CRTi™ Running Procedure

WARNING The following instructions have been prepared with reference to certain drilling rig
types for illustrative purposes only. Always follow the safe operating procedure
prepared by your company and specific to your equipment and operations.

1. General Safety
 Hoist and torque capacity are reduced when the tool is loaded simultaneously in hoist and
torque. Refer to the CRTi Specification Sheets (see Table 2 at the end of this document) if the
tool is loaded in this manner.
 Allowable hoist limit due to casing strength is affected by tool engagement. Refer to the CRTi
Specification Sheets (see Table 2 at the end of this document) to calculate the casing specific
hoist and torque limits. Always stay within the tool and casing hoist and torque limits.
 Hoist capacity is affected by pressure within the casing. Refer to the CRTi Specification Sheet
(see Table 2 at the end of this document) to calculate the end load due to pressure and the
corrected hoist capacity.
 During operation only the operator and essential personnel should be on the rig floor. When not
needed, personnel should be located at a safe distance from the hole.
 Ensure rig is aligned to aid in tool stabbing and connection makeup.
 Lighting and position of operator must be such that the alignment lines on the tool are visible at
all times during operation, including during inclement weather such as heavy snow/fog or on tall
rigs. Use of a camera is recommended when sightlines are compromised.
 Always check the air spring pressure before use and after running the first 2 to 3 joints to ensure
there is no damage to seals that could result in loss of air spring pressure during operation.
 Power source should be isolated prior to performing minor maintenance such as cleaning or
scrubbing dies.
 Never leave the tool unattended while engaged in casing in case of rig malfunction
 Extended periods of tool engagement should be avoided during continuous hoisting and/or
circulating. Release the tool at least every ½ hour if practical and monitor release torque.
 Use caution if the decision is made to override the Top Drive Floor Saver.

WARNING Never contact or react load through the CRTi Bumper, unless the intent is to engage or
disengage the CRTi from the casing. Equipment at risk of contacting the Bumper
include; casing slips (conventional, pneumatic, etc.), spiders, rig floor and slip bushings.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

2. Rigging In
Pipe Arm Rigs AND V-Door Rigs
1. Hoist CRTi to rig floor.
2. Place in stump or grip CRTi Lock Sleeve with iron roughneck.
3. Present CRTi tool joint box to top drive quill – ensuring thread axis alignment – and make up the
tool joint connection to required torque. If tool is in slip bushings make sure the CRTi is not
accidentally activated as this can result in overstroke and damage to the tool.
4. Mark the alignment of each connection after it has been made up to the required torque.

NOTE Makeup torque limitations for each tool joint connection between the CRTi and top drive
should be as per tool joint manufacturer’s recommendations or specifications.

WARNING In order to prevent unanticipated tool joint back off, makeup CRTi tool joint connection
according to Volant document 100028. In some cases the recommended makeup
torques specified in 100028 may not be achievable due to limits of the drilling rig. In no
case should the makeup torque be less than the 1.25 times the maximum anticipated
operational torque (usually the maximum makeup torque of the casing connection) or
the minimum makeup torque specified in API Recommended Practice 7G. Always
monitor tool joints for back off. Consider using a tool joint lock or tether device to
mitigate the risk of tool joint back off. If tool joint make-up torque needs to be verified
or re-applied this should be done only when the tool is at floor level.

WARNING Only grip CRTi on Lock Sleeve to react torque during makeup with top drive system. Do
not grip CRTi on Cam Housing, Cage, Bumper, Dies or Casing Seal Assembly.

WARNING Manual guiding of CRTi should be avoided. If manual guiding is unavoidable, guide the
casing to the CRTi (do not guide the CRTi to the casing), and be aware of pinch points
between the; CRTi and casing joint when stabbing, CRTi and top drive, and the Keeper
and Casing Seal Backup (gap closes during accidental release).

3. Hoisting Casing Joint with Handling Equipment

Pipe Arm Rigs Only
1. Install a Safety Nubbin in the coupling prior to
hoisting the casing joint. Ensure Safety Nubbin is
threaded per OEM instructions.
2. Position top drive to receive casing joint.
3. Grip casing with pipe arm and lift into position
such that casing is aligned with top drive.
V-Door Rigs Only
1. Install a Safety Nubbin in the coupling prior to
hoisting the casing joint. Ensure Safety Nubbin is
threaded per OEM instructions.
2. Lower top drive and link tilt bales such that the
casing elevator can reach the casing joint
presented in the V-door.
3. Pick up casing joint from V-door and hoist it
into derrick.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

4. Stabbing and Setting Tool

Pipe Arm Rigs Only V-Door Rigs Only
1. Lubricate Casing Seal.
2. Ensure axial alignment between CRTi and casing joint.

