SE Series Pneumatic Casing Elevator and Spider Systems

Description

Goldenman SE Series Pneumatic Casing Elevator/Spiders are air-operated, slip-type handling tools designed for running and pulling casing during land and offshore drilling operations.

The product family includes:

• SE150
• SE350
• SE500

Depending on the selected guides and installation arrangement, the unit can be configured as:

• An upper casing elevator suspended from compatible elevator links; or
• A lower casing spider supported by the rotary table, master bushing or an approved adapter plate.

The pneumatic system raises and lowers the slip assemblies, reducing repeated manual slip handling while improving the consistency of setting and releasing the casing.

Available configurations cover small and large casing diameters, with reference rated-load classes from 150 to 500 short tons.

Each system is selected according to casing OD, coupling OD, maximum suspended load, slip assembly, insert configuration, elevator-link interface, master-bushing arrangement, operating temperature and API Product Specification Level.

Product Short Description

Goldenman SE Pneumatic Casing Elevator/Spiders combine a heavy-duty hinged body, synchronized slip assemblies, pneumatic cylinders, leveling beams and interchangeable guide components.

When configured as an elevator, the unit is suspended from the traveling system and fitted with the required bell and bottom guides.

When configured as a spider, the unit is installed over the rotary-table or master-bushing opening and fitted with an appropriate top guide or adapter arrangement.

SE150, SE350 and SE500 configurations are available for casing-running programs requiring different tubular ranges and suspended-load capacities.

Product Highlights

• Manufactured to applicable API Standard 8C requirements
• SE150, SE350 and SE500 model family
• Elevator and spider operating configurations
• Reference rated-load classes from 150 to 500 short tons
• Casing-size configurations from 2-3/8 to 24-1/2 in
• Pneumatic slip setting and release
• Normal air-pressure range of 0.6–0.8 MPa
• Synchronized slip movement through leveling beams
• Multiple pneumatic cylinders for controlled operation
• Manual override for temporary air-supply loss
• Interchangeable slip assemblies and gripping inserts
• Size-specific bell guides, bottom guides and top guides
• Hinged body for slip and guide replacement
• Locking control-valve mechanism
• Elevator-link suspension interface
• Spider installation on compatible master bushings
• Adapter-plate options for different rotary-table systems
• PSL 1 or PSL 2 according to project requirements
• Material traceability, NDE and proof-load testing
• Replacement slip, insert and pneumatic spare packages

What Is a Pneumatic Casing Elevator/Spider?

A Pneumatic Casing Elevator/Spider is a mechanized slip-type tool used to lift, suspend and support casing during casing-running operations.

It can perform two related functions.

Elevator Configuration

The upper unit is suspended from the rig’s traveling equipment through a matched pair of Elevator Links.

In this configuration, the unit:

• Travels vertically with the hoisting system
• Opens around the casing
• Uses slip assemblies to grip and support the casing
• Raises and lowers the casing joint or string
• Uses bell and bottom guides to centralize the tubular

Spider Configuration

The lower unit is positioned on or above the rotary table and supports the casing string at the rig floor.

In this configuration, the unit:

• Remains at the well-center position
• Supports the casing string while connections are made
• Uses a top guide to centralize the casing
• Transfers the suspended load into the master bushing, adapter plate or supporting structure
• Releases the casing when the load is transferred to the elevator

During casing running, the elevator and spider normally alternate the suspended load.

SE Series Reference Model Range

Model	Reference Casing OD	Rated Load	Normal Air Pressure	Maximum Air Pressure
SE150	2-3/8–5-1/2 in	150 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
SE350-14	4–14 in	350 short tons / approximately 3,150 kN	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
SE350 Large-Bore Configuration	16–20 in	350 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
SE500-14	4–14 in	500 short tons / approximately 4,500 kN	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa
SE500 Large-Bore Configuration	16–24-1/2 in	500 short tons	0.6–0.8 MPa	1.0 MPa

The model designations and large-bore configurations must be confirmed from the current Goldenman engineering drawings before publication and quotation.

SE350 Reference Data

Parameter	SE350 Reference Specification
Applicable casing OD	4–14 in / 101.6–355.6 mm
Load capacity	3,150 kN / approximately 350 short tons
Air pressure	0.6–0.8 MPa
Elevator dimensions	1,080 × 1,052 × 986 mm
Spider dimensions	1,080 × 1,052 × 764 mm
Elevator weight	Approximately 2,473 kg with one slip assembly
Spider weight	Approximately 2,383 kg with one slip assembly
Design and minimum working temperature	−20°C
Main slip segments	Four
Main drive cylinders	Four
Air connection reference	G1/2 filter-regulator system
Main operation	Pneumatic with manual override
Installation	Elevator Links or master-bushing/adapter-plate support

The exact dimensions and weight vary with slip assemblies, guides and final product configuration.

