AIR OPERATED BACKSAVER™

OPERATING PROCEDURE MANUAL

Doc. No. 20-1729 Rev B (06/29/06)

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Air Operated Backsaver Operating Procedure Manual
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1 - Introduction 2
1.1 General Information
1.2 Description
1.3 Technical Data

2 - Operation 3-8
2.1 Installation
2.2 Operation
2.3 Uninstalling

3 - Maintenance 9
3.1 Inspection
3.2 Lubrication
3.3 Lift Arm Adjustment Height

4 - Shop Repairs 10-12

4.1 Changing Inserts
4.2 Slip Hinge Pin And Spring Installation

Assembly, Parts Breakdown and Replacement Parts 13-14

Certificate of Warranty and Guarantee to Quality 15

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1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The technical manual contains operation and maintenance instructions for the AOT Air-
Operated Backsaver™. The manual provides a guide for proper field use, disassembly and
repair, and a parts breakdown.

1.2 DESCRIPTION

The Air Operated Backsaver™ works on both Square and Pin Drive Master Bushings for drill
pipe, drill collars up to 8” and casing up to 8-5/8”. The Backsaver™ was designed to
enhance safety during rig floor operations that require the use of slips by reducing the
number of personnel required on the rig floor. It can be operated from the driller’s console or
at a safe distance from the slips. It will extend slip and insert life by properly setting and
pulling slips. The unit is designed with safety in mind. The Backsaver’sTM purpose is to
reduce accidents and fatigue associated with slip handling activities on the rig floor.

MODEL TYPE
26-100-PD AOT Backsaver™ Air Actuator - Pin Drive
26-100-SD AOT Backsaver™ Air Actuator - Square Drive

1.3 TECHNICAL DATA

Material: Mild Steel; Thermal Spray Aluminum (TSA) Coating

Weight: 260 lbs. (118 kg) Backsaver Only w/o Slip

525 lbs. (238 kg) with storage stand, control valve, air supply
plate and hoses (see catalog for slip weight)

Height: Raised 23.5” (597 mm) | Lowered 13.5” (343 mm)

Base Dimensions: 23.5” x 43.5” (600 mm x 1,105 mm)

Base Opening: 12.75” (327 mm)

Minimum Air Pressure: 85 PSI

OVERLOADING OR MISUSE OF THIS EQUIPMENT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

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2 - OPERATION

2.1 INSTALLATION

Installing a Slip (skip to next section if BacksaverTM came with slip when ordered)

1. Replace the hinge pins in the slip with the hinge pins in the kit provided for the type
and make of slip (see Page 11 for hinge pin installation details).

2. Measure the gap between the slips in the open position. The slip stops will have to be
ground evenly (both stops) to open up to 10”.

3. Remove the existing manual handles off all three segments and install the lifting link
supplied with the kit on the center segment. The end stenciled “S” should connect on
to the slip. With the lifting arm in the up position, make sure the dimension from
the center of the yoke eye to the cylinder base plate is 20” +/- 1/8”.
(see Maintenance, Page 9)

4. Install the slip to the front hole of the yoke on the Backsaver™ with pins provided.
Make sure cotter key is installed and bent over.

5. Install the torque blocks provided with the kit for the appropriate slip.

Installing the Air Operated Backsaver™

1. Raise the slips by attaching the tugger line to the shackle on the front of the lifting arm.
Make sure to pull the T-handle while raising the slip and engage kickstand once the
slip is in the up position (see Figures 5, 6 and 7, Page 5).

2. With the slip is in the up position and kickstand in place, attach the 3-hook lifting sling
to the lifting eye located on the back of the lifting arm assembly and the 2 holes
located on the front end of the base plate (see Figure 1).

FIGURE 1
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 3. Lift Backsaver™ from the stand it was delivered on. Position the unit above the
Master Bushing where it is out of the way to work the rig tongs.

4. Lower the Backsaver™ into the master bushing aligning the 4 pins into the
corresponding holes on the master bushing. Ensure that the Backsaver™ is sitting flat
on top of the Master Bushing.

5. Remove the lifting sling and place it back in the stand.

6. Once the Backsaver™ is in place, use the leveling pad on the back of the base plate
to adjust if necessary.

7. Install the filter/regulator/lubricator assembly (see Figure 2) in a safe and convenient

location.

8. Hook up the male end of one of the hoses provided to an air source (dry air) on the rig
and the other end to the matching connection on the filter.

9. Hook another hose to the male end on the lubricator and the other to the bottom male
connection on the foot control valve or hand valve (see Figure 3).