3. Lower top drive to stab CRTi into joint. 3. Hoist single casing joint until there is
clearance between the field end pin tip and
stump. Place stump guide on stump and lower
casing joint into stump guide. Lower top drive
to stab CRTi into joint, using link tilts to control
joint position.
4. Set down top drive through the tool onto the casing collar with marginally less force than the air
spring force. Refer to Table 1 at the end of this document for recommended set down forces.
5. Rotate to the right (max 10 RPM) and engage the tool.
 When engaging a single joint of casing, apply the maximum torque permitted through the
pipe arm, ensuring a minimum of 1,000 ft.lbs is reacted through the CRTi. To increase
load security, and when casing running operations allow, react additional torque through
the CRTi.
 When engaging a full casing string, when the CRTi is not used to make-up casing
connections, react a minimum of 75% of the casing make-up torque through the CRTi.
Confirm that significant rotation (as noted during the engagement of previous casing joints) is
observed between the Bumper and Upper Cam Housing.
6. Pick up to verify engagement. Use caution if 6. Pick up to verify engagement. Use caution if
hoisting a single joint as seal friction may be hoisting a single joint as seal friction may be
sufficient to pick up a single joint of casing. sufficient to pick up a single joint of casing.
7. Remove stump guide.

NOTE Where approval is present from the casing connection OEM or well operator, the field
end pin-tip can be stabbed directly into the stump box connection, thus eliminating the
need for the stump guide and increasing casing running speeds.

NOTE Bumper should not move relative to pipe.

NOTE Monitor hook load during tool engagement. Set down force will increase during tool
engagement. Set down force should be less than or equal to air spring force at final makeup.

WARNING Monitor Bumper for slipping on coupling (or Safety Nubbin). If slipping is noticed, stop
rotating immediately and consult the troubleshooting manual (Volant document 40053
section 3.1.1 and 3.1.2). Continuing to rotate while slipping on coupling will generate
heat and damage the bump ring /coupling (or Safety Nubbin). Never allow more than 2
rotations if bump ring is slipping on the coupling.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

WARNING In order to avoid accidental tool engagement and potential component damage. Do not
rotate while stabbing CRTi into a casing joint

WARNING Ensure the CRTi engages the casing and has not exceeded the tool-specific ‘turns to
stroke out’ limit outlined in the Tool Specification Sheet (see Table 2 at the end of this
document).

WARNING Casing Seal friction and/or side load may be sufficient to pick up a single joint. Use extra
caution during first 2 to 3 joints to ensure tool is properly set.

5. Connection Makeup
Pipe Arm Rigs AND V-Door Rigs
1. Ensure axial alignment between pipe in derrick and stump.
2. Lower top drive and stab casing connection.
3. Turn left to “pop” thread to locate start point. (Optional)
4. Activate makeup monitoring and control system.(Optional)
5. Turn to the right until makeup is complete. Feather brake to allow top drive to follow as threads
engage OR compensator lowers pipe.
6. Review data, accept/reject makeup according to manufacturer’s criteria.

NOTE Proprietary connections may require alternative makeup procedure.

NOTE Volant assumes no responsibility for controlling makeup torque.

NOTE Monitoring Cam position alignment marks during makeup is recommended to assess the
adequacy of the slip assembly for use with the casing being run. Incremental makeup of the
tool may occur during casing connection makeup and running.

WARNING Never exceed the Turns to Stroke Out limit given in the Tool Specifications Sheet (see
Table 2 at the end of this document). There is a risk to load security and tool damage if
this condition is met.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

6. Running In Casing
Pipe Arm Rigs AND V-Door Rigs
1. Pick up string out of slips.
2. Lower string into hole.
3. Set slips and transfer load from CRTi.

NOTE If rotating to the right, release right hand torque gradually to avoid rapid left hand rotation
due to the elastic energy in the casing. Full disengagement from pipe requires combination
of left hand tool rotation AND axial compression of tool.

WARNING Never rotate casing to the left when running downhole as there is potential for
accidental tool release and downhole connection disengagement.

WARNING Never contact or react load through the CRTi Bumper, unless the intent is to engage or
disengage the CRTi from the casing. Equipment at risk of contacting the Bumper
include; casing slips (conventional, pneumatic, etc.), spiders, rig floor and slip bushings.

