Elevators
If you’ve ever been on a drilling site, you know just how vital an oil rig elevator—sometimes called a drill pipe elevator—really is. This isn’t the kind of elevator you’d find in a building; instead, it’s a robust clamping device designed specifically for lifting, lowering, and handling drill pipe, casing, and tubing during drilling operations.
The elevator is made up of two hinged, semi-circular sections that close securely around the pipe, forming a complete circle. This design is all about safety and efficiency on the rig floor.
Key features you’ll find:
- A reliable latching mechanism that keeps the elevator locked during use
- Attachment points for lifting bails or links, connecting directly to the rig’s hoisting system
- Internal profiles shaped to catch pipe tool joints or casing collars
- Multiple sizes available to fit a variety of pipe diameters
How Elevators Are Used:
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Pipe Running Operations: During drilling or tripping, the elevator is positioned just below the tool joint—the enlarged connection between pipe sections. When the elevator is lifted, its internal shoulder catches beneath the tool joint, allowing the pipe to be raised or lowered safely.
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Making Connections: When it’s time to add a new section of pipe, the elevator lifts the joint from the pipe rack or catwalk and positions it over the wellbore, ready to connect to the existing string.
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Tripping Out: As pipe is removed from the hole, the elevator grips each joint as it’s pulled up, making it easy to disconnect and rack the pipe.
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Casing Operations: Specialized casing elevators are built to support the significant weight of casing strings during installation.
Elevators work hand-in-hand with slips and the rig’s traveling block system, making it possible to add or remove pipe sections efficiently. Safe and proper use of elevators is a cornerstone of rig safety and keeps operations running smoothly, especially when handling the heavy loads suspended above the rig floor.
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