Load Testing is an important function that ensures the safety of equipment and people. Per API standards, all lifting equipment that has been manufactured, altered, or repaired should be proof load tested and inspected.
Keystone has the right team of experts, equipment, and facilities to test any load.
Load Testing Facilities
Our load testing facility is available for testing elevators, spiders, slips, and bowls - with ratings up to 750 tons. Keystone Energy offers load testing to certify the load carrying capabilities of equipment, components, and parts.
Load Testing Determinations
- Performance Load Test — Manufacturer’s recommended maximum load
- Proof Load Test — Test to 1.5x the rated working load
- Design Verification — Complete material and/or mechanical failure
Mechanical Load Methods
Our qualified and equipped experts monitor how test samples react to static mechanical loads.
Static Testing
During static testing, parts are exposed to a constant load for a specified time. This method applies tension at a uniform and slow rate.
Load Testing Standards and Specifications:
- API 8C – American Petroleum Institute – Drilling and Production of Hoisting Equipment (PSL 1 and PSL 2)
- API Spec 8B – Recommended Practice for Procedures for Inspections, Maintenance, Repair, and Remanufacture of Hoisting Equipment
- API 7K Drilling and Well Servicing Equipment
API Spec 8C
API Spec 8C applies to drilling and production hoisting equipment. This Standard provides requirements for the design, manufacture and testing of hoisting equipment suitable for use in drilling, and production operations.
API Spec 8C applies to the following pieces of equipment (and not limited to):
- Elevator Links
- Tubing and Drill Pipe Elevators
- Square Shoulder Casing Elevators
- Square Shoulder Type A Elevators
- Spiders (if they can be used as elevators)
- Safety Clamps (if used as hoisting equipment)
The API standard defines two product specification level (PSL) requirements—PSL 1 and 2. The objective of these PSL classifications is to define different levels of technical part requirements.
All requirements put into place can only be applied to PSL 1 unless they have already been identified as PSL 2. PSL 2 requirements include all PSL 1 standards as well as others defined just for PSL 2. Supplementary and additional requirements are only necessary when explicitly stated.
Surface Examination
When it comes to certifying the equipment, Keystone performs surface NDE on all equipment 24 hrs after a Proof load test is completed.
MPI - Magnetic Particle Inspection
Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) is a non-destructive inspection method that provides detection of linear flaws located at or near the surface of materials. MPI is viewed mainly as a surface examination method.
Keystone offers MPI in general as a service:
- Per specification API 8C acceptance criteria
- Following industry specification ASTM E709
- Following Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Examination
- All KET inspectors are certified level II, to ASNT, SNT-TC-1a
Test your equipment today
With our years of experience in bridging the gap between quality and service, customers and distributors, performance and economy, Keystone understands the critical requirements of the oil and gas industry, from on-time delivery to competitive pricing and oilfield tools availability.
Contact one of our experts to request more information on how to get started on a load testing procedure for your next project.
About Keystone Energy Tools
Keystone Energy Tools is a manufacturer with over fifty years of combined experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-quality oilfield tools, including elevators, slips, dies and inserts, tongs dies, safety clamps, stabbing guides, drill pipe float valves, baffle plates, float valve pullers, rotating mouseholes, and tong blocks.
By using the latest in 3D modeling for product design and by staying current with the rapid advances in manufacturing technology and quality-assurance standards, Keystone is able to manufacture and produce the most reliable products on the market today.