14 eckel power tong brands

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. This tong features our new patented CASE STIFFENERS that enhances overall torque output. Upgraded in design and performance over the Model 14 HS, this tong can deliver 70,000 ft-lb of torque. Also, available with Wedge Drive Tri-Grip® backup, which handles pipe from 4 inches to 15.5 inches.

Our patented CASE STIFFENER technology enhances overall torque to provide consistent torque output. Having a high full 360° rotational torque and speed-shifting capability ensures the tong can makeup special torque-turn connections that require continuous rotation. Also, the CASE STIFFENER technology reduces stress and wear on the rotary gear teeth.

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. The backup is capable of handling tubular from 1.050 in. to 15.5 in. (26.67 - 393.7 mm). 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 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 tubular.

A two-speed Hydra-Shift® motor coupled with a two-speed gear train provides (4) torque levels and (4) RPM speeds. Easily shift the hydraulic motor in low speed to high speed without stopping the tong or tublar rotation, saving rig time.

Used on corrosion resistant alloys (CRA) and fiberglass tubulars where reduced markings on the tubular is desired. Eckel"s Coated True Grit® Dies utilize Tungsten Carbide grit which provides many more points of contact on the surface of the tubular than our Pyramid Fine Tooth dies.

A patented door locking system (US Patent 6,279,426) for Eckel tongs that allows for latchless locking of the tong door. The tong door swings easily open and closed and locks when torque

is applied to the tong. When safety is important this locking mechanism combined with our safety door interlock provides unparalleled safety while speeding up the turn around time between connections. The Radial Door Lock is patented protected in the following countries: Canada, Germany, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The WD Tri-Grip® Backup is a high performance no compromise backup that is suitable for make-up and break-out of the most demanding connections. The WD Tri-Grip®Backup features a three head design that encompasses the tubular that applies an evenly distributed gripping force. The WD Tri-Grip®is a high performance backup with no compromises that is available for specific applications that provdies exceptional gripping capabilities with either Eckel True Grit® dies or Pyramid Fine Tooth dies.

The field proven Tri-Grip® Backup features a three head design that encompasses the tubular that applies an evenly distributed gripping force. The Tri-Grip®Backup provides exceptional gripping capabilities with either Eckel True Grit® dies or Pyramid Fine Tooth dies. 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.

Eckel offers several models of torque control systems that are used to monitor the torque turn values when making up tubular connections (Tubing, Casing, & Drill Pipe). Any flaws in the make-up process will be readily shown in a graph.

We are committed to delivering innovative designs and high performance powers tongs for the oil and gas industry. With 90% of all tong components manufactured and heat treated in-house, you are assured reliability and confidence on your next job with an Eckel tong!

Tongs - Power - BJ sucker rod tong adopts advanced sucker rod or tubing technology and has a compact structure, high reliability and is safe and convenient to operate.

Tongs - Power - New Carter Tool Co. Inc., CT93R Hydraulic powered tubing tong. Complete with 2-3/8" to 3-1/2" jaw assemblies, standard motor, torque gauge assembly, pressure relief valve... More Info

Tongs - Power - New Carter Tool Co., Inc. 5-1/2" CTSX Hydraulic Tubing Tong with heavy case and cover; complete with rigid hanger assy., suspension spring assy., front end control assy.,... More Info

Tongs - Power - New Carter Tool Co. Inc. M-Series power sucker rod tongs, complete with spring hanger assy., gate assy., front end control assy., pressure gauge assy., two 90 degree XH s... More Info

Tongs - Power - New Carter Tool Co., Inc. 4-1/2" RSX Hydraulic Tubing Tong with heavy case and cover; complete with rigid hanger assy., suspension spring assy., front end control assy., ... More Info

Tongs - Power - D D 58-93-2-R Power Tubing Tong is smaller, lighter, and faster than the Foster 5893R. The D D 58-93-2-R Tong is capable of gripping tubulars from 1 5/16" to 7" o.d. More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL KT 14,000 RINEER GA37 MOTOR, LIFT VALVE ASSEMBLY TORQUE CAPACITY: 50,000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE 4 1.2-14 WITH SAFETY DOOR MOST SIZES OF FARR POWER TONGS ARE IN ... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL KT20,000 STAFFA 080 MOTOR, LIFT VALVE ASSEMBLY TORQUE CAPACITY: 50,000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE: 7-20 MOST SIZES OF FARR POWER TONGS ARE IN HOUSTON, IN STOCK READ... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR MODEL KT5500 HYDRAULIC TUBING TONG C/W 2 SPEED RINEER MOTOR, SIZE RANGE: 2-3/8 IN. - 5-1/2 IN. OD, TORQUE RTED: 18,700 FT/LB C/W SAFETY DOOR MOST SIZES OF FARR POWER... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL KT5500 TORQUE CAPACITY: 18000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE: 2 1/16-5 1/2 OD WITH SAFETY DOOR MOST SIZES OF FARR POWER TONGS ARE IN HOUSTON, IN STOCK READY FOR IMMEDIA... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL KT5500 5 1/2 IN. TONG TORQUE CAPACITY: 18,000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE: 2 1/16-5 1/2 IN. OD, RINEER 15-13 MOTOR, HIGH TORQUE CLINCHER BACKUP TRIPLE VALVE ASSEMBLY... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL KT7585 TORQUE CAPACITY: 25000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE: 2 1/16-8 5/8 OD WITH SAFETY DOOR MOST SIZES OF FARR POWER TONGS ARE IN HOUSTON, IN STOCK READY FOR IMMEDIA... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL KT7585 8 5/8 IN. TONG TORQUE CAPACITY 25,000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE: 2 1/16-8 5/8 IN. OD, RINEER 15-15 MOTOR CLINCHER BACKUP, TRIPLE VALVE MOST SIZES OF FARR PO... More Info

