1000 Atlas Copco Automatic Pipe Loader

Atlas Copco APL Automatic Pipe Loader High levels of safety and performance are priorities in the oil field. The availability of a reliable, hands-free, pipe-and-casing handling system for the RD20 and RD20 XC will have a major impact on enhancing efficiency and performance during the drilling process. The Atlas Copco Automatic Pipe Loader (APL) is a stand-alone, hands-free system that can handle a wide range of tubulars. APL is a skid-mounted load that is simple to mobilize and rig up. A wireless control module and hands-free operation reduce manual labor, enhance effi ciency and reduce pipe-handling time and cost. Designed exclusively for the RD20 or RD20 XC, APL is supplied ready to go to work with it’s own hydraulic power unit. It is designed “oil fi eld smart and oil fi eld tough” to provide years of reliable service. Oil Field POWER The APL is powered by an electric-over-hydraulic power module supplied with the APL. The hydraulic module receives electric power from the location generator. Hydraulic output is 64 gpm @ 3 000 psi (242 lpm @ 207 bar) for operating the APL at optimum performance with up to a 6,000-lb (2 727-Kg) per unit pipe weight. The power module is supplied complete with hoses and quick-connect hydraulic fittings. Available in both 50hz and 60 hz versions at 230 and 460 volts. ADAPTABILITY In today’s oil patch, light-weight, highly mobile rigs like the RD20 and RD20 XC have to handle a wide range of tubulars, often on the same well. APL is designed to give contractors a system that adapts to tubular changes quickly and easily. APL can handle standard RD20 external flush pipe and collars in 30 ft (9 m) lengths or Range II external upset oil field drill pipe and collars up to a maximum unit weight of 6,000 lbs (2 727-Kg) each. APL is set up to work with Range III oil field casing diameters between 4 ½ in (114.3 mm) and 13 3/ 8 in (340 mm) and up to 45 ft (13.7 m) in length. Because the twin hydraulic pipe clamps grab and secure the pipe on the tubing section, different tool joint or coupling configurations do not impact loader operation or performance. Today’s oil, gas and CBM drilling requirements also demand adaptability to several drill rig placements on a location. Some rigs are set up at ground level or on a low-float base. Other applications call for the rig to be positioned on an elevated substructure up to 10 ft (3 m) above ground level to accommodate a BOP stack. The APL is designed to work with rig placements from ground level to 10-ft (3-m) substructures without modification. The APL can easily work in conjunction with free-standing pipe racks or hydraulic pipe tubs. This exceptional flexibility reduces downtime, eliminates additional equipment requirements and saves money. MOBILITY AND RIG UP The APL is a compact, self-contained, single load. The oil field skid base makes loading, unloading and placement quick and simple. When the APL arrives on location, it is positioned directly behind the rig and the wireless control module is activated. A six-point hydraulic leveling and alignment system levels the APL on the center line of the rig and the hole center. The leveling jacks provide a strong, stable base with the APL fully loaded with pipe, collars or casing. If the position of the rig or loader does change during operation, the APL can make adjustments to its position quickly and easily to maintain alignment. Once the APL is positioned behind the rig, the four pipe racks are swung out and locked. Hydraulic jacks on the end of each rack are run to the ground to stabilize the racks under load. These jacks enable the end of the racks to be raised so pipe rolls to the clamps while drilling or tripping in. Lowering the racks makes pipe roll to the outer end of the racks while tripping out of the hole. Pipe stops, at the end of each rack, prevent pipe from rolling off the racks. Stops on the inner end of each rack position each pipe for loading. OPERATION Once the APL is positioned behind the rig and deployed for drilling, the pipe racks are loaded with the drill pipe, collars or casing. The racks are set to roll pipe toward the loader. The inner pipe on each rack is in the pre-loading position. This pipe is above a set of hydraulic flippers that lift the pipe and roll it into the clamps on the jib arm. The operator can load pipe from either the left or right pipe racks at any time. When the pipe is in the clamps, the clamp jaws are closed and the pipe is elevated to the vertical position behind the mast. The twin clamps have the required force to secure up to a 6,000 lb (2 727 Kg) pipe or collar with an adequate safety factor. The jib arm is extended to position the pipe under the top drive spindle in alignment with hole center. Once the top drive has spun onto the joint, the clamps are opened and the transfer arm returns to the horizontal position to accept the next joint of pipe. Normal cycle time is about one minute per joint of pipe. Once the pipe clamps have closed with the transfer arm in the horizontal (loading) position, they cannot be opened until the jib arm has reached its vertical position under the top drive spindle and the joint is connected. There is also a button on the driller’s console that the driller must push before the pipe man can release the clamps. In the event of a hose or pump failure during any part of the operation, the clamps will not open until sufficient pressure is applied to overcome the clamp locking pressure. The wireless control module enables the pipe man to operate the APL from different locations around the rig, on the ground or on the work floor of the substructure. He can operate the APL in the position that provides the best visibility of the crew and the overall operation, which enhances safety. The best thing about the APL is that it never gets tired or slows down on long, demanding trips. AUTO PIPE LOADER GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS U.S. METRIC Length 50.4 ft 15.3 m Width (transport) 8.5 ft 2.6 m Width (drilling) 20.6 ft 6.2 m Height 4.7 ft 1.4 m Weight 35,000 lb 15 875 kg PIPE HANDLING SIZE RANGE Outside Diameter 3 ½ in – 13 3/8 in 88.9 – 339.7 mm Length 28 ft – 45 ft 8.5 – 13.6 m Maximum Pipe Weight 6,000 lb 2 727 kg POWER PACK - SELF CONTAINED SKID Electric Motor 100 HP (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) 75 kw 50 / 60 Hz @ 230 / 460V 50 / 60 Hz @ 230 / 460V Hydraulic Output 64 gpm @ 3000 psi 242 lpm @ 207 bar REMOTE CONTROLLER Class 1, Division 1 wireless radio remote,