RKB DRILLING INDUSTRY GLOSSARY

Rkb drilling rig
In the , depth in a well is the distance along a between a point of interest and a reference point or surface. It is the most common method of reference for locations in the well, and therefore, in oil industry speech, "depth" also refers to the location itself. Strictly, is a vertical coordinate related to , albeit in the opposite direction. However, "depth" in a well is not necessarily measured vertically or along a straight line. [pdf]FAQS about Rkb drilling rig
How do you calculate depth of a drilling rig?
This depth is always calculated from the deviation survey. In most drilling operations, RKB (Rotary Kelly Bushing) is used as a reference point to measured depth. For floating drilling rigs, a mean rotary table elevation has to be used. In offshore, MSL (Mean Sea Level) is sometimes used.
What is the difference between RKB and MSL?
In most drilling operations, RKB (Rotary Kelly Bushing) is used as a reference point to measured depth. For floating drilling rigs, a mean rotary table elevation has to be used. In offshore, MSL (Mean Sea Level) is sometimes used. Variations in actual sea level from MSL can be read from tide tables or can be measured.
What is a rotary kelly bushing?
Depth measurements are commonly referenced to the RKB, such as 10,000 ft. RKB, meaning 10,000 feet below the rotary kelly bushing. RKB means rotary kelly bushing - an adapter that serves to connect the rotary table to the Kelly, which turns the entire drillstring.
How do you measure a wellbore depth from a kelly bushing?
Many wellbore depth measurements are taken from the Kelly Bushing. The Kelly bushing elevation is calculated by adding the ground level to the Kelly bushing height. Kelly bushing is that elevated device positioned right on top of the rotary table and used to transmit torque from the rotary table to the kelly.
What is a drill bushing?
Bushing that rotationally connects the rotary table to the drill string kelly bar, the top of which is commonly used as vertical reference for the drill floor. Coal: Did You Know? Renewables: Did You Know? “Drilling Matters” is produced by the International Association of Drilling Contractors. Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
What does GL mean on a rig?
Drilling reference Point on top drive rig) GL = Ground Level Elevation = Distance of GL measured from MSL (GL above MSL = +; GL below MSL = (=Water Depth) Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.

Drilling rig components illustrated glossary
Drilling derricks and Rig Masts consist of a steel framework with a square or rectangular cross-section. Their purpose is to support the hoisting equipment and rack the tubulars while tripping pipe. The number of joints in a stand (single-double-triple) that the rig can pull is dependent on the height of the derrick. . The Drawworks is one of the most important components of the drilling rig (types of drilling rigs). The unit supplies the hoisting power, the. . The Crown Blockas a drilling rig component is a fixed set of pulleys (called sheaves) located at the top of the derrick or mast, where the drilling line is threaded. The companion blocks to these pulleys are the traveling blocks. By using two sets of blocks in this fashion,. . The Traveling Blockis a set of sheaves (pulleys) that move up and down in the derrick. The drilling line is threaded (reeved) over the. . Attached to the bottom of the traveling blocks, the hook is required to hang the swivel and rig kelly(for drilling) and the elevator bales (for tripping pipe and casing). . This article lists the main components of a onshore . rigs have similar elements, but are configured with a number of different drilling systems to suit drilling in the marine environment. The equipment associated with a rig is to some extent dependent on the type of rig but typically includes at least some of the items listed below. [pdf]