The handling of pipe is an integral activity across oil and gas operations, from initial drilling to downstream transportation. These assets’ sheer size and weight mean that specialized pipe lifting equipment is essential for operational success and safety.
In the oil and gas industry, managers face significant challenges in ensuring the safety of their workers while maintaining high levels of productivity. One of the most critical aspects of oilfield operations is pipe handling, which involves lifting, moving, and connecting large and heavy pipes. Given the high stakes involved, it is essential for companies to invest in suitable equipment that can help streamline this process.
For instance, equipment like cranes and hydraulic tongs can significantly reduce the risks of handling pipes, improving productivity. These are capable of lifting and moving heavy pipes with ease, as well as securely gripping and rotating them during installation. Also, robots can be used to automate some of the more dangerous and repetitive tasks.
Investing in the appropriate equipment is not only a matter of safety and productivity but also a critical success factor in today’s highly competitive oil and gas industry. Oilfield managers who fail to invest in the right tools risk falling behind their competitors and facing significant operational challenges that could impact their bottom line. Continue reading to explore the benefits of advanced solutions that enable the safe, efficient, and compliant movement of pipes.
Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities Among Workers
Oil country tubular goods (OCTG) can weigh over 10,000 pounds and reach immense lengths. Attempting to move such loads manually creates severe crushing and falling hazards during slippage or toppling incidents. Unfortunately, pipe-handling injuries continue to be a leading cause of lost time and fatalities in drilling and servicing activities.
Advanced vacuum lifting and manipulating equipment incorporates engineered fail-safes to prevent catastrophic accidents, including load sensors that prompt operators when limits are exceeded, custom cradles that prevent pipe deformation, and specialized designs that allow rotation without collisions.
Such features eliminate dangerous improvisations while protecting personnel. Regular inspection and certification further bolster job site safety.
Accelerate Drilling and Servicing With Ergonomic Pipe Handling
Efficient pipe lifting equipment also enables faster rig-up/rig-down and improved uptime. Self-locking vacuum lifters swiftly grab, hoist, and place OCTG without manual intervention. Operators avoid strain by using remote monitoring to guide automated positioning.
Furthermore, forklift-mounted manipulators streamline the process by eliminating the need to stock multiple slings, enabling rapid size/type changes, and allowing 24/7 operation even in harsh weather.
With tight schedules and costly rigs, optimized pipe logistics is necessary for achieving project objectives.
Minimize Asset Damage While Lowering Maintenance Costs
In retrieving thousands of feet of OCTG from wells, accidental impacts and deformations quickly escalate into equipment failures. Yet, inappropriate lifting also destroys pipe value. This causes coating damage from falls or abrasion, necessitates re-coating, and excessive bending decreases collapse resistance.
Using strong yet gentle vacuum lifters mitigates this loss through the following:
- Padded forks prevent coating harm
- Vertical orientations avoid bend damage
With improved pipe quality control, operators minimize replacements and repairs, saving significantly on maintenance expenditures.
Maintain Regulatory Compliance and Improve Site Safety Culture
Given expansive regulations around hoisting activities, using OSHA-compliant pipe lifting equipment is no longer optional for operators. Advanced lifting devices include:
- Fail-safe overrides
- Load limiter switches
- Certified capacity tagging
This protects against incidents while easing compliance audits. A robust safety culture further aids incident prevention and due diligence perceptions.
Collaborate With Specialists for Custom Pipe Handling Solutions
When it comes to lifting heavy equipment, there are many factors to consider to ensure optimal handling efficiency and safety. Retrofitting existing tools may not always be the best solution, especially if you have unique requirements. In such cases, opting for purpose-built lifting equipment that is tailored to your specific needs can be a better option.
Experts offer customized lifting solutions based on factors such as site layout, terrain, pipe types, and operational objectives. Purpose-built equipment ensures safety and efficiency in challenging terrain and with specific pipe types. Retrofitting can be cost-effective, but utilizing tailored tools is a safer and more efficient option in the long run.
The future of oilfield operations depends on competent pipe handling. Rely on the experts to explore advanced pipe lifting equipment that transforms this critical activity.
