What Is a Derrick & What Is It Used For?

In the oilfield, a derrick is a support structure that holds the drilling apparatus. It acts as the framework supporting a drilling apparatus in an oil rig. It is usually designed to be tall enough to allow new sections of drill pipe to be added to the drilling apparatus as drilling progresses. Oil drill operations rely on the use of derricks for their production. An oil derrick is used to dig a hole for an oil well, then it is used to push the drill pipe deep into the earth.

The classic oil derrick pump is known colloquially as a sucker rod pump, named for the plunger-like mechanics it uses to pump oil from underground wells up to the surface. It uses a series of gears and cranks to pump a rod up and down an oil well in a piston-like motion, although much slower. This design is used to conserve energy while bringing a continuous, reliable flow of oil from deep wells to the surface. Derricks are usually pyramidal in shape and offer a good strength-to-weight ratio.

In early oil exploration, drilling rigs were semi-permanent in nature and the derricks were often built on-site and left in place after the completion of the well. If the derrick design does not allow it to be moved easily in one-piece, special workers must assemble them piece by piece, and in some cases disassemble them if they are to be moved.

Types:

Single — Can hold only single drill pipes. The presence or absence of vertical pipe racking "fingers" varies from rig to rig.

Double — The derrick can hold two connected drill pipes, called a "double stand" or simply a "double".

Triple — The derrick can hold three connected drill pipes: a "triple stand" or "thribble".

Quadri — The derrick can hold four connected drill pipes, called a "quadri stand" or "fourble". Derricks of this size are uncommon.

Conventional — The derrick is vertical

Slant — The derrick is slanted at a 45-degree angle to facilitate horizontal drilling

At Ideal Derrick & Structures, LLC, we specialize in inspections, modifications, and repairing oil derricks. We serve the Delaware Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, Midland, Odessa, and Houston, TX communities. Contact us today!