what is a power tong operator factory

2023-05-21 21:22:12

You’re the one with the power – the power tongs, that is. You control the equipment that threads sections of drill casing to form the pipe that is placed hundreds of metres into the ground. When you arrive at site, the rig crew knows it’s time to get to work. Your strength and dexterity serve you well in this occupation.

Power tong operators control the equipment that threads sections of drill casing into the wellbore. As a member of the oilfield well services team, they are responsible for operating power tongs, torque measuring equipment and tube/casing handling equipment at the well site. Casing is required to maintain an oil or gas well’s structural integrity, prevent the cross-contamination of water with other fluids and control well pressure during the drilling, production and maintenance of the well. Power tong operators must be able to transport equipment to and from the well location, safely rig in and operate the equipment, perform day-to-day inspections, servicing and maintenance of equipment, and complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.

what is a power tong operator factory

Power Tong Operators control the power tongs that thread sections of drill casing together to form the pipe being placed hundreds of metres into the ground. With the right amount of strength, dexterity and experience, they’re the ones who get things connected.

Power Tong Operators don’t always know the crew they’ll be working with, but they’re instantly an integral part of the team. With the help of the crew, they set up the equipment, which includes tasks like hydraulic testing and changing hydraulic lines and hoses. And then it’s time to begin.

Power Tong Operators ensure giant pipe segments with their drill casings are aligned while running the power tong. The power tong turns the drilling pipe connections into each other, based on various sizes and weights and the resulting different drilling torque specs.

As the Power Tong Operator works the power tongs, the crew helps to do some of the heavy lifting. They help latch the elevators into the casing, pull and replace the slips and fill the inside of the pipe with drilling fluids and muds.

Typically employed by the oil and gas services sub-sector of the industry, Power Tong Operators are typically on-call and work in rotating shifts in remote locations.

It’s a tough job that requires applying health and safety principles in variety of weather conditions, as well as dust, dirt and fumes. A Power Tong Operator also needs to know how to work with the chemicals associated with rotating equipment.

Power Tong Operators need to bring strength and stamina to the job. And because they generally don’t know their crew, they need solid communication skills to work with others to get the job done.

what is a power tong operator factory

Straight Tong Die Driver: Used for die slot redressing, the straight tong die driver is the simplest of type of rig tong. Though it is also the simplest type of rig tong to use, it is also the least safe of the three. Its handle and handguard protect hammer blows from falling onto the grip. Straight tong die drivers are lightweight—under eight pounds—and measure in at around 1”.

Angled Tong Die Driver: The angled tong die driver has a grip that’s angled away from the perpendicular tong as well as brass guards for the tong tip and handle, making this rig tong safer than the straight tong die driver. While this tong is safer, however, it’s actually harder to keep the angle tong die driver in place. This driver is similar in length to the straight tong die driver, but is about two pounds heavier, weighing in at over nine pounds.

Hammerless Tong Die Driver: This variety of tong die driver is made up of a hand pipe that can be used to apply pressure to the tong’s tip without using a hammer at all. This option is the safest of the three driver types because there’s no hammer required, it’s also the slowest driver for this same reason. The hammerless tong die driver is about as long and weighs as much as the straight tong die driver.

What oilfield tools does your operation need? Keystone Energy Tools has atool to fit your bill.Contact us today to learn more about how rig tongs can make your work environment safer, and to learn more our other oil and gas industry products.

what is a power tong operator factory

2018 marks the 60th anniversary for Eckel. We are the oldest continuous leading manufacturer of world-class hydraulic power tongs and trusted for reliability, safety and high performance.

Eckel 9-7/8 HS-55 Tubing / Casing providing high torque and high continuous rotational torque that you can trust within a compact operational footprint featuring SPACE SAVER™ technology.

Providing a maximum torque of 75,000 ft-lbs (101686 Nm) and 50,000 ft-lbs (67790.9 Nm) continuous rotational torque; well suited for today"s high torque premium casing connections.

The Eckel Model 25 Hydra-Shift® HS-85 features a two-speed motor with two-speed gear train, producing 60,000, 80,000 and 125,000 ft-lb of torque respectively in low-low, at 2,500 psi. This tong easily handles ultra-heavy casing strings from 9 5/8 inches to 25 inches.

The Eckel Model 25 Hydra-Shift® HT-200 Tri-Grip®introduced features a two-speed motor with two-speed gear train, producing 200,000 ft-lb of torque respectively in low-low, at 2,500 psi. This tong easily handles ultra-heavy casing strings from 9 5/8 inches to 25 inches - featuring a three head Tri-Grip®biting system design which like the Tri-Grip®New Revised Version Backup encompasses the tubular to apply an evenly distributed gripping force. The additional head in the tong reduces the risk of radial deformation, die penetration, marking, and wear of the tubular by 1/3 at extreme torques...

The new 7.25 HS HT-80 for Drill Pipe and High Torque Casing Tong takes on the toughest job with make-up and break-out of drill pipe, drill collars and high torque casing with a maximum torque of 80,000 ft-lbs. The 7.25 HS HT-80 is available with a two-speed Hydra-Shift® motor coupled with a two-speed gear train providing (4) torque levels and (4) RPM speeds. The variable speeds can slowly or quickly spin tubulars 2-3/8 through 7 1/4 inch as necessary. Having exceptional gripping capabilities with rig dies for drill pipe or wrap-around dies that securely encompass the tubular limit potential for damage. The 7.25 HS HT-80 is also available with either Eckel Pyramid Fine Tooth dies or True-Grit dies. The 7.25 HS HT-80 is another of our tongs models that exceeds the competition in its class.

Extremely popular among the most successful of pipe handlers, the Model 5 1/2 UHT combines high torque (up to 25,000 ft-lbs) with a wide capacity range. Ideal for handling tubing, casing and small drill pipe. Options include manual backup or Tri-Grip®backups.

