In traditional well drilling projects, the construction and dismantling of temporary derricks prove both time-consuming and labor-intensive. The key to improving operational efficiency lies in effectively utilizing existing permanent derrick structures for drilling operations. This article examines the structural modifications required for permanent derricks to accommodate specialized drilling loads while optimizing their configuration for safe and efficient construction.

Structural Challenges in Derrick Modification

Data analysis reveals that derricks experience complex and unpredictable load patterns during drilling operations. The modification process must account for the variability of suspended loads and changing suspension points to ensure structural stability and adequate load-bearing capacity. Additionally, the design of drilling platforms must be carefully coordinated with the structural form of permanent derricks.

Drilling platforms typically employ beam grid structures to accommodate equipment layout, which differs significantly from the simpler platform configurations of permanent derricks. This fundamental difference necessitates targeted structural modifications to bridge the functional gap between the two systems.

Key Modification Strategies

The primary modifications include:

• Installation of independent drilling platforms when necessary
• Use of bolted connections for attaching new platforms to the main derrick structure
• Strict prohibition of welding operations on permanent derrick components to prevent structural compromise

These modifications enable the effective utilization of permanent derricks for drilling operations, resulting in significant cost reductions and shorter project timelines while maintaining structural integrity and safety standards.