Heavy duty pneumatic slip

Technical Specifications – Pneumatic Slip Models

Our PS Series pneumatic slips are available in multiple models to match different rig sizes and pipe ranges.

Parameter	PS-175 / PS-275	PS-350 / PS-350A	PS-500	PS-600
API Specification	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K
Applicable Pipe Diameter	2‑3/8″ to 5‑1/2″	2‑3/8″ to 7‑5/8″	2‑3/8″ to 9‑7/8″	2‑3/8″ to 13‑3/8″
Max Load Capacity	175 short tons	350 short tons	500 short tons	600 short tons
Counter Torque	20 kN·m	55 kN·m	75 kN·m	75 kN·m (upgraded)
Rotary Table Opening	17‑1/2″ / 20‑1/2″	20‑1/2″ / 27‑1/2″	27‑1/2″ / 37‑1/2″	37‑1/2″
Number of Slip Segments	3	3 or 4	4	4
Operating Air Pressure	0.6–0.8 MPa (87–116 psi)	0.6–0.8 MPa	0.6–0.8 MPa	0.6–0.8 MPa
Air Consumption per Cycle	~5–8 liters	~8–12 liters	~10–15 liters	~12–18 liters
Control Method	Pneumatic pedal or remote valve	Pneumatic pedal or remote valve	Pneumatic pedal or remote valve	Pneumatic pedal or remote valve
Operating Temperature (Standard)	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C
Operating Temperature (Arctic Option)	-40°C to +50°C	-40°C to +50°C	-40°C to +50°C	-40°C to +50°C
API Monogram	Available on request	Available on request	Available on request	Available on request

Product Types – Heavy Duty Pneumatic Slip Range

1. PS Series Pneumatic Slips (Internal) – Standard configuration installed inside the rotary table opening. Slip segments move inward to grip the pipe. Most common for land drilling and workover rigs.

2. External Pneumatic Slips – Designed for larger tubulars or applications where internal space is limited. The slip mechanism wraps around the pipe exterior.

3. Counter Torque Pneumatic Slip – Integrated anti-rotation design. The slip holds the pipe not only against vertical load (tension) but also against rotational torque. When equipped with counter torque capability (up to 75 kN·m), the slip eliminates the need for backup tongs during make-up and break-out — one less crew member on the pipe, one less safety risk.

4. Arctic-Rated Pneumatic Slip – Low-temperature seals, water-free pneumatic system, and corrosion-resistant finish. Rated to -40°C continuous operation. Suitable for Siberian, Canadian, and Alaskan drilling programs.

5. Retrofit Upgrade Kit – For operators currently using manual slips. The kit includes the pneumatic cylinder, linkage mechanism, control valve, and pedal — designed to bolt onto existing manual slip bowls. Minimal rig modification required; installs during a routine maintenance shift.

Application Fields

🛢️ Drilling Operations (Land Rigs, ZJ20–ZJ90)

Tripping drill pipe is the most frequent pipe-handling task on a drilling rig. Pneumatic slips reduce connection time from manual handling speeds to a single pedal press. Reduced crew exposure near the rotary table. Consistent grip force on every stand — no variation from tired crew members.

• ZJ20 through ZJ90 drilling rigs – PS-175, PS-350, or PS-500 depending on hook load and pipe size

🔧 Workover and Well Servicing (XJ Series)

Workover rigs trip tubing, sucker rods, and smaller casing. The string weight is lower than drilling rigs, but the frequency of tripping is often higher — dozens of tubing runs per well. Pneumatic slips make the workover crew more efficient and reduce fatigue over long campaigns.

• XJ350 through XJ1200 workover rigs – PS-175 or PS-350

🌊 Offshore Rigs (Platform and Jack-Up)

Space on an offshore drill floor is tight. Reducing crew count around the rotary table is a significant safety advantage. Pneumatic slips can be remote-controlled from the driller’s cabin, keeping personnel clear of the well center during tripping. Marine-grade finishes available for corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.

🧊 Arctic and Remote Land Drilling

In extreme cold, manual slips become even more hazardous. Gloved hands have less dexterity. Metal surfaces are dangerously cold. Hydraulic fluids thicken. Our Arctic-rated pneumatic slips use cold-hardened seals and water-free pneumatic systems that operate reliably at -40°C — proven on Rosneft drilling programs in Siberia.

Why Choose SJ Petro for Heavy Duty Pneumatic Slips?

🏭 Backed by Sinopec – One of China Top 500 Manufacturers

SJ PETROLEUM MACHINERY Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation, ranked as one of China Top 500 manufacturers and No.2 among China Top 10 Petroleum Drilling and Production Equipment Manufacturers. We are rated AAA by China Petrochemical Industry and Banks — financial stability and manufacturing capability you can trust.

✅ API Spec 7K Certified – Field Interchangeable

Our pneumatic slips are designed and manufactured to API Spec 7K, the industry standard for drilling and well servicing equipment. This means our slips are dimensionally interchangeable with major brands and carry full documentation for third-party inspection. We can provide API monogrammed products upon request.

