Type CD Square Shoulder Elevators for Tubular Hoisting

Description

Goldenman Type CD Side Door Elevators are load-bearing hoisting tools designed to lift and suspend tubing, casing, drill pipe and drill collars with compatible square load shoulders.

The elevator body opens from the side, allowing it to be installed around the tubular without passing the complete tubular through the elevator. Once closed and correctly latched, the internal load seat supports the tubular beneath its coupling, tool joint, upset or other approved lifting shoulder.

Available rated-load classes range from 100 to 750 short tons, with manufacturing size options covering tubular outside diameters from 2-3/8 to 20 inches.

Each elevator is selected according to the actual tubular OD, load-shoulder profile, suspended string weight, elevator-link interface, Product Specification Level and operating environment.

Goldenman manufactures Type CD Elevators under the applicable API Standard 8C product scope, subject to the company’s current API licence and the approved product configuration.

Product Short Description

Goldenman Type CD Elevators provide a side-opening lifting connection between drilling or production tubulars and the elevator links of the rig hoisting system.

Models CD-100 through CD-750 are available for tubing, casing, drill pipe and drill collar applications. Each elevator is manufactured for a specified bore, shoulder geometry and rated load rather than operating as one universally adjustable tool.

Product Highlights

• Manufactured to applicable API Standard 8C requirements
• API product category for tubular elevators
• Side-door structure for lateral tubular access
• Square-shoulder load-supporting design
• Rated loads from 100 to 750 short tons
• Available tubular sizes from 2-3/8 to 20 in
• Suitable for tubing, casing, drill pipe and drill collars
• Heavy-duty latch and hinge arrangement
• Replaceable pins and selected wear components
• PSL 1 or PSL 2 configuration according to project requirements
• Elevator-link interface matched to the rig hoisting system
• Low-temperature and offshore material options
• Material and product traceability
• NDE, dimensional and functional inspection
• Proof-load testing according to the approved procedure
• Replacement parts and inspection-critical spares available

What Is a Type CD Side Door Elevator?

A Type CD Elevator is a rig-hoisting tool that supports a tubular from a defined external shoulder.

The elevator normally consists of:

• Load-bearing elevator body
• Side-opening door
• Hinge pin and hinge structure
• Latch and locking mechanism
• Internal bore
• Square load seat
• Elevator-link ears
• Load-bearing pins
• Handles or operating features
• Identification and load markings

During operation, the elevator is opened and moved laterally around the tubular.

After the door is closed and the latch is fully engaged, the elevator is raised until its internal square shoulder contacts the approved load shoulder on the tubular.

The suspended load is then transferred through:

1. The tubular shoulder or coupling
2. The elevator load seat
3. The elevator body
4. The link ears
5. The elevator links
6. The traveling block and hoisting system

Every load-bearing interface must be compatible with the intended rated load.

Main Applications

Goldenman Type CD Elevators can be configured for:

• Production tubing
• Workover tubing
• Casing
• Drill pipe
• Heavy Weight Drill Pipe where the lifting profile is suitable
• Drill collars
• Tubing couplings
• Drill pipe tool joints
• Bottom-hole assembly components with approved lifting shoulders
• Land drilling rigs
• Offshore drilling rigs
• Workover rigs
• Well-servicing units
• Tubular running operations
• Replacement of existing CD-style elevators

The exact tubular and lifting shoulder must be confirmed before use.

API 8C Product Classification

The applicable API product category is:

Casing, Tubing, Drill-Pipe and Drill-Collar Elevators

API Standard 8C covers drilling and production hoisting equipment at Product Specification Levels PSL 1 and PSL 2.

API Spec 8A is no longer an active API Monogram specification and should not be used as the primary standard on this product page.

Recommended standard wording:

Manufactured to API Standard 8C, applicable current edition, at the specified Product Specification Level.

The API Monogram and certificate documentation supplied with an order must correspond to Goldenman’s actual licence scope and the manufactured elevator.

