Handling spare parts for drilling operations is a delicate process, requiring both skill and know-how. Given that drilling activities are highly dependent on deadlines, you must avoid any delays. Working extra days can quickly ramp up the costs, affect companies’ profitability.
To avoid costly delays, companies must have spare parts on hand so that the broken ones can be quickly replaced. This is why managers pay special attention to their equipment planning and logistics.
What Are Aftermarket Spare Parts?
As the name indicates, we use this term to refer to all replacement tools, parts, and equipment for drilling rights. We call them “aftermarket” as they are not created by the original manufacturer. Businesses commonly procure these parts from third-party suppliers.
Aftermarket spare parts are vital for ensuring smooth daily operations. Companies use them for repairing, replacing, or upgrading the current infrastructure and machines. Some of the most common aftermarket spare parts used on drilling rigs include:
- Blowout Preventers: These parts increase safety during drilling operations, whether we’re talking about oil or gas processes. The great thing about aftermarket blowout preventers is that they have similar features to the original parts, but at much lower costs.
- Drill Pipes: Similar to any other pipes, drill pipes transfer fluids from one part of the rig to another. They convey the drill bit to the well’s bottom.
- Drill Bits: We use drill bits to make repairs and install different parts. They punch holes in various materials, allowing us to connect different parts, attach components to each other, etc.
- Filters, Motors, Pumps: These are essential mechanical parts that you can find not only on rigs, but in just about any manufacturing plant. Most of these components are easily replaceable by similar parts from other manufacturers.
- Gaskets, Seals, and Packing: We use all of these parts to maintain stable pressure. They are useful for transferring liquids and preventing potential leaks.
- Washpipe Assembly Components: Some of the main parts from this group include packing, washpipe assemblies, nuts, and wrenches. They are used during installation, but also for repairs.
How Companies Manage Aftermarket Spare Parts?
Drilling businesses have all these policies and technology revolving around spare part maintenance and supply. They use advanced software to monitor usage rates of their aftermarket parts and schedule regular maintenance. Companies also employ technicians on rigs who can quickly handle malfunctions.
It is vital for oil and gas organizations to continuously analyze the state of their equipment. Assessing the longevity of spare parts allows them to proactively replace old parts and avoid downtime.
The government also plays its part in drill rig safety. They introduce various laws that prescribe how personnel should behave when dealing with spare parts. Among other things, major emphasis is placed on the transport and storage of these parts, as it helps prevent corrosion and other risks.
Comparing Manufacturer vs. Aftermarket Drilling Parts
In an ideal world, you would always use the spare parts made by the original manufacturer. However, as these components are often too expensive or not available, companies tend to settle for aftermarket drilling parts.
These are the main advantages of using these products:
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Price
Price is a major factor that goes in favor of the aftermarket price. If you’re just looking for a product made by an unknown brand, you can save a lot of money. Even better, the aftermarket products are not always inferior when it comes to performance.
Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that these prices might fluctuate depending on what you need and what you’re using as a replacement.
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Availability
Although aftermarket parts are generally easier to procure, as you can get them from just about anywhere, availability might still be an issue. This is especially true if you’re working on a faraway oil rig that doesn’t have proper logistical coverage.
You can get them from any website or local market, as long as they fit the dimensions and physical/mechanical/chemical properties. The general rule of thumb is for managers to procure these parts well in advance.
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Quality
The original parts are usually best suited for the job. They have the same dimensions and properties as the previous components, so all you need to do is replace one with another.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that aftermarket parts will do a poor job.
For example, you might get a product with much better properties. All you have to do after that is determine whether it’s suitable for your specific needs.
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Variety
Another advantage of aftermarket parts is that there are so many different products at your disposal. You might get a component made from a specialized manufacturer or one from a general-purpose spare part company like BORG Pumps GMBH.
The only issue that might pop up is that you’ll have to deal with so many characteristics. In some cases, having this large variety at your disposal might even backfire, as you might not know the best product for your drilling procedures. This is why one of your crew members should be well acquainted with the spare part market.
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Warranty
When you buy a spare part from the original manufacturer, you’re bound to have a warranty. According to it, the company is responsible for covering all the replacement or fixing costs. That is, if you used the part according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
On the other hand, many aftermarket spare parts might not offer the same benefit. Then again, this depends on where you’re buying the aftermarket component.
Last Thoughts
Handling spare parts for drilling operations is a science on its own. The simplest solution would be to use the same products over and over again. However, as shown in this article, there are many arguments for buying aftermarket spare parts. Aside from being much cheaper, these items are easily obtainable.
PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM