Hydraulic Kelly Spinner for Fast Drill Pipe Connection Spinning

Description

Goldenman Type 6800 Hydraulic Kelly Spinner is designed to rotate the kelly during drill pipe connection spinning on conventional rotary drilling rigs.

Used together with a compatible mousehole pipe clamp, the spinner allows a single drill pipe joint to be spun into or out of the kelly connection without manually rotating the pipe. This reduces repetitive manual work and shortens the connection-handling cycle.

The Type 6800 is hydraulically driven and provides bidirectional rotation. Its reference operating specifications include a hydraulic supply pressure of 13.8 MPa, a flow requirement of 91 L/min, a stall torque of 1,650 N·m and an unloaded speed of 110 rpm.

A 6-5/8 REG LH stem connection is listed for integration with the drilling rig’s kelly and swivel arrangement. Final connection orientation, load path and installation dimensions must be confirmed through the approved general arrangement drawing.

Product Short Description

The Type 6800 Hydraulic Kelly Spinner rotates the kelly to accelerate single-joint drill pipe connection spinning on rotary drilling rigs.

Its hydraulic motor, transmission assembly and bidirectional control allow the operator to spin connections in or out while a mousehole clamping device restrains the drill pipe.

The spinner is intended for rapid thread engagement and disengagement. Final makeup and breakout torque must be applied by properly selected manual tongs, power tongs or another approved torque system.

Product Highlights

• Type 6800 hydraulic Kelly spinner
• Bidirectional rotation
• Reference stall torque of 1,650 N·m
• Reference unloaded speed of 110 rpm
• Hydraulic operating pressure of 13.8 MPa
• Hydraulic flow requirement of 91 L/min
• Page-listed maximum static load of 2,250 kN
• 6-5/8 REG LH stem connection
• Compact 740 × 710 × 978 mm reference dimensions
• Suitable for conventional rotary drilling rigs
• Works with a compatible mousehole clamping device
• Reduces manual drill pipe spinning
• Supports faster single-joint connection handling
• Load-bearing API 8C configuration subject to certificate scope
• Hydraulic pressure, functional and rotational testing
• Replacement hydraulic and transmission components available

What Is a Kelly Spinner?

A Kelly Spinner is a powered rotating device installed in the kelly and swivel assembly of a conventional rotary drilling rig.

Its main purpose is to rotate the kelly during the spinning stage of a drill pipe connection.

A typical operating sequence involves:

1. A single drill pipe joint is positioned in the mousehole.
2. A mousehole clamp restrains the drill pipe from rotating.
3. The kelly is lowered into alignment with the drill pipe connection.
4. The Kelly Spinner rotates the kelly.
5. The threads are spun together until the connection reaches the tonging stage.
6. Manual or powered tongs apply the specified final makeup torque.

During breakout, the operating direction is reversed after the connection has been loosened by an approved torque tool.

The Kelly Spinner improves spinning speed but does not replace the equipment required to apply controlled final connection torque.

Type 6800 Reference Specifications

Parameter	Type 6800 Reference Specification
Product name	Hydraulic Kelly Spinner
Model	Type 6800
Drive method	Hydraulic
Rotation direction	Bidirectional
Maximum static load	2,250 kN
Hydraulic operating pressure	13.8 MPa / 2,000 psi
Stall torque	1,650 N·m / approximately 1,215 ft·lbf
Unloaded speed	110 rpm
Hydraulic flow	91 L/min / 24 gpm
Stem connection	6-5/8 REG LH
Reference dimensions	740 × 710 × 978 mm
Reference weight	504 kg / 1,110 lb
Main application	Kelly and single drill pipe connection spinning
Related equipment	Kelly, drilling swivel, mousehole clamp and tong system
Applicable standard	API Standard 8C where supplied as a qualifying load-bearing configuration
Product level	PSL 1 or PSL 2 as specified and supported by the approved design
Certification	According to Goldenman’s actual API licence scope
Installation	Project-specific drilling rig interface

The listed parameters must be confirmed against the current Type 6800 factory datasheet before quotation and production.