Model and Rated-Load Range

Model	Available Tubular OD Range	Rated Load
CD-100	2-3/8–5-1/2 in	100 short tons
CD-150	2-3/8–14 in	150 short tons
CD-200	2-3/8–14 in	200 short tons
CD-250	2-3/8–20 in	250 short tons
CD-350	4-1/2–20 in	350 short tons
CD-500	4-1/2–14 in	500 short tons
CD-750	4-1/2–9-7/8 in	750 short tons

The size range shown for each load class represents the elevator sizes available for manufacture within that model series.

It does not mean that one CD-250 elevator automatically adjusts from 2-3/8 to 20 inches.

Each elevator must be manufactured or configured for a defined:

• Tubular OD
• Load-seat diameter
• Shoulder geometry
• Rated load
• Link-ear size
• Product Specification Level

The exact bore and shoulder dimensions must be shown on the approved manufacturing drawing.

Rated Load Is Not Rated Torque

The current page incorrectly labels the 100–750 short-ton values as rated torque.

The correct term is:

Rated Load

An elevator does not apply makeup or breakout torque to a threaded connection.

Its function is to:

• Lift the tubular
• Suspend the tubular
• Transfer axial load into the hoisting system
• Maintain the tubular in an approved handling position

Threaded connections should be made up or broken out using manual tongs, hydraulic power tongs or other approved torque tools.

Square Shoulder Design

The Type CD Elevator uses a square load seat designed to support a compatible tubular shoulder.

The load-bearing shoulder may be provided by:

• Tubing coupling
• Casing coupling
• Drill pipe tool joint
• Drill collar lifting shoulder
• External upset
• Approved lifting sub
• Purpose-designed handling shoulder

The elevator must not support the tubular on:

• Exposed threads
• Thread runout
• A tapered transition not designed for lifting
• Damaged coupling edges
• Hardbanding
• Spiral grooves
• Weld beads
• Severely worn or corroded shoulders
• An unverified external projection

The complete load-bearing contact area must be checked before lifting.

Side Door and Latch System

The side-door design allows lateral installation around the tubular.

A typical operating sequence is:

1. The elevator is lowered to the tubular handling position.
2. The side door is opened.
3. The elevator is moved around the tubular.
4. The door is closed.
5. The latch is fully engaged.
6. The lock position is visually and physically verified.
7. The elevator is raised slowly.
8. The load seat contacts the tubular shoulder.
9. The load is transferred gradually.

The elevator should not be loaded when:

• The door is partially open
• The latch is not fully engaged
• The hinge pin is damaged
• The latch pin is worn
• The body halves are misaligned
• Foreign material prevents complete closure

The exact latch and lock arrangement depends on the approved Goldenman model drawing.

Type CD Elevator vs Slip-Type Elevator

Comparison	Type CD Square Shoulder Elevator	Slip-Type Elevator
Load-support method	Supports beneath a defined external shoulder	Uses slips or gripping elements on the tubular body
Suitable tubular	Tubular with compatible coupling, tool joint or shoulder	Tubular with an approved gripping surface
Bore configuration	Matched to tubular and shoulder geometry	Matched to pipe OD and slip arrangement
Surface marking	Primary load is carried by the shoulder	Gripping inserts contact the tubular body
Typical use	Tubing, casing, drill pipe and drill collar shoulders	Smooth-body tubulars and selected casing/tubing applications
Main selection risk	Incorrect shoulder or seat geometry	Incorrect slip size, wear or gripping pressure

A square shoulder elevator should not be substituted for a slip-type elevator when the tubular does not provide a qualified lifting shoulder.

Selecting the Correct Type CD Elevator

1. Identify the Tubular Type

Specify whether the elevator will handle:

• Tubing
• Casing
• Drill pipe
• Heavy Weight Drill Pipe
• Drill collar
• Lifting sub
• Other BHA component

Different tubulars have different shoulder, coupling and tool-joint profiles.