The WD Tri-Grip®Backup is a high performance no compromise backup that is suitable for make-up and break-out of the most resilient connections. The WD Tri-Grip®Backup features a three head design that encompasses the tubular that applies an evenly distributed gripping force. A constant radial load is applied when a single wedge drive to actuate the front two pivot heads with a third stationary head providing a reactionary force to provide a superior gripping performance. Wedge Drive Tri-Grip®Backup has exceptional gripping capabilities with Rig Dies when running drill pipe or optional Eckel Wrap-Around True-Grit dies or Pyramid Fine Tooth dies for making up other types of tubulars.

The 4 1/2 Hydra-Shift® is packed with all the features you"ve come to expect from Eckel: patented cam biting system, quick-change sliding heads, self-aligning open throat. Options include both torque gauge and manual backup or cam-type hydraulic backup. The unit is also available with front or side controls, standard chain bridle suspension, or with its own built-in suspension arm.

When applications demand the combination of size and high torque output up to 120,000 ft-lb, the Eckel Model 20 Hydra-Shift® UHT handles pipe from 7 inches to 20 inches. By utilizing a two speed mechanical shift transmission in conjunction with the two speed Hydra-Shift® motor, the operator has a more flexible choice of torque/rpm"s to work with during make-up or break-out.

The Eckel Model 14 Hydra-Shift® handles pipe from 4 inches to 14 inches and incoporates the Hydra-Shift® technology which provides smoother operating environment and a wider selection of torque/RPM"s that are available to the operator. The 14 Hydra-Shift® is capable of delivering 35,000 ft-lb of torque in low-speed, low-gear. Also available with hydraulic Tri-Grip®backup.

The Eckel Model 30 Hydra-Shift® features a two-speed motor with a two-speed gear train, producing 130,000 ft-lb of torque in low-low at 2,500 psi. Weight 9,000 pounds, this tong easily handles ultra heavy casing strings from 14 inches to 30 inches.

Except for added torque (up to 24,000 ft-lb) and expanded pipe capacity (from 4 to 13 3/8 inches), the 13 3/8 Standard tong offers the same basic engineering and design as the smaller, lighter Model 10 3/4. Highly recommended where applications demand the ultimate in size range and torque output.

For casing up to 22 inches, here"s a tong that has strong torqueing ability and will handle pipe sizes down to 7 inch. The tong utilizes a two-speed motor and a two-speed gear train, allowing the operator to correctly adjust the tong for the optimum torque and RPM needed for the current application. Maximum torque for the 22 Hydra-Shift® is 80,000 ft-lb.

For casing up to 20 inches, here"s a tong that combines surprising speed with an ability to handle smaller sizes economically (as small as 7 inches). The 20 Standard reaches peak efficiency at just 38 horse power input, thus requiring no "souped-up" power unit. Available torque: 42,000 ft-lb.

An excellent choice where applications demand the combination of size range and high torque output, the Eckel Model 14 UHT handles pipe from 4 inches to 14 inches. Upgraded in design and performance over the Model 14 HS, this tong is capable of delivering 65,000 ft-lb of torque. Also, available with Wedge Drive Tri-Grip®backup which handles pipe from 4 inches to 15.5 inches.

When application demand a wide range of sizes, this tong handles pipe sizes 2 3/8 inches all the way to 7 5/8. Built around the 7 5/8 Standard, the 7 5/8 HS HD provides a thicker rotary gear for more added strength, an additional idler gear, a larger pinion gear, and stronger bearings for load bearing capacity and durability.

When application demand a wide range of sizes, this tong handles pipe sizes 2 3/8 inches all the way to 7 5/8. Built around the 7 5/8 Standard, the 7 5/8 Heavy Duty provides a thicker rotary gear for more added strength, an additional idler gear, a larger pinion gear, and stronger bearings for load bearing capacity and durability.

The Eckel Model 25 Hydra-Shift® features a two-speed motor with two-speed gear train, producing 60,000 ft-lb of torque in low-low, at 2,500 psi. Weighing 6,290 pounds, this tong easily handles ultra-heavy casing strings from 9 5/8 inches to 25 inches.

A maximum torque up to 25,000 ft-lb and a small foot print design this tong meets your application requirements. A two speed mechanical shift transmission in conjunction with the two speed Hydra-Shift® motor provides the operator a flexible choice of torque and rpm"s to work with during make-up or breakout. The 9 5/8 Hydra-Shift® HD is capable of handling a range of pipe from 2 3/8 inches to 9 5/8 inches.

The Eckel 870 DPT combine power tong and Wedg Drive Tri-Grip®Backup, providing a single piece of equipment to replace several...one smooth continuous operation instead of numerous time-wasting steps at each connection...and a quick, safe means of tripping, replacing methods that endanger crew members and pipe string a like. For drill strings up to 8 inch collars, the model 870 offers over 75,000 ft-lb of torque for break-out and make-up operations, plus ample speed for spinning joints.

The Eckel Model 24 UHT features a two-speed motor with single-speed gear train, producing 95,000 ft-lb of torque in low speed, 25,000 ft-lb in high, both at 2,500 psi. Weighing 8,000 pounds, this tong easily handles ultra-heavy casing strings from 13 3/8 inches to 24 inches.

Light, fast and exceptionally rugged, Eckel"s Model 10 3/4 Standard is always in demand where rig floor space is at a minimum. For pipe sizes from 4 to 10 3/4 inches, it delivers a stout 20,000 ft-lb of available torque.

When applications require the combination of size and torque up to 18,000 ft-lbs, the Eckel 9 5/8 Hydra-Shift® (Narrow Body) meets these requirements. The narrow body design allows this tong to easily operate on smaller rig configurations. A two speed mechanical shift transmission in conjunction with the two speed Hydra-Shift® motor provides the operator a flexible choice of torque and RPM"s to work with during make-up or breakout. The 9 5/8 Hydra-Shift® is capable of handling a range of pipe from 2 3/8 inches to 9 5/8 inches.

