Oilfield Tongs: Choosing The Highest Quality Protects Your People
by: Mark Miller
Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 Time: 8:59 AM
oilfield tongs are specialized equipment used in the drilling of oil. Basically, they are self-locking wrenches that are used for gripping drillstring parts and applying torque. Tongs must be used in pairs, one of which is used for loosening and the other for tightening.
Loosening, which is also referred to as breakout operations, requires the use of breakout tongs. Tightening, referred to as make up operations, requires makeup tongs. On the sets of tongs is fixed to the derrick. The other will be pulled. Together, they function similarly to the pipe wrenches that a plumber will use to loosen and tighten.
Tongs can be power driven or manual. The power is normally either pneumatic or hydraulic in nature. It has been noted that manual tongs in particular are implicated in the most injuries on the floor of the oil rig. It is very important, therefore, to be sure that you use tongs from a reputable manufacturer that has excellent quality control procedures. In addition, you will want to make employee training a priority.
Hydraulic tongs have some advantages over those that are pneumatic. For example, they are reliable at below freezing temperatures where pneumatic drives do not work, they have variable control of power and spin speed, they are safer regarding explosions and fire, they protect the motor from overloading and they weigh less and are smaller. An additional plus is that they do not make as much noise which can of great importance if the drill is located near homes.
Many variations of tongs are available and which will be the best for you will depend on many factors including the type of drilling you are engaged in. Location can make a difference, such as whether you operate on land, offshore or in both places. The tongs come in a variety of torques, hydraulic pressures and diameters. You can also get back-up tongs. These work with the master tong so that there will be more safety as well as reliability under great amounts of torque.
There are many vendors from whom you can buy oilfield tongs. However, you can also choose to rent or lease them. They can be found either on their own or as part of a complete oil rig.
Make sure you research any manufacturers you are considering, regardless of the type of tongs you want. This type of machinery can be dangerous enough without purchasing ones that are low quality. You will have no trouble finding a vendor with high quality tools that will offer greater protection for your employees and for your company.
About the Author
Looking to find the most comprehensive information on oilfield tongs?
Rating: Not yet rated