Tongs - Power - FARR TONG MODEL LW9625 TORQUE CAPACITY 12000 FT/LB SIZE RANGE 2 7/8 -9 5/8 OD WITH SAFETY DOOR MOST SIZES OF FARR POWER TONGS ARE IN HOUSTON, IN STOCK READY FOR IMMEDIATE... More Info

Tongs - Power - Farrs newest tubular connection tool offers a significantly reduced rig footprint, while continuing to deliver power & uncompromising reliability. The simple design drast... More Info

Tongs - Power - Farr Canada"s newest tubular connection tool offers a significantly reduced rig footprint, while continuing to deliver power and uncompromising reliability. The simple de... More Info

The 14-100 hydraulic power tong provides 100,000 ft-lb (135,600 N∙m) of torque capacity for running and pulling 7- to 14-in. casing. The tong has a unique gated rotary, a free-floating backup, and a hydraulic door interlock.

Our 14-50 high-torque casing tong provides 50,000 ft-lb (67,790 N∙m) of torque capacity for running and pulling 6 5/8- to 14-in. casing. The tong has a unique gated rotary, a free floating backup, and a hydraulic door interlock.

The 16-25 hydraulic casing tong provides 25,000 ft-lb (33,900 N∙m) of torque capacity for running and pulling 6 5/8- to 16-in. casing. The tong features a unique gated rotary and as many as seven contact points that create a positive grip without damaging the casing.

Rigged up without rig modifications, our 21-300 riser tong is the only tong capable of producing 300,000 ft-lb (406,746 N∙m) of continuous rotational torque in both makeup and breakout mode. The power it achieves in a compact size compares with a conventional 24-in. casing tong.

The 24-50 high-torque casing tong provides 50,000 ft-lb (67,790 N∙m) of torque capacity for running and pulling 10 3/4- to 24-in. casing. The tong features a unique gated rotary, a free-floating backup, and a hydraulic door interlock.

The 30-100 high-torque casing tong provides 100,000 ft-lb (135,600 N∙m) of torque capacity for running and pulling 16- to 30-in. casing. The tong features a unique gated rotary, a free-floating backup, and a hydraulic door interlock.

The 5.5-15 hydraulic tubing tong provides 15,000 ft-lb (20,340 N∙m) of torque capability for makeup and breakout of 1.66- to 5.5-in. tubing and premium or standard connections on corrosion‑resistant alloy tubulars. The tong features an ergonomic, lightweight design with a free-floating hydraulic backup.

The 7.6-30 hydraulic tubing tong provides 30,000 ft-lb (40,670 N∙m) of torque capability for makeup and breakout of 2 3/8- to 7 5/8-in. tubing and premium or standard connections on corrosion‑resistant alloy tubulars. The tong features an ergonomic, lightweight design with a free-floating hydraulic backup.

Our SpeedTork 8.0-70 tong provides torques up to 70,000 ft-lb (94,900 N∙m) and 360° rotation in makeup and breakout operations. It can torque drillpipe connections, drillstring components, drilling tools, packers, couplings, and valves.

The 9-5/8” power tong with Rineer GA15-13 two-speed hydraulic motor, motor valve, lift cylinder valve, rigid sling, FARR® hydraulic backup, configured for compression load cell.

Power tongs are an essential tool in the drilling industry and are used to make up, break out, apply torque and to grip the tubular components. We are distributors for both Starr Power Tongs and McCoy Global hydraulic power tongs in multiple sizes and torque ranges from high torque to low torque that can be used to run both casing, drill pipe and tubing. When determining which power tong is best for your project, you will want to select the power tong that best fits your tubular size ranges and torque required.

All of our power tongs are available with either the McCoy\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"s patented WinCatt data acquisition software recently updated to the MTT systems or AllTorque\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"s computer monitoring system for all the torque and turn control system needed in today\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"s market for the making of tubular connections. Discover our wide selection of McCoy and Starr casing tongs, tubing tongs and power tongs for sale below!

I am chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Eckel International, the largest global providers of innovative and high performance hydraulic power tongs for the oil and gas industry. I am a second-generation family member involved in manufacturing of tongs. In 1993, as Eckel’s president, I launched an initiative to further reach out to Russia’s oil & gas needs. Today, I am directly responsible for the overall operations of the company, sales, and new market initiatives.

Since 1958 Eckel has been supplying power tongs to the worlds O&G industries– but how long have you been doing business in Russia and what specific solutions do you offer to the region?

