Hydraulic Tubing Power Tongs with Open or Closed Head

Description

Goldenman Hydraulic Tubing Power Tongs are designed for fast, controlled makeup and breakout of tubing strings during well servicing, workover, completion and production operations.

The available XYQ series includes open-head and closed-head configurations with integrated or matched hydraulic backup tongs. An internal curved-cam gripping mechanism drives the jaws inward to clamp the tubing or coupling while hydraulic motors and gearboxes provide controlled rotation and torque.

Three main configurations are available:

• XYQ3B/3C
• XYQ6B
• XYQ12

The series covers master-tong gripping ranges from approximately 2-3/8 to 5-1/2 inches and backup-tong gripping ranges up to approximately 6-1/8 inches. Maximum low-gear rated torque ranges from 3 to 13 kN·m.

Each power tong is selected according to the tubing OD, coupling OD, connection type, required makeup torque, breakout torque, operating speed, hydraulic supply and rig-floor installation conditions.

Product Short Description

Goldenman XYQ Hydraulic Tubing Power Tongs combine a powered master tong with a hydraulic backup tong to make up and break out tubing connections while controlling reaction torque.

Open-head configurations allow easier lateral loading of tubing, while closed-head configurations provide a compact enclosed gripping structure. Available models cover light well-service operations through higher-torque tubing and coupling applications.

Product Highlights

• Hydraulic power tong for tubing makeup and breakout
• Open-head and closed-head configurations
• Matched hydraulic backup tong
• Master-tong range from 2-3/8 to 5-1/2 in
• Backup-tong range up to approximately 6-1/8 in
• Low-gear rated torque from 3 to 13 kN·m
• High-speed and low-speed gear ranges
• Inner curved-cam gripping mechanism
• Replaceable jaws and dies
• Compact models for workover and well servicing
• Hydraulic operating pressure from 10 to 12 MPa
• Maximum hydraulic flow from 80 to 120 L/min
• Optional torque monitoring and recording
• Jaw and die configurations for different tubing sizes
• Replacement parts and overhaul kits available
• Factory functional and torque testing support

What Is a Hydraulic Tubing Power Tong?

A Hydraulic Tubing Power Tong is a powered gripping and rotating tool used to make up or break out threaded tubing connections.

The complete system normally uses two gripping tools:

• The master tong rotates the tubing or coupling.
• The backup tong grips the stationary side and absorbs reaction torque.

When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the master tong, its motor drives the gearbox and rotating head. The jaw assemblies move into contact with the tubular through the tong’s cam mechanism.

During makeup, the tong rotates the connection to the specified torque.

During breakout, the tong applies torque in the opposite direction to release the connection.

Compared with manual tubing tongs, a hydraulic power tong can improve:

• Operating speed
• Torque consistency
• Crew efficiency
• Reaction-torque control
• Repeatability
• Rig-floor safety
• Connection quality

The tong does not determine the correct connection torque. The required torque must come from the tubing, coupling or premium-connection manufacturer.

Main Applications

Goldenman Tubing Power Tongs can be used for:

• Tubing makeup
• Tubing breakout
• Workover operations
• Well-servicing operations
• Production tubing installation
• Completion tubing handling
• Tubing coupling makeup
• Pulling and running tubing strings
• Repair and maintenance of production wells
• Land-based workover rigs
• Mobile well-servicing units
• Offshore well-service packages
• Replacement of existing XYQ-series tubing tongs

The tool should not be used for casing, drill pipe or sucker rods unless the exact jaw system, torque range and tool design have been approved for that application.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	XYQ3B/3C	XYQ6B	XYQ12
Master tong size range	60–89 mm	73–114 mm	60–140 mm
Master tong size range, imperial	2-3/8–3-1/2 in	2-7/8–4-1/2 in	2-3/8–5-1/2 in
Backup tong size range	60–114 mm	89–141.5 mm	73–156 mm
Backup tong size range, imperial	2-3/8–4-1/2 in	3-1/2–approximately 5-1/2 in	2-7/8–approximately 6-1/8 in
High-gear rated torque	1.1 kN·m	1.5 kN·m	2.6 kN·m
Low-gear rated torque	3 kN·m	6 kN·m	13 kN·m
High-gear rated speed	100 rpm	85 rpm	68 rpm
Low-gear rated speed	30 rpm	20 rpm	13 rpm
Rated hydraulic pressure	10 MPa	11 MPa	12 MPa
Maximum hydraulic flow	80 L/min	100 L/min	120 L/min
Overall dimensions	650 × 430 × 550 mm	750 × 500 × 600 mm	1042 × 582 × 839 mm
Reference weight	158 kg	220 kg	471 kg
Operation	Hydraulic	Hydraulic	Hydraulic
Backup tong	Hydraulic	Hydraulic	Hydraulic

The exact head configuration, jaw set, suspension arrangement, hydraulic interfaces and torque-monitoring package must be confirmed through the approved model datasheet.

