Quick-connect coupling

The quick-connect coupling is a device that connects easily and securely to the casing. Its use and characteristics are detailed further in the next sections.

The use of twin-path slings to secure

cement heads to the elevators or bails are a requirement in Standard 5.

Cement heads through size 13-3/8 in are secured by using the TPXC 1500 sling and the Crosby 3-ton hook.

Slings have three main advantages over cable:

They increase the safety margin. A wire rope such as 1/2-in 6x19 IWRC EIP rope can support a 960-lb2 _{force load when it}

drops from 3 ft but fails at a drop of 5 ft. With a twin-path sling the weight is safely supported, even with a 5-ft fall.

Twin-path slings provide three visible means of identifying damage, which will be explained further. The integrity of wire ropes is often difficult to assess, especially in the presence of dirt and oil.

The synthetic slings are lightweight and flexible, making them user-friendly in terms of handling at heights and securing the load.

Figure 6-10. Tattletale for Slings

The black line indicates the limit to which the yellow fiber cord can be pulled to before the sling should be removed from service.

Black limit line

Fiber cord Fiber optic

Twin-path slings (patented by Slingmax) use two hi-tech fiber rope cores that provide each other with backup protection. The two cores are physically separated within the sling. Each core forms a continuous loop, so two conducting paths share the load.

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The slings have a dual cover. If the outer cover is cut, the red inner cover is revealed, which indicates that the sling’s integrity has been compromised. When this happens, the two tattletales built into the sling must be examined. One of these is a solid fiber chord (Fig. 6-10) that extends outside the sling cover for each load path. When the cord is pulled partially under the cover or disappears, the sling is overloaded.

The other tattletale consists of fiber-optic lines that follow the complete loop inside the sling, one fiber for each side. Each optical fiber is continuous and emerges from the sling at the mid-point, as shown below.

Figure 6-11. Optic Lines

Fiber optic

If light can be transmitted from one end of the fiber optic cable to the other, the sling has not been overloaded or damaged and can remain in service.

However, if light cannot be transmitted from one end to the other, the sling must be removed from service.

Note:

The ends of the optical cable may be dirty from use. When performing the light continuity test always ensure that the ends are clean. It may be necessary to cut a very small piece off each end before testing.

For detailed information on the types, costs, order numbers, and weight limits of the slings refer to Maintenance Bulletin 1062-BRestraining Slings for Cement Heads InTouch Content ID# 3562542.

Locations that already have the slings in use can continue to use them on the 16-in through 20 in-heads (TPXC 3000-12 ft). The TPXC 1000 (8 ft with 5-ton hook) can be used on all cement heads up through the 9 5/8-in single or double cement head. This applies to both standard pressure and integral cement heads. A durable carrying case is provided with each set of slings. After each use, the slings should be cleaned, inspected, and placed in the bag. Before inspecting the sling, wash it with soap and water. The slings are approved for washing with a high-pressure washer.

Inspection of twin-path slings

Tattletales should extend to the black line marked across both paths of the sling. If neither tattletale is visible or if neither extends past the black line, remove the sling from service (see Fig. 6-12). If Tell-Tails show evidence of chemical degradation, remove the sling from service and send it to the manufacturer for evaluation and repair.

38 | Cement Head Components

Slings should be inspected to see whether the outer cover is cut or torn. Slings must be removed from service if the white core yarns become exposed. If cuts to the inner red jacket are visible, remove the sling from service immediately and send it back to the manufacturer for repair if possible. Damage to the cover may indicate load core damage.

Inspect the slings for evidence of heat damage. Slings with polyester or Covermax covers should not be exposed to temperatures above 82 degC (180 degF). Cold temperature exposure down to –40 degC (–40 degF) does not affect the strength of the products. Any other temperature to which the

equipment will be exposed should be referred to the manufacturer for approval.

Fiber-optic light transfer determines core integrity. If light cannot be transmitted from one end of the fiber-optic cable to the other end, the sling has been overloaded or damaged (see Fig. 6-12). If deterioration is found, the sling must be removed from service and returned to the manufacturer for evaluation. Test both optic fibers.

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Figure 6-12. Sling Inspection

Tell-tails

Black line

Sling overloaded

Slings removed from service that cannot be repaired should be destroyed so that they are completely unfit for future use.

Abrasion, heat damage, or cuts to the cover may indicate a loss of strength to the load core. These slings should not be used until they have been evaluated by the manufacturer.

