28 JUNE 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Safety Isn’t Expensive, It’s Priceless! by Eijkelkamp North America Over the last decade, safety has become increasingly essential in drilling operations, with a focus on personal protective equipment and equipment design. Drilling poses inherent dangers, including high-speed rotation of the drill head and handling of heavy rods and casings, putting crews at risk of injury. In response, companies like Eijkelkamp North America have introduced innovative safety features to mitigate these risks. One such feature is the safety cage, standard on Eijkelkamp rigs. This cage closes around the drill head and spinning tooling, ensuring safety for crews and equipment. In fact, opening the drill cage while drilling immediately stops the rotation of the drill string through an emergency shut-off feature. Automation is a crucial safety feature of Eijkelkamp rigs. The rig automatically breaks the threaded tooling joints, eliminating the need for wrenches and hand tools. Using three breakout clamps mounted at the bottom of the drill mast, drillers can remotely clamp the tooling and control the drill head to release joints quickly and safely. The FRASTE Manipulator is another safety innovation, automating rod handling by safely picking up drill pipe and positioning it under the drill head. The Manipulator is safely operated from the driller’s control panel, with several automated features, including rod separators, strong gripping pliers, and a bottom rod guide to ensure perfect alignment. This additional automation not only reduces human fatigue but also ensures operators and helpers do not need to touch the drill pipes, enhancing safety. It also eliminates dead time when drill pipe is loaded and unloaded, showcasing the efficiency of Eijkelkamp's innovative solutions. Similarly, the Eijkelkamp ManipAll offers a versatile solution for rod and casing handling, catering to a wide range of drilling applications. Typically operated by a single assistant, this robust arm lifts over 600 pounds (300 kg) and picks up rods or casings up to 13 feet (4 m) long and 3-12 inches (75-305 mm) in diameter. Depending on the size, the ManipAll grabs tooling using clamps and industrial magnets, and it can be safely operated by hand or remote control. The ManipAll quickly and easily lifts tooling to a vertical position and swings it into place under the drill head. This arm adds significant efficiencies as well as safety. Whether operated manually or via remote control, the ManipAll enables seamless integration into drilling operations, allowing assistants to prepare the next piece of tooling. At the same time, the driller focuses on the current task at hand. And it saves you the step of off-loading and staging your tooling - the ManipAll can pick up rods and casing right from your rig, truck, or rack. In addition, the compact design and compatibility of the ManipAll make it a valuable addition to any drilling operation seeking to enhance safety and efficiency. For larger-scale operations, the FRASTE Roto Handler (FRH) provides a hydraulic solution for handling drill rods and casings, ensuring safety while working with heavy tooling. Designed to be easily mounted to an excavator, the FRH handles tooling from 3 to 12.8 inches (75-325 mm) in diameter, ensuring your crew remains at a safe distance and does not need to handle these heavy rods manually. This simple, strong, and safe hydraulic handler provides a range of gripping diameters in each clamp and can lift over 1400 pounds (650 kg). Like the ManipAll, the FRH can work with any rig, regardless of the manufacturer. Testimonials from satisfied customers underscore the effectiveness of these safety innovations, with one customer reporting a 99% reduction in physical injury threats associated with drilling operations. Lead driller Norm Hunger emphasized the positive feedback from clients, highlighting that “clients love that nothing is touched,” providing added assurance on their projects. Beyond safeguarding the well-being of drilling crews, prioritizing safety yields tangible financial benefits for drilling companies. By reducing workplace injuries, companies can mitigate worker’s compensation claims, reduce absenteeism, decrease insurance premiums, and enhance customer satisfaction, ultimately bolstering profitability and long-term sustainability. In the ever-evolving landscape of drilling operations, one truth remains constant: safety isn't just a priority - it's the bedrock upon which success is built. As the industry continues to embrace innovation and automation to safeguard personnel and optimize operations, it's imperative to recognize that investing in safety isn't merely a cost - it's an investment in the industry's future. With each drill turned and every well completed, let safety lead the way. After all, safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless! ENV
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