Drill rigs can be huge, fixed structures or small enough for workers in the field to move by hand or with the help of other tools. Specifications for how they are built require that the materials used can stand up to hard use, heavy loads, and harsh conditions in the environment.
Drilling rigs can be put through a lot of stress and corrosion, especially when drilling for crude oil. This causes a lot of problems during the time they are in use, such as:
- Acidic fluids can damage the tubing they move through.
- Crude oil can cause corrosion because it contains chemicals like sulfur and hydrogen sulfide.
- Mud and seawater can bring in physical and chemical pollutants.
- During operation, high temperatures can be generated.