7. Releasing the CRTi

Pipe Arm Rigs AND V-Door Rigs
1. Apply set down load with marginally more force than the air spring. Refer to Table 1 at the end of
this document for recommended set down forces.
2. Maintain set-down load and rotate CRTi to the left (counter-clockwise) the same number of turns
required to engage the CRTi, until the CRTi alignment marks coincide and the bumper rotates relative
to the casing.
3. Slowly remove CRTi from stump and move top-drive to ‘ready’ position, ready for the next casing
joint.

NOTE Make note of torque required to release the tool. Consult the troubleshooting manual
(Volant document 40053 sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3) if release torque is higher than makeup
torque.

WARNING Before releasing tool, make sure pumps are turned off and pressure has been bled
down.

WARNING Pay attention not to “snag” the CRTi when removing from casing. Exceeding the snag
load capacity is likely to damage the latch hooks.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

8. Connection Breakout & Casing Laydown

Pipe Arm Rigs Only
1. If not already engaged, set CRTi as described in
Section 4 (Stabbing and Setting Tool).
2. Maintain extended axial position.
3. Rotate through full ‘set’ to engage breakout
ramps. Note: Alignment marks will pass the
disengaged position.
4. Apply breakout torque and back out the casing
connection.
5. Grip casing with pipe handler equipment.
6. Rotate CRTi ¼ turn to the right.
7. Set down top drive through the tool onto the
casing collar with marginally more force than the
air spring force. Refer to Table 1 at the end of this
document for recommended set down forces.
8. Maintain set-down load and rotate CRTi to the
left (counter-clockwise) until the CRTi alignment
marks coincide and the bumper rotates relative
to the casing. NOTE: Max 10 RPM
9. Slowly pull up and remove CRTi from casing
joint.
V-Door Rigs Only
1. If not already engaged, set CRTi as described in
Section 4 (Stabbing and Setting Tool).
2. Maintain extended axial position.
3. Rotate through full ‘set’ to engage breakout
ramps. Note: Alignment marks will pass the
disengaged position.
4. Apply breakout torque and back out the casing
connection.
5. Ensure that elevators are engaged.
6. Lift casing joint until it clears the stump.
7. Place stump guide over stump.
8. Set down top drive through the tool onto the
casing collar with marginally more force than the
air spring force. Refer to Table 1 at the end of this
document for recommended set down forces.
9. Rotate CRTi ¼ turn to the right.
10. Maintain set-down load and rotate CRTi to
the left (counter-clockwise) until the CRTi
alignment marks coincide and the bumper
rotates relative to the casing. NOTE: Max 10 RPM
11. Slowly pull up and remove CRTi from casing
joint. Ensure that elevator is engaged with
coupling. Seal friction may be sufficient to pick up
casing joint.

NOTE Ensure there is sufficient axial travel is available to allow pin to advance out of box.

NOTE Ensure pipe handler is in line with the CRTi. Misalignment may cause casing to pick up on
CRTi causing stress to pipe handler.

WARNING Monitor bump ring for slipping on coupling (or Safety Nubbin). If slipping is noticed,
stop rotating immediately and consult troubleshooting manual (document 40053).
Continuing to rotate while slipping on coupling will generate heat and damage the
bump ring /coupling (or Safety Nubbin). Never allow more than 2 rotations if bump ring
is slipping on the coupling.

WARNING Ensure elevators are latched on the casing joint to be laid out.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

WARNING Beware of pinch point between stump guide and casing joint. Only grip stump guide by
the handles.

9. Rigging Out
Pipe Arm Rigs AND V-Door Rigs
1. Release CRTi from casing joint as described in Section 9 (Releasing the CRTi).
2. Lift bump ring 4”-6” off casing collar before breaking tool joint to ensure tool is released from
casing.
3. Using a suitable method of torque reaction, grip the CRTi Lock Sleeve and break-out the tool joint
connection.
4. Install Lifting Nubbin into tool joint and remove CRTi from stump.

NOTE Use appropriate tag line to control tool during overhead lifting.

WARNING Beware of pinch point between casing coupling and the CRTi bump ring.

10.Casing Drilling / Cementing

WARNING The following instructions have been prepared with reference to certain drilling rig
types for illustrative purposes only. Always follow the safe operating procedure
prepared by your company and specific to your equipment and operations.

Volant CRTi tools support the requirements for casing drilling and/or cementing. The CRTi operating
instructions presented in Sections 1-10 apply to casing drilling operations. Refer to these sections as
needed.