2. Measure the Actual Elevator Contact Diameter

Provide the actual dimensions at the elevator position:

• Pipe body OD
• Coupling or tool-joint OD
• Load-shoulder OD
• Neck OD below the shoulder
• Shoulder width
• Shoulder angle
• Distance from connection end to shoulder
• Maximum upset diameter

Nominal pipe size alone is not enough.

For example, two 5-1/2 in tubulars may have different coupling ODs and lifting-shoulder dimensions.

3. Confirm the Required Rated Load

The selected elevator rating must be suitable for the maximum suspended load defined by the rig and tubular-running program.

The load review should consider:

• Tubular string weight
• BHA weight
• Buoyancy
• Drilling-fluid weight
• Hook-load calculation
• Dynamic handling effects
• Overpull allowance
• Stuck-pipe contingency
• Rig-motion effects for offshore operations
• Applicable operator safety factors

The model should not be selected only from nominal tubular size.

A smaller tubular can still require a high-capacity elevator when a long or heavy string is suspended.

4. Select PSL 1 or PSL 2

API 8C equipment may be specified at Product Specification Level 1 or 2.

The purchase order should clearly state the required PSL.

The selected level affects the applicable manufacturing, traceability, inspection, testing and documentation requirements.

PSL should be defined by:

• End-user specification
• Rig owner
• Drilling contractor
• Regulatory requirements
• Project risk assessment
• Contract requirements

Goldenman’s quotation and documentation must identify the PSL being supplied.

5. Verify Elevator Link Compatibility

The elevator-link ears must be compatible with the links used on the rig.

Provide:

• Elevator-link model
• Link length
• Link rated load
• Eye dimensions
• Link-body dimensions
• Hook or traveling-block arrangement
• Existing elevator interface
• Required clearance

The elevator and links form one load path.

A 500-ton elevator should not be used with links or adjacent equipment rated below the required suspended load.

6. Confirm Rig-Floor Clearance

The selected elevator must have sufficient clearance for:

• Side-door opening
• Tubular couplings
• Tool joints
• Power tongs
• Backup tongs
• Stabbing guides
• Casing spiders
• Tubing spiders
• Safety clamps
• Rig-floor structures
• Elevator-link movement

The overall elevator dimensions should be checked against the rig layout.

Tubing, Casing and Drill Pipe Applications

Tubing

For tubing, confirm:

• Tubing OD
• Coupling OD
• External upset
• Connection type
• Coupling shoulder width
• String weight
• Completion type

Premium tubing connections may have different coupling and shoulder dimensions from standard API connections.

Casing

For casing, confirm:

• Casing OD
• Coupling OD
• Connection type
• Wall thickness
• String weight
• Maximum running load
• Flush-joint or integral connection
• Weld seam condition where applicable

Large-diameter or flush-joint casing may require a different elevator or slip-type handling system.

Drill Pipe

For drill pipe, confirm:

• Pipe body OD
• Tool joint OD
• Tool joint neck OD
• Connection
• Tool joint shoulder
• Drillstring weight
• Hardbanding position

The elevator must not seat on damaged hardbanding or an unsuitable tool-joint transition.

Drill Collars

For drill collars, confirm:

• Drill collar OD
• Lifting shoulder
• Slip or elevator recess dimensions
• Connection
• Weight per joint
• BHA configuration

A slick or spiral drill collar without a qualified load shoulder may require a lifting sub or a different handling tool.

Load Path Compatibility

The complete hoisting system includes:

• Tubular load shoulder
• Type CD Elevator
• Elevator links
• Hook
• Traveling block
• Drilling line
• Crown block
• Drawworks
• Supporting rig structure

The maximum permissible operating load is limited by the lowest-rated component in the complete load path.

A higher-rated elevator does not increase the capacity of lower-rated links, hooks or rig equipment.

Replacement Elevator Compatibility

A replacement CD Elevator should not be ordered using only its model and rated load.