Eckel has been conducting business in Russia since the 1978. In 1993, Eckel established an ongoing presence in Russia with CETCO as our local business partner. CETCO further extended our business across Russia & CIS as our local agent. We have observed strength in the Russia and CIS market, with solutions for drill pipe and casing operations.

Eckel specializes in the development of hydraulic power tongs for make-up and break-out of tubulars, with over 60 years of tubular connection experience. Our industry leading technology advancements are in some respects, a reflection on the industry requirements and their needs. Eckel has been in the process of designing tongs that required very high torques, advanced safety features, and automation.

Eckel in-house heating provides quality tempered steel while observing strict industry standards. This process assures high quality and rugged durable parts within Eckel power tongs. Eckel has won a world-wide reputation of providing first-class products that deliver years of trouble free service. Our tongs have operated trouble free in the harsh cold conditions of Western and Eastern Siberia and in the Far Northern Regions. Eckel’s hydraulic power units have a proven track record in some of the harshest surroundings in Russia such as the extreme hot and cold conditions of Russian and offshore environments.

Eckel has provided more than 500 Hydraulic Power Tongs to oil and gas companies and drilling contractors in Russia. In Russia, as well as in many other countries, the use of Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRA) chrome tubulars are becoming more popular. Eckel is an industry leader in this specialized field tubular connections offering a line CHROMEBOSS® tongs along with Eckel Non-Marking True Grit® dies. True Grit® Dies utilize Tungsten Carbide grit coating which provides many more points of contact on the surface of the tubular than standard Pyramid Fine Tooth dies provide. Penetration depth less than half the depth that is permissible by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Eckel’s True Grit® dies use a dense Tungsten Carbide coating that is a metal like substance which does not flake or sheer off the face of the die. Operational on-site tests have shown that the life time of Eckel True Grit® wrap-around dies is three times longer than competing abrasive powder coated dies. The above equipment and components have been working in Russia several years and proved its advantages.

The hydraulic power tong market is very competitive in Russia, with both local and international suppliers competing for business. Why should a drilling contractor or operator consider using Eckel equipment?

Eckel has over 60 years of experience in this area, and is known for quality and reliability. Many of these tong manufacturers use the old Foster and Hillman Kelly that are 30-year-old designs. Eckel is at the forefront of this industry designing tongs that can handle today’s premium high torque connections. Our tong designs evolved to incorporate additional safety features, automation, and performance. Our new 7.25 HSHT-80 Drill Pipe / Casing and 9-7/8 HS-60 Casing tongs incorporates many of these features.

Eckel has been the leader in development of tubular gripping such as the development of larger wrap-around type dies for many of its tong models. Depending on the application, Eckel offers a coarse tooth, pyramid fine tooth, and our proprietary True Grit dies. Dies are available as rig die style and for thinner wall tubulars where point loading is a concern we offer wrap-around dies. All Eckel equipment is produced at our Odessa, Texas USA manufacturing facilities (ISO 9001:2008 certified) that encompasses 140,663 square feet (13068 square meters) ensures the highest quality.

Eckel equipment is popular world-wide as having shipped to over 100 countries. Eckel is best known for its value in reducing costs, safer tubular connection, reduced maintenance, and mitigated downtime.

Coralina Engineering and Capital Equipment and Trading Corporation (CETCO) has operations in Azerbaijan, and their specialists are intensely involved in this territory. CETCO specialist are successfully making inroads in the Azerbaijan territory offering Eckel power tongs and power units. Additionally, CETCO provides training, classes, assistance, and local experience in all practical aspects of tong operation and maintenance. CETCO is very optimistic for doing business in Kazakhstan region. We are actively working in this region at improving our relationships with existing and new customers.

Eckel continues to improve tong designs, reliability, functionality, and reduce operational costs to comply with today’s oil and gas industry requirements, and anticipate tomorrows industry requirement. A few examples are:

• One of the latest design of a new backup with Wedge Drive Type Tri-Grip which is used on the most of tong models. The WD Tri-Grip is a high-performance backup with no compromises that is available for specific applications. The Wedge Drive Tri-Grip handles the most demanding torques that larger casing and drill pipes demand.

• A new 7.25 HS HT-80 tong, that was introduced in the last half of 2016 for drill pipes and high torque casing pipes. We believe the 7.25 HS HT-80 tong is an extremely needed product for the Russian market. We anticipate the specifications of the tong will be of great interest and welcome surprise for our customers.

• In 2017, Eckel will release a couple of new product designs. The new 9-7/8 HS-60 Casing Tong available the 1st Quarter of 2017 offers efficient and reliable high rotational performance for torque turn jobs. With these high torque ratings, the 9-7/8 HS-60 Casing Tong is capable of properly handling all premium grade tubulars within its size range.

Available in the 2nd Quarter of 2017, a new tong positioner “Tong Handler” that is permanently mounted within the rig which provides a cost effective, safer, and reduced labor-intensive method of maneuvering tongs to the rotary table area on the rig floor.

Russian is a very large and great country with lots of attention dedicated to the oil and gas industries onshore and offshore. Today’s challenge is to have equipment that meets the needs and requirements of oil and gas companies and drilling contractors. Since our first tong delivery in 1978 and now with the assistance of Capital Equipment and Trading Corporation and Coralina Engineering, we have developed a good relationship with many Russian customers and a growing list of new customers. Oil production is not so easy however; we believe that we can solve the most difficult problems facing the oil and gas industries. I have enjoyed visiting Russia many times for work and pleasure.

