Atlas Copco Oil and Gas Rigs
RD20 and RD20 XC Automated Pipe Loader
and
Automated Pipe Loader
High levels of safety and performance
are priorities in the oil field. The
availability of a reliable, hands-free,
pipe-and-casing handling system for the
RD20 and RD20 XC will have a major
impact on enhancing efficiency and
performance during the drilling process.
The Atlas Copco Automatic Pipe Loader
(APL) is a stand-alone, hands-free
system that can handle a wide range
of tubulars. APL is a skid-mounted load
that is simple to mobilize and rig up. A
wireless control module and hands-free
operation reduce manual labor, enhance
efficiency and reduce pipe-handling time
and cost. Designed exclusively for the
RD20 or RD20 XC, APL is supplied ready
to go to work with it’s own hydraulic
power unit. It is designed “oil field smart
and oil field tough” to provide years of
reliable service.
Oil Field Smart…
Oil Field Tough
and
Automated Pipe Loader
Power
Mast docking and
alignment arms
The APL is powered by an electric-over-hydraulic power
module supplied with the APL. The hydraulic module
receives electric power from the location generator.
Hydraulic output is 64 gpm @ 3 000 psi (242 lpm @ 207
bar) for operating the APL at optimum performance
with up to a 6,000-lb (2 727-Kg) per unit pipe weight.
The power module is supplied complete with hoses and
quick-connect hydraulic fittings. Available in both 50hz
and 60 hz versions at 230 and 460 volts.
Adaptability
In today’s oil patch, light-weight, highly mobile rigs like
the RD20 and RD20 XC have to handle a wide range
of tubulars, often on the same well. APL is designed to
give contractors a system that adapts to tubular changes
quickly and easily.
APL can handle standard RD20 external flush pipe and
collars in 30 ft (9 m) lengths or Range II external upset oil
field drill pipe and collars up to a maximum unit weight
of 6,000 lbs (2 727-Kg) each. APL is set up to work with
Range III oil field casing diameters between 4 ½ in (114.3
mm) and 13 3/ 8 in (340 mm) and up to 45 ft (13.7 m) in
length. Because the twin hydraulic pipe clamps grab and
secure the pipe on the tubing section, different tool joint
or coupling configurations do not impact loader operation
or performance.
Today’s oil, gas and CBM drilling requirements also
demand adaptability to several drill rig placements on
a location. Some rigs are set up at ground level or on a
low-float base. Other applications call for the rig to be
positioned on an elevated substructure up to 10 ft (3 m)
above ground level to accommodate a BOP stack. The
APL is designed to work with rig placements from ground
level to 10-ft (3-m) substructures without modification.
The APL can easily work in conjunction with free-standing
pipe racks or hydraulic pipe tubs. This exceptional flexibility
reduces downtime, eliminates additional equipment
requirements and saves money.
Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
Exceptional flexibility
reduces down time
and operating cost
and
Automated Pipe Loader
Four folding pipe racks with hydraulic jacks
Jib arm with two hydraulic
pipe clamps
Transfer arm
APL frame and skid base
Mobility and Rig Up
The APL is a compact, self-contained, single load. The oil
field skid base makes loading, unloading and placement
quick and simple. When the APL arrives on location, it is
positioned directly behind the rig and the wireless control
module is activated.
Front outriggers
jacks
Loader
in downand
position
Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
and
APL Set Up, Leveling and Alignment
A six-point hydraulic leveling and alignment system levels
the APL on the center line of the rig and the hole center.
The leveling jacks provide a strong, stable base with the
APL fully loaded with pipe, collars or casing. If the position
of the rig or loader does change during operation, the APL
can make adjustments to its position quickly and easily to
maintain alignment.
Once the APL is positioned behind the rig, the four pipe
racks are swung out and locked. Hydraulic jacks on the end
of each rack are run to the ground to stabilize the racks
under load. These jacks enable the end of the racks to be
raised so pipe rolls to the clamps while drilling or tripping in.
Lowering the racks makes pipe roll to the outer end of the
racks while tripping out of the hole. Pipe stops, at the end
of each rack, prevent pipe from rolling off the racks. Stops
on the inner end of each rack position each pipe for loading.
A new, self contained and automated pipe handling system for
the RD20 and RD20 XC
A single-load, skid unit that is easily
transported and quickly rigged up on any oil
and gas location.
Exceptional flexibility to handle a wide range
of tubular goods and rig positions with almost
no on-site modification.
Automated Pipe Loader
Six-point hydraulic leveling and alignment
assures pipe is lined up under the spindle
Loader in down position
on hole center
Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
and
Automated Pipe Loader
Racks with Roll-On and Roll-Off Control
Independent jacks on the end of the racks
adjust to roll pipe to the clamps when drilling or
in down
back to the Loader
end of the
racks position
when tripping out
Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
and
Automated Pipe Loader
STOPS at the outer end of each rack
prevent pipe from rolling off the racks
A virtually hands-free system that reduces
manual labor and enhances crew safety during
drilling, tripping and casing operations.
