Racking Module

Abstract

A drilling derrick ( 2 ) comprises a lower section ( 4 ) and an upper section ( 6 ) separated by a racking module ( 8 ). The lower section ( 4 ) of the derrick ( 2 ) is constructed from a number of sections of metal scaffolding ( 10 ). The upper section ( 6 ) of the derrick ( 2 ) is constructed from a similar number of metal sections ( 12 ).

1 . A racking module having a unitary construction and comprising a framework fitted with drilling equipment and drill stand handling equipment, the module being securable to an upper part of a lower section of a drilling derrick and defining an interface between the lower section of the derrick and an upper section thereof. 
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which drilling equipment is installed within the framework of the racking module. 
   
   
       4 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the racking module comprises racking boards for storing drill stands. 
   
   
       5 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the racking module further comprises drill stand handling equipment. 
   
   
       6 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 5 , in which the drill stand handling equipment is operable to move drill stands into and/or out of the racking boards. 
   
   
       7 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the drill stand handling equipment comprises a bridge crane racker. 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the racking module also comprises a control station to allow a derrick worker to control the equipment installed therein. 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the racking module has feet on the corners thereof to enable the module to be secured to a drilling derrick. 
   
   
       12 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the racking module is between approximately 10 feet and 50 feet tall. 
   
   
       13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A racking module as claimed in  claim 11 , in which the positions of the feet may be altered to be secured to narrower and/or wider derrick structures. 
   
   
       15 . A method of constructing a drilling derrick comprising the steps of:
 a) constructing a lower section of the derrick;   b) securing a racking module to the upper surface of the lower section of the derrick; and   c) securing an upper section of the derrick to the upper surface of the racking module.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , in which equipment is installed within the racking module prior to its being secured in place on the lower section of the derrick. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , in which equipment is installed within the racking module at ground level. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , in which the upper section of the derrick is constructed prior to its being secured in place. 
   
   
       19 . A method of assembling a racking module including:
 a) installing and securing drilling and stand handling equipment into the racking module framework; and   b) securing the fully equipped racking module to the upper surface of a lower section of a drilling derrick.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , in which the installation and securing of the drilling and handling equipment is performed at ground level. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , in which the equipment is also tested and commissioned at ground level. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , in which the equipped racking module is then lifted in one piece to the upper surface of the lower section of the derrick and secured in place. 
   
   
       23 . (canceled) 
   
   
       24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . (canceled)