Section 3 Drilling plant systems

3.1.1 Plans and particulars showing arrangement of the drilling plant equipment, systems, functional descriptions and operating philosophies are to be submitted for approval. Where considered necessary, risk assessments are also to be submitted for consideration.

Drilling equipment is to be designed in accordance with internationally recognised and agreed Codes and Standards and in accordance with the requirements of Pt 3, Ch 7, 1 General.

3.1.3 The generally recognised Codes and Standards frequently specified for drilling equipment are included in these Rules. These Codes and Standards may be used for certification but the additional requirements given in these Rules apply and will take precedence over the Codes and Standards wherever conflict occurs.

3.1.4 The selected materials are to be suitable for the purpose intended and must have adequate properties of strength and ductility. Materials used in welded construction are to be of known and documented weldable quality.

3.1.5 For selection of acceptable materials suitable for hydrogen sulphide-contaminated products (sour service), reference is made to NACE MR0175/ISO15156 – Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries – Materials for use in H2Scontaining Environments in Oil and Gas Production, see Pt 12, Ch 1 Recognised Codes and Standards.

3.1.6 Grey iron castings are not to be used for critical components.

3.1.7 Proposals to use spheroidal graphite iron castings for critical components operating below 0°C will be specially considered by LR in each case.

3.1.8 In general, bolts and nuts are to comply with the Standards listed in Pt 12, Ch 1 Recognised Codes and Standards.

3.1.9 Bolts and nuts for major structural and mechanical components are to have a tensile strength of not less than 600 N/mm². Galvanising of high tensile bolts and nuts is to be avoided. Where non high tensile bolts and nuts are galvanised, they are to follow the guidelines of ASTM B695.

3.1.10 The risk of galvanic corrosion is also to be considered in the selection of all types of fasteners.

3.1.11 For general service, the specified tensile strength of bolting material is not to exceed 1000 N/mm².

3.1.12 Where required, materials of high heat resistance are to be used and the ratings are to be verified.

3.1.13 All bolted structures are to have specific installation and tensioning design requirements made available to the Owner and LR for review before assembly.

3.2.1 The design and construction of the piping systems, piping and fittings forming part of such systems are to be in accordance with an acceptable Code or Standard, see Pt 3, Ch 7, 1.5 Recognised Codes and Standards, and are also to comply with the remainder of this Section.

3.2.2 Piping systems for the drilling and well-testing installations are, in general, to be separate and distinct from piping systems essential to the safety of the unit. Notwithstanding this requirement, this does not exclude the use of the installation’s main, auxiliary and/or essential services for drilling plant operations in suitable cases. Attention is drawn to the relevant Chapters of Pt 5 Main and Auxiliary Machinery, Main and Auxiliary Machinery, when such services are to be utilised. Substances which are known to present a hazard due to a reaction when mixed are to be kept entirely separate.

3.2.3 Piping for services essential to the drilling operations, and piping containing hydrocarbon or other hazardous fluids, is to be of steel or other approved metallic construction. Piping material for -contaminated products (sour service) is to comply with the NACE MR0175/ISO15156 – Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries – Materials for use in H2S-containing Environments in Oil and Gas Production, seePt 12, Ch 1 Recognised Codes and Standards .

3.2.4 All piping systems are to be suitable for the service intended and for the maximum pressures and temperatures to which they are likely to be subjected.

3.2.5 In mud, cement or other systems where the piping is likely to be subjected to considerable erosion, a suitable erosion allowance is to be specified, and anticipated service conditions such as vibration, velocity, hydraulic hammer pressure pulsations are also to be taken into account.

3.2.6 The number of detachable pipe connections in the drilling piping systems is to be limited to those which are essential for mounting and dismantling. Non-critical auxiliary systems such as water and air service may be attached with approved detachable couplings.

3.2.7 Valves used for the shutting down and control of equipment in an emergency, such as choke manifolds and standpipe manifolds, are to be provided with indicators to show clearly whether they are open or closed.

