Vol. 227 No. 12

Rig floor equipment

New power swivel reduces danger

The newly engineered, hydraulic, motor-driven Logan 85-t Power Swivel provides smooth, shock-free torque to reduce drillstring damage. It is rated to support tensile pipe loads of 85 t at zero rpm and 45 t of dynamic load at 100 rpm. The compact, swivel-head design weighs only 1,163 lb and fits most drilling or workover masts.

The design includes a reliable, custom-built drive train with hardened steel gears. For most applications, the power swivel eliminates the use of dangerous spinning chains, tongs, and kelly spinners. The tool facilitates drilling with longer drillstring lengths before the rig must be shut down to add pipe. Stops and starts are thereby reduced – improving rig efficiency and reducing wear on the pump, drawworks and other rig equipment.

Logan 85-t Power Swivel eliminates the use of spinning chains, tongs and kelly spinners, and comes in trailer- or skid-mounted frames.

The power swivel uses a closed-loop, hydraulic system with variable displacement, reversible, over-center pumps and air or electric controls. A new wireless remote with a 150-ft operating range is also available. Speed control is continuously variable over the entire operating range with a 155-rpm, maximum operating speed. Pressure-compensating torque control overrides the speed control to maintain maximum torque at 3,950 ft-lb. The operator can set torque limits on the power unit, eliminating the danger of twist-offs or swollen drillstring boxes. An integral rotary swivel-bearing, floating-washpipe assembly and gooseneck connection eliminate the need for a separate rotary swivel.

The power swivel’s 2-1/4-in. bore gooseneck and washpipe assembly allows mud circulation through the 2-in. ID stem while in rotating or static mode. An access plug allows wireline to be run through the unit.

Complete power swivel packages are available either trailer- or skid-mounted. Both frame styles are equipped with environmental safety features. Package components include an elevator-type bail; a unitized washpipe-packing box assembly; a fixed displacement, piston-type, 5,000-psi rated, hydraulic motor; a torque-rein assembly; safety cable and 1-in. swivel joints. Powered hose reels complete the unit. A swivel carrying stand is standard. A variety of engine and control options, as well as additional accessories, are available.