Product category:
Hydraulic Components
News Release from: Parker Hannifin | Subject: ST-80 Iron Roughneck
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 28 March 2006
Cylinders and torque motors form pipe
handler
Hydraulic cylinders and torque motors form part of pipe handling system being widely used in the oil and gas sectors for clamping and torquing drill pipe connectors and safety equipment.
A range of hydraulic cylinders and torque motors, developed and manufactured by Parker Hannifin, forms an essential part of a pipe handling system that is being widely used in the oil and gas sectors for clamping and torquing drill pipe connectors and safety equipment Called the ST-80 Iron Roughneck, the pipe handling system has been designed by National Oilwell Varco, a supplier of high performance drilling and well servicing equipment for use in on and offshore oil and gas applications
The ST-80 improves operator safety and efficiency by allowing tubular connections, including drill pipe and drill collars between 108 and 216mm in diameter, to be remotely clamped, spun together and locked at high torques up to 81.5kNm.
The system lets this work be carried out quickly and safely by a single operator.
In addition, the ST-80 is lightweight and compact, can be mounted on any rig floor, close to the well centre and mousehole, where joints of pipe are temporarily stored, and reduces the need for the awkward and potentially dangerous hanging cables, mast modifications and overhead equipment that is often used.
All movement and control of each ST-80 is by hydraulics systems.
These move the clamping and spinning head out from its standby position to the drill pipe, and then accurately manipulate the head, clamping jaws and tools so all pipe joint connections can be made quickly and reliably without the need for manual intervention.
The ST-80 incorporates pipe location mechanisms ensuring pipes and joints are aligned correctly, with each pipe joint being spun into position and locked to the adjoining section.
In addition, it can be used to break pipe connections, with an operating torque of up to 108.5kNm.
Each ST-80 incorporates four Parker roundline cylinders - two 20cm clamp cylinders, and two 11.4cm torque cylinders.
Additionally, each ST-80 uses a harsh-environment 10.2cm duplex extension cylinder and a 8.3cm elevation tie-rod cylinder.
The clamp and torque cylinders are compact, with a semi-welded design, and all cylinders have stainless steel piston rods, and are supplied with pipes, fittings and rod clevises.
During drilling operations, when a segment of pipe needs to be added or removed from the drill string, the ST-80 remotely clamps the pipe above and below the connection, with the action being controlled precisely by the clamp cylinders.
When making up the pipe, the two Parker high torque, low speed hydraulic torque motors spin the pipe sections together.
The connection is then made up to an operator-specified torque by the two torque cylinders, letting drillers safely and efficiently make up and break out all tool joint connections in less than 19s.
The torque motors have been developed to reduce friction and internal leakage to extend the life of the motor, and include a shaft seal that eliminates the need for drain lines and check valves, allowing the ST-80 to remain as compact and reliable as possible.
The zero leak commutator valve in each torque motor guarantees the consistent volumetric efficiency of the machine, reducing energy wastage and giving the ST-80 more precision therefore allowing it to function effectively in the restricted spaces.
Darrin Yenzer, of National Oilwell Varco, said: "The Parker hydraulic cylinders play an important role in the success of the ST-80".
"They are exceptionally reliable, even in the extreme conditions experienced in many oil and gas field applications, yet deliver the levels of power that we require for the ST-80 to operate effectively".
"Perhaps as importantly, Parker provides an outstanding level of customer and technical support throughout the world, so that we know that even if we do have a problem we have access to local expertise and parts regardless of where our systems are being used". Request a free brochure from Parker Hannifin ...
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