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2 drill collars b internal-combustion engines used as a prime power source

3 prime mover c the space between the outside of the drill string and sides of
the hole
4 mast d a mixture of water, clay, weighting material, and a few
chemicals.

5 generator e a special length of pipe that has four or six flattened sides
that run almost its entire length

6 kelly f heavy metal tubes through which the driller pumps drilling
fluid; used in the bottom part of the string to put weight on
the bit
7 drilling fluid g a tall structural tower that supports the blocks and drilling
tools
8 fastline h a winch, or windlass, on which a line, such as rope, cable, or
chain is coiled.
9 cathead i the part of the drilling line running from the drawworks to
the crown block

Pre-reading and while-reading tasks

3 Scan the text and answer the following questions
- What is the main purpose of power system?
- What is the prime power source for any drilling rig?
- How does the diesel-electric rig work?
- What are the main elements of hoisting system?
- What is the purpose of using the drawworks?
- What purpose is the friction cathead used for?
- What is the drilling line and what is its function?
- What is the length of sheaves?
- Describe the functions of masts and derricks.
- Name the main elements of the rotary-table system

The main function of a rotary rig is to drill a hole, or as they say in the oil
patch, to “make hole.” Making hole with a rotary rig requires qualified personnel and
a lot of equipment. To learn about the components it takes to make hole, let’s divide
them into four main systems: power, hoisting, rotating, and circulating.

POWER SYSTEM

Every rig needs a source of power to run the hoisting, circulating, and, in many
cases, the rotating equipment required to make hole. In the early days of drilling,
steam engines powered most rigs. For example, Colonel Drake powered his rig with

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