Operating Principle

Hydraulic oil from the rig hydraulic system enters the Kelly Spinner motor through the directional control circuit.

The hydraulic motor converts fluid pressure and flow into rotary movement. The transmission assembly transfers rotation to the spinner stem and then to the kelly.

The operating result depends on two main hydraulic inputs:

Hydraulic Flow

Flow primarily influences rotational speed.

Insufficient flow can result in:

• Slow connection spinning
• Increased cycle time
• Unstable low-speed operation
• Poor response during directional changes

Excessive flow can result in:

• Overspeed
• Increased heat generation
• Motor wear
• Seal damage
• Excessive shock during engagement

Hydraulic Pressure

Pressure determines the torque available to overcome thread and mechanical resistance.

Insufficient pressure can cause the spinner to stop before the threads are fully engaged.

Excessive pressure does not make the spinner suitable for final tong torque and may overload:

• Hydraulic motor
• Transmission components
• Stem connection
• Bearings
• Seals
• Connected kelly equipment

The hydraulic relief setting should not exceed the approved Type 6800 operating limit.

Main Applications

The Type 6800 Kelly Spinner is primarily intended for:

• Conventional rotary table drilling rigs
• Square kelly drilling systems
• Hexagonal kelly drilling systems with compatible interfaces
• Single drill pipe pickup from the mousehole
• Drill pipe connection spinning
• Connection spin-out after tong breakout
• Land drilling rigs
• Offshore rigs using conventional kelly systems
• Rig refurbishment projects
• Replacement of existing Type 6800 Kelly Spinners

The product is generally not required on a rig where a top drive performs all drillstring spinning and connection functions.

Kelly Spinner vs Pipe Spinner

A Kelly Spinner and a Pipe Spinner perform related but different functions.

Comparison	Kelly Spinner	Pipe Spinner
Component being rotated	Kelly	Drill pipe or tubular body
Typical installation	Kelly and swivel assembly	Around the drill pipe at rig-floor level
Main application	Spinning a single joint into or out of the kelly	Spinning drill pipe connections
Gripping method	Drives through the spinner stem and kelly	Rollers or gripping elements contact the pipe
Load-bearing capability	Certain designs can form part of the hoisting load path	Normally not part of the primary hoisting load path
Common drive	Pneumatic or hydraulic	Pneumatic or hydraulic
Final makeup torque	Requires separate torque tool	Requires separate torque tool

The two products should not be combined into one product page because their installation, load path and replacement interfaces are different.

Kelly Spinner vs Hydraulic Power Tong

A Kelly Spinner is a relatively high-speed, low-torque spinning device.

A Hydraulic Power Tong is a lower-speed, higher-torque tool used to apply controlled makeup or breakout torque.

Function	Kelly Spinner	Hydraulic Power Tong
Rapid thread spinning	Yes	Possible, depending on model
Final makeup torque	No	Yes
High breakout torque	No	Yes
Torque monitoring	Normally limited	Gauge, load cell or torque-turn system
Main rotating component	Kelly	Tubular, coupling or tool joint
Main purpose	Reduce manual spinning	Apply controlled connection torque

A connection should not be considered fully made up because the Kelly Spinner has stalled.

Final torque must follow the drill pipe or rotary connection manufacturer’s procedure.

Kelly Spinner vs Top Drive

A Top Drive provides powered rotation of the complete drillstring and can perform many drilling and connection-handling functions without a conventional kelly.

A Kelly Spinner is used in a traditional rotary table and kelly drilling system.

Comparison	Type 6800 Kelly Spinner	Top Drive
Rig system	Conventional kelly rig	Top-drive drilling rig
Main function	Spins the kelly during pipe connection	Rotates and circulates the drillstring
Drilling torque	Not intended as primary drilling drive	Provides drilling torque
Connection handling	Supports single-joint spinning	Supports stands and drillstring connections
Complexity	Relatively compact	Complete powered drilling system
Installation	Integrated with kelly and swivel	Suspended in mast or derrick

The Type 6800 is therefore most relevant for conventional kelly-equipped drilling rigs.

