PS Series Pneumatic Power Slips

Description

Goldenman PS Series Pneumatic Power Slips are air-operated rotary slip systems designed to mechanize the setting and release of drill pipe and compatible tubulars during drilling, tripping and connection-handling operations.

The series includes standard rotary-table models, large-bore configurations, portable pin-drive units and equipment developed for slant-hole drilling rigs.

Available models include:

PS175
PS205
PS275
PS375
PS16
PS Portable
PS Slant Hole
PS560

The complete range accommodates tubular outside diameters from approximately 1.9 to 14 inches, with page-listed rated capacities from 150 to 500 short tons.

All listed models operate with a normal pneumatic supply pressure of 0.6–0.8 MPa and a maximum listed pressure of 1.0 MPa.

The pneumatic mechanism raises and lowers the slip assembly. When the slips are set, the tubular load is transferred mechanically through the gripping inserts, slip bodies, tapered bowl and supporting rotary-table or rig-floor structure.

Product Short Description

Goldenman PS Series Pneumatic Power Slips reduce the repeated manual lifting and placement required with conventional rotary slips.

The product range covers standard 17-1/2, 20-1/2, 27-1/2 and 37-1/2-inch rotary-table systems, as well as portable, large-through-hole and slant-hole drilling configurations.

Each model is selected according to the rotary-table interface, tubular OD, maximum suspended load, slip-bowl geometry, insert set and pneumatic-control requirements.

Product Highlights

PS Series air-operated power slips
Manufactured to applicable API Spec 7K requirements
Standard, portable and slant-hole configurations
Models for multiple rotary-table sizes
Tubular range from approximately 1.9 to 14 in
Page-listed rated capacities from 150 to 500 short tons
Normal air pressure of 0.6–0.8 MPa
Maximum listed air pressure of 1.0 MPa
Pneumatic slip setting and release
Mechanical wedge-action load support
Replaceable gripping inserts
Size-specific insert and slip configurations
Reduced manual rig-floor handling
Improved setting and release consistency
Configurations for drill pipe and approved tubulars
Pneumatic leakage and functional testing
Dimensional and installation-interface inspection
Replacement segments, inserts and control parts available

PS Series Model Comparison

Model	Compatible Rotary Table or Installation	Applicable Tubular OD	Page-Listed Rated Capacity	Working Pressure	Maximum Pressure
PS175	17-1/2 in rotary table	2-3/8–5-3/4 in	150 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS205	20-1/2 in rotary table	2-3/8–5-3/4 in	250 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS275	27-1/2 in rotary table	2-3/8–9-7/8 in	350 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS375	37-1/2 in rotary table	2-3/8–14 in	500 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS16	27-1/2, 37-1/2 or 49-1/2 in rotary-table configuration	3-1/2–7-3/4 in	500 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS Portable	23, 27-1/2, 37-1/2 or 49-1/2 in pin-drive installation	2-3/8–5-1/2 in	250 or 350 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS Slant Hole	Slant-hole drilling rig configuration	2-7/8–13-3/8 in	250 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
PS560	560 mm through-hole configuration	1.9–7 in	350 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa

The values above are reference data from the current Goldenman product range.

Final rated capacity, tubular range, insert configuration, installation dimensions and control system must be confirmed through the approved drawing and model-specific datasheet.

How Pneumatic Power Slips Work

A pneumatic power slip combines an air-operated lifting mechanism with a mechanically load-bearing slip-and-bowl system.

Slip Release

Before releasing the slips, the hoisting system must take the complete tubular load.

Compressed air then operates the lifting mechanism, raising the slip bodies from the tapered bowl.

As the slips move upward:

The gripping inserts move away from the tubular.
Radial gripping force is released.
The tubular can move vertically through the opening.
The slip assembly remains clear until the next setting cycle.

Slip Setting

When the slips are lowered into the compatible bowl:

The tapered outer surfaces move downward.
The bowl forces the slip segments inward.
The inserts contact the tubular.
The hoisting load is transferred gradually.
The mechanical slip-and-bowl system holds the tubular.

Compressed air moves the slip assembly but does not directly support the suspended string.

Model Selection Guide

PS175

The PS175 is designed for compatible 17-1/2-inch rotary-table systems.

