Rugged Roughnecks - Oil rig pipes connections

A trip on a drilling rig is pulling out and putting back the entire drilling string all the way to the bit. The usual reason is to change the bit out if it is worn or not effective (e.g. wrong type).

So the bit wear and type of bit (diamond or carbide) and the formation and how hard the toolpusher drives the bit determines how long the bit lasts and therefore the interval of change. It could be days or more.

When tripping they take out 3 joints of pipe (90 ft total) at a time and stack them to the side of the rig mast.

A connection is a different thing. This is done while drilling and a rotating kelly and mud connection are above the drill pipe and hole. this limits the amount of pipe to one joint (30 feet). So when the bit drills down 30 feet, they unscrew the kelly and insert another joint of pipe then connect the kelly to the top of the new joint. SO the interval between connections is how long it takes to drill down about 30 feet. Depends on formation and bit type and how hard the driller pushes the bit. Might be an hour to a day or more. They're continue making connections and driving the bit down 30 feet at a time until they have to trip out.

There's lots of work around a drilling rig... maintenance is continuous, the tools need to be lubricated and standby equipment has to be checked. There's lots of pumps and stuff, there's mud treatment devices. Mud to be mixed. Everythings covered in mud and grease so cleaning is frequent. And Safety training! a lot of rigs have a lot of that now.