Elevator Links for Drilling and Production Hoisting Systems

Description

Goldenman Elevator Links are load-bearing connections installed between the drilling hook or top-drive system and the tubular elevator.

Type DH Weldless Links are intended for heavier drilling loads and longer suspension requirements. Type SH Perfection Links provide shorter, lower-capacity configurations for selected drilling, workover and well-servicing applications.

Elevator Links are supplied and operated as a matched pair. The two links in one pair must have the same model, length, rated load, interface dimensions and traceability status.

Product Highlights

• Manufactured to applicable API Standard 8C requirements
• API 8C Elevator Links product classification
• Type DH Weldless Elevator Links
• Type SH Perfection Links
• Reference rated-load classes from 75 to 500 short tons
• Reference lengths from 1,500 to 3,600 mm
• Matched-pair supply and traceability
• High-strength alloy-steel construction
• Heat-treated load-bearing components
• Upper-eye and lower-eye interface verification
• PSL 1 or PSL 2 according to project requirements
• Dimensional, hardness and NDE inspection
• Proof-load testing under an approved procedure
• Low-temperature and offshore options
• Replacement matching by drawing and dimensions
• Material certificates and test documentation available

What Are Elevator Links?

Elevator Links, also known as Elevator Bails, are load-bearing members used to suspend a tubular elevator from the rig’s hoisting system.

A pair of Elevator Links normally connects:

• The drilling hook to the elevator
• A hook block to the elevator
• A top-drive link adapter to the elevator
• A compatible connector or link adapter to the elevator

The upper eye of each link engages the hook, becket or approved link adapter.

The lower eye engages the corresponding ear on the tubular elevator.

During lifting, the suspended load passes through:

1. The tubular
2. The elevator
3. The elevator ears
4. The lower link eyes
5. The Elevator Link bodies
6. The upper link eyes
7. The hook or link adapter
8. The traveling block and drilling line

Every component in this load path must have a compatible rated load and mechanical interface.

Type DH Weldless Elevator Links

Type DH Weldless Links are heavy-duty, single-arm Elevator Links designed for drilling and production-hoisting systems.

Their primary characteristics can include:

• One-piece or approved weldless load-bearing construction
• High-strength alloy-steel material
• Heavy-duty upper and lower eye sections
• Extended working lengths
• Higher rated-load classes
• Reinforced wear areas
• Matched-pair identification
• NDE and proof-load verification

Type DH links are commonly selected for:

• Drilling rigs
• Deep and ultra-deep wells
• Heavy casing strings
• Heavy drillstring handling
• Large-capacity elevators
• Top-drive systems
• High hook-load applications
• Replacement of existing DH Elevator Links

The exact manufacturing process and material specification must follow the approved Goldenman design.

Type SH Perfection Links

Type SH Perfection Links are generally shorter, double-arm or paired-body Elevator Links intended for selected lower-capacity drilling, production and well-servicing applications.

Available reference models include:

• SH75
• SH100
• SH150

Perfection Links may be selected where:

• A shorter suspension length is required
• The rig-floor arrangement uses a compatible SH interface
• The suspended load is within the specified rating
• Existing hook and elevator geometry matches the SH design
• Workover or well-servicing equipment requires a compact arrangement

The exact SH construction should be confirmed from the Goldenman manufacturing drawing.

The product page should not automatically describe every SH Perfection Link as a one-piece weldless forging unless that construction is verified for the supplied design.

Type DH vs Type SH

Comparison	Type DH Weldless Links	Type SH Perfection Links
Typical structure	Heavy-duty single-arm link	Compact double-arm or project-specific link
Main load range	Medium to high rated loads	Light to medium rated loads
Reference models	DH150, DH250, DH350, DH500	SH75, SH100, SH150
Reference length	1,800–3,600 mm	1,500–1,700 mm
Typical application	Drilling and heavy tubular handling	Workover, servicing and selected drilling applications
Main selection basis	Hook load, eye dimensions and working length	Load, compact geometry and matching interfaces
Direct interchangeability	No	No

Type DH and Type SH links should not be treated as interchangeable simply because their rated loads overlap.

Their eye geometry, body construction, working length and equipment interfaces may differ.