🔧 Proven in the Field – Hundreds of Drilling Rigs Worldwide

SJ Petro equipment is currently operating in over 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Middle East, and across Southeast Asia. Our products are known for reliability, simple maintenance, and long service life.

🧰 5-Year Warranty – Confidence in Quality

We offer a 5-year warranty on select drilling and well servicing equipment, reflecting our confidence in manufacturing quality and engineering. For pneumatic slips, standard warranty is 12 months on components, with extended warranty options available for fleet operators.

🌍 Global Export Experience – Documentation You Can Rely On

With over 3,100 international trade records and a strong presence in Russia, Indonesia, India, and other key markets, SJ Petro has the export documentation, customs clearance experience, and field support infrastructure to deliver pneumatic slips anywhere in the world.

🔄 One-Stop Supply – Complete Rig Floor Package

We don't just sell slips. We manufacture the full package: pneumatic slips, manual slips, safety clamps, elevators, tongs, and other drill floor handling equipment. Source everything from one manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between a pneumatic slip and a manual slip?

A: A manual slip is lifted and positioned by hand. Crew members physically carry the slip segments to the rotary table, set them around the pipe, and remove them after the connection is made. A pneumatic slip uses compressed air to extend and retract the slip segments. The driller controls the slip from a safe location (pedal or control valve). Pneumatic slips eliminate manual handling, reduce crew exposure to the well center, and speed up tripping operations.

Q2: What is counter torque capability, and why does it matter?

A: Counter torque is the slip’s ability to hold the pipe against rotational force (torque) in addition to vertical load (tension). A slip with counter torque capacity (55 kN·m or 75 kN·m) eliminates the need for backup tongs during make-up and break-out. The slip itself provides the reaction torque, so one crew member can run the power tong without a second person holding backup tongs on the pipe — faster connections, fewer people on the pipe.

Q3: Are your pneumatic slips API certified?

A: Yes. All PS Series pneumatic slips are designed and manufactured according to API Spec 7K for drilling and well servicing equipment. We can provide API monogrammed products and full certification documentation (material test reports, dimensional inspection, pressure test certificates) upon request.

Q4: What pipe sizes can your pneumatic slips handle?

A: Our PS Series covers pipe diameters from 2‑3/8″ up to 13‑3/8″ depending on the model. PS-175 handles 2‑3/8″ to 5‑1/2″ (standard drill pipe). PS-500 handles up to 9‑7/8″ (larger drill pipe and small casing). PS-600 handles up to 13‑3/8″ (casing). For pipe diameters outside these ranges, contact our engineering team for a custom configuration.

Q5: Can I retrofit a pneumatic slip onto an existing rig currently using manual slips?

A: Yes. Our retrofit upgrade kit includes the pneumatic cylinder, linkage mechanism, control valve, and pedal. The kit is designed to bolt onto most standard manual slip bowls. Installation requires connecting the air supply (0.6–0.8 MPa) and mounting the control pedal in the driller’s cabin. Typically installed during a routine maintenance shift with no rig downtime. Contact us with your rotary table make and model for compatibility confirmation.

Q6: What air pressure and quality are required?

A: Standard rig air supply at 0.6–0.8 MPa (87–116 psi) is sufficient. The air should be clean and dry — moisture is the primary cause of freeze-up in cold weather. For Arctic operations, we recommend an air dryer or water separator upstream of the slip control valve. Air consumption per cycle is low (5–18 liters depending on model).

Q7: What is the lead time for a pneumatic slip order?

A: Standard lead time for PS Series pneumatic slips is 4–8 weeks from order confirmation. Retrofit kits: 6–8 weeks (includes compatibility confirmation and custom bracket fabrication). Large fleet orders (10+ units): 10–12 weeks. Expedite options available for emergency replacement — contact us for current availability.

Q8: Do you provide spare parts for pneumatic slips?

A: Yes. We maintain an inventory of replacement components: slip segments (complete), slip dies (replaceable inserts), cylinder seal kits, control valves, pedals, and linkage pins. For international customers, we can consign spares at your warehouse or recommend a local stocking distributor. Standard spare parts ship within 1–2 weeks.

Q9: Can your pneumatic slips be used with drill collars and casing, or only drill pipe?

A: Yes. PS Series pneumatic slips are designed to handle drill pipe, drill collars, casing, and tubing — any tubular that fits within the specified diameter range. For drill collars (smooth OD, no tool joint), we recommend carbide-insert dies for positive grip. For casing (larger diameter, thinner wall), ensure the slip load rating matches the casing weight — our PS-500 and PS-600 models are suitable for casing.

Q10: Do you offer a warranty on pneumatic slips?

A: Yes. Standard warranty is 12 months from date of shipment against defects in material and workmanship. Extended warranty options (up to 5 years) are available for fleet operators. The warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts; it does not cover normal wear items (dies, seals) or damage from misuse, overloading, or improper installation.