Rotary Slips Maintenance and

Operations Manual

Rev. 1
 Table of Contents
Section Page #
1. Introduction
A. Purpose 2
B. Selection 2

2. Operation
A. Installation 2-3
B. Operation 3-4

3. Maintenance
A. Daily Preventative Maintenance 4-5
B. Monthly Preventative Maintenance 5
C. Routine Lubrication 5

D. Warnings and Cautions 5-6

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 Introduction
1A Purpose

This technical manual provides maintenance and operation information for

National Oilwell’s (NOI) manual rotary slips. It also provides information regarding
individual component’s maintenance, operation, and examination.

1B Selection

Manual rotary slips should be carefully selected based upon the drill string depth,
Master bushing design, tubular size and material.

Operation

2A Installation

Figure 2.A.1 – 5 1/2” B-Long Slip Assembly

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 Table 2.A.1 – Slip Assembly
Item Description Qty Part Number **
1 Left Slip Handle 1 WTM-737-000-0100
2 Center Slip Handle 1 WTM-737-000-0200
3 Right Slip Handle 1 WTM-737-000-0300
4 Left Body Segment 1 -
5 Center Body Segment 1 -
6 Right Body Segment 1 -
7 Hinge Pin 2 WTM-737-000-0500
8 Hinge Pin Retainer 2 WTM-117-005-0109
9 Handle Pin 3 WTM-737-000-0400
10 Insert Retainer Pin 3 WTM-737-000-0600
11 Cotter Pin 6 WTM-117-005-0201
12a Inserts 5 1/2" X 5 1/2" 24 * WTM-757-054-0154
12b Inserts 5 1/2" X 5" 24 * WTM-757-054-0150
12c Inserts 5 1/2" X 4 1/2" 24 * WTM-757-054-0144
12d Inserts 5 1/2" X 4" 24 * WTM-757-054-0140
Note: * = Varies with assembly size
** = For reference only

National Oilwell manual rotary slips are designed for quick installation and
simple operation. Slips are typically shipped less inserts, install inserts suitable for your
specific pipe size and application.

2B Operation

NOI manual rotary slips are operated by firmly grasping the left, right, and center
handles. The slips are lifted from the rig floor, placed around the drill pipe, and lowered
into the master bushing (see Figure 2.B.1). The slip’s inserts should fully engage the pipe
outside diameter (see Figure 2.B.2) and the slip’s tapered back should fully engage the
master bushing (see figure 2.B.3). As the drill string is lowered, the slips become
“wedged” between the pipe and the master bushing, suspending the drill string. Ensure
sufficient clearance exists between the slip handles and elevator for elevator
removal/installation.

Caution: Engaging the rotary table while making or breaking pipe

connections may cause injury and/or damage equipment and is therefore prohibited.

Remove slips by firmly grasping the left, right, and center handles. While the
drill string is lifted by the drawworks, remove the slips from the master bushing and place
in a suitable location.

Caution: Care should be taken to ensure hands and/or fingers are not
caught between the slips and mating components (such as the elevator).

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 Figure 2.B.1 – Slips Installed into Master Bushing
(Optional Flex-Style Handles Shown)

Figure 2.B.2 – Inserts Fully Engage Pipe Figure 2.B.3 – Slips Fully Engage Bushing

3A Daily Preventative Maintenance

Inspection should be performed prior to use or as part of a routine maintenance

schedule.

1) Check for proper attachment of inserts, insert retainers, insert retainer pins, hinge
pins, hinge pin retainers, handles, and handle pins.

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2) Wash rotary slip and perform visual inspection of each part to check for unusual wear
or damage. Replace components as necessary.

3) Slips should be lubricated daily during use and periodically while in storage to
prevent corrosion. Lubricate insert slots and back of taper with an extreme pressure,
lithium based, multipurpose No. 1 or No. 2 consistency grease. Insert slots and backs
may be lubricated with multi-weight motor oil to ease movement.

3B Monthly Preventative Maintenance

1) Check the insert slots for signs of wear. Replace the slip before the insert slot no
longer retains the inserts under load.
2) Inspect the back taper for each slip segment, using a straight edge, for any signs of
uneven wear.
3) Check the hinge pins signs of wear and replace as necessary.
4) Check insert contact by either: wrapping clean, dry, paper around a clean section of
drill pipe, or coating pipe sufficiently with a dye penetrate developer. Set the slips
into the master bushing using at least 25 Tons of load, ensuring the inserts makes
contact with the test area. Remove the slips and inspect the contact area. The inserts
should make full contact with the drill pipe. If not, perform an additional test using a
new set of slips and new pipe test area. If full contact is again not achieved, replace
the master bushing.
5) Contact your local National Oilwell Handling Tool representative for suggested
tolerance and maximum wear on parts and pins. Slips, which are heavily used or
show excessive signs of wear, should be inspected more often.

3C Routine Lubrication

Manual Safety Clamps should be properly lubricated prior to use or as part of a

maintenance schedule.
• Grease slip segment tapered area and insert slots.
• Lubricate regularly during usage and storage to help prevent corrosion and maintain
proper operation.

3F Warnings and Cautions

Warnings:
• Manual rotary slips are critically loaded tools when supporting tubular goods. Inspect
frequently to ensure all components are in safe working order.
• Manual rotary slips which have experienced: excessive wear, have cracks, unusual
drilling conditions (jarring, repeated running into tool joint, ect.); should be replaced
or repaired by an authorized service center. Failure to do so may result in serious
bodily damage or property damage.

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• Manual rotary slips are made using high strength alloy castings, which are heat-
treated and should not be welded in the field. Improper welding can weaken the part
and can lead to possible failure. Serious bodily damage or property damage may
result from improper welding.
• Ensure rotary slip assembly configurations are used with the correct size tubular.
• Remove from operation any set of rotary slips which have been “set” on the tool joint.
A complete inspection shall be performed before placing the damaged slips back into
service.
• To avoid injury do not place hands or clothing between moving parts or other pinch
points areas.

Cautions:
• Only National Oilwell replacement parts should be used.