The drawworks is a large winch located on the drill floor of a rig. It is used to raise and lower the drill string and other equipment into and out of the wellbore.
Main Components:
- Drum – The rotating spool that holds the drilling line (wire rope).
- Brake system – Controls the descent of heavy loads.
- Transmission – Provides variable speed and torque.
- Motors – Can be electric or diesel, supplying power to the drawworks.
- Clutches and Gears – Engage or disengage different parts for control.
Functions:
Hoisting and lowering the drill string, casing, and bottom hole assembly.
Controlling weight on bit (WOB) during drilling.
Working with the traveling block and crown block to control movement of the hook.
Types of Drawworks:
Mechanical – Older systems powered directly by diesel engines.
Electric – Powered by electric motors; more common on modern rigs.
AC or DC drawworks – Depending on the type of electrical system used.
Importance:
The drawworks plays a central role in rig operations, especially during tripping (running in and pulling out of the hole) and during drilling to manage proper pressure and weight on the bit.