Among the special equipment manufactured solely for oil drilling are oilfield tongs. They are basically wrenches that self-lock used for the gripping of drillstring parts and applying of torque. They must be used as pairs, one for loosening and the other one 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 are noted as having some advantages when you compare them to those that are pneumatic. They are smaller in size and lighter, they have variable control of power as well as spin speed, there is motor overload protection, they work in temperatures which are below freezing where pneumatic tongs cannot and they are safer from fire and explosion. In addition to all this, hydraulic tongs are quieter which may be important if the drill is near to a residential area.
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.
Whichever tongs you decide to lease or purchase, make sure the manufacturer is a good one. This type of machinery is dangerous enough on its own without using inferior brands. Using a supplier that is of higher quality offers better protection to your people and the business itself.
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