The 14 HS HT Tri-Grip®Tong is used for making up and break out casing and risers. Capable of handling tubulars from 4 in. to 14 in. (101.6 - 355.6 mm) in diameter with a maximum torque of 135,000 ft-lbs (183035.4) of torque capacity. A two-speed Hydra-Shift® motor coupled with a two-speed gear train provides (4) torque levels and (4) RPM speeds. The tong features a three head - Tri-Grip®biting system design which like the Tri-Grip®Backup encompasses the tubular to apply an evenly distributed gripping force. The additional head in the tong reduces the risk of radial deformation, die penetration, marking, and wear of the tubular by 1/3 at extreme torques. The tong performs exceptional gripping capabilities with either Eckel True-Grit dies or Pyramid Fine Tooth dies.

The Eckel Top Drive Casing Tong is a tool developed for use on hydraulic top drive rigs to provide a high quality connection while reducing tubular damage and providing a safer enviroment for crews. With an operating capacity of 4 1/2 inch through 10 5/8 inch, is connected to the output stem of the power swivel. After installation the tong becomes an integral part of the swivel, raising and lowering as a unit and transfering the power swivel"s RPM and torque to the pipe/connection. A guide attached beneath the top drive tong simplifies alignment of the collar within the tong. Once the collar of the pipe is enclosed within the top drive tong, the tong will grip the collar by operating the power swivel. Torque and rotational speed are controlled through the operation of the power swivel. Reversal of the power swivel will cause the tong jaws to release. Tong jaws are spring loaded to retract away from the collar. Utilizing three gripping jaws and a patented Eckel Cam Biting System to grip the pipe collar. The same type of proven biting system found in the industry leading Eckel Power Tongs. These jaws are spaced evenly about the circumference of the collar to provide even distribution of the gripping forces

The Oil & Gas Industry has needed a specialized power tong with an integral backup. This tong is sized small enough and has the right amount of controlable torque output. It is designed so as to properly grip small tubulars such as small macaroni type strings of tubing.

This tong incorporates Eckel"s Hydra-Shift® technology for smooth tranfers of power and speed directly to the tubular. Special built in torque control valving allows the operator to pre-set the maximum desired torque for the connection. This tong also incorporates our new Radial Lock Door. If you are looking for a tong for this lighter type of word look no further.

Compact Size...Big Torque...if this is what you are looking for in a power tong, look no further. Our 5-1/2 Hydra-Shift® is sized smaller in width than our 5-1/2 Standard model. Like all of our newly developed tongs, the 5-1/2 incorporates the Hydra-Shift® technology, allowing the operator to shift from high speed to low speed without having to manually shift the tong. You will see many years of trouble free operation, not to mention the smoother hydraulic shifting. With two models to choose from, Eckel has the right 5-1/2 Hydra-Shift® for your needs. The 5-1/2 Hydra-Shift® LS with a two-speed motor and a single-speed gear train is the original 5-1/2 Hydra-Shift® which has gained wide acceptance in the industry. Slide heads with rig dies are available for handling drill pipe tool joints.

Special applications and tough requirements demanded that we respond with a new tong designed and built with today"s pipe handling challenges in mind, the 8 5/8 Hydra-Shift® HT. By utilizing a two speed mechanical shift transmission in conjunction with the two speed Hydra-Shift® motor, the operator has a more flexible choice of torque/RPM"s to work with during make-up or break-out. At the beginning of the job, the operator will choose a tong gear ratio that is most appropriate for the current tubular connection and shift the variable speed motor handle into high or low as required. This tong also offers sliding heads with wrap-around dies which provides an evenly applied pressure to the pipe and a greater pipe gripping coverage which in return reduce tubular damage. This tong not only offers the operator the speed options down to the slow speed parameter now demanded by the pipe manufactures and oil companies, it also has the option of speeds of 100 RPM"s when required. Available torque: 40,000 ft-lb

When higher torque performance than 10 3/4 Standard is required, the Eckel 10 3/4 Heavy Duty provides the performance you need. Model 10 3/4 Heavy Duty is always in demand where rig floor space is at a minimum. For pipe sizes from 4 to 10 3/4 inches, it delivers a stout 25,000 ft-lb of available torque.

Eckel Tri-Grip®an industry standard for reliable backup in make-up and break-out of tubular connections and optionally supplied with Eckel tongs. Eckel backups utilize hydraulic cylinders and a head arrangement that insures slip-free operation. The hydraulic backup is suspended at an adjustable level below the power tong by means of three hanger legs and allowing the backup to remain stationary while the power tong moves vertically to compensate for thread travel of the connection. The Tri-Grip®uses two pivoting heads and one stationary while the cam backup uses two head to grip tubulars using a head and cam configuration that is similar to the method the tong grips tubulars.

The Eckel Closed Mouth Tongs uses three sliding heads with each head equipped with a wide angle wrap-around die. This provides a maximum gripping area of 342 degrees; on the pipe. The CMT"s utilizes the Hydra-Shift® shifting technology which allows the operator to shift from high to low speed without stopping the tong. Reversing the pipe rotation is effortless and done simply by pulling the tong control in the opposite direction. There is no need to physically take out the jaws and turn them over as there is with other brands of closed head tongs. The CMT"s also come with an optional backup that utilizes the same heads/dies as the tong.

The Model 4 1/2 UHT-13 is rugged, light weight tong capable of providing 8,500 ft-lb of torque at 2,500 PSI. The tong will handle pipe from 1.050 inches to 4 1/2 inches. A notable feature is the Eckel patented quick-change sliding head biting system that compensates for worn or under gauge pipe. Also available with an optional rod package for sizes 5/8 inch through 1-1/8 inches and your choice of manual type or hydraulic type backups.

For casing up to 17 inches, here"s a tong that combines speed and the ability to handle smaller sizes economically. If you are running 17 inch casing, give this tong a try. The 17 Hydra-Shift® features the two-speed motor and the two-speed gear train which allows for multiple selections of torque or RPM, not to mention the smoother operation of the tong.

The Eckel 3500 Hydra-Shift® DTT (Dual Tubing Tong) provides fast, easy running on dual strings of 3 1/2 inch or smaller tubing. It grabs from the side, or head-on. Go ahead and torque it up; this tong is Eckel tough. And speed shifts are no problem, thanks to a patented Hydra-Shift® concept that eliminates clutching. The Model 3500 DTT Hydra-Shift® is packed with all the features you"ve come to expect from Eckel: quick-change sliding heads, self-aligning open throat.

