In Aracas in Brazil’s Bahia region, the Petrobras energy company has been using two Terra Invader 350T type deep drilling rigs since 2009. As 80 drills are planned, it is of enormous importance that the entire transfer process from one well site to another is carried out as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

For this reason, Herrenknecht Vertical engineers have equipped the rigs with a special mechanical feature, known as the slingshot system. The rigs are assembled at the well site in a horizontal position. Subsequently, the substructure and the mast are raised using a hydraulic hoisting system. The advantage is that in areas with difficult accessibility the rigs can be raised to the required working level without additional equipment. There is no need for large cranes and this considerably reduces the cost and effort involved in transferring the rig from one well site to another.

Together with San Antonio Internacional, Herrenknecht Vertical completed almost 20 of the 80 planned wells successfully with the aid of the highly accurate hydraulic system.

Track record

Project: Bahia, Brazil
Machine type: Terra Invader 350T slingshot
Drilling depths: up to 5,500m
Drill hole diameter: 17½’’ to 8½’’
Geology: Alianca formations
Purpose: Oil exploration

Operator: Petrobras Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.