Choosing an Oil Workover Drill Rig

If you're in the market for an oil workover drill rig, you need to think carefully about what size and features are right for your operation. Workover rigs are expensive, and you don't want to buy more rig than you need — or less. Here's how to choose the right one.

Step 1: Define Your Typical Job

Don't buy a rig for the biggest job you might ever get. Buy it for the job you do most of the time. If you're mostly working on shallow wells at 1,000-2,000 meters, you don't need a 4,000-meter rig. You'll waste money on fuel, maintenance, and insurance. If you expect to grow into deeper work later, size up a little — but don't go crazy.

Also think about where you work. If you're working in urban or suburban areas, you need a rig that's not too big and loud. If you're working in remote areas with wide open spaces, size doesn't matter as much. And if you're working in mountainous terrain, you need a 4x4 or 6x6 truck that can handle steep, rough roads.

Step 2: Match the Rig to Your Wells

What kind of wells are you working on? Shallow or deep? Small diameter or large diameter? Low pressure or high pressure? The answers to these questions determine what size rig you need.

For shallow, low-pressure wells, a small 50-100 ton rig is enough. For medium-depth wells, a 100-200 ton rig is standard. For deep, high-pressure wells, you need a heavy duty 200+ ton rig.

Step 3: Consider the Features

What features do you need? A telescopic mast? A computerized control system? A crew cabin? Extra storage? Think about what will make your crew more efficient and your operation more profitable. Don't pay for features you don't need, but don't skimp on the features that will save you time and money.

FAQ

Q: What's the most popular size workover rig?
A: The 150-ton medium workover rig is the sweet spot. It's powerful enough for most onshore wells, but still affordable and mobile. It's the first rig most workover service companies buy when they're starting out.