It is suitable for:

2-3/8–5-3/4 in tubulars
Conventional drill pipe operations
Light-to-medium suspended loads
Rigs requiring a compact pneumatic slip system
Page-listed loads up to 150 short tons

PS205

The PS205 is designed for a compatible 20-1/2-inch rotary-table interface.

Compared with the PS175, it provides:

The same listed tubular range
A higher page-listed capacity of 250 short tons
A larger rotary-table interface
Increased load capability for heavier drillstrings

PS275

The PS275 extends the tubular range to 9-7/8 inches and has a page-listed capacity of 350 short tons.

It can be considered for:

Larger drill pipe and compatible tubulars
Heavier drillstrings
27-1/2-inch rotary-table systems
Applications requiring a wider insert range

PS375

The PS375 is the largest standard rotary-table model in the listed series.

It covers:

37-1/2-inch rotary-table configurations
Tubular sizes from 2-3/8 to 14 inches
Page-listed loads up to 500 short tons
Large-diameter and heavy tubular programs

Its larger size range does not mean one insert set covers every diameter. Multiple size-specific gripping configurations are required.

PS16

The PS16 is listed for installation with 27-1/2, 37-1/2 and 49-1/2-inch rotary-table configurations.

It combines:

A 3-1/2–7-3/4 in tubular range
A page-listed capacity of 500 short tons
Compatibility with multiple large rotary-table arrangements

The meaning of “PS16” and its exact installation structure must be confirmed from the Goldenman drawing before publication.

PS Portable

The PS Portable configuration is intended for rigs where a conventional permanently installed rotary-table power-slip arrangement is unavailable or unsuitable.

Its listed features include:

Pin-drive installation
Compatibility references for 23, 27-1/2, 37-1/2 and 49-1/2-inch systems
A tubular range of 2-3/8–5-1/2 inches
Page-listed 250- or 350-short-ton capacity options

The support frame, pin-drive dimensions and load-transfer structure must be verified for each rig.

PS Slant Hole

The PS Slant Hole model is intended for inclined or slant-hole drilling-rig arrangements.

It covers tubular outside diameters from 2-7/8 to 13-3/8 inches, with a page-listed rated capacity of 250 short tons.

Slant-hole operation requires additional review of:

Tubular angle
Uneven segment loading
Side force
Slip and bowl alignment
Supporting structure
Control position
Tubular centralization

The rated capacity must not be applied without considering the inclined load geometry.

PS560

The PS560 is identified by its 560 mm through-hole configuration rather than a conventional rotary-table inch designation.

It is listed for:

Tubular ODs from approximately 1.9 to 7 inches
A rated capacity of 350 short tons
Applications requiring a defined 560 mm through opening

The exact mounting arrangement, bowl dimensions and supported rig equipment must be confirmed from the factory drawing.

API 7K Product Positioning

The PS Series is best positioned under:

API Spec 7K – Rotary Slips

Recommended wording:

Manufactured under the applicable API Spec 7K Rotary Slips product scope, subject to Goldenman’s current licensed scope and the approved product configuration.

The webpage should not describe all PS models as API Monogram products unless:

Goldenman holds an active API 7K licence;
the licence includes Rotary Slips;
the specific model is manufactured under that licence;
applicable design, manufacturing, testing and marking requirements are met.

Rated Capacity Is Not Rated Torque

The current page labels the 150–500 short-ton values as:

Rated Torque

This is incorrect.

The correct field is:

Rated Capacity
or
Rated Load

Short tons measure load capacity, not rotational torque.

PS Series Pneumatic Slips hold tubulars in a rotary-table or supporting slip structure. They do not apply connection makeup or breakout torque.

Threaded connection torque must be applied by:

Manual tongs
Hydraulic Power Tongs
Iron Roughnecks
Other approved torque equipment

Rotary-Table and Installation Compatibility

A model number alone does not confirm installation compatibility.

Before ordering, provide:

Rotary-table manufacturer
Rotary-table model
Table opening
Master-bushing model
Slip-bowl model
Bowl taper
Seating depth
Drive arrangement
Available vertical space
Rig-floor opening
Supporting structure
Pneumatic-line routing
Control-valve location

For portable, PS16, slant-hole and PS560 configurations, a complete interface drawing is especially important.

