Keystone Slip type elevators hold and hoist tools for handling drill pipes, small casing and tubing in oil drilling and well tripping operations.

While slip-type elevators may be used for any length of tubing string, they are recommended for long or heavy strings.

They are especially suitable for the hoisting of integrated tubing sub, integral joint casing, electric submersible pump column and other tubular goods.

Keystone “Y” series slip type elevators come in three types: the 40-ton “MYT”, 75-ton “YT” and the 150-ton “HYT”. Tubular sizes are from 3/4” through 3 1/2”.

All slip backs and die slots on Keystone slips are precision machined to ensure proper grip and to prevent bottlenecking or slip cuts to the pipe. All Keystone slip type elevators are manufactured in the United States and built to meet or exceed API 8C standards.

Our slips and elevators are traceable to material and heat treatment. Our equipment comes with applicable certificates and the pedigree required by the industry.

When ordering, please specify:

• What size inserts to be dressed with slip body
• Extra insert sizes
• Spare parts

MYT Slip Type Elevator

The MYT 40 Ton Slip Type Elevator is a lightweight tubing elevator used for holding and hoisting oilfield tubing. The MYT size range is 1.315” through 2-7/8” and requires only one size slip to handle its full range. Rated capacity is 40 tons.

YT Slip Type Elevator

A medium weight tubing elevator for tubing 1″ through 3 1/2″, the YT requires the use of two sizes of slips to handle its full range. Rated capacity is 75 tons.

HYT Slip Type Elevator

A heavyweight tubing elevator, the HYT is for tubing 2 3/8″ through 3 1/2.” It also requires the use of two sizes of slips to handle its full range. Rated capacity is 150 tons.

Keystone also carries slip-type elevator parts, including rings, hinge pins, latch pins, cotter pins, latch locks, and slip bolts.

Safety Concerns with Rig Floor Equipment

When drilling operations call for the use of slip-type elevators (as opposed to, for example, a bottleneck type elevator), the following precautions should be taken:

• Slip-type elevators must close completely, and the latch must engage properly. Double-check the elevator body, latch mechanism, links, and dies and setting plate. Keep hands away from any pinch point or undesignated areas; use only the provided handles for operating the elevator.
• Elevators should be cleaned frequently to reduce the risk of slippage, and to ensure that they are working properly. If slips are used, make sure the dies are clean and sharp, and all of the same size. Do not mix old or resharpened dies with new dies in either the elevator slips.
• If a tubing spider is used, make sure it does not crimp the tubing when is closed. Make sure it releases completely to avoid gouging the tubing when lowering.
• Check the condition of the slip bushing to ensure that the slips will fit properly and engage the tubing evenly. Properly fitting and well-maintained equipment can reduce the risk of damaging the tubing.
• Check the size and rating of the power tongs. The size should not be more than one size larger than the tubing being run and the tongs must be able to attain the expected maximum torque. Check the rig-in of the power tongs, making sure that the tong back-up line is at right angles to the tongs. Check that the tongs are level and free to move and are at the correct height above the floor. Make sure the power tongs are equipped with an accurate and reliable torque gauge.
• Make sure the back-up tongs are sized properly, have clean and sharp die segments, and won’t damage the tubing. Don’t use pipe wrenches as back-ups!
• Blocks should be completely stopped prior to latching the elevators on the pipe. The blocks must be raised slowly to allow the elevators to slide up to the pipe upset area. Check that the blocks are centered over the rotary table. Any misalignment can result in difficulty when stabbing and spinning up connections.
• Pipe should be stood back in the derrick no further than necessary, eliminating as much “bowing” as possible. Personnel responsible for “tailing” the pipe should keep the pipe at arm’s length at all times.
• Workers should never position themselves directly under stands or joints of the drilling string. Use a tail rope that allows employees to stand well away from the pipe at initial pick-up.