How the Pneumatic Slip System Works

The SE Series uses pneumatic cylinders to raise and lower the slip assemblies.

The slips are connected to leveling beams that help synchronize their movement.

Setting the Slips

When the control lever is moved to the set position:

1. Pneumatic cylinders lower the leveling beams.
2. The connected slip assemblies move downward.
3. The tapered bowl surfaces force the slips inward.
4. Gripping inserts contact the casing OD.
5. The casing load is transferred gradually into the elevator or spider body.
6. The control-valve locking mechanism helps prevent unintended slip movement.

Releasing the Slips

Before releasing the slips, the casing load must be transferred completely to the other approved lifting or supporting unit.

When the control lever is moved to the release position:

1. The cylinders raise the leveling beams.
2. The slip assemblies move upward.
3. Radial gripping force is released.
4. The casing can move vertically through the unit.
5. The coupling passes through the guide opening under controlled movement.

Compressed air moves the slips but does not directly support the suspended casing load.

The load is supported mechanically through the slips, bowl, body and connected hoisting or supporting structure.

Synchronized Slip Movement

The slip assemblies are suspended from interlocking leveling beams driven by multiple air cylinders.

This arrangement is intended to:

• Raise all slip segments together
• Lower all slip segments together
• Reduce uneven setting
• Prevent one cylinder from overriding the others
• Reduce binding caused by slip misalignment
• Improve circumferential gripping consistency

Synchronization depends on:

• Correct air pressure
• Free cylinder movement
• Proper leveling-beam adjustment
• Matching slip assemblies
• Clean bowl surfaces
• Correct lubrication
• Undamaged link pins
• Correct installation of all segments

One incorrect or mixed slip segment can cause uneven contact and casing damage.

SE150 Model Positioning

The SE150 is the smaller-capacity configuration in the product family.

It is intended for:

• Smaller casing and tubing-sized tubulars
• Reference OD ranges from 2-3/8 to 5-1/2 in
• Workover and light casing-running operations
• Maximum approved loads within the 150-short-ton rating
• Compact rig-floor installations

Before publication, Goldenman should confirm:

• Exact minimum and maximum casing OD
• Whether the model is intended for casing, tubing or both
• Available slip-body sizes
• Insert part numbers
• Elevator dimensions
• Spider dimensions
• Product weights
• Required Elevator Link size
• Master-bushing and adapter interfaces

SE350 Model Positioning

The SE350 is suitable for medium and large casing programs requiring a rated load of approximately 350 short tons.

The Goldenman SE350 manual verifies:

• 4–14 in casing range
• 3,150 kN load capacity
• 0.6–0.8 MPa operating pressure
• Elevator and spider operating configurations
• Four synchronized pneumatic cylinders
• Manual slip-operation override
• Multiple casing-specific slip and guide combinations

The SE350 can be considered for:

• Conventional casing strings
• Onshore drilling rigs
• Offshore drilling rigs
• Multiple casing sizes within the approved chart
• Operations requiring an upper Elevator and lower Spider pair
• Replacement of compatible SE350-style equipment

SE500 Model Positioning

The SE500 provides a higher rated-load class for heavier casing strings.

Available configurations may include:

• Standard-bore arrangements for casing up to approximately 14 in
• Large-bore arrangements for casing from approximately 16 to 24-1/2 in
• 500-short-ton rated-load options
• Elevator and spider configurations
• Project-specific guides and slip assemblies

The exact SE500 range must be confirmed from Goldenman’s approved design because casing size and rated load may be separated into different body, bowl and guide configurations.

A single SE500 body should not automatically be described as covering every casing size from 4 to 24-1/2 inches without changing major components.

Interchangeable Slip Assemblies

Different casing diameters require matched slip assemblies and inserts.

A complete size-change package can include:

• Slip segments
• Standard gripping inserts
• Beveled inserts
• Slip-hanger links
• Link pins
• Bell guide
• Bottom guide
• Top guide
• Guide-retaining components
• Identification tags

The required components depend on:

• Casing OD
• Coupling OD
• Casing wall thickness
• Casing grade
• Body configuration
• Elevator or spider use
• Existing drawing revision

Changing only the gripping inserts may not be sufficient when moving to a substantially different casing size.

Gripping Inserts and Beveled Inserts

Standard inserts provide the main gripping contact on the casing body.

Beveled inserts may be used in specified positions to improve the transition between the slip assembly and casing surface.

