Study of Dies and Inserts
Study of Dies and Inserts
Study of Dies and Inserts
Objective
The objective of this bulletin is to present the correct die configurations and wrench alignment
procedure to maximize the make up and break out efficiency of the Canrig® Torq-Matic™
Automated Wrench (TM wrench). Following this guide will minimize cycle time, reduce wear and
tear on the dies, and reduce residual forces that cause premature tong, jaw, and cylinder
damage.
Premium Dies
Premium dies provide better engagement on the pipe and reduce slippage at higher torques.
The larger teeth and stronger material greatly increase the shear strength of the teeth which
result in a much longer die life than standard dies.
Standard Dies
Standard dies operate well at lower torque values; however, they do not perform as well at
higher torques. The individual teeth take less force to shear than premium dies, resulting in a
shorter lifespan.
Both premium and standard dies can be used on all sizes of drill pipe; however, it is
recommended to use premium dies when the required torque is higher than 30,000 lb-ft. See
Table 1 on page 2.
The standard center die is recommended to be used on all tool joints (TJ) with outer diameters
(OD) less than 6-5/8". See Table 2 below and Figure 1 and Figure 2 on page 3.
Figure 1: With Standard Center Dies Figure 2: With Extended Center Dies
Outer: Pyramid Tooth Pattern (Standard dies) Outer: Long Tooth Pattern (Premium dies)
Center: Standard Center: Extended
70000
Maximum Makeup Torque (lb-ft)
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Premium+Extended Center Premium Only Standard+Extended Center Standard Only
Die Guidelines
Proper die placement will prevent slippage and premature wear on the dies. It will also allow the
TM wrench to properly make up and break out the tubular joints. The dies must clear the pipe
hard banding to engage the surface of the pipe. To achieve this, use spacers to offset metal dies.
See Figure 6.
Hard Banding
Gripper Rollers
Hard Bands
Upper Tong
Pin End
Dies with Spacers
Box End
Lower Tong
Hard Bands
Shoulder Placement
Die configurations depend upon the size of the pipe being utilized. Do not place dies in locations
where the die will come into contact with the tubular hard bands. As a guideline, it is
recommended dies engage at least 3 inches from the shoulder of double shoulder pipe to
prevent pipe deformation; however, check with the pipe manufacturer for detailed instructions.
Dies are recommended to be placed in a configuration in which dies clear hard banding and
give shoulder clearance. See Figure 7.
DIES
3" MINIMUM
FROM SHOULDER
SPACERS
RECOMMENDED
TONGING AREA
Die Configurations
UPPER
OR
LOWER
TONG DIE
CONFIGURATIONS
UPPER
OR
LOWER
TONG DIE
CONFIGURATIONS
FULL DIES
161100210 FULL DIE, STANDARD, TM80/100/120 PYRAMID TOOTH
R10510 FULL DIE, PREMIUM, TM80/100/120 LONG TOOTH
CENTER DIES
R10272 CENTER DIE, STANDARD, TM80/100/120 FOR LESS THAN 6-5/8" TOOL JOINT
R10509 CENTER DIE, EXTENDED, TM80/100 FOR GREATER THAN 6-5/8" TOOL JOINT
R10525 CENTER DIE, EXTENDED, TM120 FOR GREATER THAN 6-5/8" TOOL JOINT
HALF DIES
PYRAMID TOOTH
DT51537 HALF DIE, STANDARD, TM120
Note: Not offered on TM80/100.
LONG TOOTH
R10521 HALF DIE, PREMIUM, TM120
Note: Not offered on TM80/100.
SPACERS
141500052 HALF DIE SPACER, TM80/100
161500005 FULL DIE SPACER, TM120
DT51006 HALF DIE SPACER, TM120
DT52490 CENTER DIE SPACER, TM120
Wrench Alignment
If the wrench is not properly aligned before torqueing the tool joint, the wrench will shift into
alignment during the make-up or break-out cycle. When the wrench shifts, the dies slip and the
jaw cylinders may get pushed back, despite being under full pressure, if the opposing cylinders
are offset as shown in Figure 10. Ensuring the wrench is aligned with the drill pipe will significantly
increase the efficiency of the wrench and greatly reduce premature damage to the dies, tong,
jaw, and cylinder. Adding a jaw synchronizing kit will center the wrench side-side reducing much
of the residual forces, however the wrench must still be centered front-back.
The TM wrench tongs must be parallel to the rig floor to properly align to pipe. The TM wrench’s
center of gravity can be adjusted to achieve this. A Canrig technician can perform these
mechanical adjustments to the center of gravity.
Ensure clamps are closing at the same speed and distance (centered side-to-side) if a jaw
synchronizing kit is not installed. A jaw synchronizing kit can be ordered and installed on wrenches
experiencing this issue.
Contact RIGLINE 24/7™ Support to purchase a kit and request for a Canrig technician to perform
the clamp jaw synchronizing hydraulic system upgrade. See Table 4 on page 10.
TM80
AY51461 KIT, JAW SYNCHRONIZING, TM80
TM120
AY51790 KIT, JAW SYNCHRONIZING, TM-120, V1.3
AY51793 KIT, JAW SYNCHRONIZING, TM-120, V1.2
Damaged or worn dies must be replaced to prevent slippage and to properly align the wrench.
Alignment Procedure
Warning!
Ensure that only trained personnel conducts
the following procedure and are wearing
appropriate PPE. Use proper precautions and
ensure that proper communication with the TM
operator are established and followed.
1.1. Move the wrench using “Maintenance Mode” screens on wrenches with Allen-Bradley
(A/B) controller, or “Device Test” screens on wrenches with OMRON controller.
1.2. Move the TM wrench forward to grab the pipe. Extend or retract the TM wrench as
required.
1.3. Acknowledge that the TM wrench is aligned at the center to the pipe. Rotate left or right
as required.
3.2. If all dies will equally grab the pipe, disengage the TM wrench’s E-Stop and fully close
clamps on to the pipe. Activate the TM wrench’s E-Stop and double check that all dies
are seated on the pipe equally.
Figure 14: Left Hand Side Seated Dies Figure 15: Right Hand Side Seated Dies
4. Once proper alignment has been acquired, navigate to the Horizontal Settings screen and
set Hole Center or Mouse Hole.
Wrench Centered
3,242 ft/hr
3,438 ft/hr
Wrench Centered