What Do Workover Rigs Do?

So what keeps an oil well running smoothly over decades? 

Or why some wells suddenly produce less oil?

Imagine a well that’s been pumping for years starts to slow down. Equipment inside is wearing out, flow is reduced, and maybe a pesky blockage is forming down there. This is where workover rigs come in (think of them as the oilfield’s version of a pit crew).

So what do workover rigs do? 

Workover rigs dive into the well, tackling problems like fixing worn parts, clearing out blockages, and even boosting output. They’re not drilling new wells. They’re keeping old ones alive and productive.

These rigs are very important for companies looking to maximize their investment without the massive costs of drilling fresh wells. And yes, it’s tough work—demanding precision, grit, and, may I add, a good sense of humor on the field.

What Do Workover Rigs Do?

At their core, workover rigs are designed to keep wells in top shape, especially when production begins to drop. When a well stops performing as expected, companies often face a tough choice: drill a new well or try to revive the existing one. This is where workover rigs come into play—they’re specialized rigs brought in to restore and boost productivity.

For a deeper dive into what are workover rigs and their specific roles in maintaining productivity, these rigs serve as essential tools in oilfield operations.

Workover rigs are used by a rig operator for a variety of tasks, such as:

• Replacing damaged tubing
• Repairing casings
• Removing blockages

They can also install new equipment to increase oil or gas flow, breathing new life into aging wells. This approach is far more cost-effective than starting from scratch with a new well, and it helps maximize existing resources.

With workover rigs, companies can extend a well’s life, keeping production flowing and costs down.

What’s the Difference Between a Workover Rig and a Drilling Rig?

A drilling rig is used to create new wells by drilling deep into underground reservoirs, essentially starting a well from scratch. A workover rig, on the other hand, maintains or repairs existing wells, focusing on tasks like:

• Replacing worn-out equipment
• Fixing casings
• Clearing blockages

While drilling rigs are larger, more powerful, and built for initial construction, workover rigs are lighter, more versatile, and geared toward enhancing or reviving production in wells that already exist. 

To see the specifics of how drilling rigs work compared to workover rigs, it’s clear why each has its unique role in oilfield operations.

For example, the drilling rig mast components are designed to support the heavy equipment needed for creating new wells, illustrating the strength and complexity required for this task. Workover rigs, in contrast, don’t need that same level of power; they’re all about being light and efficient.

In short, drilling rigs start wells; workover rigs keep them going.

How Hard Is Rig Work?

Rig work is tough—physically and mentally. 

Long hours, extreme weather, and heavy lifting are just part of the job. Workers also need sharp focus to ensure safety in high-risk environments. Add in the isolation of weeks on-site, away from family, and it’s clear: rig work isn’t for everyone. But for those who handle the grind, it offers strong pay and a unique sense of teamwork.

Curious about how much drilling rig costs for oilfield projects? 

This investment reflects the dedication and skill needed to make operations succeed, and it can impact a company’s choice to use drilling or workover rigs.

What Are the Different Types of Workover Rigs?

Workover rigs come in various types, each designed for specific tasks and environments. 

Mobile workover rigs are versatile and mounted on trucks, allowing them to move easily between well sites. 

Skid-mounted rigs are ideal for offshore or remote locations, as they’re transported piece by piece and assembled on-site.

Rigs are also categorized by their strength: light-duty rigs handle shallow wells and simple tasks, while heavy-duty rigs tackle deep, high-pressure wells requiring complex repairs. 

Some specialized workover service rigs, like coiled tubing units, allow continuous tubing operations without needing to stop production, making them invaluable for certain well interventions. Each type offers unique advantages depending on the job.

What Are the Common Well Intervention Tasks Performed by Workover Rigs?

Workover rigs handle essential well interventions, including tubing replacement, casing repair, and blockage removal to restore flow. They also perform well cleaning to clear out sand, scale, or debris and conduct acidizing or fracturing treatments to enhance production. In cases of equipment failure, workover rigs retrieve and replace pumps, packers, and other downhole tools, keeping wells productive and operational.

Workover Rig Equipment List

Workover rigs rely on various specialized tools to perform well maintenance effectively. Here’s a breakdown of essential equipment:

• Derrick/mast – Provides structural support for lifting heavy loads during operations.
• Drawworks – The hoisting system used to raise and lower tools and equipment into the well.
• Power swivel – Allows rotation of pipes for insertion or removal from the well.
• Blowout preventers (BOPs) – Critical for controlling well pressure and preventing blowouts.
• Mud pumps – Used to circulate drilling fluid and maintain well pressure.
• Tongs and slips – Tools for securely gripping and handling pipes.
• Wireline units – Essential for running logging tools or retrieving broken equipment from the well.

About Sophia Oilfield Supply Services

With over 30 years of experience, Sophia Oilfield Supply Services specializes in top-quality workover rigs and equipment designed to keep your wells performing at their peak. We know that effective well maintenance and timely repairs are essential for extending a well’s productivity and lifespan. That’s why our workover rigs are engineered to withstand tough conditions, ensuring reliable performance and efficiency across various environments.

Looking to enhance your well operations? 

Visit our workover rig product page or contact us for a customized quote. Our team of specialists will guide you in selecting the right equipment to support your well’s productivity and ensure ongoing success in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)