Stall Torque Is Not Final Makeup Torque

The listed 1,650 N·m value is the spinner’s reference stall torque.

Stall torque describes the point at which the hydraulic drive can no longer continue rotating under the applied resistance.

It should not be used as the acceptance torque for the drill pipe connection.

The required connection torque must be obtained from:

• Drill pipe manufacturer
• Tool joint manufacturer
• Rotary shouldered connection specification
• Rig operating procedure
• Thread compound correction factor
• Approved torque chart

After spinning, a manual tong, Hydraulic Power Tong or Iron Roughneck must apply and verify final makeup torque.

Hydraulic Power Requirements

The current Type 6800 reference values are:

• Operating pressure: 13.8 MPa
• Hydraulic flow: 91 L/min
• Rotation: bidirectional

The rig hydraulic system should also provide:

• Stable operating pressure
• Adequate reservoir capacity
• Correct hydraulic-fluid viscosity
• Return-line filtration
• Cooling capacity
• Pressure relief protection
• Directional control
• Emergency shutdown
• Correct hose and fitting pressure rating
• Controlled acceleration and deceleration

The supply and return lines should be sized to prevent excessive pressure loss.

Backpressure in the return line can reduce motor efficiency and increase seal temperature.

Hydraulic Control Circuit

The spinner control system may include:

• Hydraulic motor
• Directional control valve
• Pressure relief valve
• Flow-control valve
• Pressure gauge
• Supply hose
• Return hose
• Isolation valve
• Filter
• Hydraulic fittings
• Emergency stop or shutoff control

The directional valve must provide controlled forward and reverse rotation.

Valve position identification should clearly indicate:

• Spin-in direction
• Neutral
• Spin-out direction

The actual rotational direction should be verified during commissioning before connecting drill pipe.

API 8C and Load-Bearing Configuration

API Standard 8C includes Kelly Spinners when the equipment is capable of being used as hoisting equipment.

This distinction is important.

A Kelly Spinner may form part of the load path between the drilling swivel and kelly. When it carries suspended drillstring load, the following must be evaluated:

• Spinner stem
• Main body
• Load shoulder
• Bearings
• Stem connection
• Fasteners
• Adjacent swivel interface
• Kelly interface
• Material traceability
• Rated static load
• Product Specification Level
• Inspection and testing

The current page lists a maximum static load of 2,250 kN, which indicates that load-bearing capability is part of the Type 6800 product specification.

The product should only be described as an API 8C Monogram Kelly Spinner when:

• The design qualifies as hoisting equipment
• It is manufactured to the applicable API 8C requirements
• The specified PSL is met
• Goldenman’s active API licence includes Kelly Spinners
• The individual product is produced and marked under that licence

Otherwise, the page should state that the equipment is manufactured under Goldenman’s quality management system without implying an unsupported Monogram scope.

Static Load Rating and Hoisting-System Compatibility

The page-listed maximum static load is 2,250 kN.

This rating must not be reviewed independently from the rest of the rig hoisting system.

The complete load path can include:

• Drilling hook
• Hook block
• Swivel bail
• Drilling swivel
• Kelly Spinner
• Saver or lower stem components
• Kelly
• Drillstring

The permissible suspended load is limited by the lowest-rated component in the load path.

The static load rating does not authorize:

• Shock loading
• Catching a falling drillstring
• Operation above the rig hook-load limit
• Use with damaged threads
• Use with unverified swivel interfaces
• Modification of the spinner stem
• Independent use as an elevator or lifting clamp

6-5/8 REG LH Stem Connection

The current Type 6800 specification lists a 6-5/8 REG LH stem connection.