Hydraulic Power tong is a necessay wellhead tool widely used in marine, landing drilling and workover operation to make-up or break-down tubulars. They are manufactured and inspected in accordance with SY/T5074 standard and API Spec 7K standard.

Equivalent brands/available series: ZQ series, ZTQ series,TQ series,TB series, KHT series, KT series, YTDQ series, XQ series, equivalent brands weatherford, Eckel, McCoy

Eckel 7 5/8 HDS-30 Tong 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 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. 7 5/8 HDS CHROMEBOSS: the 7 5/8 HD comes standard with pivot style heads; however, upon ordering can be supplied with slide-heads which is designated as 7 5/8 HDS. the 7 5/8 HDS is part of our CHROMEBOSS series of tongs that is suitable for running corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) tubulars. Two slide heads in the tong provide a consistent radial load on the tubular, reduced tubular deformation, and when combined with our pyramid fine tooth or True-GritTM wrap-around dies provides excellent gripping capabilities on corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA).

Eclel Established in 1958, Eckel is globally recognized as the leading manufacturer of hydraulic power tongs and hydraulic power units for the world"s oil and gas industries. We offer a full line of hydraulically operated drill pipe tongs, casing tongs, tubing tongs, hydraulic backups, hydraulic power units, and tong positioning equipment. Eckel delivers a comprehensive range of tongs from 2-1/16 through 36 in. for the most demanding onshore and offshore environments, offer a full range of high quality casing and tubing, drill pipe tongs for use in all types of oil and gas drilling, well completion and well servicing activities.

Company reviews can provide helpful insights into the company culture, working conditions, benefits, compensation, and training opportunities in Eckel | Hydraulic Power Tongs.

A tongs system and method for making and breaking threaded joints of a string of tubing for an oil well involves, in some examples, the use of a set of tongs with a two-speed transmission and a hydraulic system selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode. During an initial tightening period, the tongs system operates in high-gear and high-pressure for maximum speed. During a subsequent final tightening period, the tongs system operates in low-gear and low-pressure to controllably tighten the joint to a predetermined target torque. In some examples, to allow the transmission to shift speed without jamming gears, the tongs system pauses for an instant between the initial and final tightening periods. In some examples, the tongs system is interlocked with a hoist and/or other tube-holding and handling equipment.

Servicing oil wells and other types of wells can involve a variety of tasks that include, but are not limited to, installing or removing sections of casing, sucker rods, tubing and pumps. Removing and installing a string of tubing, for example, typically involves the use of a hoist for handling the tubing and a set of hydraulic tongs for making or breaking the threaded tubing joints (tubular connections). Various other known equipment can also used to facilitate the servicing of wells.

FIGS. 1-3, with further reference to FIGS. 4-7, illustrate an example tong system 10 with special means for efficiently making and breaking tubular connections 12 of a string of well tubing 14, and FIG. 4 illustrates an example method of operation 16 of system 10. Tubing string 14 provides an assembled pipeline for conveying oil or some other fluid up from within an in-ground wellbore 18. For the illustrated example, well tubing 14 comprises a series of tubes 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, etc., screwed together, either directly or by way of a series of internally threaded couplings 20. In either case, the resulting threaded joint is referred to as tubular connection 12.

In some examples, each tube (e.g., tube 14 b) has external and internal threads at opposite ends, which allow the tubes to be screwed together directly without a separate intermediate coupling 20. In perhaps the most common example, however, each tube (e.g., tube 14 b) has external threads at either end that screw into internally threaded coupling 20. In such an example, tubular connection 12 comprises, for example, upper tube 14 a, lower tube 14 band coupling 20. The expression, “engaging the tubular connection” means engaging at least one of the connection"s components, e.g., tube 14 a, tube 14 band/or coupling 20. The terms, “making a tubular connection” and “make up” means screwing together one tube to another, directly or via coupling 20. The terms, “breaking a tubular connection” and “break out” means unscrewing the connection.

Some example equipment used in tong system 10 include a hoist 22 for raising and lowering tubing string 14 and for adding or removing tubes, a tongs tool 24 for making and breaking tubular connection 12, a clamp 26 (also known as a slip or slips) for temporarily holding a partially assembled tubing string 14 in suspension within wellbore 18, a hydraulic system 28 for powering a reversible hydraulic motor 30 of tongs tool 24, and a controller 32 for controlling various operations of tongs system 10.

Hoist 22, in some examples, comprises a brake 34, a clutch 36 and a hoist transmission 38 coupling a motor 40 (e.g., hydraulic motor, electric motor, engine, prime mover of a service rig vehicle 39, etc.) to a cable drum 42. Hoist transmission 38 is schematically illustrated to represent any known means for completing the drive connection between motor 40 and drum 42. Examples of hoist transmission 38 include, but are not limited to, gears, shafts, sprockets, sheaves, belts, chains, and various combinations thereof. Drum 42 feeds a cable 44 over a derrick mast 46 to a block and hook 48 with a releasable elevator 50 that can suspend at least a portion of tubing string 14 from derrick mast 46. The drum"s rotational direction determines whether hoist 22 lifts or lowers hook 48. Brake 34 selectively holds and releases drum 42 with respect to the drum"s rotation. Clutch 36 selectively engages and releases the output of motor 40 to drum 42. In some examples, hoist 22 is mounted to service rig vehicle 39. In other examples, hoist 22 is mounted to a more permanent structure.