NOTE Do not exceed the tool-specific flow rate identified in the tool specification summary.
Regularly inspect CRTi bore. Some Casing Seal Assemblies may have reduced diameter
sections or more tortuous flow paths and as such may warrant further reductions in flow
rate. Contact Volant Support for specific enquiries.

NOTE Take care not to damage the plug and Casing Seal when stabbing the CRTi.

NOTE Ensure CRTi is cleaned and free of cement prior to storage.

WARNING Fluctuating hoist and torque loads experienced during casing drilling operations may
merit a reduction in tool capacity in order to maintain the CRTi 20 year fatigue life.
Contact Volant Support for tool and casing capacity considerations when casing drilling.

WARNING Only rotate if cementing through the top drive or a rotating side entry sub, such as
Volant’s Cement Swivel Tool.

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

WARNING Extended periods of tool engagement should be avoided during continuous hoisting
and/or circulating. Release the tool at least every ½ hour if practical and monitor
release torque.

11.Cold Weather Considerations

When operating a Volant CRTi in cold weather it is important to take the following precautions:

 Before rig-in, steam CRTi through tool bore to warm up parts, seals and lubricants until the Cage
is warm to the touch.
 Steam the Packer Cup/Wedge Seal until it is pliable. Apply lubricant to seal surface regularly to
prevent damage and ensure a seal during circulation.
 Routinely check the air spring pressure.
 Wipe down dies immediately following contact with drilling fluids to prevent freeze up and/or
build up on the dies.
 Extended periods of tool engagement should be avoided. Release tool at least every ½ hour.

NOTE Steaming through the bore of the tool is permitted where there is no risk of an explosive
atmosphere. Never apply steam to the exterior of the tool since this may wash away
lubricant behind slip assembly components. Do not overheat or damage to seals may result.

NOTE If circulating through CRTi, ensure drilling fluids are pumped frequently to prevent Top
Drive/CRTi bore from freezing.

WARNING Do not use steam to heat tool when there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere. Hot
surfaces pose a risk in explosive atmospheres.

WARNING For operating temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) ensure all primary load carrying
components (mandrel, integral slips, jaws, dies and/or spokes) are marked “SR2” and
the minimum temperature marked on any parts is less than the expected temperature
of tool.

12.Slant Rig Considerations

When operating a Volant CRTi on a slant rig (on an angle other than vertical) it is important to take the
following precautions:

 During rig-in, ensure axial alignment between CRTi tool joint and top drive quill.
 Maintain axial alignment between CRTi and the coupling to enable tool to smoothly stab and
withdraw from the casing.
 Adjust air spring pressure as needed to compensate for the lower compressive force generated
by the top drive.
 Support suspended casing joint to minimize bending loads on CRTi.

100027 – REV.D October 2017 Page 8 of 9

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 CRTi™ Running Procedure

WARNING Misalignment may induce sufficient friction between the packer cup/dies and the casing
ID to lift the casing string out of the slips. Back-up on casing when withdrawing CRTi, if
needed, and do not exceed the snag load limit outlined in the tool-specific Specification
Summary.

Table 1: Recommended Set Down Forces.

Recommended Set Recommended Set

Air Spring Air Spring Force
Down Force to Down Force to
Tool Area at 100 psi
Engage CRTi Release CRTi
(in2) (lbs)
(lbs) (lbs)
CRTi1,2-4.5 38 3,800 1,000 – 3,000 4,000 – 7,000
CRTi1,2-5.5 57 5,700 2,000 – 5,000 6,000 – 9,000
CRTi2,3-7.0 57.17 5,717 2,000 – 5,000 6,000 – 9,000
CRTi4-7.0 58.5 5,850 2,000 – 5,000 6,000 – 9,000
CRTi2-8.63 79.6 7,960 4,000 – 7,000 8,000 – 11,000

NOTE Monitor hook load during tool engagement. Set down force will increase during tool
engagement. Set down force should be less than or equal to air spring force at final makeup.

NOTE Air spring force is related to air spring pressure. Refer to Air Spring Pressure Guidelines in the
troubleshooting guide (Volant document 40053) for the relationship between air spring force
and air pressure.

Table 2: CRTi Specification Sheet document numbers.

Document Turns to Stroke

Tool
Number out Limit
CRTi1,2-4.5 20004 1.78
CRTi1,2-5.5 20005 1.30
CRTi2,3-7.0 20006 1.48
CRTi4-7.0 20009 1.10
CRTi2-8.63 20007 1.25

100027 – REV.D October 2017 Page 9 of 9

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