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IPLC Manual - Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC
IPLC Manual - Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC
MANUAL
I. SAFETY AWARENESS...................................................................................................... 3
II. WARNINGS .......................................................................................................................... 4
III. PRE-OPERATIONAL INSPECTION ............................................................................ 5
IV. EQUIPMENT OPERATIONAL SET-UP ....................................................................... 6
V. FORCE MECHANISMS ...................................................................................................... 7
VI. CLAMP LINE UP PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 10
VII. PIPE CLEARANCE ....................................................................................................... 11
VIII. CENTERING STOP ....................................................................................................... 12
IX. CLAMPING ACCURACY ............................................................................................. 14
X. CHECKING CLAMP ALIGNMENT ................................................................................. 15
XI. SHIMMING ...................................................................................................................... 16
XII. CLAMPING PRESSURE .............................................................................................. 18
XIII. OPERATION INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 19
XIV. MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................. 23
XV. LUBRICATION ............................................................................................................... 25
XVI. PIPE SIZE AND WALL THICKNESS ......................................................................... 29
XVII. CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE.............................................................................. 31
XVIII. AIR POWERED CLAMP TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................... 32
XIX. PARTS ORDER FORM ................................................................................................ 36
THIS MANUAL AND ALL OF IT’S CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS SHOULD BE READ
BEFORE ANY OPERATION OF THIS AIR POWERED CLAMP BY QUALIFIED
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.
Before this equipment was shipped from Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC, it was
thoroughly checked for proper functioning. Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC
clamps are precisely calibrated to the pipe size and wall thickness
specifications received upon their order. The air tanks are empty and all
mechanisms are retracted before they are shipped.
In the event that pipe sizes or wall thickness changes while the equipment
is in route, modification of the original calibrations will be necessary. For
specific instructions on these adjustments please see the Maintenance
Section of the manual.
The next step in preparing the clamp for use is to assemble the operator’s
control rod. It is shipped unassembled due to the length of segments
required for operation. This assembly consists of the operator handle, the
reach rod segments and the air filler connection. These components are
welded together upon arrival to the line site. The segments should be
welded to withstand 200 psi. When assembly is completed the reach rod
segments should be blown clean of any residue that may be left. This is
accomplished by blowing air through the rod’s filler end while the end
segment is tapped. This process will expel any residue out of the open
handle. When this procedure is complete the air fitting for the handle is
installed.
Before the clamp is installed in the pipe, the drive wheel and force
mechanism should be checked for performance. These checks should be
done while the clamp is being lifted for entrance into the pipe. Stabilize the
clamp by leaving the tank in contact with the skid. Using the air supplied
from the air tank, the operator should manually push the button valves on
the nose cone to operate the controls.
Use the RH button valve to expand the force mechanisms. Direct air
pressure is applied for expansion while regulated pressure is used for
retraction. Depress the first two LH push button bleeder valves to retract
the mechanisms. Chuck retraction should be instant. Any air circuits that
do not function properly should be checked for adequate air supply. A
pressure gauge may be temporally installed in the opening where the pipe
plug is located on the side of the regulator body, if the operator feels the air
pressure should be monitored during operation.
Before the clamp is used for production, proper line-up in the pipe. These
checks should be preformed on two or three good quality joints. A
carpenter’s square should be used to verify its squareness. The force
mechanisms are retracted and the clamp is installed into the pipe tall first.
The lifting hook should just clear the pipe’s end. Using the top spring-
loaded wheel to lock the clamp into the pipe, the operator will manually
center the chucks and then continue forward until the chucks are inside.
With the clamp now in its approximate working position, expand the rear
chucks by manually pressing the outermost RH button valve. The clamp
will rise in the pipe providing the support wheels with some clearance. The
operator should retract and expand the rear chucks three or four times in
sequence. The clamp should consistently rise and fall without rocking. If
rocking does occur the operator must check the adjustments on both
wheels again. Rocking is the sign that the clamp height is uneven.
The centering stop on the 10" Air Powered Clamp is adjusted before
shipment and should not need readjustments. However, to insure that the
chucks are equally spaced on either side of the welding area, a quick check
can be made.
After the operator has retracted both the front and rear chucks using the
two left hand buttons, he will move the clamp forward until the centering
stop drops down over the pipe bevel.
The clamp is positioned backwards by pushing on the reach rod until the
centering stop engages the pipe end. The operator must be sure that the
centering stop halts the clamp’s travel as it engages the pipe’s beveled
edge.