Tongs tool 24, in some examples, comprises a rotatable set of jaws 52 for grippingly engaging tubular connection 12 (e.g., clamping onto tube 14 aor clamping onto coupling 20), hydraulic motor 30 for powering the rotation of jaws 52 in a forward or reverse direction, and a transmission 54 for transmitting the rotational power of motor 30 to jaws 52. One example of tongs tool 24 is a BJ Hughes Model RS series hydraulic tubing tongs provided by Baker Hughes Incorporated of Houston, Tex. Other examples of tongs tool 24 include, but are not limited to, models similar to the BJ Model RS but provided by other companies such as Cavins Oil Well Tools, of Long Beach Calif. and Weatherford International Ltd. of Switzerland. Some examples of tongs tool 24 also include an add-on backup set of jaws 56 for holding a lower portion of tubular connection 12 stationary relative to jaws 52. Examples of backup jaws 56 intended for use with BJ Model RS style tongs are also provided by companies such as Baker Hughes, Cavins and Weatherford. In the illustrated example, an actuator 58 selectively clamps and unclamps backup jaws 56 with respect to the tubular connection"s lower portion (e.g., lower tube 14 bor coupling 20).

Alternatively or in addition to backup set of jaws 56, clamp 26 or some other means are used for holding the tubular connection"s lower portion stationary. In the illustrated example, clamp 26 is below and spaced apart from tongs tool 24. A manually or automatically controlled actuator 60 (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc.) moves clamp 26 between its clamp position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and its release position (FIG. 3). In the clamp position, clamp 26 tightly grips tube 14 bto help prevent tubing string 14 from falling or rotating. Clamp 26 in the unclamp position releases tube 14 b, which allows hoist 22 to lift or lower tubing string 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, to enable tongs tool 24 to rapidly screw together tubular connections during an initial tightening period (FIG. 1 and period 25 of FIG. 6) and to exert sufficient torque during a final tightening period (FIG. 2 and period 27 of FIG. 6), transmission 54 is at least a two-speed transmission rendering tongs tool 24 selectively operable in a high-gear mode (FIG. 1 and line 29 of FIG. 5) during period 25 and a low-gear mode (FIG. 2 and line 31 of FIG. 5) during period 27. Moving a lever 62 from the position of FIG. 2 to that of FIG. 1 shifts tongs tool 24 from low-gear mode 31 to high-gear mode 29. Transmission 54 provides a speed ratio of jaws speed (jaws 52) to motor speed (motor 30) that is higher in the high-gear mode than in the low-gear mode. In other words, for a given rotational speed of motor 30, jaws 52 rotates faster in high-gear mode 29 than in low-gear mode 31. In the illustrated example, an actuator 64 (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc.) is what moves lever 62 between its high and low gear positions.

In some examples, tongs tool 24 includes a directional valve 66 for selectively stopping jaws 52 and for determining the forward/reverse rotational direction of jaws 52. An example of valve 66 includes, but is not limited to, a 4-way, 3-position valve with a spring biased neutral/stop central position. A forward rotation actuator 68 and a reverse rotation actuator 70 determine the off center shifted position of valve 66 and thus determine the rotational direction of jaws 52 for making and breaking tubular connections 12. Although actuators 68 and 70 are shown as solenoids, other examples of actuators 68 and 70 include, but are not limited to, those that are pneumatically or hydraulically actuated.

To screw tubular connection 12 together at maximum speed during initial tightening period 25 and to a predetermined torque during final tightening period 27, hydraulic system 28, which powers tongs motor 30, selectively operates in a high-pressure mode (FIG. 1) during initial tightening period 25 and low-pressure mode (FIG. 2) during final tightening period 27. It should be noted, however, that to prevent over tightening during initial tightening period 25 and to ensure sufficient tightening during the final tightening period 27, tongs tool 24 operates in high-gear mode 29 when hydraulic system 28 is in the high-pressure mode, as shown in FIG. 1, and tongs tool 24 operates in low-gear mode 31 when hydraulic system 28 is in the low-pressure mode, as shown in FIG. 2.

Controller 32 is schematically illustrated to represent any means for employing a plurality of control signals 84 in a predetermined manner and/or in response to various inputs. Examples of controller 32 include, but are not limited to, one or more PLCs (programmable logic controllers), one or more computers, one or more microprocessors, one or more electrical circuits, and various combinations thereof. In some examples, controller 32 employs one or more of the following signals: a signal 84 afor shifting transmission 54 between the high-gear mode (FIG. 1 and line 29 of FIG. 5) and the low-gear mode (FIG. 2 and line 31 of FIG. 5), a signal 84 bfor selectively activating the high-pressure mode (FIG. 1) and the low-pressure mode (FIG. 2), a signal 84 cfor operating tongs tool 24 in the forward or tightening direction, a signal 84 dfor operating tongs tool 24 in the reverse or untightening direction, an absence of signals 84 cand 84 dfor stopping tongs tool 24, a signal 84 efor selectively clamping or releasing backup jaws 56, a signal 84 ffor determining the position or state of clamp 26, and a signal 84 gfor determining the activation of clutch 36.

