It’s early morning somewhere deep in the Gulf of Mexico and miles from a southern U.S. coastline that is nowhere in sight. After rolling out of his bunk, a man yawns and sips his coffee, contemplating the work day ahead. It will be another 12-hour shift and one that he’s familiar with as a veteran employee on this platform that is sturdily built to withstand the rugged ocean waters below and is roughly the size of two football fields.
As he walks across the deck of this mammoth oil rig, he glances up at the storm clouds above and feels the ocean spray on his face. After carefully turning the circular steel handle on the heavy water- and weather-proof door, he pulls off his rubber jacket and checks the large digital display on the wall indicating the shifts of the drillers, assistant drillers and derrickmen on the team he supervises.
Out here, things don’t come easy. In these conditions, temperatures can climb into the triple digits during the summer months and can plummet to bone-chilling numbers in the winter. Add to this a constant exposure to moisture, and you’ll see how both his team and drilling equipment are subjected to a sometimes unforgiving environment. But every day, these dedicated, hard-working professionals and the tools they use to do their jobs have to be ready to answer the call.
Helping to bring more energy to the U.S. and the world.
A typical offshore rig in the U.S. produces over 4,000 barrels of crude oil a day. As the foreman checks his watch, it’s already early afternoon and he is constantly reviewing production numbers to make sure everything is moving at an acceptable pace. He monitors the progress of the massive “jackup” drill that is housed in a triangular-shaped structure and can reach hundreds of feet down within the ocean floor.
The oil that is harvested on this rig is directed into an expansive pipeline system that links to the shoreline. Fluid control valves are in place to keep this constant flow of oil moving safely and efficiently toward tanker trucks and rail cars that will transport this supply to processing plants. As one of the three major fossil fuels, petroleum helps to contribute to nearly 80 percent of U.S. energy production every year.
As the sun begins to set over the Gulf, the supervisor checks in with his crew to get a report on the day’s happenings and to prepare for tomorrow’s shift. When the work day is done, it’s time to clean up, grab a hot meal at the commissary, catch up with family and friends by phone or email, then off to bed. Make no mistake, this job is not for everyone. These men and women can be away from loved ones for weeks at a time, putting in long days in what can be uncomfortable and even treacherous conditions. But they contribute to producing an energy source that keeps America – and the world – moving.
We work where you work.
At DynaQuip, we understand the hard work and dedication required in industries like this. While this type of work may not be for everyone, the professionals in these environments deserve every advantage to achieve successful results. That’s why we produce reliable fluid control valves and resources that work as hard as the people that use them. Backed by a track record of over seven decades, you can trust us to provide industry-leading resources you can rely on.
We’re always ready to listen to your challenges, assess your needs and partner with you to deliver lasting excellence and performance. For more information, explore our website or feel free to contact us at 800-545-3636. We work where you work.