Reference Model Range

Type DH Weldless Links

Model	Page-Listed Rated Capacity	Reference Length
DH150	150 short tons	1,800 mm
DH250	200 short tons	2,700 mm
DH350	350 short tons	3,300 mm
DH500	500 short tons	3,600 mm

Type SH Perfection Links

Model	Page-Listed Rated Capacity	Reference Length
SH75	75 short tons	1,500 mm
SH100	100 short tons	1,500 mm
SH150	150 short tons	1,700 mm

The DH250 and DH500 rated-load values shown above are reproduced from the existing Goldenman page and require factory confirmation.

The final webpage table must use the values stated in the approved Goldenman:

• Design verification records
• API product specification
• Manufacturing drawing
• Proof-load procedure
• Product nameplate
• Certificate of Conformity

Model designations must not be used as a substitute for verified rated-load data.

Rated Load and Working Length

Rated Load

Rated load is the maximum approved load for the Elevator Link pair under the specified design, PSL and operating conditions.

The rated load must not be confused with:

• Proof-test load
• Breaking load
• Individual link capacity
• Hook capacity
• Elevator capacity
• Static design verification load

The complete hoisting system is limited by its lowest-rated component.

Working Length

Elevator Link length affects:

• Elevator height above the rig floor
• Power Tong access
• Casing and tubing stabbing height
• Top-drive clearance
• Rig-floor working space
• Link swing
• Hook and elevator alignment
• Traveling equipment clearance

Working length should be defined using the measurement points stated on the approved drawing.

An order description such as “2.7 m links” is incomplete unless the measurement method is also confirmed.

Matched-Pair Requirement

Elevator Links must be used as a matched pair.

The two links in one pair should have:

• The same manufacturer
• The same model
• The same rated load
• The same working length
• The same upper-eye dimensions
• The same lower-eye dimensions
• The same PSL
• Compatible material and heat treatment
• Matching traceability
• Similar wear condition

Do not combine:

• One new link with one heavily worn link
• Different models
• Different lengths
• Different rated loads
• Different eye geometries
• Links from unverified manufacturers
• Links with incompatible repair histories

Unequal links can create uneven load distribution and side loading on the elevator or hook.

Upper-Eye Compatibility

The upper eye must fit the intended:

• Drilling hook
• Hook block
• Top-drive link adapter
• Becket
• Connector
• Link adapter

The compatibility review should include:

• Upper-eye inside width
• Upper-eye inside height
• Bar or body diameter
• Contact radius
• Hook-section dimensions
• Available articulation
• Wear clearance
• Interference with adjacent equipment

An upper eye that is too narrow may not seat correctly.

An upper eye that is too large can create edge loading, impact or excessive movement.

Lower-Eye and Elevator Compatibility

The lower eye must match the elevator ears.

Provide:

• Elevator manufacturer
• Elevator model
• Elevator rated load
• Ear width
• Ear height
• Ear-section diameter
• Contact radius
• Required articulation
• Existing link dimensions

Incorrect matching can result in:

• Edge loading
• Restricted movement
• Uneven link loading
• Contact outside the intended bearing area
• Accelerated wear
• Elevator-ear deformation
• Loss of clearance around the latch or door

The elevator and links must be assessed as one lifting assembly.

Selecting the Correct Rated Load

The Elevator Link rating should be selected from the maximum load expected in the complete drilling or tubular-running operation.

The load review should include:

• Drillstring weight
• Casing-string weight
• Tubing-string weight
• Bottom-hole assembly weight
• Buoyancy effect
• Hook load
• Overpull allowance
• Stuck-pipe contingency
• Dynamic hoisting loads
• Offshore rig motion
• Running and pulling operations
• Applicable operator safety margins

Selecting a higher-rated pair does not automatically improve compatibility.

Heavier links may have:

• Larger eye dimensions
• Greater body diameter
• Increased weight
• Reduced handling convenience
• Different hook and elevator interfaces
• Different working length

PSL 1 and PSL 2

The purchaser should specify the required API 8C Product Specification Level.

PSL can affect the applicable:

• Design requirements
• Material controls
• Traceability
• Heat-treatment documentation
• Inspection
• NDE
• Testing
• Marking
• Documentation

The quotation, manufacturing drawing, nameplate and Certificate of Conformity should identify the supplied PSL where required.

PSL should be determined by:

• Rig owner
• Drilling contractor
• End user
• Regulatory authority
• Project specification
• Contract requirements
• Risk assessment

Material and Heat Treatment

Load-bearing Elevator Links require controlled material properties and heat treatment.

