency: Organized storage allows the derrick man to quickly and easily access the required pipe, minimizing downtime and increasing overall drilling speed.
  • Organization: Finger boards maintain order within the derrick, ensuring that pipes are properly stacked and accessible, contributing to a safe and efficient work environment.

How Finger Boards Function:

Each finger on the board is designed to securely hold a single stand of pipe. The finger boards are often made of heavy-duty steel and feature grooves or slots that align with the pipe's threads. These grooves provide a secure and stable platform for the pipe, preventing it from rolling or slipping.

Types of Finger Boards:

There are various types of finger boards, each designed to accommodate different pipe sizes and derrick configurations. Some common types include:

  • Fixed Finger Boards: These are permanently mounted to the derrick and offer a reliable and consistent storage solution.
  • Adjustable Finger Boards: These boards allow for adjustment in terms of spacing between fingers to accommodate varying pipe sizes.

Maintenance and Inspection:

Regular inspection and maintenance of finger boards are essential to ensure their safety and effectiveness. This includes:

  • Visual inspections: Checking for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
  • Structural integrity: Verifying that the boards are securely mounted and capable of handling the weight of the stored pipe.
  • Thread alignment: Ensuring that the grooves or slots are properly aligned to securely hold the pipe.

Conclusion:

Finger boards are an indispensable tool in the safe and efficient operation of oil and gas drilling rigs. They provide a designated and safe storage space for standing pipe, enhancing worker safety, streamlining operations, and contributing to a well-organized and efficient drilling process. Their importance is undeniable, making them a crucial component of any successful drilling operation.


Test Your Knowledge

Finger Boards Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary function of finger boards in drilling operations? a) To assist in the removal of pipe from the well. b) To provide a safe storage location for "standing" pipe. c) To facilitate the connection of drill pipe sections. d) To help stabilize the derrick during drilling.

Answer

b) To provide a safe storage location for "standing" pipe.

2. What is the main safety benefit of using finger boards? a) They prevent pipe from being accidentally dropped during drilling. b) They reduce the risk of pipe corrosion. c) They help prevent pipe from becoming entangled. d) They protect the derrick from damage during storms.

Answer

a) They prevent pipe from being accidentally dropped during drilling.

3. Which of the following is NOT a type of finger board? a) Fixed Finger Boards b) Adjustable Finger Boards c) Telescopic Finger Boards d) Swivel Finger Boards

Answer

d) Swivel Finger Boards

4. Why is regular inspection of finger boards important? a) To ensure that they are clean and aesthetically pleasing. b) To check for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. c) To determine the weight capacity of the boards. d) To ensure that they are properly aligned with the derrick.

Answer

b) To check for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.

5. What makes finger boards an important part of a safe and efficient drilling operation? a) They help to improve communication between the derrick man and the drill crew. b) They reduce the amount of time required to set up the drilling rig. c) They contribute to an organized work environment and reduce downtime. d) They make it easier to transport pipe to the drilling site.

Answer

c) They contribute to an organized work environment and reduce downtime.

Finger Boards Exercise:

Scenario: You are the derrick man on a drilling rig. You have just finished running a new string of pipe into the well. Now you need to store the "standing" pipe safely using the finger boards.

Task:

  1. Identify: Describe the different types of finger boards you may encounter on a drilling rig (e.g., fixed, adjustable).
  2. Storage: Explain the steps involved in storing the "standing" pipe safely on the finger boards, making sure to consider factors like:
    • Choosing the correct finger boards based on pipe size.
    • Aligning the pipe threads with the finger board grooves.
    • Ensuring the pipe is securely held and won't roll or slip.
  3. Safety: List at least three safety precautions you would take while storing pipe on the finger boards.

Exercice Correction

1. Identify: - Fixed Finger Boards: Permanently mounted to the derrick, offering a consistent storage solution. - Adjustable Finger Boards: Allow for adjustment in spacing to accommodate different pipe sizes. 2. Storage: - **Choose the correct finger boards:** Select finger boards with slots that match the diameter of the pipe being stored. - **Align the pipe threads:** Carefully align the pipe threads with the grooves or slots on the finger board, ensuring a secure fit. - **Secure the pipe:** Make sure the pipe rests firmly in the grooves, preventing it from rolling or slipping. 3. Safety Precautions: - **Use proper lifting techniques:** Always lift and move pipe with appropriate lifting equipment and use correct lifting techniques to avoid injury. - **Inspect the finger boards:** Before storing pipe, check the finger boards for any damage, wear, or corrosion. - **Clear the area:** Ensure the area around the finger boards is clear of obstructions and tools to prevent trips or falls.


Books

  • "Drilling Engineering" by Robert F. Anderson - A comprehensive text covering various aspects of drilling, including derrick design and equipment.
  • "Petroleum Engineering Handbook" by William C. Lyons - A reference handbook containing detailed information on drilling operations, including safety practices and equipment.
  • "Drilling and Well Completion Engineering" by Richard P. Mayer - This book focuses on drilling operations, including derrick design, rigging, and pipe handling.

Articles

  • "Derrick Safety and Efficiency" by [Author's name] - This article (which may be fictional or yet to be published) would likely focus on the specific role of finger boards in safety and efficiency.
  • "Best Practices for Rigging and Handling Drill Pipe" - A search for articles with this title on industry websites or journals can provide valuable insights.
  • "The Importance of Rig Maintenance for Safety and Productivity" - Articles with this title could touch upon the importance of finger board maintenance.

Online Resources

  • Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Websites: Explore websites of companies specializing in oil and gas drilling equipment. They may have sections on derrick components, including finger boards.
  • Oil and Gas Industry Associations: Websites like the American Petroleum Institute (API) or the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) might provide guidelines, standards, or safety information related to derrick equipment and finger boards.
  • Drilling Engineering Journals: Online journals like SPE Drilling & Completion, Journal of Petroleum Technology, or World Oil may publish articles relevant to finger board design, maintenance, or use.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Combine "finger boards" with "drilling", "derrick", "safety", "efficiency", "rig", or "maintenance" for targeted results.
  • Search for industry publications: Include "API" or "IADC" in your search to narrow down results to relevant industry sources.
  • Utilize quotation marks: Surround specific phrases like "finger board design" or "finger board inspection" with quotation marks to find exact matches.
  • Explore image search: Look for images of finger boards installed in derricks to get a better visual understanding of their design and function.

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