Objetivo The target is to achieve a major step towards unmanned offshore drilling by removing men from the dangerous environment of the drill floor by developing a compact, powerful, automated and integrated handling and drilling system.The RA-D concept, which is fully rated as an offshore drilling rig, has been devised to make this major step forward; it brings additional benefits, being portable and low in weight.The aim of the project is to manufacture and works test the various machinery packages which make up the total Rig Automation Drilling equipment. This milestone will be achieved by presentation of the equipment at two workshops organised by PSTI on behalf of the EC.The results of the Proof-of-Concept project will be made available upon completion of the programme. The final product of the programme of work will be a comprehensive report which will show the achievements against the anticipated targets of minimum manning, safety, low weight, satisfactory peformance and reliability.The technical report which describes the work carried out under this contract has been issued to the EEC ref doc Nr. C7631. D-81.The Rig Automation-Drilling (RA-D) demonstration project is being undertaken by Strachan & Henshaw, one of Europe's leading turnkey mechanical engineering companies and European contractors to prove the revolutionary RA-D concept. The project involves designing and building a full scale 450 tonne prototype test drilling rig and then moves on to test drilling on land, possibly to a depth of 6,000 metres. The design phase is now complete and the test phase is to build the rig and to perform a test drilling programme.Eureka status was granted in July 1988 (ref. EU251 - RA-D) which has led to serious discussions with European engineering companies to collaborate, execute the project and develop a soundly based and well thought out integrated and automated drilling system for exploitation in the near future. For years to come, it will provide a focal point for associated drilling technology development.The overall project value is approximately 8.5 UKL - a large project because the product being tested is large and represents a new level of technology which will benefit Europe if it proves to be successful. Marginal oil fields will become viable and attractive as an independent market survey has established.The whole concept is very innovative. Automation and mechanisation avoid the need for men to perform dangerous tasks in a hostile environment. Compact, high power hydraulics replace mechanical and electrical systems. Handling of drilling tubulars and complicated bottom-hole assemblies is integrated from the supply base to the hole being drilled.Microprocessors are used to organise and control all handling, drilling and storage operations. Skidding (moving) the derrick around well slots will be demonstrated on a grid which forms part of the P.O.C. rig. The whole drilling rig will be capable of being moved from platform to platform and all drilling tubulars are handled and stored in compact containers which will improve handling by platform cranes. Programa(s) ENG-HYDROCARB 2C - Programme (EEC) of support for technological development in the hydrocarbons sector, 1986-1989 Tema(s) 1.2 - DRILLING Convocatoria de propuestas Data not available Régimen de financiación DEM - Demonstration contracts Coordinador STRACHAN & HENSHAW LTD Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección ASHTON HOUSE P.O. BOX 103 ASHTON VALE ROAD BS99 7TJ BRISTOL Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos
