Nobody on a rig thinks much about the elevator until the latch won't close properly, and then it's all anyone talks about. It holds the string while the blocks travel, so the wrong type or size causes more trouble than people expect. Midland Oil Tools (MOT) carries handling tools built to API 7K and 8A, and we get asked about tubing elevators and casing elevators all the time. Here's roughly how we explain it.
How Tubing Elevators Work
You'll mostly see center latch designs on tubing. The body opens on a hinge, closes around the pipe right under the coupling and locks with a latch. With collar-type tubing, the coupling rests on the elevator's shoulder, and that's where the weight goes. Integral joint tubing is different because there's no coupling to land on, so most crews use a slip-type elevator that holds the pipe body with slips and inserts.
When you order, have the tubing OD, connection type and tonnage ready. An elevator sized for 2-3/8" won't latch on 2-7/8", so getting it right up front saves a return trip.
Where Casing Elevators Come In
Casing elevators deal with larger, heavier pipe, and most of them are side door models. The door opens on one side, which makes it a lot easier to get around big casing. For long, heavy strings, many crews prefer slip-type elevators because they keep the load off the couplings. If you're picking up single joints off the catwalk, a single joint elevator is the tool for that.
Don't Buy on Size Alone
It's tempting to grab whatever fits the pipe, but the load rating is the number that really matters. Figure out the heaviest hook load you're likely to see, add a safety margin, and choose an elevator rated for that.
Taking Care of Elevators
Keep the hinge pins and latch greased, and check that the latch lock catches every time you close it. On slip-type models, take the segments out to clean them, and swap out inserts once they get dull. It's also worth looking at the shoulder for uneven wear, because a worn bore can let the coupling sit off-center.
Common Questions
Can the same elevator handle tubing and casing?
A few can with a change of slips, but most crews keep separate elevators for each size range.
Should I go with center latch or side door?
Center latch is the usual choice for tubing, and side door is more common on casing.
Ordering Tubing Elevators
Send us your pipe sizes, connection types and expected hook load at [email protected], or call +1-432-280-4017, and we'll help you pick the right elevator.