Insert selection must consider:

• Casing OD
• Insert curvature
• Tooth profile
• Insert quantity
• Casing material
• Surface coating
• Allowable marking
• Suspended load
• Remaining casing wall
• Premium or CRA tubular requirements

All inserts in one assembly should be compatible and have a similar wear condition.

Mixing new and heavily worn inserts can concentrate the load unevenly.

Bell Guide, Bottom Guide and Top Guide

Bell Guide

The Bell Guide is normally installed on the Elevator configuration.

It helps:

• Guide the elevator over the casing
• Improve alignment during pickup
• Provide clearance around the casing and coupling
• Reduce contact between the coupling and elevator body

Bottom Guide

The Bottom Guide supports the lower alignment of the Elevator configuration.

Its exact profile must match the casing and elevator design.

Top Guide

The Top Guide is normally installed on the Spider configuration.

It helps:

• Center the spider over the well or master bushing
• Guide the casing into the slip assembly
• Control lateral movement at the rig floor
• Maintain alignment with the well center

Guide sizes must be selected from the actual casing and coupling geometry.

Elevator and Spider Installation

Elevator Installation

The Elevator configuration is suspended from a matched pair of API 8C Elevator Links.

Confirm:

• Elevator rated load
• Link rated load
• Link length
• Upper and lower eye dimensions
• Elevator-ear dimensions
• Hook or top-drive interface
• Available articulation
• Rig-floor working height

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

Spider Installation

The Spider configuration can be installed on:

• Pin-drive master bushing
• Square-drive master bushing
• Rotary-table support
• Purpose-designed adapter plate
• Approved rig-floor support structure

Confirm:

• Rotary-table manufacturer and model
• Master-bushing model
• Opening diameter
• Supporting contact surface
• Adapter-plate dimensions
• Well-center alignment
• Anchor-chain arrangement
• Maximum supported load

The spider should be centered with the well and restrained according to the approved installation procedure.

Adapter Plate Requirements

An Adapter Plate may be required when:

• The rotary-table opening is not compatible
• The existing master bushing does not support the spider body
• The body contact area is insufficient
• A different mounting height is required
• The spider must be centered over a non-standard opening

The Adapter Plate must be designed for:

• Maximum spider load
• Body contact geometry
• Rotary-table or rig-floor support
• Well-center alignment
• Anti-movement restraint
• Installation and removal
• Inspection access

An improvised steel plate should not be used as a load-bearing adapter without engineering verification.

Selecting the Correct Model

1. Confirm Maximum Suspended Load

Calculate the maximum casing string load, including:

• Casing weight
• Couplings
• Float equipment
• Casing accessories
• Cementing equipment carried with the string
• Buoyancy
• Drilling-fluid conditions
• Dynamic handling effects
• Overpull allowance
• Stuck-casing contingency
• Offshore rig motion
• Project safety requirements

The model should not be selected from casing OD alone.

2. Confirm Casing and Coupling Dimensions

Provide:

• Nominal casing OD
• Actual pipe-body OD
• Coupling OD
• Connection type
• External upset dimensions
• Premium connection geometry
• Casing grade
• Wall thickness
• Remaining wall thickness where used casing is handled

The coupling must pass freely through the open Elevator and Spider guide system.

3. Select the Slip Assembly

The slip assembly must match:

• Casing OD
• Body and bowl geometry
• Insert profile
• Load capacity
• Model revision
• Elevator or Spider configuration

A similar nominal slip size does not confirm interchangeability.

4. Select the Guides

Confirm the required:

• Bell Guide
• Bottom Guide
• Top Guide

The selected guides must provide casing and coupling clearance without excessive lateral movement.

5. Confirm Rig Air Supply

Provide:

• Available air pressure
• Air-line diameter
• Air volume
• Compressor capacity
• Filter-regulator arrangement
• Lubricator
• Moisture separation
• Hose length
• Ambient temperature

The Goldenman SE350 manual uses a G1/2 filter-regulator arrangement and requires a controlled 0.6–0.8 MPa supply.

6. Select PSL 1 or PSL 2

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

The PSL affects applicable:

• Design controls
• Material traceability
• Heat-treatment documentation
• NDE
• Inspection
• Testing
• Product marking
• Documentation

The quotation and product documentation should identify the supplied PSL.

Manual Override

A manual override is provided for temporary loss of rig air pressure.

The manual system allows the operator to raise or lower the unloaded slip assemblies using the specified manual lever arrangement.

Manual override does not mean that the equipment should be operated normally without a functioning pneumatic system.

