AC drilling rigs, a new drive for Bhel

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (Bhel), Hyderabad, is poised to enhance its rig manufacturing capabilities in collaboration with National Oil Well Varco, US. The Hyderbad unit has signed an MoU with the US company late last month for manufacturing land drilling rigs that work on alternating current (AC) and support up to 2000 horse-power drilling lines. The MoU is for building 35 rigs in phases.

With this new technology, which is more efficient and environment-friendly, Bhel Hyderabad looks to double its annual turnover from oil rigs to Rs 400 crore from Rs 200 crore now, according to CSR Murthy, head of engineering & technology, oil rigs. The public sector company expects an order from ONGC for six of 2,000 HP AC deep drilling rigs, each rig costing about Rs 110 crore.

The AC drilling rig, introduced in 1994, is now a preferred technology in off-shore and onshore explorations for its high response.

Further, unlike DC rigs, which causes diesel emissions, AC rigs draw power mostly from utilities, and are, thus, more environment-friendly

ref:
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/AC-drilling-rigs--a-new-drive-for-Bhel/630184/