Manufacturing controls should address:

• Alloy-steel grade
• Chemical composition
• Forging quality
• Grain flow
• Heat treatment
• Yield strength
• Tensile strength
• Elongation
• Reduction of area
• Impact toughness
• Hardness
• Heat-to-product traceability

The exact material grade should be identified in the approved manufacturing specification rather than described only as “high-quality alloy steel.”

For low-temperature projects, additional impact-testing and material requirements may apply.

Weldless Construction Requirements

Where a Type DH link is supplied as a weldless design, the load-bearing body should follow the approved one-piece or weldless manufacturing process.

The inspection review should cover:

• Forging flow
• Surface discontinuities
• Internal discontinuities
• Eye geometry
• Body transition radii
• Wear areas
• Local machining
• Heat-treatment uniformity
• Straightness and symmetry

Unauthorized welding repairs should not be performed on a weldless load-bearing link.

Any repair must follow the API requirements, approved manufacturer procedure and end-user acceptance criteria.

Perfection Link Construction Verification

The construction of an SH Perfection Link must be confirmed from the specific Goldenman design.

The order should define whether it uses:

• Forged body components
• Bent steel sections
• Welded construction
• Weldless construction
• Double-arm construction
• Project-specific connecting components

The terms “Perfection Link” and “Weldless Link” should not be used as synonyms without confirming the actual manufacturing structure.

Proof-Load and Functional Testing

Each completed link pair should be tested according to the applicable API 8C requirements and the approved Goldenman test procedure.

The agreed test scope can include:

• Dimensional inspection before loading
• Identification and traceability check
• Proof-load application
• Load holding
• Visual inspection under the approved procedure
• Dimensional inspection after loading
• NDE after testing where required
• Permanent-deformation evaluation
• Marking verification
• Test-record review

The exact proof-test load and acceptance criteria must come from the applicable API edition and approved product design.

The webpage should not publish an unsupported universal test multiplier unless it is verified for the supplied model and current standard.

Inspection Before Each Use

Inspect both links for:

• Correct model
• Matching serial or pair identification
• Rated-load marking
• PSL marking where applicable
• Upper-eye wear
• Lower-eye wear
• Body wear
• Cracks
• Corrosion
• Mechanical damage
• Permanent bending
• Twisting
• Surface gouges
• Heat damage
• Unauthorized welding
• Illegible identification

Particular attention should be given to the bearing areas where the links contact:

• The drilling hook
• The link adapter
• The elevator ears

A link with suspected cracking, excessive wear or permanent deformation must be removed from service.

Common Causes of Elevator Link Damage

Incorrect Interface Geometry

Poor hook or elevator matching can cause edge loading and concentrated wear.

Unequal Link Lengths

Different lengths can cause one link to carry more load than the other.

Shock Loading

Rapid hoisting, sudden stopping or catching a falling string can produce loads above the normal static hook load.

Side Loading

Misalignment between the hook, links and elevator can bend the links outside their intended load direction.

Excessive Wear

Repeated contact at the upper and lower eyes can reduce the remaining cross-sectional area.

Corrosion

Marine environments, drilling fluids and poor storage can damage load-bearing surfaces.

Unauthorized Repair

Grinding, heating, straightening or welding can change the link’s material properties and geometry.

Replacement and Interchangeability

Replacement Elevator Links should not be ordered using only the model designation.

Provide:

• Existing manufacturer
• Model
• Serial number
• Rated load
• PSL
• Working length
• Upper-eye dimensions
• Lower-eye dimensions
• Body cross-section
• Hook model
• Top-drive link adapter model
• Elevator manufacturer and model
• Elevator-ear dimensions
• Existing product drawing
• Wear measurements
• Clear photographs

Two DH250 link pairs may have different load ratings, working lengths and interface dimensions.

Direct interchangeability must be confirmed from drawings and measured interfaces.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman manufacturing and inspection procedures can include:

• Raw-material certificate verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Forging-process control
• Heat-treatment record verification
• Mechanical-property testing
• Impact testing where required
• Hardness testing
• Ultrasonic examination
• Magnetic-particle examination
• Dimensional inspection
• Upper-eye inspection
• Lower-eye inspection
• Body-section inspection
• Straightness and symmetry verification
• Surface-condition inspection
• Matched-pair inspection
• Proof-load testing
• Post-test dimensional inspection
• Post-test NDE where required
• Product marking inspection
• Coating and preservation inspection
• Final documentation review

The final inspection and test plan is established according to the selected model, PSL, API requirements and purchase order.