The operator will examine the pipe end to see if the pipe edge is centered
between the line-up brackets. It should be in line with the force mechanism
grease fittings. This will allow 1/16" to 1/8" more of the nose to jut at pipes
end. The clamp will gradually move back as the centering stop wears from
daily use.
(Method I)
1. Position the clamp in the pipe with the front edge of the rear chucks
visually flush with the pipe end.
3. Observe that the chuck rollers are equally positioned relative to the
beveled edge. Look across the end of the pipe to compare the line-
up rollers to the pipe edge.
(Method II)
1. Using the centering stop as a guide, position the clamp in the normal
working location. Expand the front and rear chucks.
2. Using a 6" rule or similar tool, measure the distance between the
chuck rollers and the pipe edge at several locations around the pipe.
Ideally, dimensions should be the same at all locations.
.188 1 1 2
.219 1 2
.250 1 2
.281 2
.312 1 1 1
.344 1 1
.375 1 1
.406 1
.437 1 1
.500 1
To begin the shimming pre-load measurement the operator will move the
clamp to its normal working position, using the centering stop as a line up
reference. The rear chucks are expanded and the operator will measure the
height of an expanded radial piston from the spider housing to the piston
shoulder. If the operator finds a more convenient reference this may also
be used. The front chucks are expanded and the same type of
measurement is made again.
CAUTION !!
DO NOT OVER SHIM IN AN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE FORCE.
THE CLOSER THE PISTON LINKS ARE TO PARALLELING THE
HUB GUIDE SURFACE, THE GREATER IS THE MECHANICAL
ADVANTAGE.
After the rear chucks are retracted, the operator will lift the centering stop
and propel the clamp into the pipe until the front chucks are in the pipe in
their normal positions. The operator will expand the front chucks and
check the tightness of each clamping roller as done previously.
In either case, if the chucks are not resistant to movement the shims
should be checked and if needs be, shims added to each roller until
clamping pressure is achieved.
CLAMP REMOVAL
At the end of the day, the clamp is to be removed from the pipe to allow the
operator to preform daily maintenance as described in section 6 of this
manual. The removal process begins with the operator propelling the
clamp forward to the open end of the pipe using normal forward travel. The
clamp should continue forward until it is within arms reach. Using the stop
cable, discontinue travel.
Position the clamp so that the centering stop drops over the pipe edge and
connect the side boom hook to the lifting eye. The boom driver will apply
tension to the side boom cable, raising the clamp for clearance. He will
maneuver the clamp forward by slowly inching the side boom forward
pulling the clamp from the pipe. Manual support is provided to steady the
clamp after it is clear of the pipe.
LEVEL TERRAIN
When the operator is satisfied with the clamps position, he will expand the
rear chucks using finger pressure and prepare to accept the next joint of
pipe. The air supply is disconnect from the operator’s control handle and
given to the hose man. The hose man and boom move forward together.
The operator’s control handle is fed into the near end of the oncoming
pipe. The operator will walk to the far end of the oncoming pipe and wait
for the operator’s handle. When the handle emerges he will reconnect the
air hose and prepare to expand the clamp in the pipe.
CAUTION !!
THERE IS A SLIGHT DELAY BETWEEN INITIATION OF A STOP
AND THE CLAMP ACTUALLY STOPPING DUE TO THE
CLAMPS’ INERTIA. BE AWARE OF THIS AND ANTICIPATE
THE STOPPING, RATHER THAN WAIT UNTIL THE LAST
MOMENT. IF THE CLAMP TRAVELS TOO FAR USE THE
REVERSE CABLE AS AN EMERGENCY STOP.
The clamp operator will rotate the operator’s handle clockwise depressing
the RH button valve that expands the front chucks. The air hose is
disconnected from the operator’s handle and passed to the hose man as
before. The welder will then apply the bead while the spacer stands by to
drive out the spacer tools. After the join is welded, the clamp operator will
rotate the control rod fully counter clockwise in one motion. This will
initiate two functions: first, the front chucks will retract, second, it will
simultaneously retract the rear chucks. The operator’s control handle is
guided into the near end of the oncoming joint as was done previously.
The spacer then move to the open end of the joint just welded to receive
the clamp stopping it in the last few feet of the pipe and preparing for the
next set up.
CAUTION !!
WHEN OPERATING THE CLAMP ON STEEP TERRAIN. THE
OPERATOR SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS
ASSOCIATED WITH ALLOWING THE CLAMP TO SLIDE
BACKWARDS. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS PROVIDED TO
ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL.