Provide:

• Existing manufacturer
• Existing model
• Serial number
• Rated load
• PSL
• Tubular type
• Tubular OD
• Coupling or tool-joint OD
• Load-seat diameter
• Shoulder dimensions
• Link-ear dimensions
• Elevator-link model
• Overall dimensions
• Door-opening direction
• Latch arrangement
• Existing product drawing
• Clear photographs

Two CD-250 Elevators may have different bore, shoulder, link-ear and overall dimensions.

Model designation alone does not guarantee direct interchangeability.

Inspection Before Each Use

Inspect:

• Elevator body
• Side door
• Hinge area
• Hinge pin
• Latch
• Locking mechanism
• Link ears
• Load seat
• Internal bore
• Handles
• Fasteners
• Product markings
• Rated-load marking
• PSL marking where required

Look for:

• Cracks
• Permanent deformation
• Excessive wear
• Corrosion
• Elongated holes
• Damaged pins
• Incomplete latch engagement
• Worn load shoulders
• Unauthorized welding repairs
• Missing components
• Illegible identification

A damaged elevator should be removed from service and evaluated according to the approved inspection and repair procedure.

Common Causes of Uneven or Unsafe Loading

Incorrect Bore or Load Seat

An oversized or incorrectly profiled seat may contact only part of the tubular shoulder.

Damaged Tubular Shoulder

Wear, corrosion or deformation can reduce the available load-bearing area.

Partially Closed Door

A door that is not fully closed can create uneven body loading and latch stress.

Worn Link Ears or Elevator Links

Wear can change load distribution and increase local stress.

Incorrect Elevator Orientation

The elevator must be installed and operated according to its approved orientation and manual.

Load Above the Rated Capacity

Overloading can cause permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.

Dynamic or Shock Loading

Rapid hoisting, sudden stopping or catching a falling string can produce forces substantially higher than the static suspended weight.

Maintenance and Storage

After use:

• Remove drilling mud and debris
• Clean the load seat and bore
• Inspect the hinge and latch
• Lubricate moving components as specified
• Protect pins from corrosion
• Verify free door movement
• Keep the elevator identification visible
• Store the elevator on a stable support
• Prevent impact damage
• Record operating, inspection and repair history

Do not modify the bore, load seat, link ears or latch without an approved engineering and repair procedure.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman manufacturing and inspection controls can include:

• Raw-material certificate verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Chemical and mechanical property review
• Heat-treatment record verification
• Elevator-body dimensional inspection
• Bore and load-seat inspection
• Hinge and latch dimensional inspection
• Link-ear inspection
• Pin dimensional inspection
• Hardness testing
• Ultrasonic examination where required
• Magnetic-particle or liquid-penetrant examination
• Assembly inspection
• Door and latch functional testing
• Rated-load marking verification
• Proof-load testing according to the approved procedure
• Coating and preservation inspection
• Final documentation review

The final inspection and testing scope depends on the specified PSL, model and purchase requirements.

Factory Acceptance Test

The agreed FAT can include:

• Approved datasheet review
• Drawing and dimensional verification
• Material traceability review
• Bore and load-seat inspection
• Link-ear dimensional inspection
• Door opening and closing test
• Latch and locking function test
• Visual and NDE report review
• Proof-load test
• Post-load dimensional inspection
• Post-load NDE where required
• Product marking inspection
• PSL and rated-load verification
• Coating inspection
• Documentation review

The test load, holding procedure and acceptance criteria must follow the approved API 8C procedure and project requirements.

Available Documentation

The order documentation package can include:

• API 8C certificate according to actual licence scope
• Certificate of Conformity
• Approved product datasheet
• General assembly drawing
• Tubular interface drawing
• Material certificates
• Heat-treatment records
• Mechanical test reports
• Hardness report
• NDE reports
• Dimensional inspection report
• Bore and load-seat inspection report
• Hinge and latch inspection record
• Proof-load test report
• Product traceability record
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Inspection and rejection guidance
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a new Type CD Elevator be specified to API 8A or API 8C?