The big, capable Model 36 UHT easily produces 100,000 ft-lb of torque for makeup or break-out operations involving casing in sizes 16 inches through 36 inches. Weighing approximately 13,000 pounds, this casing tong is 81 inches wide and 135 inches in length. A two-speed motor delivers 16 RPM in high, 3 1/2 RPM in low range, both at 70 GPM.

Eckel has been at the forefront of this developing technology with the development of larger wrap-around type dies for many of its tong models. Wrap-Around Dies are symmetrically spaced from each other at all times insuring an equally distributed load on the tubular.

The Model 5 1/2 Standard is the first open-throat design in its size range to generate 12,000 ft-lb of available torque. Versatility is the name of the game here as this tong works well whether powered by a workover rig or a portable casing tong power unit. Options include manual backup or cam-type hydraulic backups.

When applications demand a wide range of sizes, the 7-5/8 Standard tong handles pipe sizes 2-1/16 inches all the way to 7-5/8. Its rugged design is based upon knowledge gained from the 5-1/2 model...combining an extremely compact, high torque concept with added versatility. Options include either manual backup or Tri-Grip®backup. Available torque: 15,000 ft-lb

what is a power tong operator factory

Casing Tongs: Casing power tongs are used to make or break casing tubulars placed in the drill hole in order to maintain the opening of the well. They come in a variety of sizes that measure anywhere from 5 ½ feet to 36 feet, and are designed to deal with lightweight, or high torque casing. Casing tongs are also available in a variety of models, with torques ranging from 15,000 to 200,000 foot-pounds. Consistent operations among the different models minimize the need for employee training.

Tubing Tongs: The main purpose of tubing power tongs is to run tubulars in order to extract oil and gas from reservoirs. Ruggedly designed, they provide steady, and reliable performance, even at higher torques. Like casing tongs, they also come in a variety of models depending on your torque specifications.

Drill Pipe Tongs: Drill pipe power tongs form drill strings by screwing together drill pipe, and industrial tubular used for drilling into the ground. These tongs are effective at lowering drill time, and reducing costs. Designed for safe, and quick make-up, they come in sizes 2.36 to 10 inches, and include a variety of models.

Riser Tongs: Risers are similar to pipelines in that they are conduits that move materials from the blowout preventer, located on the seafloor, to a drilling rig or floating production structure. Like flowlines, drilling risers transfer mud during the drilling stages while production risers carry over production materials, and hydrocarbons. Manufacturers of premium pipes have created threaded risers that are sealable, fatigue-resistant, and high-pressure– ideal for deep-water drilling.

Flush joint connections are used in numerous cases when running gravel pack screens. This makes it possible to shorten the length of the tong gripping portions between the screens. This change causes an increase in the productive area of the screens across the production zones in which long screen sections are run.

Expandable casing presents several issues for its make-up and running. Due to the deformity of the pipe from its original size, cautious and careful handling is required. Special tongs with jaws that can grip nonconventional diameters should be used for expandable casing. These tongs include false rotary tables and bowls, and slips for managing the inner strings.

Since power tongs are subject to heavy-duty use, and the maintenance requires a specialized workshop, your maintenance and repair provider should be able to assist you wherever, and whenever you need. Regular and consistent routines for maintenance, and spare parts are a must, and should be available as soon as possible to avoid downtime. Modern power tongs are high-end, sophisticated pieces of equipment that require a high level of expertise to operate, and repair. If you’re ever in need of patented Premiere casing, tubing, orcementing tools, contact the professionals at Premiere Inc. They have the services and products you’re looking for, as well as the expertise you need.

what is a power tong operator factory

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/367,305, filed Feb. 6, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,863,621, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/379,090, filed Feb. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,109,179, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/071,170, filed Apr. 16, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/064,032, filed Feb. 12, 2008.

This invention relates to the field of devices for rotating tubular members so as to make up or break out threaded joints between tubulars including casing, drill pipe, drill collars and tubing (herein referred to collectively as pipe or tubulars), and in particular to a power tong for the improved handling and efficient automation of such activity.

In applicant"s experience, on conventional rotary rigs, helpers, otherwise known as roughnecks, handle the lower end of the pipe when they are tripping it in or out of the hole. As used herein, the terms pipe and tubular are used interchangeably. The roughnecks also use large wrenches commonly referred to as tongs to screw or unscrew, that is make up or break out pipe. Applicant is aware that there are some other tongs that are so called power tongs, torque wrenches, or iron roughnecks which replace the conventional tongs. The use of prior art conventional tongs is illustrated in FIG. 1a. Other tongs are described in the following prior art descriptions.

In the prior art applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,225 which issued Feb. 17, 1997 to Richardson for a Power Tong Wrench. Richardson describes a power tong wrench having an open slot to accommodate a range of pipe diameters capable of making and breaking pipe threads and spinning in or out the threads and in which hydraulic power is supplied with a pump disposed within a rotary assembly. The pump is powered through a non-mechanical coupling, taught to be a motor disposed outside the rotary assembly.

In the present invention the rotary hydraulic and electrical systems are powered at all times and in all rotary positions via a serpentine such as a serpentine belt drive, unlike in the Richardson patent in which they are powered only in the home position. In the present invention the pipe can thus be gripped and ungripped repeatedly in any rotary position with no dependence on stored energy and the tong according to the present invention may be more compact because of reduced hydraulic accumulator requirements for energy storage wherein hydraulic accumulators are used for energy storage only to enhance gripping speed.

Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,173 which issued Dec. 1, 1992 to Pietras for a Tong. Pietras describes that tongs are used in the drilling industry for gripping and rotating pipes, Pietras stating that generally pipes are gripped between one or more passive jaws and one or more active jaws which are urged against the pipe. He states that normally the radial position of the jaws is fixed and consequently these jaws and/or their jaw holders must be changed to accommodate pipes of different diameters.

Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,070 which issued Aug. 17, 2004 to Mason et al. for an Iron Roughneck. Mason et al. describes an iron roughneck as including a pair of upper jaws carrying pipe gripping dies for gripping tool joints where the jaws have recesses formed on each side of the pipe gripping dies to receive spinning rollers. By positioning the spinning rollers in the upper jaws at the same level as the pipe gripping dies the spinning rollers are able to engage the pipe closer to the lower jaws and thus can act on the tool joint rather than on the pipe stem. Mason et al. describe that in running a string of drill pipe or other pipe into or out of a well, a combination torque wrench and spinning wrench are often used, referred to as “iron roughnecks”. These devices combine torque and spinning wrenches as for example described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,023,449, 4,348,920, and 4,765,401, to Boyadjieff.

In the prior art iron roughnecks, spinning wrenches and torque wrenches are commonly mounted together on a single carriage but are, nevertheless, separate machines with the exception of the Iron Roughnecks of Mason which combines the spinner wrench rollers and torque jaws in a common holder, although they nevertheless, still work independently of each other. When breaking-out, or loosening, connections between two joints of drill pipe, the upper jaw of the torque wrench is used to clamp onto the end portion of an upper joint of pipe, and the lower jaw of the torque wrench clamps onto the end portion of the lower joint of pipe.

Drill pipe manufacturers add threaded components, called “tool joints”, to each end of a joint of drill pipe. They add the threaded tool joints because the metal wall of drill pipe is not thick enough for threads to be cut into them. The tool joints are welded over the end portions of the drill pipe and give the pipe a characteristic bulge at each end. One tool joint, having female, or inside threads, is called a “box”. The tool joint on the other end has male, or outside threads, and is called the “pin”. Disconnection of the pin from the box requires both a high-torque and low angular displacement ‘break’ action to disengage the contact shoulders and a low-torque high-angular displacement ‘spin’ action to screw out the threads. Connection of the pin and box require the reverse sequence. In the make/break action torque is high (10,000-100,000 ft-lb), having a small (30-60 degrees) angular displacement. In the spin action torque is low (1,000-3,000 ft-lb), having a large (3-5 revolutions) angular displacement.

After clamping onto the tool joints, the upper and lower jaws are turned relative to each other to break the connection between the upper and lower tool joints. The upper jaw is then released while the lower jaw (also referred to as a back-up jaw) remains clamped onto the lower tool joint. A spinning wrench, which is commonly separate from the torque wrench and mounted higher up on the carriage, engages the stem of the upper joint of drill pipe and spins the upper joint of drill pipe until it is disconnected from the lower joint. When making up (connecting) two joints of pipe the lower jaw grips the lower tool joint, the upper pipe is brought into position, the spinning wrench (or in some cases a top drive) engages the upper joint and spins it in. The torque wrench upper jaws clamp the pipe and tightens the connection.

Applicant is further aware of United States Published patent application entitled Power Tong, which was published Apr. 5, 2007 under Publication No. US 2007/0074606 for the application of Halse. Halse discloses a power tong which includes a drive ring and at least one clamping device with the clamping devices arranged to grip a pipe string. A driving mechanism is provided for rotation of the clamping device about the longitudinal axis of the pipe string. The clamping device communicates with a fluid supply via a swivel ring that encircles the drive ring of the driving mechanism. Thus Halse provides for three hundred sixty degree continuous rotation combining a spinner with a torque tong. The Halse power tong does not include a radial opening, the tong having a swivel coupling surrounding the tong for transferring pressurized fluid from an external source to the tong when the tong rotates about the axis of the pipe. Halse states that having a radial opening in a power tong complicates the design of the power tong and weakens the structure surrounding the pipe considerably, stating that as a result, the structure must be up-rated in order to accommodate the relatively large forces being transferred between the power tong and the pipe string. Halse further opines that a relatively complicated mechanical device is required to close the radial opening when the power tong is in use, and in many cases also to transfer forces between the sides of the opening. The Halse tong is not desirable for drilling operations because there is no throat opening to allow the tong to be positioned around the pipe at the operator"s discretion. The pipe must always pass through the tong.

The power tong according to the present invention continuously rotates tubulars for spinning and torquing threaded connections. Continuous rotation is achieved through a rotating jaw (also referred to as a rotor) that has grippers that grip the tubular. Hydraulic and electrical power necessary for actuating the grippers is generated on board the rotor since the continuous rotation does not allow for either hydraulic or electrical external connections. A serpentine member such as a serpentine drive belt system turns the motors of an on-board hydraulic power unit and electric generators which may be AC or DC generators, to supply the grippers with the necessary hydraulic and electrical power.

The present invention includes a rotor rotably mounted in or on a rigid structural framework or stator frame. A main drive drives the rotor. The rotor may be supported and held in position by the use of opposed helical pinions/gears which support the rotor vertically and guide bushings which locate it laterally and support it vertically when the torque is low. The grippers, which may be actuated by hydraulic gripper cylinders, maybe held in position by links and guide bushings that can withstand the torque parameters of the tong. The gripper cylinders may be moved in a range of travel by an eccentric. This provides for a tong that can accommodate a large range of pipe diameters (3.5 inch drillpipe to 9-⅝ inch casing or larger). A centralizing linkage ensures that the pipe is gripped concentricly with the tong axis of rotation. The tong does not require a mechanical device to close the radial opening. The on-board power source and rotary control system allow the present invention to have fully independently activated and controlled rotary gripping of the tubular. It is capable of high torque for making and breaking and high speed for spinning, all within one mechanism. One embodiment of the present invention also overcomes the limitation of the spinning wrench engaging the stem area of the drillpipe which over time will cause fatigue in the stem area as the spinning and torquing according to the present invention is accomplished with the same jaw that engages the pipe on the tool joint. The throat of the jaws according to the present invention has an opening of sufficient diameter to accept a tubular. The throat cooperates with the opening to allow the power tong to be selectively positioned around the pipe at the operators" discretion.

