Tervita Corporation, a leading North American environmental and energy services company, is shaping the future of the service rig industry by entering into an exclusive lease agreement with TTS Energy Canada Ltd. for the first rack and pinion service rig on the continent.

 

This innovative rig technology is safer and more environmentally-friendly than traditional rigs. It requires fewer workers to operate while keeping those employees at a safer distance from the operation.

 

The new rig has the flexibility of being powered by diesel or electricity provided by one of the company’s steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) clients, who already generate power from onsite steam plants.

 

“This is a pivotal moment for the service rig industry,” said John Gibson, Tervita president and CEO. “In the last 30 years, there have been no real significant changes to service rigs. We feel the move to the rack and pinion technology will provide greater automation and the increased benefit to safety and the environment represents the future of the industry.”

 

The patented rack and pinion technology allows the rig to push and pull. Typically a rig requires up to five workers onsite, but with the rig’s automation technology, only three employees are needed to keep the rig in service. This is a tremendous benefit to Tervita and its customers, considering the labour shortages the industry faces, and the vital importance of worker safety, the company said.

 

“Our customers are increasingly interested in using safer, environmentally responsible technologies, so a significant part of our growth strategy is to develop and work with external partners to design and manufacture those solutions,” Gibson said.

 

“TTS is excited to find a partner in Tervita to launch the rack and pinion technology to the service rig industry,” said Mark Skawronski, president, TTS Energy Canada. “Tervita’s continued commitment to technology and innovation will help revolutionize the well servicing industry.”

 

TTS will begin manufacturing the SR-75-RP 75T rig shortly and service is expected to commence by the end of 2012. The new technology will be pioneered for and first used in Fort McMurray.