Model Selection Guide

XYQ3B/3C

The XYQ3B/3C is the smallest and lightest configuration in the listed series.

It is suitable for:

• 2-3/8 to 3-1/2 in tubing
• Light and medium well-service work
• Mobile workover rigs
• Installations with restricted rig-floor space
• Applications requiring higher rotational speed
• Connections requiring up to 3 kN·m rated low-gear torque

Its compact dimensions and 158 kg reference weight simplify installation and handling compared with larger models.

The exact difference between XYQ3B and XYQ3C—such as head style, jaw arrangement or suspension configuration—should be confirmed in the current Goldenman model drawing.

XYQ6B

The XYQ6B provides a broader tubing range and higher torque.

It is suitable for:

• 2-7/8 to 4-1/2 in master-tong applications
• Coupling and backup diameters up to approximately 5-1/2 in
• General tubing workover
• Medium-torque connection requirements
• Operations requiring up to 6 kN·m low-gear torque

The XYQ6B offers a balance between compact size, speed and torque.

XYQ12

The XYQ12 is the highest-torque model in the listed range.

It covers:

• 2-3/8 to 5-1/2 in tubing
• Larger tubing couplings
• Backup gripping diameters up to approximately 6-1/8 in
• Connections requiring up to 13 kN·m rated low-gear torque
• Heavier workover and completion operations
• Projects requiring a wider gripping range

The larger hydraulic flow requirement and 471 kg reference weight must be considered when selecting the hydraulic power unit and suspension system.

Open-Head vs Closed-Head Tubing Power Tong

Open-Head Tubing Tong

An open-head tong has an opening that allows the tool to be moved laterally onto or away from the tubing.

It may be preferred when:

• Tubing cannot be inserted vertically through the tong
• Fast positioning around the tubular is required
• The tong must be removed laterally
• Workover operations involve frequent tool repositioning
• Rig-floor access permits side loading

The open-head design requires secure door or latch engagement before torque is applied.

Closed-Head Tubing Tong

A closed-head tong uses a substantially enclosed rotating head.

It may be selected when:

• Tubing can pass through the tong opening
• A compact enclosed gripping arrangement is preferred
• The rig layout supports vertical loading
• Existing workover procedures use closed-head equipment

The closed-head configuration may require the tubing end or coupling to pass through the tong before the connection is positioned.

Selection Comparison

Comparison	Open-Head Tong	Closed-Head Tong
Tubular loading	Lateral access	Normally axial or vertical access
Repositioning	Faster in many workover operations	Depends on tubular access
Head structure	Includes opening and locking mechanism	More enclosed rotating structure
Rig-floor clearance	Requires lateral access	Requires axial loading clearance
Main consideration	Correct head closure and latch condition	Tubular passage and coupling clearance
Typical use	Frequent running and pulling operations	Fixed or planned tubing handling sequence

Neither design is automatically superior. Selection depends on the rig-floor layout, operating sequence and tubing geometry.

Master Tong and Backup Tong Functions

The master tong and backup tong have different gripping requirements.

Master Tong

The master tong:

• Rotates the connection
• Applies makeup or breakout torque
• Uses high and low gear
• Requires jaws matched to the rotating tubular
• May grip the tubing body or coupling according to the procedure

Backup Tong

The backup tong:

• Holds the stationary tubular
• Absorbs reaction torque
• Prevents rotation of the lower connection
• Requires a gripping range that may differ from the master tong
• Must align correctly with the connection

The master and backup tong ranges should be checked independently.

A tong may fit the tubing body but fail to fit the coupling or upset section on the backup side.