10. Hook up the remaining two hoses to the matching connections on the Backsaver™
(see Figure 4).

AIR FROM RIG AIR TO FOOT

REGULATOR CONTROL BOX

LUBRICATOR
FILTER
Air To Backsaver
Air From Regulator

FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

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 FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

KICKSTAND IN THE DOWN POSITION. MAKE SURE IT IS SET IN THE

HOLDING SLOT.

FIGURE 7

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2.2 OPERATION

KEEP SAFE DISTANCE FROM BACKSAVER™ WHILE IN OPERATION OR DURING TRIALS.

ACCIDENTAL ROTATION CAN CAUSE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS FOR THE RIG CREW AND/OR
EQUIPMENT.

Ensure that the inserts for the slip are the correct size for the pipe being run and securely in
place. Cycle the slip up and down at least twice to ensure proper function. The back of the
slips and I.D. of the bowl should be cleaned and greased daily, before and during use with an
extreme pressure, multi-purpose, lithium based grease of a No. 1 or No. 2 consistency.

Use the following precautions when operating the Backsaver™.

• Do not use the slip as a back-up for rig tongs, while making or breaking out
connections.
• Be sure drill string is at a complete stop before setting the slips into the bowl. This will
cause the slips to be overloaded and can damage your slips and or drill pipe.
• Make sure the slips are used with the inserts in the proper orientation and slip backs
are cleaned and greased daily.
• Make sure hands and feet are clear of the Backsaver™ while operating.

To Set the Slip

1. Lower the string into position.

2. Make sure the drill string is at a complete stop before setting the slip into the bowl. If
the drill string is not at a full stop it will cause the slip to be overloaded.
3. Push the foot pedal down to lower the slip into position.

To Raise the Slip

1. Latch the elevator around the pipe and apply tension to the lifting bails.
2. Push down on the foot control pedal before elevator hoisting begins.
3. Begin hoisting the drill string upwards with the elevator. The slip will follow the pipe
upward until it is clear of the Slip Insert Bowl I.D.

Precautions Used While Tripping Pipe

If the Backsaver™ is used with the rotary table in the unlocked position, it is
recommended that an interlock or lockout device be installed to prevent the rotary
table from accidentally being engaged. Accidental engagement of the rotary table while
the Backsaver™ is installed may result in an inadvertent rotation of the Backsaver™ on the
rig floor, creating a possible hazardous situation to the rig crew and/or equipment.

When the Rotary Table is unlocked with the Backsaver™ installed, caution must be taken by
the floor hands to insure that they do not stand in the rotational path of the Backsaver™
during make up or breakout operations when using conventional tongs.

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Precautions Used While Drilling

If the Backsaver™ is used while drilling with a top drive drilling system, it is
recommended that the rotary table be placed in the locked position to prevent possible
torque (or back lashing) of the drill string. Torque, or back lashing, of the drill string may
cause accidental rotation of the Backsaver™ on the rig floor, creating a possible hazardous
situation to the rig crew and/or equipment.

In the Event of Power Loss

If the Backsaver™ slip is in the up position, pull the T-Handle at the rear of the Backsaver™
to allow the slips to fall manually (see Figure 5, Page 5).

CAUTION: MAKE SURE TO KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM PINCH POINTS

If power is lost and the slips are down, use the following steps to remove the Backsaver™.

1. Connect lifting chain and hoist to the shackle on the front of lifting arm.

2. Pull and hold T-Handle for the pressure valve located in the rear of the
Backsaver™ (see Figure 5, Page 5).

3. Lift the front of the lifting arm all the way up.

4. Lock the slips in the up position by pulling the kickstand pin on the side of the lifting
arm allowing the kickstand to fall (see Figures 6 and 7, Page 5).

5. Remove the chain from the lifting are and attach lifting sling.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE DRILL STRING IS SECURE WITH THE ELEVATOR BEFORE REMOVING
THE SLIP

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2.3 UNINSTALLING

Before removing the Backsaver™ from the master bushing, make sure that the slip is in the
up position and that the elevator is securely latched onto the drill string.

1. Attach the 3-hook lifting sling to the Backsaver™ using the front two lifting holes and
the shackle attached to the lifting arm.

2. Hoist the Backsaver™ from the Master Bushing and place it on the storage table.

3. Lower the slip to the down position by using the T-handle safety release only when
power is off. If power is still supplied, push the pedal on the control box down to lower
the slip.

NOTE: GREASE THE ENTIRE UNIT BEFORE STORAGE AND APPLY OIL TO THE FEMALE QUICK
DISCONNECTS ON THE FITTINGS WHILE IN STORAGE.

