Pneumatic Slip

Technical Specifications – PS Series Pneumatic Slip

The following table presents key specifications for SJ Petro PS Series pneumatic slips.

Model	PS175	PS205	PS275	PS375	PS16	PS Portable
Rotary table size (inches)	17‑½″	20‑½″	27‑½″	37‑½″	27‑½″/37‑½″/49‑½″	23″, 27‑½″, 37‑½″, 49‑½″ pin drive
Pipe OD range	2‑⅜″ to 5‑¾″	2‑⅜″ to 5‑¾″	2‑⅜″ to 9‑⅞″	2‑⅜″ to 14″	3‑½″ to 7‑¾″	2‑⅜″ to 5‑½″
Rated capacity (tons / kN)	150 tons / 1350 kN	250 tons / 2250 kN	350 tons / 3150 kN	500 tons / 4448 kN	500 tons / 4500 kN	250–350 tons
Working air pressure (MPa)	0.6–0.8	0.6–0.8	0.6–0.8	0.6–0.8	0.6–0.8	0.6–0.8
Max air pressure (MPa)	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0
API standard	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K	API Spec 7K
Operating temp (standard)	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C	-20°C to +50°C
Operating temp (Arctic)	-45°C to +50°C	-45°C to +50°C	-45°C to +50°C	-45°C to +50°C	-45°C to +50°C	-45°C to +50°C

Product Types – Pneumatic Slip Configurations

1. PS Series Internal Pneumatic Slips – 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. WQ External Pneumatic Slips – Mounted externally around the rotary table. Designed for handling larger tubulars or applications where internal space is limited. Designed and manufactured according to API Spec 7K, suitable for tripping drill pipe, drill collar, casing, and other pipe strings in oilfield drilling and workover operations.

3. Slant Hole Pneumatic Slips – Specifically designed for slant hole drilling rigs with pipe diameters from 2‑⅞″ to 13‑⅜″ and rated capacity of 250 tons. Ideal for directional drilling programs requiring angled pipe movement.

4. Counter Torque Pneumatic Slip – Models available with integrated counter‑torque capacities of 20 kN·m, 55 kN·m, and 75 kN·m. The slip applies downward pressure to securely hold the pipe string, eliminating the need for backup tongs during make‑up and break‑out operations.

5. Arctic‑Rated Pneumatic Slip – Low‑temperature seals, cold‑hardened lubricants, and heated control enclosures. Rated for continuous operation at -45°C. Designed for Siberian, Canadian, and Alaskan drilling programs.

Application Fields

Land Drilling Rigs (ZJ20–ZJ90)

Tripping drill pipe is the most frequent pipe‑handling task on any drilling rig. Pneumatic slips reduce connection time from manual handling speeds to a single pedal press. Our PS‑275 and PS‑375 models are standard equipment on many ZJ series rigs. Reduced crew exposure near the rotary table. Consistent grip force on every stand.

Workover and Well Servicing Rigs (XJ Series)

Workover rigs trip tubing, sucker rods, and smaller casing. While the string weight is lower than drilling rigs, 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. Our PS‑175 and portable slips are ideal for XJ applications.

Offshore Rigs (Platforms and Jack‑Ups)

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 -45°C—proven on Rosneft drilling programs in Siberia.

Why Choose SJ Petro for 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 meet the dimensional standards of API taper rotary bowls, carry full documentation for third‑party inspection, and are field‑interchangeable with major brands. We can provide API monogrammed products upon request.

Low‑Temperature Arctic Engineering – Field‑Proven

We have delivered 11 low‑temperature drilling rigs to Rosneft in Russia and three ZJ40 cold‑weather drilling rigs to Orienburg Drilling Company. Our Arctic‑rated pneumatic slips incorporate the same low‑temperature engineering—cold‑hardened seals, heated control components, and impact‑tested steel qualified in our national‑level low‑temperature impact testing laboratory.

Wide Product Range – One Slip Body, Many Pipe Sizes

Our PS Series covers pipe diameters from 2‑⅜″ up to 14″ depending on the model. Interchangeable inserts allow the same slip body to handle different pipe diameters without changing the entire assembly. Reduce your spare parts inventory.

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 30 years of export experience to markets including Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, SJ Petro has the export documentation, customs clearance expertise, and field support infrastructure to deliver pneumatic slips anywhere in the world. GOST certification packages are available for Russian and Eurasian markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: A manual slip requires crew members to physically lift and position the slip segments around the pipe. 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 of heavy slip segments—typically weighing 50–100 pounds—reduce crew exposure to the well center, and speed up tripping operations.

Q2: 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 complete certification documentation (material test reports, dimensional inspection, pressure test certificates) upon request.

Q3: What pipe sizes can your pneumatic slips handle?

A: Our PS Series covers pipe diameters from 2‑⅜″ up to 14″ depending on the model. PS‑175 handles 2‑⅜″ to 5‑¾″ (standard drill pipe and casing). PS‑375 handles up to 14″ (large casing). Contact us for custom pipe sizes outside these ranges.

Q4: Can I retrofit a pneumatic slip onto an existing rig currently using manual slips?

A: Yes. PS Series pneumatic slips are designed to fit standard API rotary table openings (17‑½″, 20‑½″, 27‑½″, 37‑½″). The retrofit involves mounting the pneumatic cylinders and linkage mechanism, connecting the rig air supply (0.6–0.8 MPa / 87–116 psi), and installing the control pedal. Typically installed during a routine maintenance shift.

Q5: 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.

Q6: Do you offer pneumatic slips with counter‑torque capability?

A: Yes. Our WQ and certain PS models are available with integrated counter‑torque capacities of 20 kN·m, 55 kN·m, or 75 kN·m. The slip applies downward pressure to securely hold the pipe string, eliminating the need for backup tongs during make‑up and break‑out operations.

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. Arctic‑rated slips with cold‑hardened seals: 8–10 weeks. Large fleet orders (10+ units): 10–12 weeks. Expedite options available for emergency replacement.

Q8: Do you provide spare parts for pneumatic slips?

A: Yes. We stock replacement components: slip segments (complete), slip inserts (replaceable dies), cylinder seal kits, control valves, pedals, and linkage pins. Standard spare parts ship within 1–2 weeks.

Q9: Can your pneumatic slips handle 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.

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 (inserts, seals) or damage from misuse, overloading, or improper installation.