FIG. 16 is, in cross sectional view along the axis of rotation of the tubular, the mated tool joints of FIG. 15, with the tool joints un-threaded from one another.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are in diagrammatic plan view, a further exemplary embodiment of the nested transmission of the tong, showing the use, by way of example, of two stator sprockets, at least one of which is driven, having a serpentine member therearound and reaved over a pair of rotor sprockets on the throated rotor, the pair of rotor sprockets having a synchronizer therearound, the rotor sprockets driving a coupling mechanism coupling the power transfer from the serpentine member to gripper actuators on the rotor which articulate grippers at the rotor axis of rotation.

FIG. 19ais a partially cut-away section view along line 19 a-19 ain FIG. 19 showing one rotor (satellite) sprocket driving, by way of example, a pump and/or generator part of the power or energy transfer coupling between the serpentine member and the gripper actuators.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power tong 6 may include three main sections mounted on a common axis A; namely a main drive section, a rotor, and a back-up jaw. Each of the sections contains actuators, as better described below. The main drive section 10 which provides at least part of a rigid stationary framework or stator frame is located above the rotor 22. The backup jaw 48, located below rotor 22, may also provide part of the stator frame. The rotor 22 rotates relative to the main drive and back-up jaw. Both the rotor and backup jaw clamp their respective sections of pipe. The rotor 22 is rotated by the main drive section 10 independently of the main drive section and backup jaw in the sense that the rotor 22 is self-contained, having on-board hydraulic and electric power generators to power on-board radial clamps or grippers (collectively herein referred to as grippers), and an on-board serpentine secondary power transmission, all configured to allow the insertion and removal of a pipe through a jaw opening from or into the center of the jaw, so that the pipe, when in the center of the jaw may be clamped, torqued, and spun about axis A of rotation of the rotor 22 while the other, oppositely disposed section of pipe is held clamped in the center of the back-up jaw 48.

Main drive section 10 includes primary drives 12, each of which includes rotary drive motors 16, which may for example be hydraulic or electric motors, gear reduction devices 16 a, and belt drives 16 bas better seen in FIG. 2. Motors 16 cooperate with drive pinions 56 to rotate rotor 22 about axis A relative to main drive section 10 and back-up jaw section 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 rotor 22 is housed within drive section 10, although this is not intended to be limiting as the rotor may be mounted so as not to be housed within the drive section and still work. The rotor 22 is cylindrical in shape and has an opening slot, which although illustrated as linear may be linear or non-linear, having a throat 38 for passing of a tubular along the slot thereby allowing the tong axis of rotation A to be selectively positioned concentric with pipe 8, provided the rotor 22 is rotated such that its throat 38 is aligned with the front openings 28 and 29 of the main drive section and back-up jaw, respectively. Center 40 of the yoke formed by the jaw and slot corresponds with axis A. The rotary jaw 22 has three gripper cylinders 44 a, 44 b, and 44 carranged radially, with approximately equal angular spacing around axis A, mounted between the two parallel horizontal planes containing rotor gears 30 aand 30 b. The number of gripper actuators, such as gripper cylinders 44 a-44 c, and associated grips or grippers may be more or less in number, so long as a tubular joint may be gripped or clamped at center opening 40.

A serpentine member such as serpentine drive belt 20 is driven by two serpentine drive motors 18, which may for example be hydraulic or electric motors. The serpentine member is mounted around so as to engage stator sprockets mounted on the stator frame. For example the stator sprockets may include drive sprockets 26 awhich are driven by serpentine drive belt 20 to collectively provide a secondary drive powering the grippers on the rotor 22. Drive sprockets 26 arotate serpentine drive belt 20 about idler sprockets 26 mounted to drive section 10. And the serpentine drive belt 20 also engages about rotor sprockets 32 a-32 fmounted on the rotor 22 as better described below. The rotor sprockets 32 aand 32 bmay be two generator drive sprockets. The rotor sprockets 32 cand 32 dmay be two pump drive sprockets. Rotor sprockets 32 eand 32 fmay be two idler sprockets. In the illustrated embodiment, which is not intended to be limiting as other embodiments discussed below would also work, the generator drive sprockets, that is, rotor sprockets 32 aand 32 b, transmit rotary power to generators 34. The pump drive sprockets, that is, rotor sprockets 32 cand 32 d, transmit rotary power to hydraulic pumps 36 by the action of serpentine drive belt 20 engaging the upper groove of rotor sprockets 32 a, 32 b, 32 cand 32 d. A synchronization belt, 28 a, connects the lower portions of the rotor sprockets 32 a-32 f. Thus as the rotor 22 rotates on axis of rotation A, even though serpentine drive belt 20 cannot extend across the throat 38 because such a blockage would restrict selective positioning of the pipe 8 along the slot into the tong, serpentine drive belt 20 wraps in a C-shape around the rotor sprockets 32 a-32 f. Serpentine drive belt 20, driven by drive sprockets 26 a, runs on pulleys 26, and on idler sprockets 26 band 26 cmounted to, so as depend downwardly from, main drive section 10. The extent of the C-shape of serpentine drive belt 20 provides for continual contact between serpentine drive belt 20 and, in this embodiment which is not intended to be limiting, a minimum of three of the rotor sprockets 32 a-32 fas the rotor rotates relative to the main drive section 10. The synchronization belt 28 amounted on the rotor maintains rotation of the individual rotor sprockets as they pass through the serpentine gap 29 seen in FIG. 4, that is, the opening between sprockets 26 band 26 c. Synchronization belt 28 asynchronizes the speed and phase of the rotation of each of the rotor sprockets 32 a-32 fto allow each of them in turn to re-engage the serpentine drive belt 20 after they are rotated across the serpentine gap 29 by the action of the rotor rotating relative to the main drive.

As an example, when rotor 22 rotates in direction B, rotor sprocket 32 cwill reach the serpentine gap 29 and as that sprocket crosses gap 29 it is disengaged from serpentine drive belt 20, during which time rotor sprocket 32 cand its corresponding pump continues to operate as it is driven by synchronization belt 28 arather than the serpentine belt 20. When rotation of rotor 22 continues such that rotor sprocket 32 cpasses further counter-clockwise, for example beyond idler sprocket 26 cduring unscrewing of pipe 8, then rotor sprocket 32 cwill re-engage with serpentine drive belt 20. The process repeats in succession as each of the six rotor sprockets 32 a-32 fpasses across gap 29 between idler sprockets 26 band 26 c.

