Rig Inspections
The team at HENDERSON is qualified to provide Category I – IV inspection services. Ensure your rig is free of premature wear and tear, corrosion, and cracks along critical joints. Get complete documentation about the health of your rig’s structural integrity from expert technicians trained to recognize and repair problems others might miss.
Click or tap each category to learn more.
Category I
Visual observation of the mast/derrick and substructure during operations for indications of inadequate performance.
Category II
Features the same checks provided in a Category I inspection, and includes a more thorough inspection of, but not limited to, load-bearing areas and sheaves for cracks, damage, corrosion, loose or missing components, and premature wear. This more detailed inspection should be performed during rig up operations.
Category III
A thorough visual inspection of all load bearing components and members is conducted to determine the condition of the mast/derrick or substructure or both, and documented on the checklist in API RP4G Annex A, Annex B, Annex C, or Annex D as applicable. Inspections on well servicing, truck or trailer mounted masts should include observation of rig up/rig down operations.
Category IV
Everything included in a Category III inspection, plus:
Critical joints shall be subject to nondestructive examination.
All equipment shall be disassembled and cleaned to the extent necessary to conduct NDT of all defined critical areas.
All welds (100%) shall be visually examined.
All welds in critical areas shall be inspected using magnetic particle inspection (MPI/MT), liquid penetrant (PT, radiographic testing (RT), or ultrasonic testing UT in accordance with AWS D1.1. Eddy current inspection is an accepted alternative method to inspect welds in critical areas.
An MPI/PT method shall be used to evaluate indications identified with eddy current.
Welds on galvanized structures may require different inspection techniques and intervals. Cracks are identified through visual inspection on a galvanized mast/derrick.
An ultrasonic thickness test or other recognized method shall be used to test for internal corrosion on tubular members used as primary load-carrying components. Internal cameras, usually run on cable, may also be used to visually inspect for internal corrosion.
Inspection results from Category Ill or IV inspections shall be documented and maintained in the permanent rig file.
Equipment Inspections
HENDERSON also offers annual equipment inspections. While daily, weekly, and monthly inspections are generally performed by the rig crew, HENDERSON Annual Inspections go much deeper. During equipment inspections, experienced technicians inspect all welds on the unit for signs of giving out. We also check for leaks in your pipework and hoses, check the load transfer mechanisms, and inspect the foundation that your unit sits on.
Click or tap each piece of equipment to learn more.
Welds & Erecting Mechanism
Inspect all welds for cracks, particularly in erecting mechanism. Inspect erecting mechanism for signs of deformity.
Hydraulic Circuits
Inspect hydraulic circuits and ensure operating to manufacturer’s guidelines. Watch for air bleeding from scoping and raising rams during raising and lowering operation.
Cylinders, Pipework, Hoses, Seals, etc.
Inspect hydraulic cylinders, pipework, and hoses for leaks. Check seals and hoses for cracks, wear, or etc.
Rope, lines, etc.
Inspect wire rope, including operating lines, raising lines, and guylines for kinks, broken wires, and other damage. Check guylines to ensure they have not fouled. Verify other lines are positioned in sheave grooves before and during each raising or lowering operation.
Load Transfer Mechanism
Inspect load transfer mechanisms, guides, and scoping ram stabilizers in telescoping masts. Check for free operation and good condition before raising or lowering operation. Cleaning and lubricate mechanism when necessary. Ensure scoping ram stabilizers move into proper positions as the top section is telescoped up. After the top section is scoped into the working position, verify the load transfer mechanisms are fully engaged.
Foundation & Supports
Ensure the unit is level. Check the foundation and supports for correct placement before erecting operation. Level the unit to meet manufacturer recommendations.
Crown Sheaves
Inspect crown sheaves for wear. Check lubrication levels and compare against manufacturer recommendations.
Bearings
Inspect the overall condition of bearings in all sheaves, pins, sprockets, and all other parts of the erection mechanism. Check lubrication levels and compare against manufacturer recommendations.
Folding Ladder
Check folding ladders. Ensure proper position prior to use and free operation before the lowering operation.
Bolted Connections
Inspect all bolted connections. Verify connections are tight and bolts show no signs of giving out.