A rugged and functional system that is “oil
field smart and oil field tough.”
STOPS at the inner end of each rack position the
next pipe on the flippers when drilling in
FLIPPERS lift the pipe to roll it onto the clamps or
Loaderback
in down
position
off from the clamps
onto the
racks
and
Automated Pipe Loader
Features
Operation
Self contained, single load
Once the APL is positioned behind the rig and deployed for
drilling, the pipe racks are loaded with the drill pipe, collars or
casing. The racks are set to roll pipe toward the loader. The inner
pipe on each rack is in the pre-loading position. This pipe is above
a set of hydraulic flippers that lift the pipe and roll it into the
clamps on the jib arm. The operator can load pipe from either the
left or right pipe racks at any time.
When the pipe is in the clamps, the clamp jaws are closed and
the pipe is elevated to the vertical position behind the mast. The
twin clamps have the required force to secure up to a 6,000 lb
(2 727 Kg) pipe or collar with an adequate safety factor. The jib
arm is extended to position the pipe under the top drive spindle
in alignment with hole center. Once the top drive has spun onto
the joint, the clamps are opened and the transfer arm returns to
the horizontal position to accept the next joint of pipe. Normal
cycle time is about one minute per joint of pipe.
Once the pipe clamps have closed with the transfer arm in the
horizontal (loading) position, they cannot be opened until the jib
arm has reached its vertical position under the top drive spindle
and the joint is connected. There is also a button on the driller’s
console that the driller must push before the pipe man can
release the clamps. In the event of a hose or pump failure during
any part of the operation, the clamps will not open until sufficient
pressure is applied to overcome the clamp locking pressure.
Designed for RD20 and RD20 XC
Robust main frame with skid base
Separate APL power unit
Six-point leveling and alignment
Adaptability to broad range
of tubulars
Wireless remote control module
Designed and built by Atlas Copco
Benefits
Simple, rapid mobilization and
rig up
“Plug-and-play” compatibility
Long-term reliability - less downtime
Maximum performance without
impacting the rig’s hydraulic system
Solid base that maintains alignment
and has adjustment capability
Expands rig’s application range,
eliminates time and cost of
modifications
Enhanced safety and performance
The wireless control module enables the pipe man to operate
Compatibility with RD20 and RD20 XC
the APL from different locations around the rig, on the ground
Global parts, service and training
or on the work floor of the substructure. He can operate the
“Single source” responsibility for
APL in the position that provides the best visibility of the crew
rig and APL
and the overall operation, which enhances safety. The best thing
about the
APL is that
it never gets
tired or slows down on long,
Atlas
Copco
Drilling
Solutions
Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
demanding trips.
and
Automated Pipe Loader
and
Automated Pipe Loader
Pipe in position to load
RD20 at ground level
Pipe in position to load RD20
on a 10 ft substructure
Plug-and-play compatibility
with the RD20 and RD20 XC
Dimensions
U.S.
Metric
Length
50.4 ft
15.3 m
Width (transport)
8.5 ft
2.6 m
Width (drilling)
20.6 ft
6.2 m
Height
4.7 ft
1.4 m
Weight
35,000 lb
15 875 kg
Pipe handling size range
Outside Diameter
3 ½ in – 13 3/ 8 in
88.9 – 339.7 mm
Length
28 ft – 45 ft
8.5 – 13.6 m
Maximum Pipe Weight
6,000 lb
2 727 kg
100 HP (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled)
75 kw
Power pack - Self contained skid
Electric Motor
Hydraulic Output
Remote Controller
50 / 60 Hz @ 230 / 460V
50 / 60 Hz @ 230 / 460V
64 gpm @ 3000 psi
242 lpm @ 207 bar
Class 1, Division 1 wireless radio remote,
lightweight and weatherproof
58374428 Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
Printed in USA
Visit www.atlascopco.com/RD20 to learn more about the
and
Automated Pipe Loader.
© Copyright 2011, Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions LLC, Garland, TX 75040, USA. All product names in this publication are trademarks of Atlas Copco. Any unauthorized use or copying
of the contents or any part thereof is prohibited. This applies in particular to trademarks, model denominations, part numbers and drawings. lllustrations and photos in this brochure
may show equipment with optional extras. Specifications and equipment subject to change without notice. Consult your Atlas Copco Customer Center for specific information.
Auto Pipe loader General Specifications
Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions
Phone: +1 972.496.7400 Fax: +1 972.496.7425
www.atlascopco.com/RD20