3.3.1 Flexible piping elements approved for their Intended use may be installed in locations where rigid piping is unsuitable or impracticable. Such flexible elements are to be accessible for inspection and replacement, and are to be secured and protected so that personnel will not be injured in the event of failure.

3.3.2 All flexible hoses used during drilling operations are to be manufactured to a recognised Code or Standard and a prototype hose with end fittings attached is to have been burst-tested to the minimum pressure stipulated by the appropriate Standard. Transfer, mud, hydraulic and pneumatic hoses which may be liable to heavy external wear are to be specially protected. Protection against mechanical damage and from rushing/compression is to be provided where necessary.

3.3.3 Means are to be provided to isolate flexible hoses if used in systems where uncontrolled outflow would be critical.

3.3.4 Kill, choke and jumper hoses are to meet the minimum requirements of API 16C and API RP53.

3.3.5 Hydraulic control hoses serving well completion units and blow out preventers are to meet the requirements of API Spec 16E and API RP53.

3.3.6 Flexible piping is to meet the requirements of API RP 17B/ISO 13628-11:2007 Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe. Inspection and maintenance procedures of flexible lines are to meet with requirements of API RP 7L.

3.3.7 Fiberglass and plastic pipe are to meet the requirements of the following main Standards and where applicable other standards in Pt 12, Ch 1 Recognised Codes and Standards:

API RP 15CLT. Recommended practice for composite lined steel tubular goods.

API Spec 15HR. Specification for high pressure fiberglass line pipe.

API Spec 15LE. Specification for polyethylene line pipe (pe).

API Spec 15LR. Specification for low pressure fiberglass line pipe.

3.4.1 The design strength of drilling equipment is to comply generally with LR agreed Codes and Standards.

3.4.2 Drilling equipment and systems are to be protected from excessive loads and pressures.

3.4.3 All drilling equipment is to be located in order to ensure safe operation, and must be suitably protected if for location in a hazardous area. Protection is to limit surface temperature to a maximum of 80 per cent of auto-ignition temperature. This temperature, if unknown, may be taken to be a maximum of 200°C.

3.4.4 The equipment is to be suitable for the design environmental conditions for the unit and the submitted design data for drilling equipment is to include all loading conditions, for each item, including the most unfavourable combination of loads, and any external loading conditions.

3.4.5 A dedicated area suitably sized and classified for well test equipment is to be provided. The area is to be suitably protected with bunding and drainage to prevent any oil spillage from spreading to other areas of the unit.

3.4.6 All areas that are intended to contain permanent or temporary equipment are to be designed with utilities such as electrical power, fresh water, compressed air, PA system, ESD, firewater and/or deluge system and communication system.

3.4.7 The drilling plant will be designed and constructed with regard to safe handling and storage of heavy equipment.

3.4.8 Suitable drilling plant control systems are to be provided; as a minimum, these are to display drilling data, audible and visual alarms, anti-collision systems status, necessary process and storage systems data and are to control the mechanical and electrical equipment and other necessary utilities for safe drilling operations.

3.4.9 The drilling plant is to be equipped with sufficient emergency stops in critical areas. Details of the drilling plant emergency alarm system are to be submitted to LR for review.

3.4.10 The drilling plant will be designed to reduce the potential of ignitions arising from static, lightning and stray currents.

3.5.1 All drilling equipment shall, as a minimum, meet the requirements of the following main Standards and where applicable other standards referenced in Pt 12, Ch 1 Recognised Codes and Standards.

3.6.1 Drilling well control equipment, including auxiliary well control equipment, is to meet the requirements of the following main Standards and where applicable other standards referenced in Pt 12, Ch 1 Recognised Codes and Standards.

3.6.2 Consideration during the design of the well control system to reducing the risk to personnel during routine maintenance or operations is to be undertaken.

3.6.3 Where surface BOPs are being used, a risk assessment on the need for an SID (sea bed isolation device) is to be submitted to LR for review.