When developing the Ace Ratchet Collar one of the key requirements for us was a simple installation process. We wanted to ensure the product could be installed on-site, anywhere in the world, without the need to move the pipe. As a result, the ARC installation tool is a key part of the ARC’s value.
Installed in one minute
The installation kit is made up of a handheld Hydraulic Setting Tool (HST) and a small power unit, both of which are easy to transport. The HST is connected to a pump by hydraulic hoses. The pump can be electric, gasoline, powered or connected to a generator in remote locations. For small jobs the pump can even be powered manually. The ARC is manually slid onto the pipe and a two-person team uses the HST to press the two sets of ratchets together to permanently lock the collar to the casing with about 40,000lbs of force. This ensures that the ARC delivers an extremely high holding force under all operating conditions, with no impact on drift.
As the process involves no set screws or a field tightening sequence, the installation is easy, consistent and it takes just 1 minute for an individual Ace Ratchet Collar to be safely installed. It’s also possible to install all ARC sizes with the same HST tool (even the large 18” tool), simply by changing out the plates. The HST can be used anywhere in the world. We simply need to ensure we have the right hydraulic fluid in the pump for the environment, but once we have the right viscosity fluid we can install at any global location – hot or cold. So, whether installation takes place onshore at the pipe yard, or offshore at the rig site, this lightweight, portable tool ensures that trained personnel can fit our products quickly, safely and in the most appropriate location for each job.
Adapting to the (Covid) times
The trained personnel do not need to be members of the Ace team – we train clients teams to use the tool safely and correctly.
Thanks to its ease of use we are even able to offer this training remotely at this time of restricted travel. We can then ship the compact and lightweight tool to the client’s yard, or offshore at the rig site for local installation to ensure operations can continue. With the HST it’s possible to install Ace tools along an entire strong in just a matter of hours, saving substantial amounts of time. We firmly believe that an ace tool deserves an ace installation process and the HST delivers just that.
Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us!
