The main components of a drawworks, a critical piece of equipment on drilling rigs, include a large drum for winding the drill line, a power source (often a motor or engine), a gearing system to control hoisting speeds, brakes for controlling descent, and auxiliary brakes for fine-tuning during operations like tripping. Additional components may include catheads for handling drill pipe joints, a drive sprocket for the rotary table, and right-angle gearboxes.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Core Components:
- Main Drum: The central component, used to wind and unwind the drill line, raising and lowering the traveling block and drill string.
- Power Source: Provides the necessary power for the drum, often a motor or engine.
- Gearing System: Controls the hoisting speeds, allowing for different speeds and torque outputs.
- Brakes: Essential for stopping and controlling the descent of the load, typically including a main brake (band or disc brakes) and an auxiliary brake (e.g., eddy-current or water brakes).
- Auxiliary Brake: Used to control the lowering speed, especially during tripping operations.
- Catheads: Used for tightening and loosening drill pipe joints.
- Drive Sprocket: Powers the rotary table, which rotates the drill pipe.
- Right-Angle Gearbox: May be used to change the direction of rotation and/or speed of the drawworks.
Additional Components:
- Frame: Supports and protects the various components of the drawworks.
- Clutches: Used to engage and disengage the drum and other components.
- Sand Drum: May be included for handling other lines or operations.
- Control Panel: Provides controls for operating the drawworks.
- Air Lines: May be used for pneumatic controls and other functions.
Drawworks Maintenance and Inspection:
- Regular Inspections:Drawworks require regular inspections, including visual checks for cracks, leaks, and proper lubrication.
- Maintenance Procedures:Include lubricating and adjusting brakes, as well as general maintenance of other components.
- Level Inspections:Drawworks brake load path components should be inspected according to levels of inspection (Level I to IV), as outlined in RP 10.0.
For more detailed information, you can search for manuals and specifications for specific drawworks models, such as the TSM 7000.