Slings should be examined throughout their entire length for abrasions, cuts, heat damage, and fitting distortion. If there is any doubt whatsoever about the sling integrity, remove the sling from service. Slings must be visually inspected before every cementing job.

After the job, slings should be packed in the bag provided.

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Figure 6-13. Slings Bag

Figure 6-14. Slings Fiber Check

Optic fiber

Reflection of light from this end A flashlight shone

into this end

Inspection of Crosby synthetic sling saver shackles (S-253)

Check for wear, deformation, cracks, sharp nicks, and modifications on all Crosby shackles.

The two major wear points on the Crosby S-235 sling saver shackles are at the pull of the bow (D) and the pull of the pin (B) (see diagram). No more than 10 percent of wear of the original dimensions is acceptable on any Crosby shackles, as shown in Fig. 6-15.

Deformation of the Crosby S-253 sling saver shackle can be measured by the overall length of the shackle (A), the width between the ears of the shackle (C), and whether the pin seats fully in the shackle (see Fig. 6-15).

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Cracks can show anywhere on the shackle, but the pulling surfaces tend to show most deterioration. Sharp nicks on the shackle should be removed to avoid sling damage and failure.

No modification should be made to Crosby fittings without the consent of the manufacturer.

If any indications are observed, the shackle must be removed from service.

A 3.06 in D - width Dim. Tot. + 0.25 - 0.00 + 0.00 - 0.12 + 0.18 - 0.18 + 0.00 - 0.14 B 1.25 in C 1.62 in D 1.38 in width A B C

Figure 6-15. Shackle Inspection

D-width

Inspection of Crosby hooks (5-ton WS-320) Crosby hooks are a part of the sling assembly used for lifting the cement head.

Check for wear, deformation, cracks, nicks, and gouges on all Crosby hooks.

The two major wear points on the Crosby WS-320 synthetic sling saver hooks are at the pull of the eye (B) and the bowl of the hook (D). No more than 5 percent of wear of the original dimension is acceptable (see Figs. 6-16 and 6-17). • • • • •

40 | Cement Head Components A 1.47 in B - width D - width Dim. Tot. + 0.25 - 0.25 + 0.08 - 0.08 + 0.25 - 0.25 + 0.06 - 0.06 B 1.63 in width C 2.00 in D 1.13 in width A C

Figure 6-16. Crosby Hook Inspection

B-width

D-width

Figure 6-17. Hook Deformation Indicators

Deformation indicators

Never use a hook whose throat opening has been widened (which indicates abuse or overload) or whose tip has been bent more than 10 degrees out of plane from the hook body, which is in any other way distorted or bent.

To check for deformations, refer to two strategically placed marks, one just below the shank or eye and the other on the hook tip, to see whether the throat opening has changed.

Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the marks. The marks should align to either an inch or a half-inch increment on the tape measure (see Fig. 6-17). If the measurement does not meet this criterion, the hook should be inspected further for possible damage.

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Remove any hook with a crack, nick, or gouge from service, and repair it by grinding lengthwise, following the contour of the hook (no more than 5 percent of the original dimension, as determined in table.) For the WS-320 hook, the reference is 2.5 inches.

No modifications should be made to Crosby fittings without the consent of the manufacturer.

If any modification or wear is found, remove the hook from service.

Inspection of Crosby hooks (3-ton WS-320AN) Check for wear, deformation, cracks, nicks, and gouges on all Crosby hooks.

The two major wear points on Crosby WS-320AN synthetic sling saver hook are at the pull of the eye (B) and the bowl of the hook (D). Acceptable wear on a Crosby hook is no more than 5 percent of the original dimensions. (see Figure 6-18). Never use a hook whose throat opening has increased, whose tip has been bent more than 10 degrees out of plane from the hook body, or which is in any other way distorted or bent.

Note:

A latch will not work properly on a hook with a bent or worn tip.

Remove any hook with a crack, nick, or gouge from service and repair it by grinding lengthwise, following the contour of the hook (no more than 5 percent of the original dimensions).

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A 1.47 in B - width D - width Dim. Tot. + 0.25 - 0.25 + 0.08 - 0.08 + 0.25 - 0.25 + 0.06 - 0.06 B 1.63 in width C 2.00 in D 1.13 in width A C

Figure 6-18. Hook Widths

B-width

42 | Cement Head Components