Keystone's Slim Hole Slip Type (SHST) elevator grips small diameter slim hole drill pipe evenly, where a conventional slip type elevator would load unevenly and risk crushing it. The difference is retractable inserts and interlocking plates that let the slips set wherever the elevator closes and latches. If you run SDSH drill pipe, this is the elevator that holds it without cutting or deforming the tube.
A slim hole slip type elevator is a drill pipe handling tool that grips small diameter slim hole (SDSH) drill pipe using slips and inserts instead of seating on the tool joint alone. The new design of our SHST elevator, with its retractable inserts, allows it to grip drilling pipe like no other elevator on the market.
We've previously discussed the efficiency of running SDSH drill pipe with KET's new slip type elevator.
Conventional slip type elevators set on the pipe once the setting plate makes contact with the tool joint. Being set on SDSH drill pipe, the inserts would make contact with the upset and the tube, causing uneven die-contact with the pipe.
This can crush or cut the pipe.
But not with our new SHST Elevator.
| Conventional slip type | Keystone SHST | |
|---|---|---|
| Where slips set | Only when setting plate meets the tool joint | Wherever the elevator closes and latches |
| Contact on SDSH pipe | Uneven - inserts hit upset and tube | Even die-contact across the pipe |
| Risk to slim hole pipe | Can crush or cut the tube | Grips without deforming |
| Insert design | Fixed | Retractable, engages the slip |
Here's what lets the SHST hold slim hole pipe cleanly: the slips set on the pipe body itself, not just off the tool joint, so the load spreads evenly.
Want to learn more?
Click below to download our SHST Product Flyer to learn about its specs and the different sizes that Keystone offers!
Also, visit our Slim Hole Y Series Page.
KET is a leading manufacturer of Drill Pipe Elevators. We design and precision-machine all of our elevators to meet and exceed API Standards, with KET and the API monogram stamped on our equipment. You can be sure you're getting high-grade equipment at a competitive price, made in the USA.
What is a slim hole slip type elevator?
A slim hole slip type elevator is a drill pipe handling tool that grips small diameter slim hole (SDSH) drill pipe using slips and inserts rather than seating on the tool joint alone. Keystone's SHST version adds retractable inserts, so the slips set wherever the elevator closes and latches on the pipe. That gives even die-contact across the pipe body and avoids the crushing or cutting that happens when a conventional elevator loads unevenly on slim hole pipe.
How does Keystone's SHST elevator grip drill pipe?
The SHST grips through three working parts. The slips set wherever the elevator closes and latches on the pipe, not only when a setting plate contacts the tool joint. Retractable inserts engage the slip so the dies make even contact around the pipe. Interlocking plates keep the slips setting evenly on both sides. Together, these features spread the load across the pipe surface, which is what lets the tool hold SDSH drill pipe without uneven die-contact.
What's the difference between a conventional slip type elevator and the SHST?
A conventional slip type elevator sets on the pipe once its setting plate contacts the tool joint. On small diameter slim hole pipe, the inserts contact both the upset and the tube, which creates uneven die-contact and can crush or cut the pipe. The SHST sets its slips wherever the elevator closes and latches, and its retractable inserts and interlocking plates keep die-contact even. That's what makes it suited to SDSH drill pipe where a conventional elevator struggles.
What drill pipe does the SHST elevator work with?
The SHST is built for small diameter slim hole (SDSH) drill pipe, the kind that gives conventional slip type elevators trouble because of uneven die-contact. Keystone designed the tool around this pipe so the slips and inserts grip the tube evenly. For the full list of sizes and specifications, download the SHST product flyer, or see the Slim Hole Y Series page for the related elevator line.
Is the SHST elevator API certified and made in the USA?
Yes. Keystone designs and precision-machines its elevators to meet and exceed API standards, with both the KET and API monograms stamped on the equipment, and the tools are made in the USA. That applies across Keystone's elevator line, including square shoulder, bottleneck, slip type, side door, and single joint elevators.
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. All Keystone Handling Tools are manufactured according to API 8C and API 7K Standards.