What are oil rigs and how many types are there?

An oil rig is a large floating structure designed to extract oil and natural gas from underwater fields. In addition to all the technical equipment necessary for the extraction of crude oil, it includes the accommodation of the personnel who operate it and those who protect it.

These platforms are built using the most modern technologies to combat inclement weather existing on the high seas. Each oil platform sits on gigantic mobile structures that are embedded in the sea surface; the cusp is segmented into several fragments that are assembled on the high seas — each of these fragments must be towed on several ships from the shipyards.

Assembling all segments of oil rigs can take several weeks. Once ready, we proceed to complete the last step, the drill. This is the main element with which the different layers of rock in the sea are excavated, until they reach the oil or gas wells. The tip of the drill, valued at around 25 thousand dollars, is made up of several diamond blades.

The diamond drill bit has a sonar inside it that shows the technicians the area where it is being drilled. This element is essential, both for the drill to be directed to the oil bags, and to get around the different masses of pressurized water that can damage the system.

Each platform has a price that ranges from 105 million to 360 million dollars and requires a minimum of 80 people to operate — they are usually inhabited by several hundred workers.

The platforms can be fixed or floating. The former have a capacity of up to 400 people, are used in shallow waters and are usually dedicated to production and drilling. The second ones can accommodate up to 200 people and are used from a depth of 400 meters.

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