How to Select the Correct Tubing Power Tong

1. Confirm Tubing and Coupling Dimensions

Provide:

• Tubing OD
• Tubing weight and wall thickness
• Coupling OD
• Upset OD
• Connection type
• Premium or API connection
• Gripping location
• Coating or corrosion-resistant surface

The coupling OD may be substantially larger than the tubing body.

Both master and backup gripping ranges must be suitable.

2. Confirm Required Makeup Torque

The tong’s rated torque must cover the required connection torque while retaining a suitable operating margin.

Use:

• Connection manufacturer’s torque specification
• Tubing manufacturer’s makeup procedure
• Premium-connection torque-turn requirements
• Project operating limits

Do not select the tong only from tubing OD.

Two connections on the same tubing size may require significantly different makeup torque.

3. Confirm Breakout Torque

Breakout torque can exceed the original makeup torque because of:

• Long service time
• Corrosion
• Thread compound condition
• Downhole temperature
• Excessive previous makeup
• Connection deformation
• Contamination

The tong must have adequate low-gear torque for anticipated breakout conditions.

However, the rated torque of the tong should not be used to exceed the safe torque of the tubular connection.

4. Check the Hydraulic Supply

The rig hydraulic system must provide the pressure and flow required by the selected model.

Model	Rated Pressure	Maximum Flow
XYQ3B/3C	10 MPa	80 L/min
XYQ6B	11 MPa	100 L/min
XYQ12	12 MPa	120 L/min

An undersized hydraulic power unit can cause:

• Reduced tong speed
• Low available torque
• Slow jaw response
• Excessive hydraulic temperature
• Unstable operation

The pressure rating of hoses, fittings, control valves and quick couplings must match the complete hydraulic system.

5. Select the Correct Jaw and Die Set

Jaw and die selection should be based on:

• Tubing body OD
• Coupling OD
• Tubular material
• Surface condition
• Coating
• Chrome or corrosion-resistant alloy surface
• Allowable marking
• Required gripping force

Aggressive dies can damage thin-wall tubing, corrosion-resistant alloy or coated tubulars.

Smooth or reduced-marking inserts may be required for sensitive surfaces, but they must still provide adequate gripping capacity.

6. Confirm Suspension and Rig-Floor Integration

Provide:

• Available suspension point
• Required hanging height
• Tong centerline height
• Working radius
• Rig-floor clearance
• Tubing centerline position
• Counterbalance or spring hanger
• Hydraulic hose routing
• Backup-tong reaction arrangement
• Operator access

A tong with adequate torque may still be unsuitable if it cannot align with the tubing connection.

High Gear and Low Gear

The tong uses separate speed and torque ranges.

High Gear

High gear provides:

• Faster rotation
• Lower torque
• Rapid spinning of loose threads
• Reduced connection-cycle time

High gear should not normally be used to apply final makeup torque.

Low Gear

Low gear provides:

• Lower rotational speed
• Higher available torque
• Final connection makeup
• Controlled breakout
• Improved torque control

The operator should shift according to the tool manual and connection procedure.

Attempting to break a tight connection in high gear can overload the drive system.

Torque Monitoring and Torque-Turn Control

A basic hydraulic tong can estimate torque from hydraulic pressure, but pressure alone may not provide sufficient accuracy for critical connections.

Optional systems can include:

• Hydraulic pressure gauge
• Calibrated torque gauge
• Load-cell torque measurement
• Digital torque display
• Torque recorder
• Torque-turn monitoring
• Connection data storage
• Upper and lower torque alarms
• Automatic shutdown at target torque

Premium tubing connections may require analysis of both torque and turns.

The torque system should be calibrated with the complete tong and reaction arrangement.

Jaw and Die Wear

Worn dies can produce:

• Tubular slippage
• Deep localized marking
• Uneven gripping
• Higher required hydraulic pressure
• Connection damage
• Operator attempts to over-clamp the tubing

Inspect the dies for:

• Rounded teeth
• Broken teeth
• Uneven wear
• Cracks
• Corrosion
• Contamination
• Loose fit
• Mixed insert types

Jaw and die sets should be replaced according to wear condition rather than waiting for complete gripping failure.

Avoiding Tubing Crushing and Deformation

Tubing damage can occur when excessive localized gripping force is applied.