Idler sprocket 26 cis spring-mounted by means of resiliently biased tensioner arm 26 dto maintain minimum tension in the serpentine drive belt 20 regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 22. This is advantageous as there is a small variation in the length of the path of the serpentine drive belt 20 as the rotor 22 rotates about axis A.

The serpentine drive belt 20 maybe a toothed synchronous drive belt in order to minimize belt tension requirements. The use of a drive belt having teeth (not shown) allows for small sprocket diameters and avoids dependence on friction which could be compromised by fluid contaminants. The serpentine belt may be double-toothed (that is, have teeth on both sides) or may be single-toothed with the teeth facing inward on the inside portion of the C-shaped loop and facing outward on the outer side portion of the C-shaped loop, where the serpentine drive motors 18 and corresponding drive sprockets 26 aare positioned outside the C-shaped loop.

During operation of tong 6 the secondary drive (drive motors 18) and serpentine drive belt 20 run continuously to deliver power to the on-board pumps and generators by means of the rotor sprockets 32 a-32 d. Rotation of the rotor 22 by the operation of the primary drive acting on the pinions 56 and rotor gears 30 aand 30 bdoes not substantially affect the powering of the on-board accessories (pumps and generators) because drive belt 20 is run at substantially an order of magnitude greater speed than the speed of rotation of rotor 22. The rotation of the rotor only adds or subtracts a small amount of speed to the rotation of the rotor sprockets.

In an alternative embodiment serpentine drive belt 20 may be split into two or more separate ‘C’ sections. A plurality of separate synchronization belts may also be used instead of the single synchronization belt 28 a. Alternatively, a roller chain could be used instead of the serpentine drive belt but likely would add lubrication requirements, would be noisier and would have a shorter life. The number of rotor sprockets may be increased or decreased and the number of pulleys 26, drive sprockets 26 aand idler sprockets may also vary.

Upper rotor gear 30 aand lower rotor gear 30 bare parallel and vertically spaced apart so as to carry therebetween hydraulic pumps 36, generators 34, the rotor hydraulic system, rotor jaw electrical controls and the array of three radially disposed hydraulic gripper cylinders 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c, all of which are mounted between the upper and lower rotor gears 30 aand 30 bfor rotation as part of rotor 22 without the requirement of external power lines or hydraulic lines or the like. Thus all of these actuating accessories, which are not intended to be limiting, may be carried in the rotor 22 and powered via a nested transmission, nested in the sense that the C-shaped synchronization drive loop mounted on the rotor, exemplified by synchronization belt 28 a, is nested within so as to cooperate with the C-shaped serpentine drive loop mounted to the main drive, exemplified by serpentine drive belt 20.

Thus as used herein, a serpentine belt, such as the serpentine belt 20, driving a plurality of stator and rotor sprockets (as herein below defined), and as in the various forms of the stator and rotor sprockets found illustrated in all the figures herein, are herein referred to generically as a form of nested transmission. The nested transmission transfers power from the fixed stage to the rotational stage in a continuous fashion as, sequentially, one element after another of the rotational drive elements on the rotating stage are rotated through and across throat 38 and gap 29 allowing selective access of the tubular 8 to the center opening 40 of the stage.

Other nested transmissions as would be known to one skilled in the art are intended to be included herein so long as the drive from the fixed stage to the rotating stage is substantially continuous as the rotating stage rotates sequentially one after another of the rotatable drive elements mounted on the rotating stage across the opening into the stage which provides selective access of the tubular 8 to center opening 40.

For proper operation of the tong, it is desirable that the gripper actuators such as gripper cylinders 44 a-44 cclamp the tubular 8 substantially at, that is, at or near the rotational center axis of the tong. It can be readily seen that gripping the tubular 8 with a significant offset from the center axis would result in wobble or runout of the tubular when spinning in or out and could result in thread damage, excessive vibration, damage to the machine and inaccurate torque application.

As described above, the rotor preferably has three gripper cylinders 44 a, 44 band 44 carranged radially around the tubular 8 and spaced nominally 120 degrees apart as shown in FIG. 7, leaving the throat 38 and slot leading into the center opening 40 of the yoke, centered in axis A, clear when the gripper cylinders are retracted.

The gripper cylinders are pinned at their outboard end to the rotor gears by means of pins 44 d. Pins 44 dreact the grip cylinder radial clamping force to the rotor gear structure 30. Pins 44 dmay include an eccentric range adjustment system.

Near the inboard end of each gripper cylinder, the lateral force due to the applied torque must be reacted to the rotary gear structure 30, without allowing excessive side loading of the internal working parts of the cylinders. For the side gripper cylinders 44 aand 44 badjacent to the throat 38, this lateral force is reacted by reaction links 44 ewhich pivotally connect the inboard end of the gripper cylinders to the rotor gear structure 30. For the rear gripper cylinder 44 c, the lateral force is reacted by cylindrical guide 44 f.

It will be appreciated that the inboard ends of side gripper cylinders 44 aand 44 bmove in an arc as the gripper cylinders are extended or retracted. For the side gripper cylinders 44 aand 44 b, the geometry of reaction links 44 eis optimized to minimize deviation from the nominal gripper cylinder radial axis over the gripping diameter range to angles typically less than one degree. The gripper cylinders 44 aand 44 bwill however swing significantly from the nominal gripper cylinder radial axis, in the order of five degrees, when they fully retract to clear the throat 38. It is an advantage of the link design that it requires less stroke to clear the throat 38 due to the swing associated with the arc of reaction links 44 e, which ultimately allows a more compact rotor and hence a more compact tong. That is, the combination of the swing in direction C with the retracting stroke in direction D results in less of a stroke length required to clear throat 38 than merely using a retraction stroke without swing. The amount of swing is governed by the radius of arc E associated with rotation of the reaction links 44 eand the length of the required stroke in direction D.

