System and Method For Handling Drill Pipe Using A Vacuum Handler

摘要

A system and method for moving directional drill pipe with vacuum power. The system is used with a vacuum beam mounted on a boom. It has a vacuum pad that is pivotally attached at one end by a hinge to the vacuum beam. The other end of the vacuum pad is attached to the vacuum beam via a hydraulic cylinder. Operation of the hydraulic cylinder causes the vacuum pad to rotate about the hinge and change the angle of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam. Lateral movement of the vacuum pad relative to the vacuum beam is provided by one or more pinned connections located adjacent to the hinge. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum pad is used to grasp and release drill pipe.

主权项

1. A system for handling drill pipe for a directional drilling machine mountable on a boom, the system comprising:
a vacuum beam; a vacuum pad having a first half and a second half; a vacuum line connecting the vacuum pad to a vacuum pump and a vacuum reservoir pump and placing them in fluid communication with one another; and a harness attaching the vacuum pad to the vacuum beam wherein the harness is capable of varying the angle of the pad relative to the vacuum beam.