During uphill operation the clamp is positioned and the rear chuck is
immediately expanded. This will lock the clamp into the pipe. After the
operational steps are completed the clamp chucks are retracted and
forward travel is initiated. There should be no delay between the clamp
lock in and forward motion. Any delay may allow the clamp to coast
backward down the pipe.
The clamps that are provided by Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC are standard
clamps equipped with air motors. These clamps depend on the driven load
and an adequate air source to provide limited speed. On some occasions
where the terrain is very steep, Visaga Pipeline Intl LLC may provide
specially equipped side brakes to these clamps. The customer should
contact a Visaga Pipeline Intl LLC service representative for details.
Maintenance programs have one objective and that is to ensure that the
equipment is operable when needed and remain so as long as possible.
Preventative maintenance is used to prevent breakdowns due to lack of
lubrication and the lack of general servicing, which included cleaning and
routine adjustments. Corrective maintenance is used to restore defective
equipment to an operable status using a trouble shooting guide and a
repair technician. In the event a qualified repair technician is not available
on the site, please advise your Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC representative and
a service technician will be supplied.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Proper and daily servicing extends equipment life. This is especially true
for force mechanisms and related pneumatic components. Basic
guidelines are as follows:
*Air filters - (regularly)
1. Uncouple quick disconnect fitting at nose end of the clamp after the
air pressure has been bled from the system. CAUTION-AIR
ENTERING THE BLOOD STREAM THROUGH THE SKIN MAY BE
FATAL.
2. Drain the system through the manual draincock at the bottom of the
filter. Note the quantity of water that drains from the bowl to provide
guidelines for the maintenance program.
3. When pressure has been bled from the system, unscrew the filer
bowl from the body.
4. Remove the filter element for inspection and cleaning
5. Unscrew the ribbed baffle from the end of the support stud
6. Carefully lower the baffle and remove it from the stud
7. Examine the element for sediment. Excessive sediment is cleaned
or the element is replaced.
8. The bronze filter element may be cleaned in kerosene
9. Air dry the element and then replace it on the support stud, with the
open end up
10. Replace the baffle and tighten it only hand tight
11. Clean filter bowl with kerosene and wipe dry
12. After cleaning, carefully thread the bowl into the filter body and hand
tighten. Check that the o-ring is pliable and is still round
13. Check that the manual draincock is finger tight
Daily servicing is vital to the life of the pneumatic system. All pneumatic
components receive lubrication from the oil fog in the air that flows though
the lubricator. Oil fog not only lubricates but it helps prevent rust and
corrosion. A good understanding of how the equipment functions is
helpful when it comes to maintenance. The same applies to the filter and
the lubricator.
Air entering the filter flows through spiral louvers forcing it into a whirling
pattern. Heavier solids and water particles are thrown onward by
centrifugal force and collect on the inside wall of a metal bowl.
Accumulations drain down past the baffle to the bottom. The baffle
isolates the upper section from the lower bowl. The upper air turbulence
cannot re-circulate the residue back into the air stream. The air leaving the
bowl passes through a porous bronze filter element which removes solid
impurities.
As filtered air enters the lubricator inlet port and flows toward the outlet. A
pressure drop develops across the venturi section. The oil supply bowl is
slightly pressurized depending on the outlet of the venturi. This pressure
differential causes oil to flow up the siphon tube to a chamber above the
drip gland. Oil flow is controlled by adjusting the pressure applied to a felt
disc. Oil drips at a desired rate from the drip gland through the sight feed
into the air line. Oil entering the air stream is atomized into an airborne oil
fog and carried to all of the components in the pneumatic systems.
Oil flow from the lubricator can be varied from one drop per minute to a full
stream. The recommended adjustment for this system is approximately 6
drops per minute, visible at the sight glass. This is a difficult amount to
observe, since oil leaves the lubricator only when it is accompanied by air
flow. If an adjustment is necessary, the qualified serviceman will rotate the
thumbscrew clockwise to lightly seat the adjuster. The thumbscrew is
backed out using a counter clockwise motion for 1-1/2 - 2 turns. Observe
the amount of oil deposited by using a clean rag or piece of paper. Hold it
near an exhaust port to visualize atomized oil blowing from the exhaust
ports during expansion or retraction of the chucks. This is and indication
that lubrication is adequate.
CAUTION !!
LUBRICATION ENTERING THE SYSTEM MUST BE CLEAN AND
FREE OF CONTAMINANTS.
To observe actual oil flow as air passes through the lubricator, position the
clamp so that the tall wheel is free from the pipe wall then initiate
continuous forward motor rotation. Observe the number of drops passing
through the lubricator sight feed for a minute or two. Oil flow should
average 6-8 drops per minute. If too much oil is flowing, rotate the
thumbscrew clockwise a small amount. If more oil is needed, rotate the
thumbscrew counter clockwise.