The replacement and installation review should confirm:

• Left-hand thread designation
• Pin or box orientation
• Thread form
• Pitch and taper
• Seal shoulder
• Bore
• Bevel diameter
• Make-up torque
• Connected swivel model
• Connected kelly or stem component
• Stress-relief features
• Thread surface treatment

A connection described only as “6-5/8 REG” is incomplete because the left-hand designation and pin/box orientation are essential.

The connection must be inspected with the appropriate gauges and protected during transportation.

Mousehole Clamp Integration

The Kelly Spinner normally works with a device that prevents the single drill pipe joint in the mousehole from rotating.

The mousehole clamping system must be matched to:

• Drill pipe body OD
• Tool joint OD
• Mousehole geometry
• Rig-floor layout
• Connection height
• Required reaction force
• Drill pipe surface condition
• Operator control arrangement

Without adequate pipe restraint, the drill pipe may rotate together with the kelly instead of allowing the threads to spin together.

The mousehole clamp should not crush or severely mark the drill pipe body.

Installation Requirements

Before installation, confirm:

• Swivel and kelly models
• Stem connection
• Load rating
• Spinner orientation
• Available vertical space
• Overall dimensions
• Hydraulic pressure and flow
• Hose routing
• Operator control location
• Mousehole position
• Tong working area
• Maintenance access
• Load-path alignment

The spinner should be installed without:

• Thread misalignment
• Unapproved adapters
• Side loading
• Hydraulic hose tension
• Interference with the swivel bail
• Interference with elevator links
• Restricted rotational clearance
• Contact with derrick structures

The final installation should follow the approved general arrangement drawing.

Recommended Operating Sequence

Before Operation

1. Confirm the spinner and hydraulic system have passed inspection.
2. Verify the correct kelly and stem connections.
3. Check hydraulic pressure and flow settings.
4. Inspect hoses, fittings and guards.
5. Confirm the mousehole clamp is suitable for the drill pipe.
6. Verify the required spinning direction.
7. Confirm the final tong torque specification.
8. Keep personnel clear of rotating equipment.

During Spin-In

1. Position and restrain the single drill pipe joint.
2. Align the kelly with the drill pipe connection.
3. Start rotation at controlled speed.
4. Observe thread engagement.
5. Stop immediately if cross-threading or abnormal resistance occurs.
6. Stop the spinner before reaching final makeup torque.
7. Apply final torque using the approved tong system.

During Spin-Out

1. Support the drill pipe correctly.
2. Use the approved tong system to break the connection.
3. Confirm breakout torque has been released.
4. Operate the spinner in reverse.
5. Control the pipe as the threads disengage.
6. Stop rotation before the connection separates uncontrollably.

Preventing Thread Damage

Thread damage can occur if the spinner is used with:

• Poor kelly-to-pipe alignment
• Damaged threads
• Contaminated shoulders
• Incorrect thread compound
• Excessive rotation after shoulder contact
• Incorrect connection type
• Excessive hydraulic pressure
• Cross-threaded engagement
• Worn or loose spinner components

Before spinning, inspect:

• Pin threads
• Box threads
• Seal shoulders
• Thread compound
• Alignment
• Connection identification

The spinner should be stopped when abnormal vibration, noise or pressure rise is observed.

Common Operating Problems

Spinner Rotates Slowly

Possible causes include:

• Insufficient hydraulic flow
• Low supply pressure
• Restricted hydraulic hose
• Clogged filter
• Excessive return-line pressure
• Worn hydraulic motor
• Internal leakage
• High-viscosity cold hydraulic fluid

Spinner Stalls Too Early

Possible causes include:

• Low hydraulic pressure
• Connection misalignment
• Damaged threads
• Excessive mechanical resistance
• Worn motor or transmission
• Incorrect pressure relief setting

Spinner Continues to Stall at Shoulder Contact

The operator may be attempting to use the Kelly Spinner for final connection torque.

Stop the spinner and use the approved tong system.