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3 - MAINTENANCE

Practice safety at all times during daily use and service of AOT equipment.
For repairs or maintenance work, disconnect air supply. Always use proper
safety methods, materials and tools. Always wear protective gear for eyes,
head and hands.

Inspection

To insure optimum performance from the Backsaver™, the following checks should be made
prior to being used.

1. Check to make sure the slip springs are in a position that will allow the slip to open.
As the springs wear replace as necessary.
2. Check inserts for wear and replace as necessary.

Lubrications

Lubricate the slip regularly during usage and storage to prevent corrosion. Also, lubricate the
grease zerts located on the pivot locations on the power slip before usage. Use an extreme
pressure, multi-purpose, lithium base grease of No. 1 or No. 2 consistency. When the tool is
in use, lubricate the slip according to the following schedule or annually while in storage.

• DAILY - Clean and grease slip backs and bowl I.D.

• WEEKLY - Remove inserts and grease insert slots.

Lift Arm Adjustment Height

Use the following steps to adjust the height of the lifting arm so that the yoke hole is
approximately 20” from center to cylinder base plate.

1. While in the up position, disconnect the air supply. Make sure the kickstand in is place
before proceeding.
2. Remove clevis pin on the cylinder shaft at the front of the base plate.
3. Loosen the lock nut on the clevis and turn the clevis clockwise to lower the arm and
counter clockwise to raise it.
4. Tighten lock nut.
5. Line up clevis hole with pad eye hole and insert the clevis pin. Make sure to install the
cotter pin.
6. Check the height and repeat steps 1 - 4 if necessary.

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4 - SHOP REPAIRS

4.1 CHANGING INSERTS

CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN REMOVING OR REPLACING INSERTS TO

PROTECT AGAINST CHIP FRAGMENTS.

To replace worn inserts or change sizes for SD type slips:

1. Remove insert retainer bolts and retainer at top of slip.

2. Remove inserts by sliding them out of the top of the slip. Tapping the insert from the
bottom may be required.
3. Install new inserts by sliding them into the die slot from the top of the slip. Make sure
to clean die slot before installing new inserts.
4. Install top retainer and retainer bolts.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS INSTALL THE INSERTS IN THE PROPER DIRECTION WHEN USING DIRECTIONAL
INSERTS. THE TEETH SHOULD BE FACING UP TOWARD THE TOP OF THE SLIP.

To replace worn inserts or change sizes for DU type slips:

1. Remove cotter key and liner key from the center of the slip.
2. Remove the inserts by pulling them straight out the slip. Once liner is removed inserts
will come out with no trouble.
3. Place new inserts in the die slots of the slip and slide them all the way against the
outside dove tails of the die slot. Make sure to clean die slot before installing new
inserts.
4. Install liner key from the top of the slip and replace cotter key. Make sure to check
liner key for wear and replace as necessary.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS INSTALL THE INSERTS IN THE PROPER DIRECTION WHEN USING DIRECTIONAL
INSERTS. THE TEETH SHOULD BE FACING UP TOWARD THE TOP OF THE SLIP.

To replace worn inserts or change sizes for DCS and CMS type slip:

1. Remove both cotter keys at the top of the die slot.

2. Remove buttons by sliding them out the top of the die slot. Tapping the insert from the
bottom may be required.
3. Install new buttons by sliding them into the die slot from the tip of the slip. Make sure
to clean die slot before installing new buttons. Make sure the dove tail on the buttons
lines up with the dove tail of the die slot.
4. Install both cotter keys at the top of die slots on each segment.

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4.2 SLIP HINGE PIN AND SPRING INSTALLATION

To replace the Backsaver™ slip hinge pins:

1. Remove slip from Backsaver™ by removing the yoke pin from yoke on the
Backsaver™.
2. Remove hinge pin cotters.
3. Remove hinge pins by taking a small brass punch and knocking out the hinge pin from
the bottom of the slip.
4. Install new “Backsaver™” hinge pin (see Figure 7, 8, and 9, Pages 11 and 12).
5. The spring installs in between the two segments.

To install spring:

a. Slip the spring over the hinge pin with one leg of the spring in between
segments.
b. Using a pair of needle nosed pliers, bend the other leg inward and lower the
spring as far as it can go.
c. Slide the washer over the hinge and retain it by driving the roll pin in the top
hole of the hinge pin.

6. The legs of the hinge spring are longer than required and will have to be cut down.
Take an angle grinder and cut off each leg approximately 3/8” from where the legs are
being retained by the sides of the slip (See Figure 10, page 12).

Roll Pin
Roll Pin
Washer Washer
Hinge Pin Hinge Pin
Spring Spring

Install spring w/ legs Cotter pin

between slip segments.

