Offshore oil rigs are an important part of Houston’s energy industry. They are used to extract oil and gas from under the ocean floor. While most people know what oil rigs are, many have questions about how they actually work. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is An Offshore Oil Rig?
An offshore oil rig is a platform designed to drill and extract oil or gas from underwater reservoirs. They are located in the Gulf of Mexico and operate in depths ranging from shallow water to over 10,000 feet. Rigs vary in type, including fixed platforms, semi-submersibles, and drillships.
On the other hand, oil fields are geographical areas where large natural gas and/or oil reserves have accumulated. Oil fields are located on dry land and are much more accessible. However, drilling equipment is still needed to access the reserves.
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How Drilling Works on Offshore Rigs
Once an organization locates a reserve, it will position a rig over the target site. The rig’s crew uses specialized drill bits to cut through the seabed and install pipe until it reaches the deposits. Rigs typically use drilling mud to cool the bit and remove debris. This process can take weeks or months, depending on the depth.
Once the team drills the well, they will insert steel casings to stabilize it. Cement seals the casing and prevents leaks. The rig will then extract the resources and pump them to the surface.
Key Components of Offshore Rigs
Each type of offshore oil rig has different equipment.
However, most rigs share some basic components, such as the following:
- Derrick: Supports the drilling equipment
- Blowout Preventer: A critical safety device that seals the well to prevent uncontrolled release of oil and gas
- Riser System: Connects the rig to the seabed so that drilling mud and oil can flow
- Power Systems: Provides electricity for drilling, lighting, and crew facilities
These are just a few parts of a rig. They work together to ensure the crew can stay safe and maximize productivity.
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Safety Concerns
Oil rig injuries are a top concern for anyone who works on one of these huge floating platforms. Some risks that workers face include fires, explosions, and equipment failures. Team members must also be careful not to get pinched or crushed in heavy machinery.
Offshore oil rigs are widely considered one of the more dangerous types of oil operations. While oilfields aren’t immune to harmful oilfield incidents, they are on land, which means medical treatment is far more accessible in the event of an emergency.
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The Role of Offshore Oil Rigs in Houston’s Economy
Houston (and Texas in general) is a hub for the oil and gas industry. The Gulf of Mexico accounts for a notable percentage of U.S. crude oil production and supports thousands of jobs. Some of the jobs that these rigs create include engineers, welders, and logistics workers.
When someone gets hurt on a rig, it can have life-changing consequences for that individual and their family. Additionally, the accident can disrupt the team’s productivity and impact entire communities.
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Despite the economic value they provide, oil rigs can certainly be dangerous. Every year, at least a few notable accidents occur, some of which result in death.
Workers should be vigilant so they can avoid oil rig accidents and keep everyone safe, including themselves. Even a momentary lapse in attentiveness can have catastrophic results for a crew member.
For more information, contact an experienced oil rig accident lawyer at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
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Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
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