Some example operations of tong system 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 1 shows tong system 10 operating in the initial tightening period 25 to begin making tubular connection 12. Signal 84 gconfirms that clutch 36 is disengaged. Signal 84 fdetermines that clamp 26 is in its clamped position. An arrow 85 represents tongs tool 24 being positioned in relation to tubular connection 12. Signal 84 esets backup jaws 56 to its clamping configuration. Signal 84 asets tongs tool 24 in high-gear mode 29. Signal 84 censures that motor 30 of tongs tool 24 is set to run in the forward, tightening direction, wherein valve 66 connects a first fluid inlet 86 of motor 30 in fluid communication with a discharge 88 of pump 72. Signal 84 bsets hydraulic system 28 in the high-pressure mode by activating high-pressure relief valve 76 and effectively taking low-pressure relief valve 78 out of the circuit. High-pressure relief valve 76, in some examples, is set at 2,000 psi (selected maximum pressure), thus hydraulic pressure at pump discharge 88 can vary, due to friction in connection 12 and other physical variables (e.g., rotational inertia), but the discharge pressure can vary only up to the selected maximum pressure of 2,000 psi as limited by high-pressure relief valve 76.

During initial tightening period 25, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, tongs tool 24 quickly tightens connection 12 to a preliminary stopping point 87 as established by some known means. Examples of such means include, but are not limited to, means for sensing a certain hydraulic pressure limit has been reached, means for determining a certain number of revolutions has occurred, means for determining a certain amount of time has passed, means for sensing a certain intermediate torque value has been reached, etc. In some examples, stopping point 87 is simply the result of tongs 24 stalling in high gear. In other words, tongs 24 reaches stopping point 87 when the torque exerted by tongs 24 is insufficient to overcome the rotational resistance of joint 12. Upon reaching the preliminary stopping point 87, tongs system 10 terminates initial tightening period 25. To determine when tongs 24 has stalled, controller 32 monitors an encoder that senses the rotation of a gear or some other rotating member of tongs 24. The encoder failing to detect rotation (e.g., passing gear teeth) over a predetermined period (e.g., one second), indicates that tongs 24 has stalled at intermediate stopping point 87.

At intermediate stopping point 87, immediately following the initial tightening period but before the final tightening period, signals 84 cand 84 dare such that they allow valve 66 to return momentarily to its spring biased neutral/stop central position. Valve 66 in its normal central position stops tongs motor 30 and shunts discharge 88 of pump 72 back to its inlet 90 or tank 90′ to reduce the pressure at discharge 88. With motor 30 stopped, signal 84 ashifts transmission 54 from high gear to low gear, i.e., shift tongs tool 24 from its high-gear mode 29 to its low gear mode 31. In some examples, this brief momentary period (transition period) begins the transition to final tightening period 27.

During final tightening period 27, shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, signal 84 gconfirms that clutch 36 is disengaged. Signal 84 fdetermines that clamp 26 is still in its clamped position. Signal 84 emaintains backup jaws 56 in its clamping configuration. Signal 84 ballows a spring 92 to shift valve 80 so as to set hydraulic system 28 in the low-pressure mode by activating low-pressure relief valve 78 and effectively taking high-pressure relief valve 76 out of the circuit. Low-pressure relief valve 78, in some examples, is set at 1,000 psi (selected maximum pressure), thus hydraulic pressure at pump discharge 88 can now only vary up to the selected maximum pressure of 1,000 psi as limited by low-pressure relief valve 78. Signal 84 cshifts valve 66 to run motor 30 and tongs tool 24 in the forward, tightening direction. In some examples, due to the high and low gear modes provided by transmission 54, greater torque is transmitted from jaws 52 to connection 12 when hydraulic system 28 is in the low-pressure mode than when hydraulic system 28 is in the high-pressure mode. FIG. 5, for example, shows greater torque at a point 89 than at a point 91.

Hydraulic system 28 in the low-pressure mode and transmission 54 and tongs tool 24 in low-gear mode, as shown in FIG. 2, operates tongs system 10 in the final tightening period 27 to properly tighten connection 12 to a predetermined final torque 93. The final torque is predictable because, for a given example of tongs system 10, the final torque is an obtainable function of the hydraulic pressure at discharge 88 and the speed ratio of jaws speed (jaws 52) to motor speed (motor 30). Such a function or relationship is readily used as means for adjustably setting low-pressure relief valve 78 to achieve the desired final torque 93. In some examples, controller 32 relies on such a relationship to display a proper low-pressure setting of relief valve 78 to achieve a desired final torque suitable for the tube string being assembled.