A pump type oiler with a long neck is useful to fill the oil reservoir.
Recommended lubricant is a low viscosity motor oil S.A.E. 10 is compatible
with Buna-N elastomer seals used in air control valves. In extremely cold
weather, the unit may require special lubricants or multi viscosity oils such
as S.A.E. 5W-20. A self contained, compact cold weather unit is available
to prevent freeze up in air lines and operating parts at temperatures down
to -70 F (-57 C).
FORCE MECHANISM
During normal use, grease should be added twice daily. Two or three
strokes of grease at each fitting is adequate. To check effectiveness,
observe the grease beginning to seep from around one of the radial
pistons. Perform pressure lubrication with the chucks retracted.
All equipment should be cleaned regularly. Dirt, excess grease, and other
build up should be removed daily. Whenever maintenance is being
preformed, be sure that all openings are properly covered to keep metal
particles, dirt or any other residue out.
To change to a larger size from a smaller size the radius is increased 1" to
satisfy a 2" pipe size change. The serviceman will remove the nut and axle
bolt from the upper mounting hole in the support bracket of the tall wheels.
He will reinstall them in the lower mounting holes. To avoid locking the
wheels, the serviceman should not over torque the retaining nut. The same
procedure is followed for the front support wheels. The tall wheel may
require additional washers at the spring loaded bolt. This is to supply
proper traction in the pipe during clamp travel. After these changes have
been made, the roller brackets will be 1" higher.
Use a 5/16" Allen wrench to remove the roller bracket allen capscrews and
lockwashers. The roller bracket join to the pistons. The keys should be
saved for use in reinstallation. The shims will be the same under each
bracket for equal thickness. For this example, do not remove these
spacers, since the pipe wall thickness is not being changed.
The larger roller brackets are installed by starting near the top and working
down each side. Check that all shims are on the machined part of the
chuck pistons so that they rest on the piston shoulder. Place a section of
the key stock in each keyway, so that is just clears the shims. Align each
bracket keyway with a key then push the bracket onto the piston. A light
tap on the bracket will seat the assembly. With the brackets in place, retain
them by using longer capscrews. Use a socket wrench to properly torque
capscrews so that their heads are flush with bracket when seated.
Continue until all of the brackets are installed.
The serviceman will check to see that an equal number of shims are
installed under each bracket. If they are not equal, High-Low will occur
during line-up operation and the clamp will not operate correctly and
damage to the clamp could occur.
If the pipe wall thickness changes the clamp will require adjustments to
accommodate these changes. It does not matter which size pipe the clamp
has been previously configured any wall thickness change will require
these adjustments. Special clamps are manufactured to accommodate
extremely thick pipe wall of certain size pipe odometers. These specialized
clamps are manufactured so that its smaller configurations may be
shimmed upward to fit heavy wall pipe. Normally, a sales representative
from Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC will request the wall thickness before the
clamps are shipped to the location.
To provide added diameter to the nose cone, adapter plates are welded to
tubular members at the junctions of the nose cone mounting ring. After
welding, they should be dressed smoothly, since they guide incoming pipe
sections over the roller brackets. For smaller size pipes, the adapter plates
must be removed with a cutting torch.
The clamp centering stop may not need readjusting, but adjustments can
be made conveniently during preliminary checks. Since the pipe diameter
is greater, the centering stop drop must also be greater. This adjustment is
made by readjusting the setscrew to limit the centering stop arm to an
acceptable distance.
CAUTION!!
DO NOT OVER SHIM IN AN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE FORCE.
The troubleshooting guide supplied by Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC should aid
in the correction of many of these problems. However, in the event that
equipment problems are not ascertained, a Visaga Pipeline Intl. LLC
service representative is available at the customers request.
Chucks do not expand or retract Improper air pressure leak in the air Charge air tank to 180-200 psi.
bleeder valve Check the air bleeder valve
Incoming pipe damages the plungers Check the guide and re-weld as
The nose guide is worn needed
Improper line up
Check with a spacer gauge and add
Improper or worn shims shims as needed
Clamp drags while traveling from join
to joint Adjust the tension
Tail wheel tension is too tight
3. QUANTITY
5. TYPE OF DELIVERY
IN ORDER TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH PROMPTNESS AND EFFICIENCY WE ASK THAT
THE QUESTIONS ABOVE TO BE ANSWERED WHETHER ORDERING BY FAX OR CALL IN.