KJM Rig Support operation ( R/S ) commenced in December 2005 with the introduction of a new drilling contractor to Australia being Precision Drilling International ( PDI ).

The concept was based on World Best Practice being applied in Canada & Mexico for the exploration drilling of Oil. The new process which in return would lighten the foot print on the environment meant new systems had to be developed by the Drilling Operators. This new system offered the following and new industry practice had to be developed.

• Minimal lease construction with leases having the capability of 1 in 10 fall
• Riserless Drilling
• Sumpless Drilling with a centralised cutting disposal dump
• No Turkey nest for water storage
• No flare pit
• Recycling Drilling mud from Well to Well
• 24 x 7 R/S coverage working 14 days on 14 day off fly in and out

With this in Mind KJM worked closely with our customer to develop equipment well beyond the Rig capability requirements due to not knowing the exact requirements as this type of drilling has never been done in Australia. The following equipment was agreed to for the scope of this new operation.

• Skid Mounted drivers hut complete with ablution, lounge, cooking area, 4 x Beds in 2 separate rooms, office with a full equipped Satellite Internet System working through the Company server in Adelaide to generate daily Rig reports, Mechanical request for the R/S Mechanic, Policy and Procedure etc. Through this system we stand alone with independence within the operation giving added safety to the Rig operation in the event of failures with the Rig equipment.
• Skid Mounted Combination unit with diesel generator, diesel storage tank, 14,000l Potable water tank with pressure pump and hoses and a full equipped workshop.
• Skid Mounted loading ramp increasing safety for the unloading and loading on Rig move equipment.
• Skid mounted 30,000l water tanker with pressure pump and spray bar fitted to a 45’ Roll Trailer to allow for swapping of equipment in the case of trailer failure or large maintence jobs. This tanker waters the roads around the operation and camp and also carts the water for the drilling operation to mix the muds.
• 80,000l Mud Tanks with 2 compartments for storage on the 2 types of drilling muds fitted with stainless pipe work and manifold system so transfer of mud to other compartment can be done efficiently. Also with the capability of moving 25,000l of Mud product to the next well location so it can be reused.
• Bowl Side tipper for the cartage of the cutting to the centralised dump.
• 2000 CFM suction and pressure discharge Vacuum Trailer with 25,000l storage. The Vac unit is used for the clean up from the cellar after the casing is cemented into place. Also cleaning up of spills and Transpher of Mud. The unit is powered by it own engine and can operate without a Truck being required.
• C-501 Kenworth fitted out with a 100,000# Winch enabling the operation to move equipment around on the lease and to move to the new well location. This Truck also has a 45’ Roll Trailer on location to assist with equipment movements 24hrs a day. The truck also has a Satellite phone for safety reasons
• Chemical Trailers are on location 1 being in the case of a well control mud products and the other trailer which store the drilling mud required. By storing mud on trailers lessens the impact of damage and still on the ground.
• 2 x Full Trained operator working 12 to 14 hr shifts around the clock. These operators are trained on a training rig before they are let go to the 2 x 2 operators Rigs.
• Rig Support Mechanic fully equipped with 4WD, Satellite phone and all tools to fix all jobs within the R/S operation. The operator manages his daily work scope through the KJM Server where the operators log repair request on a daily basis and also notes the urgency if required. This system is also monitored by our Head Mechanic in Adelaide and the KJM Purchasing team.

KJM is now in the process of developing a Rig Support operation for the Gas Rig.