Cutting The Drilling Line-Oilfield Safety Meeting

As drilling line is spooled on and off the Drawworks  during the course of drilling a well the line becomes worn & must be replaced at regular intervals. The greatest area of wear is where the line is constantly spooled over the drum.

This is the end of the drilling line where a cut is made, a segment of line is removed (usually around 100') then the line is re-attached to the drum and the amount cut off is spooled back on the drum. The figures that determine when the Drilling Line is cut are kept by the Rig Manager and are determined by "Ton/Miles" of accumulated wear.

Although Ton/Miles usually determine when a cut is made, it is very important to examine the line on the drum regularly for any broken wires. A visual inspection of damage ALWAYS supersedes Ton/Miles figures when determining when to cut the Drilling Line.

More Information On Ton Miles             Good Article On Ton Miles

•   When hanging the  traveling blocks, give the hanging line a quick visual inspection for damage. This line should always be a factory made sling and never be made with clamps to form the eye. It should be attached to the blocks with a clevis of sufficient size.

•   Disengage the Crown-O-Matic. This will prevent it from being activated during the spooling of line.

•   Be aware of 'Wickers" when handling the drilling line. Never let The drilling line slide through your hands

• Always fasten the drilling line securely to the floor before cutting & lower the cut to the ground with an air hoist. Don't just cut it loose and let it fall.
  

• Always examine the "Dog-Knot" clamps for damaged or pulled threads. The  dog knot is solely responsible for keeping the line on the drum and the blocks above your head!Tighten it until you think it's tight- then tighten it some more. To be sufficiently tight, you should be able to see the clamps slightly pinching into drilling line. This will require the use of a cheater and some effort on your part. I have seen several instances where blocks have fell because the dog knot was not tight. For the safety of everyone on your rig be sure to check & double check the torque on the dog knot U bolts.

• Remember to leave "A Fistful" of drilling line extending beyond the dog-knot(About  6")

•   Always completely remove the "Dead-Man"  anchor bolts and clamps. Never try to loosen them and slip the line through. Inspect the brass inserts, both inner and outer, and replace as necessary. These bolts are equally as important as the dog-knot bolts. Tighten them accordling. Re-checked the torque on them when you get back to bottom or after a few hours of operation. This is a good place to mark the drilling line with white chalk to examine it often for any  possible line movement.

•   Adjust & re-engage the Crown-O-Matic and check it for proper operation. Record this on your IADC report.