Available Documentation

The project documentation package can include:

• API 8C certificate according to Goldenman’s licensed scope
• Certificate of Conformity
• Approved product datasheet
• General arrangement drawing
• Upper- and lower-eye interface drawing
• Material certificates
• Forging records
• Heat-treatment records
• Mechanical-property reports
• Impact-test reports where required
• Hardness report
• Ultrasonic inspection report
• Magnetic-particle inspection report
• Dimensional inspection report
• Proof-load test report
• Post-test inspection report
• Matched-pair traceability record
• Product marking record
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Inspection and rejection guidance
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Weldless Links and Perfection Links?

Type DH Weldless Links are generally heavy-duty single-arm Elevator Links with a weldless load-bearing construction.

Type SH Perfection Links are normally shorter, lower-capacity links with a double-arm or project-specific structure.

The exact construction, rated load and interfaces must be confirmed from the model drawing.

Should new Elevator Links be manufactured to API 8A or API 8C?

New API Monogram Elevator Links should be specified according to the applicable current edition of API Standard 8C.

API Spec 8A is withdrawn and should only be treated as a historical reference.

Are DH250 links always rated to 250 short tons?

The rated capacity must be taken from the approved manufacturer’s design, nameplate and Certificate of Conformity.

Model names are useful identifiers, but the model number should not replace verification of the marked rated load.

Are DH500 links rated to 450 or 500 short tons?

Different published product tables show inconsistent values.

Goldenman must confirm the correct rating from its API-qualified design, proof-load procedure, product drawing and nameplate before publishing the final DH500 specification.

Can one Elevator Link be replaced independently?

Elevator Links should be supplied and operated as a matched pair.

Replacing only one link can create differences in length, wear, stiffness, eye geometry and load distribution. Both links should be inspected together and replaced as a pair unless an approved engineering procedure states otherwise.

Can links with the same rated load but different lengths be used together?

No.

Both links in a pair must have the same approved working length and interface geometry. Unequal lengths can result in unbalanced loading.

Can a higher-rated pair replace a lower-rated pair?

Not automatically.

A higher-rated link may have different eye dimensions, body diameter, weight and working length. Hook, elevator and rig-floor compatibility must be checked.

What is the most important information for replacement matching?

The most important information includes:

• Rated load
• Working length
• Upper-eye dimensions
• Lower-eye dimensions
• Hook interface
• Elevator-ear interface
• PSL
• Existing drawing

Model designation alone is not sufficient.

What areas normally experience the most wear?

The upper and lower eye bearing surfaces normally experience the greatest contact wear.

Wear measurements should be compared with the manufacturer’s inspection and rejection criteria.

Can worn Elevator Links be repaired by welding?

Load-bearing welding repairs must not be performed without an API-compliant, manufacturer-approved repair procedure.

Weldless links should not be field-welded or heated for straightening.

What documentation should be requested with API 8C Elevator Links?

Depending on the PSL and purchase order, the package may include:

• API certificate
• Certificate of Conformity
• Material certificates
• Heat-treatment records
• NDE reports
• Dimensional report
• Proof-load test report
• Product traceability records

Documentation requirements should be agreed before manufacturing.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Required link type: DH or SH
• Required model
• Required rated load
• Required working length
• Length measurement method
• Required PSL 1 or PSL 2
• Drilling hook manufacturer and model
• Hook or becket dimensions
• Top-drive link adapter details
• Elevator manufacturer and model
• Elevator rated load
• Elevator-ear dimensions
• Maximum suspended hook load
• Land or offshore application
• Minimum operating temperature
• Corrosion-protection requirement
• API Monogram requirement
• Material and impact-test requirements
• NDE requirements
• Proof-load witness requirement
• Third-party inspection requirement
• Required documentation
• Quantity of matched pairs
• Destination country
• Required delivery schedule

For replacement orders, also provide the existing nameplate, serial numbers, drawings, wear measurements and clear photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies API 8C Elevator Links for drilling, workover and production-hoisting systems.

Available configurations include Type DH Weldless Elevator Links and Type SH Perfection Links with reference rated-load classes from 75 to 500 short tons and working lengths from 1,500 to 3,600 mm.

Send your rated load, working length, hook dimensions, elevator-ear dimensions, PSL and inspection requirements to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

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