Before using the override:

• Transfer the casing load to an approved unit
• Confirm the slips are unloaded
• Follow the operation manual
• Keep personnel clear of pinch points
• Use the specified manual tool
• Repair the pneumatic fault before returning to normal service

Use of Backup Casing Tong

The SE Elevator/Spider supports and handles the casing but does not provide connection reaction-torque control.

A suitable backup casing tong or approved reaction system is required during casing connection makeup and breakout.

The Elevator/Spider must not be used to absorb uncontrolled tong reaction torque.

Torque loads can cause:

• Body rotation
• Side loading
• Link loading
• Anchor-chain loading
• Slip damage
• Misalignment
• Casing surface damage

Preventing Casing Damage

Casing damage can result from:

• Incorrect slip assemblies
• Mixed slip sizes
• Worn gripping inserts
• Incorrect insert radius
• Dirty or damaged bowl surfaces
• Uneven slip movement
• Shock loading
• Excessive suspended load
• Casing wall loss
• Incompatible premium or CRA casing
• Coupling contact with an incorrect guide

Possible damage includes:

• Deep slip marks
• Local wall indentation
• Casing ovality
• Coating damage
• Surface cracking
• Reduced collapse resistance
• Reduced fatigue resistance

The correct solution is to match the complete slip, insert and guide package to the casing program.

Premium and CRA Casing

Premium connections and corrosion-resistant alloy casing may require additional controls.

Provide:

• Casing material
• Grade
• Connection manufacturer
• Coupling OD
• Surface hardness
• External coating
• Permitted marking
• Maximum suspended load
• End-user handling requirements

Standard aggressive inserts should not automatically be used on CRA or coated casing.

Reduced-marking inserts or special contact profiles may be required, subject to verified gripping capacity.

Pneumatic System Requirements

The system can include:

• Four pneumatic cylinders
• Leveling beams
• Reversing control valve
• Control-valve lock
• Filter-regulator
• Lubricator
• Supply hoses
• Quick-disconnect fittings
• Flow-control components
• Manual override socket

Air-system problems can cause:

• Slow slip movement
• Uneven setting
• Incomplete release
• Cylinder sticking
• Valve malfunction
• Excessive moisture
• Internal corrosion
• Seal failure

Use clean, filtered and regulated air according to the model-specific manual.

Inspection Before Each Use

Inspect:

• Main body
• Hinged sections
• Removable and fixed hinge pins
• Elevator ears
• Slip assemblies
• Gripping inserts
• Beveled inserts
• Leveling beams
• Slip-hanger links
• Link pins
• Pneumatic cylinders
• Control valve and lock
• Air hoses and fittings
• Bell, bottom and top guides
• Adapter plate
• Anchor-chain arrangement
• Product and rated-load markings

Remove the equipment from service when there is evidence of:

• Cracks
• Permanent deformation
• Excessive wear
• Damaged inserts
• Mixed slip components
• Elongated pin holes
• Air leakage
• Uneven slip operation
• Damaged guides
• Unauthorized welding
• Illegible load or model identification

Lubrication and Maintenance

Routine maintenance includes:

• Cleaning casing scale and drilling debris
• Cleaning bowl and slip contact surfaces
• Lubricating approved bowl and slip surfaces
• Inspecting pneumatic cylinders
• Checking the air lubricator
• Lubricating hinge pins
• Lubricating link pins
• Checking the flow-control valve
• Inspecting inserts for wear
• Recording slip and guide changes

The SE350 manual recommends frequent inspection and lubrication during casing-running operations, with the exact interval adjusted to operating conditions.

Do not lubricate the casing gripping faces unless the approved procedure specifically requires it.

Replacement Parts

Available replacement parts can include:

• Complete slip assemblies
• Individual slip segments
• Standard inserts
• Beveled inserts
• Slip-hanger links
• Upper and lower link pins
• Leveling beams
• Bell guides
• Bottom guides
• Top guides
• Hinge pins
• Pneumatic cylinders
• Cylinder seal kits
• Control-valve assemblies
• Filter-regulator components
• Lubricators
• Air hoses
• Quick-connect fittings
• Manual lift socket
• Fasteners
• Adapter plates

Replacement parts must be matched by model, casing size, drawing revision and Elevator or Spider position.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman manufacturing and inspection controls can include:

• Raw-material certificate verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Mechanical-property testing
• Heat-treatment record verification
• Body dimensional inspection
• Elevator-ear inspection
• Bowl-profile inspection
• Hinge and pin inspection
• Slip-segment dimensional inspection
• Insert-profile and hardness inspection
• Guide dimensional inspection
• Pneumatic-cylinder inspection
• Leveling-beam synchronization check
• Control-valve locking test
• Pneumatic leakage test
• Setting and release functional test
• Casing-size fit-up test
• Proof-load testing under an approved procedure
• Post-load dimensional inspection
• Post-load NDE where required
• Product marking verification
• Final documentation review

