ROTATING

SYSTEM
There are two types of Rotating Systems:
The Kelly System
Components:

•Swivel and Swivel Bail

•The Kelly

•Kelly Bushing Legend:

14. Derrick
18. Swivel (On newer
•Rotary table rigs this may be replaced
by a top drive)
19. Kelly drive
•Master bushing 20. Rotary table
21. Drill floor
25. Drill string
26. Drill bit
Components of the Kelly System:

Swivel
•Hangs below the traveling block and
supports the drill stem system.
•The swivel does not rotate but it (allows)
the equipment below it to rotate.

Swivel Bail
•A curved steel rod on top of the swivel
that resembles the handle.
Components of the Kelly System:
The Kelly
•It is a special section of pipe that
is attached to the bottom of the
swivel by threading.

•They comes in 40ft and 54ft

lengths.

•The Kelly is not round, It has a

hexagonal (6 sides) or square
shape. (4 sides).
Components of the Kelly System:
Kelly Bushing and Master Bushing.
•The Kelly fit into a device called
"The Kelly bushing“.

•The "Kelly bushing" then fits into

"The Master bushing" which is
mounted on the rotary table.
 Components of the Kelly System:
The Slips.
The Rotary Table. It is a gripping
•The rotary table is the device used to hold
primary component in the up the drill string
rotating system. during connections
•It is used in both the Kelly process.
system and Top Drive
system.
•The rotary table is located
on the floor of the rig and it
is capable of producing a
strong rotating force called
"TORQUE".
•Additional equipment
transmits torque from the
rotary table to the bit.
 Components of the Kelly System:
Kelly Bushing and Master Bushing.
•A powered gear located inside the rotary table turns the master bushing.

•The master bushing turns the Kelly bushing.

•The square or hexagonal opening in the Kelly Bushing fits against the flat
sides of the Kelly itself and causes it to spin.

•This system of operation is similar to a wrench turning the head of a bolt.

•The drill stem and bit are turned by the Kelly.

•The Kelly slides up and down freely inside the opening in the Kelly
Bushing allowing it to move down as the bit drills into the hole.
NOTE: A drill string on a drilling rig is a column, or string, of drill pipe that transmits drilling fluid
(via the mud pumps) and torque (via the kelly drive or top drive) to the drill bit.
 The Kelly System Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9x4atwaCvs
Top Drive System
 Top Drive System
•The Top Drive System
hangs below the traveling
block and has its own heavy
duty motor.

•It is comprised of one or

more electric or hydraulic
motors

•These are connected to the

drill string by a short section
of pipe called the “Quill”

•The top drive is able to

move up and down the
derrick
 Top Drive System

•The Top Drive System does not

use a Kelly, Kelly Bushing, or
master Bushing

•It does utilize the Rotary Table

•The Rotary Table is primarily

used as a place for thee crew to
hold the drill stem in place
 Top Drive System
• A top drive is able to drill with three joints stands

•Decreases the frequency of pipe getting stuck

•Allows drillers to quickly engage and disengage pumps while removing

or restringing the pipe

•Top drives are preferable for use in challenging extended-reach and

directional wells

•Top drives remove much of the manual labor involved with drilling

•The top drive is completely automated

•Top drives can be used in all types of environments

 Top Drive System Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTMUtMaNm_4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UTVnBIbF-g&feature=related
 Drill Pipe

•Drill pipe: Drill Pipe forms the upper

part of the drill string. Each section of
pipe is called a joint with a box
(female) and pin (male) located on the
ends.

•Drill pipe is threaded together or

assembled in sections and put into the
hole as the bit turns.

•Drill pipe is hollow and allows fluid

or transmitting wires to pass through.
 Drill Pipe
Components:
•Spindle Adapter: Called a saver sub
which threads into the rotary head and
drill pipe.

•Transition pipe: is used as a transition

between the limber drill pipe and the
collars.

•Drill Collars: A pipe with thick walls

that are attached to the bottom of the
drill string. They add weight to the bit
and make the bit's cutter's bite into the
rock. Normally multiple drill collars are
used to add weight.
 Drill Pipe
Components:
•Crossover subs: A crossover sub
is used between the drill string and
drill collars.

•Manufacturers design these to

join parts of the drill string that
have different thread designs.
 The Drill Bit
•Drill Bit: It is Located at the bottom end of the drill string and make contact
with the subsurface layers, and drilling through them.

•http://www.nov.com/Downhole/Drill_Bits.aspx