Tubular and Insert Selection

Each PS model covers its published tubular range through size-specific slip segments, inserts or gripping configurations.

Selection must be based on the actual gripping diameter.

Provide:

Tubular type
Pipe body OD
Tool joint or coupling OD
Tubular grade
Wall thickness
Remaining wall thickness
External upset dimensions
Surface coating
Hardbanding position
Maximum suspended load

The slips should grip only an approved cylindrical surface.

They should not be set directly over:

Tool joint transitions
Coupling shoulders
External upsets
Hardbanding
Spiral grooves
Weld beads
Severely worn pipe
Damaged coatings

Preventing Slip Crushing and Pipe Damage

Rotary slips convert suspended axial load into radial gripping force through the slip-bowl taper.

Incorrect selection or operation can cause:

Deep slip marks
Pipe-body indentation
Ovality
Local wall deformation
Surface cracking
Reduced fatigue resistance
Unexpected tubular slippage

Risk increases with:

High suspended loads
Thin or worn pipe wall
Incorrect insert radius
Short contact length
Uneven insert wear
Mixed insert sets
Damaged slip bodies
Dirty or worn bowls
Shock loading
Tubular OD outside the approved range

High-strength drill pipe should not automatically be treated as resistant to slip crushing.

Pipe grade, actual wall thickness, insert contact pattern and suspended load must be reviewed together.

PS Series vs Manual Rotary Slips

Comparison	PS Series Pneumatic Power Slips	Manual Rotary Slips
Slip movement	Pneumatic	Manual
Setting and release	Mechanized	Crew-operated
Operator effort	Reduced	Higher
Installation	Model-specific rotary-table or support interface	Compatible slip bowl
Pneumatic supply	Required	Not required
Maintenance	Pneumatic and mechanical	Primarily mechanical
Cycle consistency	More repeatable	Depends more on manual placement
Backup availability	Manual backup recommended	Functions independently

Manual slips may still be maintained as contingency equipment if the pneumatic system becomes unavailable.

PS Series vs Pneumatic Spider

A pneumatic power slip and a pneumatic spider should not automatically be treated as the same product.

Comparison	PS Pneumatic Power Slip	Pneumatic Spider
Main installation	Rotary-table or model-specific slip interface	Independent spider body
Load support	Slip bowl and supporting rotary structure	Spider body and rig-floor support
Main API positioning	API 7K Rotary Slips	API 7K Spider, or API 8C if qualified as an elevator
Portability	Selected portable versions available	Depends on spider design
Interchangeability	Requires interface review	Requires interface review

The final product classification should follow the actual load path and approved design.

Pneumatic-System Requirements

All current models list:

Normal working pressure: 0.6–0.8 MPa
Maximum pressure: 1.0 MPa

The air system should provide:

Clean compressed air
Stable pressure
Adequate air volume
Moisture separation
Filtration
Pressure regulation
Pressure indication
Isolation valve
Controlled exhaust
Suitable hose diameter
Low-temperature protection where required

The model-specific datasheet should also identify:

Air consumption
Air inlet size
Cylinder bore
Cylinder stroke
Setting time
Release time
Control-valve type
Emergency-release procedure
Fail-safe position

Inspection and Maintenance

Before each use, inspect:

Slip bodies
Inserts
Insert retainers
Segment connections
Tapered surfaces
Lifting mechanism
Pneumatic cylinders
Control valves
Air hoses
Fittings
Slip bowl
Mounting structure
Product and rated-load markings

Remove the equipment from service when there is evidence of:

Cracking
Permanent deformation
Broken inserts
Severe taper wear
Air leakage
Damaged hoses
Uneven segment movement
Unauthorized welding
Missing parts
Illegible load identification

Routine maintenance should include cleaning, moisture drainage, insert inspection, pneumatic leakage checks, approved lubrication and operating-record review.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman inspection controls can include:

Material certificate verification
Heat-number traceability
Mechanical-property review
Heat-treatment verification
Slip-body dimensional inspection
Taper inspection
Insert-pocket inspection
Insert hardness testing
Magnetic-particle examination of critical components
Pneumatic-cylinder inspection
Hose and fitting inspection
Assembly fit-up
Installation-interface verification
Pneumatic leakage testing
Setting and release testing
Tubular-size fit testing
Load testing under the approved procedure
Post-test inspection
Product marking verification

The final inspection plan depends on the selected model, API certificate scope and purchase requirements.