New API Monogram elevator equipment should be specified to API Standard 8C.

API Spec 8A was withdrawn and is retained only as a historical document. The current manufacturing, PSL, testing and marking requirements should follow the applicable edition of API 8C.

Does a CD-250 Elevator adjust from 2-3/8 to 20 inches?

No.

The table means CD-250 elevators can be manufactured in multiple bore sizes within that overall product range.

Each individual elevator is supplied for a specified tubular OD and load-shoulder profile.

What is the difference between rated load and tubular size?

Tubular size defines the required elevator bore and load-seat geometry.

Rated load defines the maximum approved hoisting capacity of the elevator.

A small tubular may require a high-rated-load elevator when a long or heavy string is suspended.

Can a Type CD Elevator lift smooth pipe without a coupling or shoulder?

Not unless the elevator and tubular provide an approved load-bearing interface.

A square shoulder elevator requires a compatible coupling, tool joint, upset, lifting sub or other qualified shoulder. Smooth-body tubulars may require a slip-type elevator or spider.

Can the elevator support a tubular directly on its threads?

No.

Threads and thread runout are not intended to be the primary lifting shoulder unless an approved component design explicitly provides that function.

The elevator should contact the defined load-bearing shoulder.

Can one elevator be used for tubing, casing and drill pipe of the same OD?

Not automatically.

Tubulars with the same nominal OD may have different coupling, tool-joint, neck and shoulder dimensions.

The complete lifting interface must be verified.

What is the difference between PSL 1 and PSL 2?

PSL identifies the specified API product level and affects applicable manufacturing, traceability, inspection, testing and documentation requirements.

The required level should be stated by the purchaser and confirmed on the quotation and product documentation.

Why must the elevator-link dimensions be checked?

The link eyes and elevator ears form part of the load path.

Incorrect dimensions can cause poor seating, restricted movement, edge loading or incompatibility with the rig’s hoisting equipment.

Can a 500-ton elevator be used with 250-ton elevator links?

The complete hoisting capacity is limited by the lowest-rated component.

A higher-capacity elevator does not make lower-capacity links suitable for a greater load.

What should be checked when replacing another manufacturer’s CD Elevator?

Verify the bore, load seat, shoulder profile, rated load, PSL, link-ear dimensions, latch arrangement, overall size and tubular interface.

The same model designation does not guarantee complete interchangeability.

What documents should be supplied with an API 8C Elevator?

Depending on the PSL and purchase order, documentation may include the API certificate, material certificates, NDE reports, dimensional inspection, proof-load test report and Certificate of Conformity.

The required package should be agreed before production.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Tubular type
• Nominal tubular size
• Actual tubular body OD
• Coupling or tool-joint OD
• Neck OD below the shoulder
• Load-shoulder OD
• Shoulder width
• Shoulder geometry
• Connection type
• Maximum suspended load
• Required rated-load class
• Required PSL 1 or PSL 2
• Elevator-link model
• Link-eye dimensions
• Existing elevator manufacturer
• Existing elevator model
• Required latch arrangement
• Minimum operating temperature
• Offshore or land application
• Corrosive-environment requirements
• API certificate requirement
• NDE requirements
• Proof-load test requirements
• Third-party inspection requirements
• Required spare parts
• Quantity
• Destination country
• Delivery schedule

For replacement orders, also provide the existing nameplate, serial number, drawing and clear photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies API 8C Type CD Side Door Elevators for tubing, casing, drill pipe and drill collar handling.

Available configurations cover tubular sizes from 2-3/8 to 20 inches and rated loads from 100 to 750 short tons.

Send your tubular OD, coupling or tool-joint dimensions, load shoulder, maximum suspended load, PSL and elevator-link details to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the complete lifting interface and prepare the recommended model, dimensional drawing, inspection plan and commercial quotation.