Risk increases with:

• Thin-wall tubing
• High-strength tubing
• Corrosion or wall loss
• Incorrect die curvature
• Dies with concentrated tooth contact
• Oversized or undersized jaws
• Excessive clamping pressure
• Gripping near an upset transition
• Damaged tubular surface

To reduce the risk:

• Use the correct jaw radius
• Match the die profile to the tubing OD
• Keep all jaw segments in similar condition
• Use only the pressure necessary to prevent slipping
• Inspect the tubing condition
• Follow the approved gripping position
• Consider reduced-marking dies for sensitive tubulars

The connection torque requirement and gripping pressure are different settings and should not be confused.

Hydraulic System Requirements

The tong hydraulic circuit may include:

• Hydraulic motor
• Directional control valve
• Pressure relief valve
• Pressure gauge
• Speed control
• Master-tong jaw circuit
• Backup-tong clamping circuit
• Hydraulic hoses
• Quick couplings
• Return-line filtration
• Hydraulic power unit

The hydraulic power unit should be selected for:

• Required pressure
• Required flow
• Reservoir capacity
• Cooling capacity
• Motor or engine power
• Ambient temperature
• Duty cycle
• Hydraulic-fluid viscosity
• Hazardous-area requirements

Hydraulic oil cleanliness is important for reliable motor, valve and cylinder operation.

Replacement and Compatibility

A replacement Tubing Power Tong should not be ordered using only the maximum pipe size.

Provide:

• Existing manufacturer
• Model
• Master-tong range
• Backup-tong range
• Maximum rated torque
• Speed range
• Hydraulic pressure
• Hydraulic flow
• Head type
• Jaw and die part numbers
• Suspension arrangement
• Overall dimensions
• Hydraulic connection sizes
• Torque-monitoring system
• Existing photographs and drawings

Two tongs covering 2-7/8 to 4-1/2 in tubing may have different torque, coupling capacity, hydraulic demand and rig-floor dimensions.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman manufacturing and inspection procedures can include:

• Load-carrying material verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Gear material and heat-treatment review
• Main body dimensional inspection
• Rotating-head inspection
• Cam and jaw-pocket inspection
• Gearbox assembly inspection
• Hydraulic motor verification
• Backup-tong cylinder inspection
• Hydraulic pressure testing
• Hose and fitting inspection
• High- and low-gear functional testing
• No-load speed testing
• Rated torque verification
• Jaw clamping test
• Backup-tong function test
• Directional control test
• Emergency release verification
• Product marking inspection
• Coating inspection
• Final documentation review

The exact inspection and testing scope should be stated in the purchase order and approved inspection plan.

Factory Acceptance Test

The agreed FAT may include:

• Approved datasheet review
• Model and jaw-range verification
• Dimensional inspection
• Hydraulic leakage test
• Rated-pressure test
• High-gear speed test
• Low-gear speed test
• Rated-torque test
• Forward and reverse rotation
• Master-tong gripping test
• Backup-tong gripping test
• Head opening and closing test
• Door or latch interlock check
• Torque-gauge calibration
• Torque recorder test
• Emergency release test
• Noise and vibration inspection
• Product marking verification
• Documentation review

The test tubular size and target torque should be agreed before the FAT.

Available Documentation

The documentation package can include:

• Goldenman API certificate according to the actual licensed scope
• Quality-system certificate
• Certificate of Conformity
• Approved product datasheet
• General arrangement drawing
• Hydraulic schematic
• Material certificates for critical parts
• Heat-treatment records
• NDE reports where applicable
• Dimensional inspection report
• Hydraulic pressure-test report
• Speed-test record
• Torque-test report
• Torque-calibration certificate
• Functional test report
• Jaw and die identification list
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Recommended Spare Parts

A spare-parts package can include:

• Master-tong jaws
• Backup-tong jaws
• Gripping dies
• Jaw pins and springs
• Cam components
• Hydraulic motor seal kit
• Backup cylinder seal kit
• Control-valve repair kit
• Pressure gauge
• Hydraulic hoses
• Quick couplings
• Gearbox seals
• Bearings
• Gear components
• Door or latch components
• Fasteners
• Torque-sensor components

Spare quantities should reflect the number of wells, tubing sizes and availability of local service support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this product a Spinning Wrench or a Tubing Power Tong?

It is a Hydraulic Tubing Power Tong.

