We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

902 Well Site Preparation and Drilling Safety
Skip to main content

Tripping Out/In

Introduction

Controlling exposures to worksite hazards is the fundamental method of protecting workers on a construction site.

Connecting Drill Pipe

Traditionally, the widely-accepted hierarchy of controls has been used as a means of determining how to implement feasible and effective controls.

Tripping refers to the process of removing and/or replacing pipe from the well when it is necessary to change the bit or other piece of the drill string, or when preparing to run certain tests in the well bore.

The activities that comprise "tripping out" and "tripping in" are listed below. "Tripping in" essentially comprises the same steps in reverse order.

Tripping Out

  • Setting slips
  • Breaking out and setting back the kelly
  • Attaching elevators to the elevator links
  • Latching elevators to pipe
  • Working on the monkeyboard
  • Breaking out pipe
  • Maneuvering pipe to racking area

Tripping In

  • Elevators raised
  • Tripping In -- latching elevators to top of stand
  • Moving pipe to rotary
  • Pipe is made up
  • Slips are pulled
  • Slips are set
  • Elevators are unlatched
  • Process repeated for all stands
  • Pickup kelly and attach to drill string
  • Break circulation, and
  • Resume drilling

We will primarily cover the steps for "tripping out" in the last section, we'll discuss latching elevators to the top of stand during the tripping in process.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-1. Which of the following procedures is part of the tripping out process?