In some examples, a final torque stopping point 95 (FIG. 6) occurs when tongs 24 stalls in low-gear 31 during the low-pressure mode. To determine when tongs 24 has stalled, controller 32 monitors an encoder that senses the rotation of a gear or some other rotating member of tongs 24. The encoder failing to detect rotation (e.g., passing gear teeth) over a predetermined period (e.g., one second) indicates that tongs 24 has stalled at final torque stopping point 95. Upon reaching the final torque stopping point 95, tongs system 10 terminates final tightening period 27 by first reversing rotation of tongs 24 for about one rotation (as sensed by the tongs" encoder) to disengage jaws 52 from joint 12 and then retracting tongs 24 to a position clear of joint 12 and tubing 14.

To unscrew connection 12 for disassembly of tube string 14, signal 84 dshifts valve 66 to reverse the rotation of motor 30 and jaws 52. Breaking tubular connection 12 can be achieved by various means, examples of which include, but are not limited to, transmission 54 being in high-gear, transmission 54 being in low-gear, hydraulic system 28 being in the high-pressure mode, hydraulic system 28 being in the low-pressure mode, and various combinations and sequences thereof.

In an example break-out sequence 103 shown in FIG. 7, unscrewing of connection 12 begins with a first loosening period 97, in low-gear 31, in high-pressure mode (valve 80 as shown in FIG. 1) and with valve 66 shifted to rotate motor 30 in reverse for a predetermined degree of jaw rotation (e.g., one full turn as measured by a tongs" encoder). Tongs 24 pauses for an instant at a stopping point 99. Upon reaching stopping point 99, system 10 prepares for a second loosening period 101, wherein system 10 operates in high-gear 29, in high-pressure mode (valve 80 as shown in FIG. 1) and with valve 66 shifted to rotate motor 30 in reverse. This continues until a person terminates the operation when the person sees that joint 12 is fully disconnected. When joint 12 is fully disconnected, tongs 24 briefly rotates in a forward tightening direction for about one rotation (as sensed by the tongs" encoder) to disengage jaws 52 from joint 12, and then tongs 24 retracts to a position clear of joint 12 and tubing 14.

In some examples of hydraulic circuit 28, instead of relief valves 76 and 78, a known proportional pressure relief valve is used for setting the desired maximum operating pressures during the high-pressure mode and the low-pressure mode. FIG. 8, for example, shows a hydraulic circuit 28′ with such a proportional pressure relief valve 77. In circuit 28′, lines 105 connect to a manual control valve of tongs 24. In other examples of hydraulic circuit 28, the desired operating pressures during the high-pressure mode and the low-pressure mode are regulated by a known proportional pressure reducing valve (analogous to an adjustable pressure regulator).

For safety, to prevent tongs 24 from engaging tubing 14 when hoist 22 is lifting or lowering tubing 14 or when clamp 26 releases tubing 14 (creating a possible tubing freefall with tongs 24 attached) system 10 includes some safety interlocks. In some examples, if signal 84 gindicates that clutch 36 is engaged to activate hoist 22, controller 32 inhibits tongs deployment, engagement and/or rotation of jaws 52. Controller 32 can do this by various means, examples of which include, but are not limited to, signals 84 cand 84 dcausing valve 66 to shift to its normal central position (FIG. 3). In some examples, if signal 84 findicates that clamp 26 has released tube 14 b, controller 32 inhibits tongs deployment, engagement and/or rotation of jaws 52. Controller 32 can do this by various means, examples of which include, but are not limited to, signals 84 cand 84 dcausing valve 66 to shift to its normal central position (FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 4, a block 94 schematically represents the rotatable set of jaws 52 engaging tubular connection 12, a block 96 schematically represents tongs tool 24 initially screwing together tubular connection 12 during the initial tightening period with hydraulic system 28 operating in the high-pressure mode and tongs tool 24 operating in the high-gear mode. A block 100 schematically represents after initially screwing together tubular connection 12 during the initial tightening period, tongs tool 24 subsequently tightening tubular connection 12 during the final tightening period with hydraulic system 28 operating in the low-pressure mode and tongs tool 24 operating in the low-gear mode. A block 102 schematically represents hydraulic system 28 subjecting hydraulic motor 30 to greater hydraulic pressure during the initial tightening period than during the final tightening period. A block 104 schematically represents high-pressure relief valve 76 establishing the selected maximum pressure of hydraulic system 28 in the high-pressure mode. A block 106 schematically represents low-pressure relief valve 78 establishing the selected maximum pressure of hydraulic system 28 in the low-pressure mode. A block 108 schematically represents tongs tool 24 applying greater torque to tubular connection 12 when hydraulic system 10 is in the low-pressure mode than when hydraulic system 10 is in the high-pressure mode. A block 110 schematically represents inhibiting rotation of rotatable set of jaws 52 when clamp 26, spaced apart from tongs tool 24, releases tube 14 bbeneath tubular connection 12. A block 112 schematically represents inhibiting rotation of the rotatable set of jaws 52 when clutch 36 activates hoist 22 that is coupled to tubular connection 12. A block 98 schematically represents, between the initial tightening period and the final tightening period, momentarily pausing rotation of hydraulic motor 30.