Hydraulic Oil Overheats

Possible causes include:

• Excessive continuous operation
• Restricted return flow
• Relief valve operating continuously
• Incorrect oil viscosity
• Insufficient reservoir capacity
• Inadequate cooling
• Internal motor leakage

Abnormal Noise or Vibration

Possible causes include:

• Bearing wear
• Gear or transmission damage
• Misalignment
• Loose fasteners
• Cavitation
• Damaged stem connection
• Uneven hydraulic supply

The spinner should be removed from service until the cause has been identified.

Inspection and Maintenance

Routine inspection should include:

• Spinner body
• Stem connection
• Load shoulder
• Hydraulic motor
• Transmission
• Bearings
• Fasteners
• Hydraulic hoses
• Fittings
• Control valve
• Pressure relief setting
• Oil leakage
• Product markings
• Load-rating marking
• API and PSL marking where applicable

Connection inspection should pay particular attention to:

• Thread wear
• Shoulder damage
• Cracking
• Galling
• Corrosion
• Mechanical deformation
• Previous unauthorized repair

Inspection intervals should reflect operating hours, suspended loads, drilling environment and maintenance history.

Replacement Parts

Available Type 6800 spare parts can include:

• Hydraulic motor
• Hydraulic motor seal kit
• Main bearings
• Transmission gears
• Drive components
• Spinner stem
• Connection components
• Thrust components
• Shaft seals
• O-rings
• Hydraulic control valve
• Relief valve
• Pressure gauge
• Hydraulic hoses
• Fittings
• Fasteners
• Guards
• Repair and overhaul kits

Load-bearing replacement parts must be supplied according to the approved Type 6800 drawing and material requirements.

Replacement Compatibility

A replacement Kelly Spinner should not be ordered using only the model name “6800.”

Provide:

• Existing manufacturer
• Model and serial number
• Maximum static load
• Stem connection
• Pin or box orientation
• Swivel model
• Kelly type and size
• Overall dimensions
• Installation height
• Hydraulic pressure
• Hydraulic flow
• Rotation speed
• Stall torque
• Rotation direction
• Mounting arrangement
• API and PSL requirements
• Existing general arrangement drawing
• Product photographs

Two Type 6800 Kelly Spinners may have different pressure settings, rotational speeds, stem interfaces or API certification status.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman manufacturing and inspection activities can include:

• Raw-material certificate verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Load-bearing component material review
• Heat-treatment record verification
• Dimensional inspection
• Stem connection machining inspection
• Thread gauging
• Seal-shoulder inspection
• Hardness testing
• Ultrasonic examination where required
• Magnetic-particle examination
• Hydraulic motor verification
• Bearing and transmission inspection
• Assembly alignment inspection
• Hydraulic pressure test
• Leakage test
• Forward and reverse rotation test
• No-load speed test
• Stall or torque test
• Static load test according to the approved procedure
• Product marking inspection
• Final documentation review

The final inspection plan depends on the applicable API scope, PSL and purchase-order requirements.

Factory Acceptance Test

The agreed FAT can include:

• Approved datasheet review
• General arrangement drawing verification
• Material traceability review
• Overall dimensional inspection
• Weight verification
• Stem connection inspection
• Hydraulic pressure test
• Hydraulic leakage test
• Flow requirement verification
• Forward rotation test
• Reverse rotation test
• Unloaded speed test
• Stall torque test
• Control-valve function test
• Relief-valve setting verification
• Static load test where required
• Post-load inspection
• Product marking verification
• Documentation review

The FAT procedure and acceptance criteria should be agreed before manufacturing.

Available Documentation

The project documentation package can include:

• API certificate according to Goldenman’s actual licence scope
• Certificate of Conformity
• Approved product datasheet
• General arrangement drawing
• Installation interface drawing
• Hydraulic schematic
• Material certificates
• Heat-treatment records
• Mechanical test reports
• NDE reports
• Hardness report
• Dimensional inspection report
• Stem connection inspection report
• Hydraulic pressure and leakage report
• Rotational speed test report
• Torque test report
• Static load test report where applicable
• Product traceability record
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Type 6800 a Kelly Spinner or a Drill Pipe Spinner?