Install spring w/ legs

between slip segments.

Cotter pin

DU SLIPS SD SLIPS

FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8

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 Roll Pin
Washer
Hinge Pin
Spring

Install spring w/ legs

between slip segments.

CASING Cotter pin

SLIPS

FIGURE 9

FIGURE 10

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 BACKSAVER™” SLIP ADAPTER KITS

AOT # SLIP TYPE DESCRIPTION

26-507-A SDXL Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors, 2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4
Springs f/ Slips and Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-I 4-1/2” SDML Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors 2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4 Springs
for Slips and Safety latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-H 5” SDML Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors, 2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4
Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-B 4-1/2” DU Long Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors, 2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4
Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-J 5-1/2” DU Long Adapter Kit completes w/2 Lifting Link, 1 Right & 1 Left Torque Arrestor, 2 Slip Hinge
Pins, 4 Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-D 5-1/2” SDU Adapter Kit completes w/2 Lifting Link, 1 Right & 1 Left Torque Arrestor, Hinge Pins,
4 Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-E 7” SDU Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors,2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4 Springs
f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins
26-507-C 4-1/2” B Long Adapter Kit completes w/2 Lifting Link, 1 Right & 1 Left Torque Arrestor, 2 Slip Hinge
Pins, 4 Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-F 5-1/2” B Long Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors, 2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4
Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.
26-507-G 5-1/2” XL Woolley Adapter Kit complete w/2 Lifting Link, 2 Torque Arrestors, 2 Slip Hinge Pins, 4
Springs f/Slips & Safety Latch, and 4 Handle Pins.

“BACKSAVER™” LIFTING LINKS

AOT # SLIP TYPE DESCRIPTION

26-510-A SDXL Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-J 4-1/2” SDML Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-G 5” SDML Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-B 4-1/2” DU Long Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-K 5-1/2” DU Long Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-C 5-1/2” SDU Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-B 7” SDU Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-F 4-1/2” B Long Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-F 5-1/2” B Long Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

26-510-D 5-1/2” XL Woolley Lifting Link Complete w/ 2 Pins

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 “BACKSAVER™” TORQUE ARRESTORS

AOT # SLIP TYPE DESCRIPTION SPARES # REQ

26-513-B SDXL Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-513-G 4-1/2” SDML Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-513-E 5” SDML Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-511-C 4-1/2” DU Long Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-511-D-R 5-1/2” DU Long Right Torque Arrestor 1 1

26-511-D-L 5-1/2” DU Long Left Torque Arrestor 1 1

26-511-A-R 5-1/2” SDU Right Torque Arrestor 1 1

26-511-A-L 5-1/2” SDU Left Torque Arrestor 1 1

26-511-B 7” SDU Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-513-A 4-1/2” B Long Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-513-C 5-1/2” B Long Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

26-513-D 5-1/2” XL Woolley Right and Left Torque Arrestor 2 2

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 CERTIFICATE OF WARRANTY AND GUARANTEE TO QUALITY

Seller warrants all materials, products and supplies manufactured or furnished by it to be free
from defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, when installed,
used and serviced in the manner provided and intended by seller for a period of twelve (12)
months after installation or delivery, whichever shall occur first. Seller’s obligations under this
warranty are expressly limited to repair or replacement, at its option, of any materials,
products or supplies returned to seller’s plant, Broussard, Louisiana, and which are
determined by seller to be defective. All freight charges for return and reshipment shall be
paid by customer. A new warranty period shall not be established for repaired or replaced
materials, products or supplies; such items shall remain under warranty only for the
remainder of the warranty period on the original materials, products or supplies. This is the
sole warranty of seller and no other warranty is applicable, either expressed or implied, in fact
or by law, including any warranty as to merchantability or fitness for a particular use or
purpose.

In case of goods or parts not wholly of seller’s manufacture, seller shall make available to the
customer whatever warranty or guaranty is extended to seller for such goods or parts by the
supplier or manufacturer thereof.

Seller will not assume responsibility or liability for any repairs, rebuilding, welding or heat
treating done to its material, products or supplies outside of seller’s plants, such work shall
void any all warranties. All parts used in the manufacture and/or final assembly of seller’s
materials, products and supplies are necessary for both safety and operational performance.
Omission of any part or failure to replace any part may result in a malfunction and a
consequent safety hazard for which seller disclaims any responsibility or liability for injuries or
damage as a result thereof.

Buyer’s sole and only remedy in regard to any defective materials, products or supplies shall
be the repair or replacement thereof as herein provided, and seller shall not be liable for any
consequential, special, incidental or punitive damages resulting from or caused by any
defective materials, products or supplies.

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