TOOL STRING

4. Four pipe rack configuration.

a. The four pipe rack configuration consists of two swing out carousels with two pipe racks to each carousel. Pipe racks #1 and #2 in the left carousel and pipe racks #3 and #4 in the right carousel work and are sequenced the same as the carousel in the three pipe rack configuration. For pipe rack #3 and #4, the #4 position of the selector switch controls the swing out of the right carousel and the #3 position controls the rotation of the carousel.

b. Because of the sequence of operation, pipe must be removed from pipe rack #4 first, then pipe rack #3. When returning the pipes to the racks, return pipe to #3 pipe rack, then #4 pipe rack.

TOOL HANDLING

This section describes the procedures necessary to load, unload, handle, assemble and disassemble the drill tools.

The procedures detailed in this section are intended to be as universally applicable as possible. It is, however, impossible to prepare a procedure that will take into account every possible machine option or tool vendors’ products. For this reason it is important that the operator not only become familiar with these procedures, but with the machine and the particular tools being handled.

PIPE LOADING AND UNLOADING

Loading pipe onto the drill is necessary when the drill is new and has not yet had the pipe installed or when the pipe has been removed for changeout or for maintenance to the mast. The procedure in this manual, unlike some more commonly used procedures, requires that the mast be in the horizontal or lowered position to load the drill pipe. This is necessary for safety.

This procedure, while not the most expedient for machines requiring pipe changeout while the mast is in the drilling position, is quite efficient while the mast is in the stored position. Proper scheduling of maintenance and production requirements against pipe life will allow using this procedure while reducing the downtime of the machine.