Available Documentation

The documentation package can include:

• API 8C certificate according to Goldenman’s licensed scope
• Certificate of Conformity
• Model-specific datasheet
• General assembly drawing
• Elevator configuration drawing
• Spider installation drawing
• Adapter-plate drawing
• Pneumatic schematic
• Slip and insert size chart
• Bell, bottom and top guide chart
• Material certificates
• Heat-treatment records
• Mechanical-property reports
• Hardness report
• NDE reports
• Dimensional inspection report
• Pneumatic leakage report
• Functional test report
• Proof-load test report
• Product traceability record
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this page for one SE Elevator/Spider model?

No.

The page covers the SE150, SE350 and SE500 product family, including standard- and large-bore configurations.

Is the SE Series manufactured to API 7K or API 8C?

When configured as an Elevator or as a Spider capable of being used as an Elevator, the applicable product positioning is API Standard 8C.

A spider that is not capable of use as an elevator may fall under a different API product classification, so the final certificate scope must follow the actual design.

Can the same body be used as both an Elevator and a Spider?

Certain SE designs use a common basic body that can be dressed for Elevator or Spider service using different guides and installation components.

The exact parts and interfaces must be confirmed for each Goldenman model.

Can one slip assembly handle every casing size?

No.

The complete size range requires different slip assemblies, inserts and guides.

Certain insert combinations may cover closely related casing ODs, but only as defined in the approved size chart.

What is the difference between SE350 and SE500?

The principal difference is rated-load capacity.

SE350 has a reference capacity of approximately 350 short tons, while SE500 has a reference capacity of 500 short tons.

Body, bowl, slip, link and guide dimensions may also differ.

Can SE500 handle casing from 4 to 24-1/2 inches with one setup?

No.

Standard-bore and large-bore casing sizes require different slip bodies, inserts, guides and possibly different body configurations.

What happens if rig air pressure is lost?

The casing load remains supported mechanically when the slips are correctly set.

A manual override can be used to move unloaded slip assemblies, following the operation manual. The pneumatic fault should be corrected before normal operation resumes.

Why is a backup casing tong required?

The Elevator/Spider supports axial casing load but is not designed to absorb connection reaction torque.

A backup tong or approved reaction system must be used during makeup and breakout.

Can the Spider be installed directly on any rotary table?

Not automatically.

The master bushing, opening, support surface, well-center alignment and rated-load path must be verified. An engineered Adapter Plate may be required.

Can the system handle premium or CRA casing?

It can be configured for selected premium and CRA casing after reviewing the material, surface, coupling OD, allowable marking and required gripping capacity.

Standard inserts should not automatically be used.

What causes the slips to damage casing?

Common causes include incorrect slip segments, worn inserts, mixed components, uneven slip setting, excessive load, dirty bowl surfaces and incorrect casing-size selection.

What information is required for replacement slip assemblies?

Provide the SE model, serial number, Elevator or Spider position, casing OD, slip-body size, insert numbers, guide numbers and current drawing revision.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Required model: SE150, SE350 or SE500
• Elevator, Spider or complete paired system
• Required quantity
• Casing OD range
• Casing coupling OD
• Connection type
• Casing grade
• Wall thickness
• Maximum suspended load
• Required rated-load class
• Required PSL 1 or PSL 2
• Standard-bore or large-bore configuration
• Required slip assemblies
• Required gripping inserts
• Reduced-marking insert requirement
• Required Bell Guides
• Required Bottom Guides
• Required Top Guides
• Elevator Link model and dimensions
• Rotary-table model
• Master-bushing model
• Adapter-plate requirement
• Available air pressure
• Air-line diameter
• Minimum operating temperature
• Land or offshore application
• API Monogram requirement
• Proof-load test requirement
• Third-party inspection requirement
• Required spare-parts package
• Destination country
• Required delivery schedule

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

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies API 8C SE Series Pneumatic Casing Elevator/Spider systems for land and offshore casing-running operations.

Available configurations include SE150, SE350 and SE500 rated-load classes, with interchangeable slip assemblies, gripping inserts and guide systems for different casing programs.

Send your casing sizes, maximum suspended load, Elevator Link, rotary-table, master-bushing and air-supply requirements to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the complete lifting and supporting interfaces and prepare the recommended model, slip and guide chart, installation drawing, inspection plan and commercial quotation.