an Astec company

0710

VR-500
Vertical Drilling Rig

VR-500 Introduction

American Augers, utilizing its more than 40 years of horizontal directional

drilling and underground technology experience, has revolutionized oil and
gas drilling with the introduction of the VR-500.

SPEED: The VR-500 provides optimum bit load from initial surface contact
throughout the entire drilling operation. Operators also have the ability to
immediately start a horizontal curve after surface penetration resulting in
greater access to shallow formations. American Augers designed the
VR-500 on the premise that Greater Penetration Rates = Greater Prots.

PERFORMANCE:
E: The VR-500 showcases American Augers
commitment to providing equipment with maximum Push/Pull Thrust
and Rotary Torque
ue for increased working power and reserve capacity.
The Best-In-Industry
ustry Top Head Drive equipped with Slip Spindle is
rugged and durable,
able, yet easy on Pipe Threads. The remote operated
Pipe Handling System
ystem ensures Control/Ease/Safety of the loading
operation.
SAFETY: The VR-500
R-500 eliminates many traditional drilling
components, such
ch as cables, tongs, and catheads, which
reduces injuries and downtime. Standard Operating
Procedures limits
ts the need for crew members to be on the
drilling oor, which
hich contributes to improved jobsite safety.

VR-500 Summary of Comparison

TRADITIONAL DRILLING RIGS

VR-500 DIRECTIONAL DRILL

Draw Works to pull pipe

NO Draw Works to pull pipe

Rotary Table to rotate pipe

NO Rotary Table to rotate pipe

Kelly Connection to connect to rotary table

NO Kelly Connections to connect to rotary table

Traveling Block

NO Traveling Block

Chains to speed up pipe connection

NO Chains to speed up pipe connections

Manual Tongs and Wrenches to make and break

pipe connections

NO Manual Tongs and Wrenches to make and

break pipe connections

Cat Head to lift pipe and other objects

NO Cat Head to lift pipe and other objects

Manual Slips to secure pipe

NO Manual Slips to secure drill pipe

Rat Hole and Mouse Hole

NO Rat Hole and Mouse Hole

Drill Collars for Weight

NO Drill Collars required for Weight

Can require additional equipment during set up

NO additional equipment required to set up

Typically requires 4-6 man crews

3 man operating crew

Slow Drilling Surface Hole

Fast Surface Hole Drilling

Slow Drilling Directional Holes

Field Proven Directional Hole Drilling Speed

DEPTH ANALYSIS

VR-500 Technology Spotlight

The VR-500 Advantage

Wiggle Steer
Provides the operator of a directional drill the means to rotate the
drill pipe and subsequently the cutting head on the drill string
back and forth over a predetermined range.
This back and forth motion causes the hole made by the cutting
head to be more open in a particular direction and therefore
facilitate steering of the drilling pipe in that direction under
ground.

Wiggle
Steer
Sensors

The Wiggle Steer System rotates the drill pipe in the Makeup
(CW) direction while thrusting forward. It will then rotate the
drill pipe in the Breakout (CCW) direction, but will not thrust in
the breakout direction. This method reduces the breakout torque
and should prevent the drill string tool joints from parting
down-hole.

DEPTH ANALYSIS

One major advantage of the new American

Auger vertical rig is that it can drill at
extremely shallow depths (like zone 1 in the
graphic) since the rig uses rack and pinion
thrust rather than gravity to load the drill bit.
No pay zone is off limits because of being too
shallow.

MAX
DEPTH

DRILL PIPE
NOMINAL
SIZE

15,000 ft. (4,572 m) 31/2 in. (88.9 mm)

DRILL PIPE
NOMINAL
WEIGHT
16 lbs./ft. (7.25 kg/m)

13,000 ft. (3,962 m) 51/2 in. (139.7 mm) 22 lbs./ft. (9.97 kg/m)
11,000 ft. (3,352 m) 65/8 in. (165.3 mm) 27.7 lbs./ft. (12.6 kg/m)

This graphic shows how directional drilling

for energy will expose more feet of casing to
the pay zone when compared with straight
vertical drilling. The zoom shows detail of
a frac to open up the formation so it can
exhale gas into the casing.

The Wiggle Steer System counts pulses from the RPM Sensors
on the RPM Gear that are compiled in the RPM Meter. The
meter then sends a signal to the Carriage/Rotary Joystick(s)
to control direction of both the Carriage and Rotary circuits.
The speed of the Wiggle Steer rotation and thrust are
controlled by the Carriage/Rotary Joystick(s).
The MOST Advanced Drill on the Market Today!
Fewer Transport Loads
Quick Jobsite Set Up Time
Small Working Foot Print
No Drilling Line to Fail or Change Out
Can Rotate Drill Pipe while Tripping Pipe in the Curve of a Lateral

