Workover Rigs in the Oil and Gas Industry
Workover rigs in the oil and gas industry help restore and optimize well performance, and every component involved needs to function at peak reliability. At Global Elastomeric Products, Inc., we support these operations with engineered rubber solutions built to withstand extreme field conditions.
What Are Workover Operations?
Workover operations refer to maintenance or remedial work performed on an existing oil or gas well to restore or enhance production. Unlike drilling, which is for getting new wells to production, workovers focus on wells already in service that require repairs, cleaning or modifications.
There are different types of workover operations, geared toward different needs:
- Replacing worn-out downhole equipment.
- Cleaning out sand, scale or paraffin deposits.
- Recompleting wells to access new production zones.
- Installing artificial lift systems like pumps or plungers.
- Repairing casing damage or plugging zones.
- Making modifications to help a well produce more oil or gas.
Workover rigs are sent in once workers have stopped the flow of gas or oil. These are smaller than drilling rigs and are specialized for workover tasks.
Workover Rig vs. Drilling Rig: Understanding the Differences
Each rig has unique features and benefits. Drilling rigs, for example, are used to explore or establish new wells while workover rigs repair, service or modify existing wells. Workover rigs tend to be more mobile so they can move between well sites, while larger drilling rigs are semipermanent during drilling. They stay on-site longer while workover rigs are deployed for task-specific jobs.
Where full-scale drilling capabilities are not needed, workover rigs can be a more economical solution. They require smaller crews and come with lower costs. Workover rigs can also boost the productivity of an existing well and extend well life, reducing the costs associated with new well drilling.
Types of Workover Rigs and Operations
There are multiple types of workover rigs:
- Pulling units: For light-duty maintenance, these retrieve and replace downhole tools.
- Snubbing units: These pressure-controlled systems allow intervention in “live” wells without shutting them in.
- Hydraulic workover rigs: These rigs offer precision and control in high-pressure wells, often used offshore.
- Rotary workover rigs: These combine elements of traditional rigs with workover capabilities for deeper wells.
Similarly, types of workover operations vary based on well conditions, equipment wear and production goals. Some common types of workover operations include:
- Production enhancement operations: These work to improve the productivity of a well.
- Repair operations: These address damage and mechanical failures.
Quality Parts That Keep Your Workover Rigs Running
Workover rig operations depend on reliable components that can endure heat, pressure, abrasion and corrosive materials. Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. designs and manufactures rubber parts specifically for oilfield applications.
We’re proud to offer:
- Quick turnaround times
- Made-in-America quality
- Free quotes and competitive pricing
- Over 50 years of oilfield experience
- Custom molding options for any application
Whether you’re maintaining wells with compact workover rigs or managing large-scale well service fleets, Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. delivers the parts and precision you need. Speak with our engineering team today and get a free quote on custom-molded components that stand up to the real world of oilfield work.