It is a Kelly Spinner.

The hydraulic motor rotates the kelly through the spinner stem. A Drill Pipe Spinner normally grips and rotates the drill pipe body or tool joint directly.

Can the Type 6800 apply final drill pipe makeup torque?

No.

Its 1,650 N·m stall torque is intended for connection spinning, not controlled final makeup. Final torque must be applied and verified using manual tongs, a Hydraulic Power Tong or an Iron Roughneck.

Why does a Kelly Spinner have a maximum static load rating?

Certain Kelly Spinner designs form part of the load-bearing assembly between the drilling swivel and kelly.

When the spinner carries suspended drillstring load, the body, stem, connections and bearings must be evaluated as hoisting equipment.

Is every Kelly Spinner automatically an API 8C product?

No.

API 8C applies to Kelly Spinners when they are capable of being used as hoisting equipment.

The product must also be manufactured under a valid API 8C licence that includes Kelly Spinners and meet the specified PSL requirements.

Should this product still be described as API Spec 8A equipment?

No.

API Spec 8A has been withdrawn. New API Monogram equipment should be specified according to the applicable current edition of API Standard 8C.

What hydraulic power unit is required?

The current Type 6800 page lists 13.8 MPa operating pressure and 91 L/min hydraulic flow.

The complete HPU must also provide suitable filtration, reservoir capacity, cooling and return-line capacity.

Is 1,650 N·m the rated torque or stall torque?

The current Goldenman page identifies it as stall torque.

The continuous operating torque may be lower and should be confirmed from the latest Type 6800 factory performance datasheet.

Can the Type 6800 replace any existing Kelly Spinner with a 6-5/8 REG LH connection?

Not automatically.

The pin or box orientation, load shoulder, overall length, swivel interface, hydraulic requirements and rated static load must also match.

Can the spinner be used without a mousehole clamp?

The drill pipe must be restrained by a compatible clamping or backup system during connection spinning.

Without adequate restraint, the pipe may rotate instead of allowing the threaded connection to spin together.

What causes premature Kelly Spinner bearing damage?

Possible causes include:

• Excessive suspended load
• Shock loading
• Stem misalignment
• Operation with damaged connections
• Poor lubrication
• Contamination
• Excessive hydraulic pressure
• Repeated stalling
• Unbalanced transmission components

What information is needed for replacement spare parts?

Provide the manufacturer, model, serial number, assembly drawing, component part number, hydraulic motor data and clear photographs.

Load-bearing parts should not be copied only from a worn physical sample.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Required quantity
• Existing Kelly Spinner manufacturer and model
• Drilling rig model
• Swivel model
• Kelly type and size
• Stem connection
• Pin or box orientation
• Maximum suspended load
• Required PSL
• Available hydraulic pressure
• Available hydraulic flow
• Hydraulic-fluid specification
• Required spinning speed
• Required stall torque
• Bidirectional rotation requirement
• Mousehole clamp details
• Available installation height
• Overall dimensional restrictions
• Minimum operating temperature
• Offshore or land application
• API certificate requirement
• Static load test requirement
• FAT requirements
• Third-party inspection requirement
• Required spare-parts package
• Destination country
• Required delivery schedule

For replacement orders, also provide the existing nameplate, connection drawing, hydraulic schematic and installation photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies Type 6800 Hydraulic Kelly Spinners for conventional rotary drilling rigs and kelly-based drill pipe connection operations.

The current reference configuration provides bidirectional rotation, 1,650 N·m stall torque, 110 rpm unloaded speed, a 91 L/min hydraulic flow requirement and a 6-5/8 REG LH stem connection.

Send your drilling rig, swivel, kelly, load, stem connection and hydraulic power information to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the load path and installation interfaces and prepare the technical datasheet, general arrangement drawing, hydraulic requirements and commercial quotation.