Oil Well Drilling Site Preparation , Conductor Hole, Rathole, and Mousehole

Oil Well Drilling 

Site Preparation ,  Conductor Hole, Rathole, and Mousehole

Prior to commencing the rig-up process, the conductor, rathole and mousehole are completed. Special companies may be hired to begin drilling these three holes. Conductor Hole and Conductor Pipe Rathole Mousehole Fig. 1. Conductor hole Conductor Hole and Conductor Pipe Fig. 2. Installing conductor hole casing This is a large diameter hole, lined with pipe, also called a starter hole, varies in depth down of tens of feet to a few hundred feet depending on the local geology. Some sites do not require a conductor hole. Potential Hazard: Being struck by hoisting line or suspended drill or casing. Possible Solutions: Wear Personal Protective Equipment: hard hats, safety glasses, safety toe boots, and work gloves.  Keep employees away if they are not working at this job. Rathole Fig. 3. Rat hole - covered A rathole is a hole in the rig floor, 30 to 35 feet deep, lined with casing that projects above the floor, into which the kelly is placed when hoisting operations are in progress. This is either done by the portable rig that drills the conductor hole or can be done by the primary rig after rigging-up. Potential Hazard: Falling or stepping into an uncovered rathole. Possible Solution: Cover the hole until it is lined with casing or other material during rigging-up. Mousehole Fig. 4. Mousehole - covered A mousehole is a shallow bore hole under the rig floor, usually lined with pipe, in which joints of drill pipe are temporarily placed. This is either done by the portable rig that drills the conductor hole or can be done by the drilling rig after rigging-up. Potential Hazard: Falling or stepping into an uncovered mousehole. Possible Solution: Cover the hole until it is lined with casing or other material during rigging-up.

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