Available Documentation

The order documentation package can include:

API certificate according to Goldenman’s actual licensed scope
Certificate of Conformity
Model-specific product datasheet
General assembly drawing
Rotary-table or installation-interface drawing
Pneumatic schematic
Insert-size chart
Spare-parts drawing
Material certificates
Heat-treatment records
Hardness report
NDE reports
Dimensional inspection report
Pneumatic leakage report
Functional test report
Load-test report where applicable
Product traceability record
Operation and maintenance manual
Recommended spare-parts list
Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

Does one PS Series model cover every rotary-table size?

No.

PS175, PS205, PS275 and PS375 are associated with different rotary-table sizes. PS16, Portable, Slant Hole and PS560 use different installation concepts.

The interface must be confirmed for each rig.

Does one slip set cover the complete tubular range of a model?

Not necessarily.

The published range normally requires different inserts, gripping components or slip configurations. Each tubular OD must be matched to an approved insert set.

Why does PS175 have a 150-ton listed capacity?

The model number does not necessarily equal the rated load.

The current Goldenman table lists PS175 at 150 short tons. Final capacity must follow the approved drawing, nameplate and test documentation.

What is the difference between PS275 and PS375?

PS275 is listed for a 27-1/2-inch rotary table, tubulars up to 9-7/8 inches and a 350-short-ton capacity.

PS375 is listed for a 37-1/2-inch rotary table, tubulars up to 14 inches and a 500-short-ton capacity.

When should a portable model be selected?

A portable configuration may be appropriate where the rig does not have a permanent compatible power-slip installation or where the equipment must be transferred between rigs.

The pin-drive and supporting structure must be dimensionally and structurally verified.

Can PS Slant Hole be used at any well inclination?

No.

The rig angle, side load, tubular centralization and slip contact distribution must be reviewed for the actual application.

Can PS Series slips be used as elevators?

No.

They hold tubulars within an approved rotary-table, slip-bowl or supporting structure. They must not be connected directly to elevator links, slings or crane hooks.

What causes the slips to move under load?

Possible causes include:

Incorrect inserts
Worn gripping teeth
Tubular OD outside the approved range
Contaminated pipe surface
Incomplete slip seating
Damaged bowl taper
Excessive load
Uneven segment contact

The tubular must be secured before troubleshooting.

What spare parts should be ordered?

A recommended package can include:

Gripping insert sets
Insert retainers
Segment pins
Pneumatic-cylinder seal kits
Control valves
Pressure regulators
Pressure gauges
Air hoses
Fittings
Springs and fasteners

Spare quantities should reflect the pipe program and local service availability.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

Required PS model
Drilling-rig model
Rotary-table manufacturer and model
Rotary-table opening
Master-bushing model
Slip-bowl dimensions
Tubular type
Minimum tubular OD
Maximum tubular OD
Tubular grade
Nominal and remaining wall thickness
Maximum suspended load
Required insert sizes
Standard, portable or slant-hole installation
Available pneumatic pressure
Air-line size
Control type and location
Ambient-temperature range
Required spare inserts
Required pneumatic seal kits
API certificate requirement
Inspection and load-test requirements
Third-party inspection requirement
Quantity
Destination country
Delivery schedule

For replacement equipment, also provide the existing product nameplate, serial number, installation drawings and photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies PS Series Pneumatic Power Slips for standard rotary tables, portable installations and slant-hole drilling rigs.

The product range includes PS175, PS205, PS275, PS375, PS16, PS Portable, PS Slant Hole and PS560 configurations, covering tubular sizes from approximately 1.9 to 14 inches.

Send your rotary-table, tubular-size, maximum load, installation and pneumatic-supply requirements to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the complete interface and recommend the appropriate PS model, insert configuration, installation drawing and spare-parts package.

PS Series Pneumatic Power Slips for Drilling Rigs