A spinning wrench is mainly intended to spin drill pipe or other connections rapidly at relatively low torque. The XYQ series combines tubing gripping, powered rotation, high- and low-gear torque and a hydraulic backup tong for connection makeup and breakout.

Is the Hydraulic Tubing Power Tong an API 7K Monogram product?

API’s current API 7K licensing scope lists Manual Tongs but does not identify hydraulic Power Tongs as a separate Monogram product category.

The exact certificate wording supplied with the tong should therefore follow Goldenman’s actual API licence scope. The page should not claim an API 7K Monogram for the hydraulic tong unless the certificate explicitly supports that product.

What is the difference between an open-head and closed-head Tubing Tong?

An open-head tong allows lateral access around the tubing and is convenient where the tool must be moved onto or away from the tubular from the side.

A closed-head tong has a more enclosed rotating structure and normally requires the tubular or coupling to pass through the head. Selection depends on the rig layout and operating sequence.

Why are the master-tong and backup-tong size ranges different?

The master tong and backup tong may grip different parts of the connection.

One may grip the tubing body while the other grips a larger coupling or upset. Both ranges must therefore be checked against the actual tubing and coupling dimensions.

Can XYQ12 be used for every tubing size below 5-1/2 inches?

Not automatically.

The correct jaw and die set, master-tong range, backup-tong range, coupling OD and required torque must all be confirmed. A wider nominal range does not mean one jaw set covers every diameter.

How should the required torque be selected?

Use the tubing or connection manufacturer’s recommended makeup torque.

For premium connections, the procedure may also specify turns, shoulder torque, final torque and acceptance windows. The tong torque should not be selected from tubing OD alone.

Can hydraulic pressure be used as the exact connection torque?

Hydraulic pressure can provide an indirect torque indication after the tong has been calibrated.

Actual torque can vary with hydraulic efficiency, friction, gear condition and reaction geometry. Critical connections should use a calibrated torque-measuring or torque-turn system.

What causes a Tubing Power Tong to slip on the pipe?

Common causes include:

• Incorrect jaw size
• Worn dies
• Oil or mud on the tubing
• Insufficient clamping pressure
• Damaged jaw mechanism
• Incorrect gripping location
• Tubing OD outside the approved range
• Mismatched die sets

Increasing pressure without correcting the underlying problem can damage the tubing.

How can tubing crushing be prevented?

Use the correct jaw curvature and die profile, verify tubing wall condition, keep all jaw segments evenly loaded and apply only the clamping force required to prevent slippage.

Thin-wall, high-strength, coated or corrosion-damaged tubing requires particular attention.

What hydraulic power unit is required?

The HPU must supply at least the rated pressure and required flow of the selected model while providing adequate reservoir capacity, filtration and cooling.

The XYQ3B/3C, XYQ6B and XYQ12 require progressively higher pressure and flow.

What information is required for replacement jaws and dies?

Provide the tong manufacturer, model, master or backup position, tubular OD, coupling OD, existing part number, jaw dimensions and clear photographs.

The required surface protection or reduced-marking specification should also be stated.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Required tong model
• Open-head or closed-head configuration
• Tubing OD range
• Tubing coupling OD
• Tubing weight and wall thickness
• Connection type
• Required makeup torque
• Expected breakout torque
• Master-tong gripping position
• Backup-tong gripping position
• Required high-speed range
• Available hydraulic pressure
• Available hydraulic flow
• Hydraulic-fluid type
• Hydraulic connection size
• Rig-floor layout
• Suspension-point height
• Required torque gauge
• Torque recorder requirement
• Torque-turn monitoring requirement
• Required jaw and die sets
• Reduced-marking die requirement
• Required spare-parts package
• API certificate documentation requirement
• FAT and inspection requirements
• Quantity
• Destination country
• Required delivery schedule

For replacement equipment, also provide the existing tong nameplate, hydraulic schematic, overall dimensions and product photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies Hydraulic Tubing Power Tongs for well servicing, workover, completion and production tubing operations.

Available XYQ models cover master-tong ranges from 2-3/8 to 5-1/2 inches, with hydraulic backup tongs and low-gear rated torque from 3 to 13 kN·m.

Send your tubing and coupling sizes, connection torque, hydraulic pressure, flow and rig-floor requirements to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the connection and handling requirements and prepare the recommended tong model, jaw configuration, hydraulic datasheet and commercial quotation.