How Is an Oil Derrick Made?

Preparation

• An oil crew comes out and clears the land of debris, digs a cellar for scraps and rocks found during drilling and digs the primary drill hole. The derrick sits over this hole. With the ground prepared, trucks or helicopters bring in the derrick parts for construction.

Derrick

• Workers build a large, upright section over the main drilling hole, which the main platform supports. This framework or tower over the main drilling hole is the actual derrick. The derrick supports a long-armed winch weighted at one end with a chain on the other. The arm lifts heavy equipment including the main drill. Some derricks don't have an arm, but a basic hoisting chain connected to the derrick.

Drill

• A casing covers the interior of the primary drill hole to keep the line from collapsing in on itself. The drill string is connected to the derrick and workers lower the primary drill collar and bit into the hole. Diesel motors and generators power the primary drill and the derrick winch as well as any other electrical equipment brought to the site.

Cooling System

• The drill bit gets hot cutting through the dirt and rock and needs a cooling system. Without it, the drill would overheat, and the drill bit would break. Pipes and hoses pour wet mud and water into the drill hole and bring it back to the surface for recycling. As the hole gets larger, crews add piping to the drill to accommodate the additional length needed.