Use of Base Beams in Well Workovers

• Among the more controversial issues in oil exploration and production is the use of base beams as anchoring systems. The practice is mandatory in some oilfields such as Bakersfield, CA and in most multi well pad sites; it is currently prohibited in Wyoming and Utah. Base beams are required in most multi well pads.

WORKOVER RIG GUYED WITHGROUND ANCHORS

TYPICAL GROUND GUYING PATTERN

• A rig which is guyed to the ground requires almost an acre of clear accessible space.

• Guy wires must be sized on- site for specific anchor spacing.

• Ground anchors must be tested within two years before rigging up.

• Guy wires are subject to interference from vehicles.

WATER TRUCK ON LOCATION

• BASE BEAM MUST BE PROPERLY DESIGNED, TO WITHSTAND STRESSES and PROVIDE BEARING CAPACITY and WEIGHT.

SCHEMATIC OF WIND FORCES

MODERN BASE BEAM FRME

COMPLETED MODERN BASE BEAM

RIG ON BASE BEAM

Note that there are FOUR jack screws under mast

• MAST MUST BE PERFECTLY PLUMB WHEN VIEWED FROM REAR

• MAST MUST BE TILTED TO CORECT ANGLE TOWARD REAR

REAR JACK SCREWS SET

BELLY JACK SCREWS SET

• ALL JACK SCREWS MUST BE PROPERLY SET• TUBING MUST BE TILTED 1 DEGREE TOWARD

REAR

• TUBING MUST BE PLUMB FROM SIDE TO SIDE

• ALL GUY WIRES MUST BE ATTACHED AND SET TO PROPER TENSION

Cover of recent Well Servicing magazine

• Note that the rig tilted up but did NOT overturn• Rig operator controls the lift. There are no evil

forces in the well bore pulling down; the force is exerted by the draw works.

• If the carrier begins to lift, release the load.• When pulling a “fish” (stuck pipe) the force

should be slow and gentle. • Base Beam alone cannot keep rig from tilting

Blowup of previous slide

• The jack screws were not set at all! The carrier rotated about the rear carrier jacks; the open side of the mast just sat down.

• Despite this, the rig did NOT overturn because there were no side forces.

• THERE ARE NO DOCUMENTED CASES OF FAILURE IN PROPERLY DESIGNED BASE BEAM SYSTEMS WHICH ARE SET UP AND USED CORRECTLY.

• For a more complete treatment of the subject of base beam design and use, please consult “Base Beam Design and Use Guide”, in Well Servicing magazine, January/ February 2016, pp. 12 – 16. (Official publication of The Association of Energy Service Companies)