THE MANIPULATOR

The Iron Derrickman® Manipulator is a racking board mounted pipe handling system that is designed to mount into existing land based double and triple masted drilling rigs and removes the Derrickman from the racking board during tripping operations. The system remains installed in the racking board for rig moves. Although it replaces a human Derrickman for all tripping operations, it does not interfere in the event a human Derrickman is required to work the board. Setting back of each stand of pipe at the floor is handled the same way as in the current fully manual operation. The system removes drilling hands from the racking board during tripping operations.

The Iron Derrickman® Manipulator racks and un-racks without lifting double or triple stands of Drill Pipe, Heavyweight and Drill Collars to 9" into racking board pipe and collar fingers all without a Derrickman in the mast.  

The combination of some innovative mechanical engineering, positive control of hydraulic closed loop circuitry, electrical remote motion controls, radio and direct wired panel make for intuitive feel of the operation.

• The Iron Derrickman® Manipulator system mounts as part of the diving board within the racking board.
• The system is operated from the drill floor from a belt mounted radio remote control unit or a hard wired operator’s control station (both supplied).
• A racking board finger retainer system works mechanically in conjunction with the Iron Derrickman® Manipulator system. Positive gate-style retainers mounted on each finger prevent pipe from escaping and mechanically open when the Manipulator is positioned at the gate to deliver or pick up pipe.
• A manual override allows a Human Derrickman to rack and un-rack pipe when needed.
• The Iron Derrickman® eliminates the need for wind walls on the racking board.
• Eliminates the need for the Derrickman to climb the mast to make connections in pad, directional and under-balanced drilling operations.