VR-500 Top Head Drive Overview

Top Head Drive
Top Head Drive System: Rack & Pinion, (6) Pinion Drive
with Adjustable Force Limiter
Maximum Hook Load:
Standard
Metric
Carriage Travel Speed
500,000 lbs.
226 Tonnes
44 ft. (13.4 m)/minute
375,100 lbs.
170 Tonnes
59 ft. (17.9 m)/minute
175,000 lbs.
79 Tonnes
85 ft. (25.9 m)/minute
125,000 lbs.
57 Tonnes
120 ft. (36.6 m)/minute
Motors:
(6) Radial Piston/Dual Displacement
Brakes:
(6) Spring Applied/Hydraulic
Release
Gearbox:
(6) Planetary Drive
Rotary System:
(2) Pinion and Gear Drive with
Innitely Variable Torque
Maximum Rotary Torque: 30,000 ft.-lbs. (40,670 Nm)
Maximum Rotary Speed: 120 RPM
Rotary Motors:
(2) Axial Piston/Variable
Displacement
Rotary Brakes:
(2) Spring Applied/Hydraulic
Release
Fluid Course:
3 in. (76 mm)

Drill Rig Trailer

Mounting:

Maximum Mud Flow

Rate:
Mud Swivel:

Top Head Drive

Dimensions:

Mud Hose:
Slip Spindle:
Sub Saver:

650 U.S. Gallons (2,460 L)/minute

Connection 6 5/8 Pin
Fluid Course 5 in. (127 mm) ID
Maximum Pressure 5,000 psi
(345 bar)
Maximum Speed 200 RPM
(1) 4 1/2 in. (114 mm)
5 1/2 API-FH Tool Joint Connection
4 1/2 HX-API Box X Pin

Drill Rig Transport

Dimensions (w/Derrick):

Drill Rig Transport

Weight (w/Derrick) :
Axle Spacing
(Centerline Dimension):
Weight-on-Axle (per):
King Pin Size:
Weight-on-King Pin:
Winch:

VR-500 Pipe Handler Overview

Quad Axle

Standard
Length 66 ft.
Width 10 ft.
Height 13.5 ft.

131,000 lbs. (59,421 kg)

60 in. (1,524 mm)
18,450 lbs. (8,369 kg)
2 in. (51 mm)
40,700 lbs. (18,460 kg)
(1) 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) Rating

Stinger Axle
Axle:
Axle Spacing:
Dimensions:

(2)
4 ft. 6 in. (1.37 m)
Standard
Length 18 ft. 6 in.
Width 8 ft. 6 in.
Height 3 ft. 6 in.
Total Weight:
6,660 lbs. (3,021 kg)
GAWR-per-Stinger Axle: 20,280 lbs. (9,199 kg)

Top Head Drive

Assembly Total
Weight:

Metric
20.1 m
3.04 m
4.11 m

Metric
5.63 m
2.59 m
1.06 m

Standard
Length 14 ft.
Width 10 ft.

46,000 lbs. (20,866 kg)

Metric
4.26 m
3.04 m

Pipe Handling System

Pipe Racks

Description:
90 Pivoting Boom Assembly
Gripper Jaws:
(2) 180 Rotating Assemblies
Maximum Drill Pipe Size
(Length):
Range III
Maximum Drill Pipe/Casing
Tubular Dimension:
13 3/8 in. OD (339.73 mm)
Maximum Drill Collar
Size:
8 in. (203.2 mm) Range II
Maximum Lift Rating:
Drill Pipe Standard Metric
Range II
4,400 lbs. 1,996 kg
Range III 3,600 lbs. 1,633 kg
Lift Cylinder:
7.5 in. Bore X 63 in. Stroke
(191 mm 1,600 mm)
Pipe Handler
Dimensions:
Standard Metric
Length
43 ft. 6 in. 13.26 m
Width
10 ft.
3.04 m
Height
10 ft. 5 in. 3.17 m
Total Weight:
60,000 lbs. (27,216 kg)
Operational Mounting: Steel Skid
Pipe Handler Skid
e s o s:
Sta da d Metric
et c
Dimensions:
Standard
Length
43 ft. 6 in. 13.26 m
Width
8 ft. 10 in. 2.69 m
Height
2 ft. 6 in. 0.76 m
Pipe Handler Skid
Total Weight:
16,200 lbs. (7,348 kg)

Description:
Pipe Rack Dimensions
(each):

(2) Hydraulically adjustable for

height and angle

Standard
Metric
Length
20 ft.
6.1 m
Width
4 ft.
1.21 m
Height
5 ft.
1.52 m
Pipe Rack Total Weight: 5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg) each
Operational Mounting: (2) Steel base (Mud Boats)

VR-500 Wrench Overview

VR-500 Derrick Overview

Derrick
Steel Type:
Conguration:
Trailer Mounted
Derrick Dimension

Wrench
Wrench Type:

Open-side style with 7 in.

