Drilling rig stair tower with integrated utility lines and cable tray

A system comprising:

• a drilling rig, the drilling rig including a drill rig floor;
• a stair tower mechanically coupled to the drilling rig, the stair tower including:
• a frame;
• one or more stair flights and platforms positioned within and mechanically coupled to the frame;
• and
• a cable tray pivotably coupled to the frame, the cable tray having one or more of electrical cables or utility piping running on or through the cable tray from the frame to a distal end of the cable tray, the cable tray pivoted to a raised position, the one or more of electrical cables or utility piping mechanically coupled to one or more corresponding electrical cables or utility piping of the drilling rig positioned at or near the distal end of the cable tray.

A method comprising:

• providing a drilling rig;
• transporting a stair tower to the drilling rig in a horizontal position, the stair tower including:
• a frame;
• one or more stair flights and platforms positioned within and mechanically coupled to the frame;
• and
• a cable tray pivotably coupled to the frame, the cable tray having one or more of electrical cables or utility piping running on or through the cable tray from the frame to a distal end of the cable tray, the cable tray pivoted to a raised position, the one or more of electrical cables or utility piping mechanically coupled to one or more corresponding electrical cables or utility piping of the drilling rig positioned at or near the distal end of the cable tray;
• raising the stair tower from the horizontal position to a vertical position;
• mechanically coupling the stair tower to the drilling rig;
• extending the cable tray;
• and
• mechanically coupling the one or more of electrical cables or utility piping to one or more of corresponding electrical cables or utility piping of the drilling rig.