Synchronization links 44 gare pivotally mounted to the rotor structure 30 and engaged in lateral grooves 44 hon either side of the rear gripper cylinder 44 c. Synchronization links 44 gdo not react the lateral force due to torque but rather control the extension magnitude of the rear gripper cylinder 44 cin coordination with the side gripper cylinders 44 aand 44 b, resulting in centralization of the gripped tubular 8 at the rotational axis A of the rotor.

Reaction links 44 eand synchronization links 44 ghave timing gears 44 jand 44 irespectively attached or integral at the ends that pivot on the rotor gear structure 30. Reaction link timing gears 44 jengage with synchronization link timing gears 44 i, constraining the displacement angles of the synchronization links 44 gequal and opposite to the displacement angles of reaction links 44 e. The geometry is optimized to ensure that the tubular 8 is gripped close to the rotational axis A of the rotor, for example within about one mm, over the entire gripping diameter range.

The back-up jaw section 24 as shown in FIGS. 5, 5 a, 6 and 8 is typically mounted to a tong positioning system capable of holding the tong assembly level and enabling vertical and horizontal positioning travel. The tong may be pedestal-mounted on the rig floor, mast-mounted, track-mounted on the rig floor or free hanging from the mast structure. It may also be mounted at an angle for slant drilling application or with the pipe axis horizontal.

The back-up jaw section 24 includes a parallel spaced apart array of planar jaw frames and in particular an upper backup jaw plate 48 aand a lower backup jaw plate 48 b. Backup jaw plates 48 aand 48 bmay be maintained in their parallel spaced apart aspect by structural members 48 c. Thread compensator cylinders 50 actuate so as to extend bolts 46 on rods 50 ain direction F so as to selectively adjust the vertical spacing between the rotor section 23 and the backup jaw section 24. Thus with the cylindrical threaded joint 8 aof tubular 8 held within cylinders 52 a-52 cin the backup jaw section 24 (that is with joint 8 aheld lower than shown in FIG. 3 so as to be clamped between the cylinders 52 a-52 cof the back-up jaw section 24), and as seen in FIG. 1 with threaded tapered female end or box opening upwardly in the joint 8 aheld within cylinders 52 a-52 c, as the rotor 22 is rotated relative to the fixed back-up jaw section 24 so as to rotate the box relative to the opposed facing pin, the rotor 22 and back-up jaw 48 may be drawn towards one another by the retraction of rods 50 ainto thread compensator cylinders 50 in direction F or alternately, separated from on another by the extension of rods 50 afrom cylinders 50. This action serves to compensate for the axial thread advance of the tubular as it is screwed in or out and avoids excessive axial forces on the tubular threads. The combined upward force exerted by thread compensator is controlled via the hydraulic pressure to approximately equal the weight of the upper tubular. Thus a further advantage of the invention is a reduction of tubular thread wear because the threads are “unweighted” when spinning in or out. The spacing between the back-up jaw plates 48 aand 48 bdefines a cavity in which is mounted the array of hydraulic gripper cylinders 52 a, 52 band 52 cpositioned radially about axis A and in approximately equal angular spacing. Hydraulic cylinders 52 a-52 care disposed radially inward in an arrangement corresponding to that of cylinders 44 a-44 cso that the operative ends of the cylinders 52 a-52 cwhich may be selectively actuated telescopically into the center opening 40 of the yoke so as to clamp therein a tubular 8 and in particular a lower portion of a tubular joint while an upper portion of the tubular joint is clamped within cylinders 44 a-44 cand rotated in rotary jaw section 23 in direction B about axis of rotation A relative to the fixed main drive section 10 and back-up jaw section 24.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rotor 22 is maintained in alignment with axis of rotation A by means of upper and lower guide bearings 54 aand 54 brespectively. The top of the rotor 22 has a cylindrical race 54 cbolted to the top surface. Race 54 cslides within upper guide bearing 54 afixed to the top plate of frame 60. Similarly, the bottom surface of lower rotor gear 30 bis profiled to create a race which slides within lower guide bearing 54 bfixed to the lower plate of frame 60. The upper and lower bearing rings are interrupted, that is do not complete a full circle, so as to match the opening of throat 38 of the frame. Another guide method may include guide rollers which are rotatably mounted in a array circumferentially around the outer circumference of the rotor with their rotational axis parallel to rotation axis A. In the present embodiment, upper and lower guide bearings 54 aand 54 bcentralize the rotor 22 along rotational axis A and ensure proper meshing of the rotor gears 30 aand 30 bwith the drive pinions 56.

The drive pinions 56, a minimum two but ideally four, are arranged circumferentially around the rotor 22 and intermesh and engage helical teeth with corresponding rotor gear teeth on the outer circumference of rotor gears 30 aand 30 bso that as drive pinions 56 are driven by main drive hydraulic motors 16 via gear reduction devices 16 arotor gears 30 aand 30 bare simultaneously rotatably driven (in either direction) about axis of rotation A. Pinions 56 and the corresponding rotor gear teeth are helical. Each drive pinion 56 has its rotational axis parallel to axis A and consists of an upper pinion 56 aand a lower pinion 56 b. The helix angles of the upper rotor gear 30 aand lower rotor gear 30 bare equal and opposite to ensure proper meshing torque splitting between top and bottom rotor gears. The rotor 22 is mounted within a-frame 60, wherein frame 60 may be a frame or housing. The primary drives 12 and driver 18 are mounted on top of frame 60, and back-up jaw section 24 is mounted beneath frame 60.

In the preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 10, the rotor hydraulic system 53 is a dual (high/low) pressure system or infinitely variable pressure system which produces high pressures (in the order of 10,000 psi) necessary for adequately gripping large and heavy-duty tubulars and for applying make-up or break-out torque, and lower pressures (2500 psi or less) to avoid crushing smaller or lighter-duty tubulars. Hydraulic pumps 36, rotationally driven as described above, are fixed-displacement, gear or variable displacement piston pumps. In the idle state, hydraulic pumps 36 charge on

what is a power tong operator factory

You Might Also Be Interested In