Subject : Insert Retainer Pins BULLETIN NO.

59
Purpose : To inform the industry of proper use of SAFETY NOTICE
SP(L) elevators, and a design change July, 1999
Effective : All BJ type SP(L) elevators Page 1 of 3

SAFETY NOTICE
Service Bulletin #51 informed the not subject to a force that can cause
industry of a non injury incident with a breakage. As soon as the angled tool
BJ type SPL elevator. While running joint (5, 12 or 18) comes in contact
2-7/8 tubing an insert fell to the rig with the inserts, the inserts are forced
floor. The insert was not retained in the outward to set in the two elevator halves
elevator due to broken insert retainer (see figure 2). Clearance between pin
pins caused by impact load on the and hole prevents the pin from being
inserts (see figure 1). loaded.

Another incident was reported in which a Before using the SPL elevator, make
pup joint was pulled through the elevator, sure that the correct inserts for the lifted
after which four of the pins were broken. tubular are installed. This is done as
follows:
WARNING 1. Verify that insert angle is the same or
no more than 2 degrees greater than
The retaining pins are not designed to the upset angle.
absorb high impact loads. The pins will 2. Measure the most worn tubular box
break by the following: and measure the internal diameters
1. Impact loading of the inserts caused between the inserts. Verify that the
either by using the SPL for lifting most worn box outside diameter is at
collar type tubular or running the SPL least 0.4 inch greater than the internal
into the tool joint at high pick up diameter between the inserts (figure
speed; 2)
2. Bending the pins by either using If the elevator tubular combination fails to
inserts with an angle not matching the meet these criteria, a lift sub must be
tubular angle, or by inserts not used.
properly sized for the tubular.
Design change and Inspection
Correct Use of the SP(L) elevator To minimize problems associated with
The SPL elevator is designed for lifting the noted practices VarcoBJ has
5and 12 upset tubing and casing and changed the pin material from heat-
18 drill pipe. It is not designed for use on treated alloy steel (min. surface
square shoulder tubulars. When the hardness: 60 Rockwell C and an average
elevator is used as intended, the pins are shear strength of 150,000 psi) to a

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stainless steel 17-4-PH H1150, a
material with higher impact properties.
The new stainless steel pins will bend
rather than break.
All old SPL pins should be regularly
inspected for cracks, signs of bending
or other damage, are replaced as
Impact Load
Insert
Figure 1
required. It is also recommended that
the old style pins be replaced at the
next regular service interval. One can
distinguish old pins from new pins by a
hardness check. (A file will scratch new
pins only). To order the new pins at
your nearest Varco BJ facility please
order part number 203428 28.
Pipe plug
Elevator body
Spring
Insert retainer pin
BULLETIN NO. 59, Page 2 of 3
 OD of joint

Force

ID of inserts.
Measured with elevator closed
and elevator halves forced
apart.

FIGURE 2

BULLETIN NO. 59, Page 3 of 3