Oil & Gas Casing Handling & Running Tools are specialized equipment used to safely lift, move, make-up, and run casing strings into the wellbore during drilling and completion operations. Below is a clear, industry-standard overview.

1. Casing Handling Tools (Surface Operations)

Used for lifting, moving, and positioning casing on the rig floor or pipe rack.

Common Handling Tools

  • Casing Elevators
    • Single-joint, side-door, or slip-type
    • Used to lift casing from horizontal to vertical and suspend it
  • Casing Slips
    • Hold casing in the rotary table
    • Types: manual, power slips, self-centering
  • Lifting Plugs / Casing Bails
    • Threaded into casing for crane lifting
  • Pipe Hooks & Casing Hooks
    • For handling casing on catwalks and pipe racks
  • Spider (Casing Spider)
    • Power-operated slips that hold casing during running
  • Power Catwalk Systems
    • Automated transfer of casing from rack to rig floor

2. Casing Running Tools (Downhole Operations)

Used to run, rotate, circulate, and torque casing into the well.

Key Running Tools

  • Casing Running Tool (CRT)
    • Mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic
    • Transmits torque and weight
  • Top Drive Casing Running Tool (TD-CRT)
    • Enables casing to be run using the top drive
    • Allows rotation and circulation while running
  • Fill-Up & Circulation Tool (FCT)
    • Fills casing with mud to prevent collapse
    • Allows circulation while running
  • Power Tong / Hydraulic Casing Tong
    • Applies correct make-up torque to casing connections
  • Backup Tong
    • Prevents casing rotation during make-up
  • Torque Turn System
    • Monitors torque, turns, and connection integrity

3. Auxiliary & Safety Equipment

  • Centralizers
    • Keep casing centered in the wellbore
  • Thread Protectors
    • Protect casing threads during handling
  • Drift Tools
    • Verify internal casing diameter
  • Casing Stabbing Guides
    • Aid alignment during make-up
  • Safety Clamps
    • Emergency holding device

4. Typical Casing Running Sequence

  1. Casing delivered and inspected
  2. Handling with elevators/catwalk
  3. Fill-up and circulation
  4. Connection make-up with tongs or top drive
  5. Running and rotating casing
  6. Landing casing at depth
  7. Cementing preparation

Categorized in:

Mud Pumps,

Last Update: December 14, 2025

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