Study of the evolution of equipment used for drilling oil and gas wells

The prospects for further improvement of the oil and gas industry are mainly related to the development and commissioning of high-yield fields. In this regard, it is of great importance to produce more economical and durable oil and gas field equipment by machine-building enterprises, increasing its reliability and competitiveness, as well as further improving manufacturing processes. Such development of technical systems follows the law of progressive evolution, reflecting changes aimed at eliminating shortcomings identified during operation. Consequently, the evolution of technology in a broad sense involves changes in design, manufacturing technology, their direction, and patterns. This article is devoted to the study of the evolution of technical systems – specifically, drilling rigs – during the period of their slow development and the approach of the efficiency criterion to the limiting value. The stages of modernization and reorganization in drilling equipment production, including the adoption of a top drive system, are discussed. Attention is also given to the production of mobile drilling rigs. The article demonstrates that the most effective way is to provide service support in various operating conditions through timely diagnosis and application of appropriate types of equipment maintenance and repair. It has been determined that the evolution of equipment used for drilling oil and gas wells has enabled the identification of key factors affecting their efficiency. Several technical areas have been identified, the development and use of which will enable further advancements in the evolution of drilling rigs.