[QUOTE=Alf;34737]I don’t know what rigs you have worked on… but it is done this way, and certainly on Transocean rigs (I worked one last year where this was the norm)… every time the driller trips in or out of the hole, a trip sheet is made up beforehand showing bit depth against stands of pipe run or pulled. It’s a simple matter to add an extra “column” showing tool joint positions in relation to the BOP rams.
I can send you a spreadsheet if you don’t believe this…[/QUOTE]
Thanks Alf, I was sitting here scratching my head thinking, gee, how can a driller possibly not know critical information about his drill string, such as where to place it so to not grab on a joint, etc.? The answer is, he can’t not know. At least using a spreadsheet, and yeah, I could make one that would do it in about five minutes. That said, I’m surprised that the procedure isn’t somehow automated, and that the entire drilling procedure isn’t automated for safety, to increase productivity and to reduce labor costs. Certainly it will be soon, check this video out of an automated cpt pushing machine.