(178 mm) bore Clamp Cylinder
Maximum Breakout Torque:
80,000 ft.-lbs. (108,500 Nm)
Maximum Makeup Torque:
65,000 ft.-lbs. (88,130 Nm)
Clamp/Grip Range:
3 in. 8 in. (88.9 215.9 mm)
Wrench Assembly Total Weight: 6,000 lbs. (2,722 kg)

Trailer Mounted
Derrick Weight:
Derrick Attachment
Dimensions:

Derrick Attachment
Weight:
Total Derrick
Assembly Weight:
Derrick Assembly Bolts:
Lift Cylinders:

Support Strut:
Ladder:
Safety Harness
Attachments:
Crane:
Crane Height:
Boom Length:
Work Lights:
Total Drill Rig
Working Height:

T-1 Equivalent
(2) Piece Working Assembly
Standard
Length 55.5 ft.
Width 10 ft.
63,000 lbs. (28,580 kg)
Standard
Length 26.5 ft.
Width 10 ft.

84,000 lbs. (38,102 kg)

(22) 3/4 -10 unc
(2) 5 Stage Telescopic Cylinders
w/ Load Check Valves 11.25 in.
Bore x 283 in. Stroke
(285.75 mm 7,188 mm)
(1) Rear Mounted for Backside
Support
(1) Full Derrick Length
(2)
(1) Derrick Mounted w/ 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg) lift rating
3 ft. 3 in. (0.99 m)
10 ft. 6 in. (3.20 m)
Quantity Watts
Upper Derrick
5
60
Lower Derrick
6
60
99 ft. 3 in. (30.25 m)

Field Proven Channel Design

Excellent Platform for Transferring Power into the Ground

Tool Steel Thrust Gear Rack

High Strength Steel Construction
Guaranteed Long Life and Durability

Metric
8.07 m
3.04 m

21,000 lbs. (9,526 kg)

Derrick

Engineered for Optimum Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Metric
16.9 m
3.04 m

VR-500 Safety & Support / Substructure

Dual Hydraulic 5 Stage

Telescopic Lift Cylinders are
rear mounted for drill rig lift
and stabilization.

Single Strut is xed between

the rear of the drill derrick and
drill rig trailer for backside
safety support.

Substructure
BOP/Ground Clearance: 14 ft. (4.26 m)
Pneumatic Slips:
17 1/2 in. (444.5 mm) Assembly
with Split Bushing

Maximum Slip Drill Pipe

Dimension (Slip Lifter): 8 5/8 in. (114.3 mm)
Side Support Skid:
(1) Steel Constructed Platform
Side Support Skid
Dimensions:
Standard
Metric
Length
15 ft.
4.57 m
Width
10 ft.
3.04 m
Height
2 ft.
0.60 m
Side Support Skid
Weight:
8,000 lbs. (3,628 kg) each

VR-500 Power Train & Operation

Power Train
Engine:
Single Engine Rating:
Total System Engine
Rating:
Maximum Engine Speed:
Fuel Capacity
(per engine):
Hydraulic Capacity
(per engine):
Battery:

(2) Caterpillar C-18 Tier III Diesel

700 HP (522 kW)
1,400 HP (1,044 kW)
2100 RPM
650 U.S. Gallons (2,460 L)
500 U.S. Gallons (1,892 L)
(4) Deka 908DMF 12 V, 1450 CCA

Power Train Conguration

Mounting:
Sound Reducing, ISO Container
Container Dimensions:
Standard Metric
Length
40 ft.
12 .2 m
Width
8 ft.
2.43 m
Height
10 ft.
3.04 m
Container Weight:
50,000 lbs. (22,680 kg) each
Sound Reduction Pad: 1 in. (25 mm)

Drillers Cabin
Drillers Cabin
Dimensions:

Drillers Cabin &

Operating Platform
Weight:
Substructure
Drill Rig Base:
Upper Mud Boat
Dimensions:

Upper Mud Boat

Weight:
Lower Mud Boat
Dimensions:

Lower Mud Boat

Run-On-One-Technology-System (ROOTS)
Weight:
Simultaneously run both power units
Permits one power unit to run while powering through
unused power unit
Allows one power unit to run, but keeps the unused power
unit isolated
Exercise the ability
ty to have one
o power unit running, but have
the unused
nused power
pow unit removed
Unit maintains full power with single engine, but system
runs with half rotational RPM and half drive speed

Standard
Length 20 ft.
Width 8 ft.
Height 8.5 ft.

Metric
6.09 m
2.43 m
2.59 m

25,000 lbs. (11,340 kg)

(2) Piece Steel Elevated
Assembly
Length
Width
Height

Standard
37 ft.
10 ft.
6 ft.

Metric
11.2 m
3.04 m
1.82 m

47,000 lbs. (21,320 kg)

Standard
Length 29 ft.
Width 10 ft.
Height 2 ft.

Metric
8.83 m
3.04 m
0.60 m

l (10,886 kg)
24,000 lbs.