What is a 'walking' oil rig?

A 'walking' oil rig is a type of rig that can easily move from one well to the next, saving the operator the expensive and time-consuming process of disassembling and reassembling rig components.

What is a rig walking system?

Rig Walking Systems Overview - Columbia's rig walking systems provide essential support to the oil and gas industry by offering efficient and safe methods for relocating heavy drilling rigs. These systems improve operational flexibility, allowing rigs to be re-positioned without disassembly, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.

How does a walking rig work?

Walking Cycle: Lift cylinders raise the rig, then travel cylinders push the substructure along the center plank on rollers. The lift cylinders then lower the load and the travel cylinders retract for another pushing cycle. Steering adjustments are made by hydraulic cylinders while the load is off the rollers.

What's it like working on a drilling rig?

Roughnecks get to work out in the elements, just like a roofer, and toiling on an drilling rig prepares you for alpine climbing with shifts that can run for days at a time. I once worked a week straight on a rig.

How much weight can a rig walking system move?

Columbia Industries offers a variety of rig walking system solutions capable of moving loads of up to 12 million pounds. To ensure our walking systems match your needs, we custom design each of our systems to meet the fabrication requirements of our customers’ specific rig design criteria.

How does the Columbia Kodiak rig walking system work?

Designed to move rig substructures, the Columbia Kodiak Cub Rig Walking System utilizes Hilman rollers paired with oversized lift cylinders and a low-pressure hydraulic system to lift and move the entire substructure. With a customizable fit designed to connect externally to either slingshot or box-on-box subs, the Kodiak Cub can attach to any rig.