Safety in Oilfield Sites

In any oil extraction field, it is rather easy to spot the workover rig. This large piece of machinery is attached to a trailer that is then driven by a cab to different work sites. Workover rigs are oftentimes mistaken for drilling rigs.

However, there is a notable difference. Simply put, drilling rigs are used to punch holes on the ground. Workover rigs, on the other hand, enter the picture after drilling rigs have completed their job. The latter are responsible for installing casing tools that are needed for constructing wells.

Workover rigs vary in terms of mass and horsepower, features that matter in terms of the depth requirements and job specifications. In any case, workover rigs must meet all quality standards to avoid accidents due to malfunctions. Critical parts that need repairs or replacements also deserve prompt attention.

Meanwhile, safety guidelines extend to both the equipment and its operators. Back in 2013, an oilfield worker got into an accident by mistaking a safety chain for a floor chain. The fact that he was wearing a safety helmet at the time did not at all spare him from the unfortunate event. In short, quality equipment should always go hand-in-hand with proper use in any oil extraction operation.

Using Quality Heavy Haul Trailers for Large-scale Oilfield Operations

North Dakota’s local oil industry was all but given up for dead at the turn of the century, until new drilling technology used a few years ago started tapping into the Bakken formation. Although the oil fields in the state have churned such a large output, the only refinery in the area could not process more than 68,000 barrels of oil a day. The excess output gets sent to other off-state refineries for processing. The size of inbound refining equipment may dictate the projected load you need when scouting hauling trailers for sale. Some insiders note that two refineries are planned for construction in North Dakota in the future. In addition, demand is growing for more housing facilities to accommodate the rising numbers of employees.
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Factors to Consider for Mobile Concrete Plants

The ready mixed concrete manufacturing industry yields an estimated $30 billion in product value, according to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). If you want to be part of this lucrative sector, you may want to consider operating mobile concrete plants. By using the right equipment and methods in keeping with regulations, you can generate a healthy and steady income stream.

Securing permits

Aside from acquiring the standard business authorizations, you have to obtain special permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since concrete batching produces gas emissions, it is regulated to limit harmful effects on the environment. Make sure that the materials and equipment you use are in line with EPA standards

Maintaining consistency

Your business can only be successful if your products are of excellent quality. Construction companies want only suitable materials for their projects, and you can expect them to be repeat clients only if you sell high-grade concrete. Make sure that you use equipment specified for ready mixed concrete production. Look for heavy haul trailers that allow you to transport and maintain the quality of your heavy machines and products.

Employing professionals

You also need to maintain a competent team of professionals. Highly skilled people should operate your equipment and supervise your manufacturing and delivery processes. These individuals can contribute immensely to the success of your mobile concrete plant business.

Producing Blast-Resistant Concrete

If you travel to Normandy in France, you'll still see the remains of the German bunkers used in the failed attempt to hold the beaches during D-Day. On another note, the bunker deep inside the Cheyenne Mountains is designed to withstand a nuclear blast equivalent to 1,875 Hiroshima bombs. What makes both structures tough enough to withstand the test of time?

Part of the secret lies in the quality of the concrete used. This simple mixture of cement, water, rocks, sand, and air creates a composite material known to be not only long-lasting but tough. Provided that the right mix is achieved, buildings can benefit from the strength and endurance of this material, which has been around since Roman times.

To avoid miscalculating concrete mixes, contractors normally set up concrete batch plants on site. These massive mixing systems provide cement trucks with the right concrete mix for various applications. As there's no universally accepted recipe, the task of achieving the right mix still falls upon the operator. The system will, however, take into account calculations like the water/cement ratio.

The mixture is then loaded onto a cement truck at the distribution station. Thereafter, the truck will keep the mix fluid until it reaches the site, where it will be casted onto the framework.

Land-Based Drilling Still Dominant

The Gulf Coast accounts for a tenth of total U.S. oil production. However, America's status as a major oil producer can also be attributed to its land basins.

The largest concentration of oil and gas fields can be found in three major areas. The first one, the Appalachian basin, stretches from the southern coasts of Lakes Erie and Ontario all the way to the southern edge of Kentucky. The other two areas can be found within Texas, with one stretching from the Mexico-U.S. border to the tip of Alabama.

The immense activity in these fields is fueled by the simplicity of land-based drilling. The rigs used at these sites are smaller than most oil rigs, but they're easy to set up and operate. Such a rig may be no larger than a house, helping prospectors save on construction and maintenance costs. In addition, looking for oil on land doesn't require a system as complex as a drillship.

That said, a simple land-based rig is complex in its own right. After all, this system consists of various parts and equipment working together to establish new wells in response to increasing demand for fossil fuel. For instance, the drawworks controls the depth of the drill bit and pulls it out when the drilling rig hits jackpot.

Safety Reminders When Squeezing Cement

There are many reasons why squeezing cement may be necessary. Although the reasons are different, the safety protocols remain the same. Regardless of where you are in your career as a workover rig worker, a refresher course on safety is a good thing. With that in mind, here are a few safety reminders to remember when working:

Pressure Buildup

When squeezing cement, the primary concern is the immense pressure the process generates, as the added pressure could ruin equipment. Ideally, one person should be dedicated to monitoring the pressure at all times. You should also make sure that all connections and equipment ratings have been tested properly, so as to avoid equipment failure and damage.

Personal Protective Equipment

The cement pumped into the well is an extreme irritant, so make sure that you are outfitted with the proper personal protective equipment. The less skin exposed, the better. In particular, you should prioritize wraparound goggles when squeezing cement, as getting cement in the eyes could cause permanent damage.

It takes both a personal and collective effort to keep your colleagues and yourself safe when working. Do your part by adhering to the safety reminders above, and don’t be afraid to remind your co-workers if you notice that they are not complying.

Stuff to secure on Lowboys

Heavy haul trailers such as the so-called “lowboy” models are often a boon to companies seeking transport of a large volume of materials. As their name implies, the main cargo bed is already machined to be more aligned with the trailer wheels’ axles, allowing for a lower center of gravity. Some sellers have models of between 55 tons to 60 tons. The design helps in the ease of loading, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has limited the types of materials that can be loaded onto lowboys. Here are a couple of them:

Vehicles

A lowboy trailer may have space for at least one vehicle, whether it’s an automobile, van, or light truck, as long as they each weigh no more than 10,000 pounds. However, if each vehicle’s weight is above the specified limit, especially for heavy machines, extra care is needed to secure it well. Machines with articulated parts, such as backhoes and cranes, should be locked down to prevent movement in transit.

Pipes

Pipes on low-boys provide a spiffy challenge for transport crews. When several pipes are bundled together on the bed, they must be adequately tied down to prevent them from rolling while in transit. The tie-downs must have an aggregate working load limit that is equal to at least half the total weight of all pipes.

Lowboy trailers provide adequate stability for materials during road transit. Proper stowage will add to the stability.

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