1. A tongs system for making a tubular connection during an initial tightening period and a final tightening period following the initial tightening period, the tong system comprising:

a tongs tool comprising a rotatable set of jaws, a hydraulic motor, and a transmission coupling the hydraulic motor to the rotatable set of jaws, the rotatable set of jaws being connectable to the tubular connection, the hydraulic motor being connected in fluid communication with the hydraulic system, the transmission rendering the tongs tool selectively operable in a high-gear mode and a low-gear mode, the tongs tool having a speed ratio of jaws speed to motor speed that is higher in the high-gear mode than in the low-gear mode, the tongs tool being in the high-gear mode and the hydraulic system being in the high-pressure mode during the initial tightening period, the tongs tool being in the low-gear mode and the hydraulic system being in the low-pressure mode during the final tightening period, and the hydraulic motor of the tongs tool being driven by greater hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system during the high-pressure mode than during the low-pressure mode; and

a clamp below and spaced apart from the tongs tool, the clamp having selectively a clamp mode and a release mode, the clamp in the clamp mode being in clamping engagement with a tube associated with the tubular connection, the clamp in the release mode being unclamped from the tube, the hydraulic motor being inhibited from rotating when the clamp is in the release mode while the tongs tool is above the clamp.

2. The tongs system of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic motor defines a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the hydraulic system, the fluid inlet being at greater hydraulic pressure during the initial tightening period than during the final tightening period.

4. The tongs system of claim 1, wherein greater torque is transmitted from the rotatable set of jaws to the tubular connection when the hydraulic system is in the low-pressure mode than when the hydraulic system is in the high-pressure mode.

6. A tongs method for making a tubular connection during an initial tightening period and a final tightening period, the tongs method involving the use of a tongs tool powered by a hydraulic system that provides hydraulic pressure variable up to a selected maximum pressure, the hydraulic system being selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode, the selected maximum pressure being greater in the high-pressure mode than in the low-pressure mode, the tongs tool comprising a rotatable set of jaws, a hydraulic motor, and a transmission coupling the hydraulic motor to the rotatable set of jaws, the transmission rendering the tongs tool selectively operable in a high-gear mode and a low-gear mode, the tongs tool having a speed ratio of jaws speed to motor speed that is higher in the high-gear mode than in the low-gear mode, the tongs method comprising:

the tongs tool initially screwing together the tubular connection during the initial tightening period with the hydraulic system operating in the high-pressure mode and the tongs tool operating in the high-gear mode; and

after initially screwing together the tubular connection during the initial tightening period, the tongs tool subsequently tightening the tubular connection during the final tightening period with the hydraulic system operating in the low-pressure mode and the tongs tool operating in the low-gear mode, the hydraulic motor of the tongs tool being driven by greater hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system during the high-pressure mode than during the low-pressure mode.

7. The tongs method of claim 6, further comprising the hydraulic system subjecting the hydraulic motor to greater hydraulic pressure during the initial tightening period than during the final tightening period.

8. The tongs method of claim 6, wherein the hydraulic system includes a high-pressure relief valve and a low-pressure relief valve and further comprising:

9. The tongs method of claim 6, the tongs tool applying greater torque to the tubular connection when the hydraulic system is in the low-pressure mode than when the hydraulic system is in the high-pressure mode.

10. The tongs method of claim 6, further comprising inhibiting rotation of the rotatable set of jaws when a clamp spaced apart from the tongs tool releases a tube beneath the tubular connection.

11. The tongs method of claim 6, further comprising inhibiting rotation of the rotatable set of jaws when a clutch activates a hoist that is coupled to the tubular connection.

13. A tongs method for making a tubular connection during an initial tightening period and a final tightening period, the tongs method involving the use of a tongs tool powered by a hydraulic system that provides hydraulic pressure variable up to a selected maximum pressure, the hydraulic system being selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode, the selected maximum pressure being greater in the high-pressure mode than in the low-pressure mode, the tongs tool comprising a rotatable set of jaws, a hydraulic motor, and a transmission coupling the hydraulic motor to the rotatable set of jaws, the hydraulic motor of the tongs tool being driven by greater hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system during the high-pressure mode than during the low-pressure mode, the transmission rendering the tongs tool selectively operable in a high-gear mode and a low-gear mode, the tongs tool having a speed ratio of jaws speed to motor speed that is higher in the high-gear mode than in the low-gear mode, the tongs method comprising:

the tongs tool initially screwing together the tubular connection during the initial tightening period with the hydraulic system operating in the high-pressure mode and the tongs tool operating in the high-gear mode;

after initially screwing together the tubular connection during the initial tightening period, the tongs tool subsequently tightening the tubular connection during the final tightening period with the hydraulic system operating in the low-pressure mode and the tongs tool operating in the low-gear mode;

the tongs tool applying greater torque to the tubular connection when the hydraulic system is in the low-pressure mode than when the hydraulic system is in the high-pressure mode; and

14. The tongs method of claim 13, wherein the hydraulic system includes a high-pressure relief valve and a low-pressure relief valve and further comprising:

15. The tongs method of claim 13, further comprising inhibiting rotation of the rotatable set of jaws when a clamp spaced apart from the tongs tool releases a tube beneath the tubular connection.

16. The tongs method of claim 13, further comprising inhibiting rotation of the rotatable set of jaws when a clutch activates a hoist that is coupled to the tubular connection.