Manual Spooler
Manual Spooler
COMBINED DEPTH/TENSION
HEAVY DUTY SLICKLINE MEASUREMENT DEVICE
ZONE 2 – CLASS 1 DIV 2
NOTE – The safe ambient temperature operating range for this equipment is -20 to 40C
or -4 to 104F.
___________________________________________________
Training - Operators shall be trained in the proper and safe use of the device.
Do not exceed the tension limit specified for this device in this manual.
Electric Shock – Depending on the equipment being used, both AC and DC current
may be present. Frequently in wellsite operations conductive fluids and chemicals are
used. Use extra caution when working with BenchMark equipment and follow
manufacturer warnings to avoid electric shock.
The safe ambient temperature operating range for this equipment is -20 to 40C or -4 to
104F.
Installation Instructions - Install measuring device onto the spooling mechanism per
the unit manufacturer instructions. Take care to avoid pinching or cutting of electrical
cables when the measuring device moves during the spooling operation.
Take care to thread the wire through the device properly to prevent the wire from
rubbing the frame during operation. The Table of Contents of this manual will list where
the threading procedure is located.
Use every precaution to keep a safe distance from dangerous equipment when it is in
operation. Never approach the measuring device while the cable drum is turning.
The "MEGA MOUTH” Slickline Measuring Device is a heavy duty two wheeled device which
accurately measures both wireline depth and tension. It minimizes wire abrasion and fatigue by
using a non reverse bend configuration.
The device is designed to be mounted in front of the wireline drum on a spooling mechanism.
Linear bearings in the mount allow it to slide back and forth in front of the drum so the wire can
be spooled evenly. Spooling rollers and pressure wheels are provided to keep the wire in the
wheels at low or no tension. The head can be pivoted 90 degrees for storage when not in use.
This measuring head is different from previous versions in that the wireline can be removed
from the measuring head without cutting off the cable head. The wireline can be removed from
the side. The guide rollers are slotted so they can be slid out of the way to remove the wireline.
Tension is measured from a load pin which also serves as the axle for the tension wheel. Since
the two wheels are opposite each other, the wire completely wraps around both wheels. This
creates a relatively high signal at the load pin which provides a very accurate tension
measurement.
With the BenchMark Winchman's Panel, depth can be accurately measured on different sized
lines without changing wheels. This is done electronically by the panel using the depth
information provided by an encoder. Changes in wire size are accounted for by the panel
software. Wire stretch can also be automatically calculated by the panel. An adapter is
provided to drive a standard mechanical counter.
The wire runs from the well around the measure wheel (wheel nearest drum) then around the
tension wheel and back across the top of the measuring wheel onto the drum. Even though the
wire runs side by side across the top of the measure wheel, the system is designed to prevent
wire to wire rub. The tension wheel is tilted slightly with respect to the measuring wheel so that
the wire enters the wheel on one side of the groove and exits the wheel on the opposite side of
the groove. Guide rollers are aligned to assist in keeping the wire on the proper side of the
groove.
The wire runs through a non reversed bend configuration (i.e. the wire is always bent in the
same direction). This minimizes wire fatigue due to bending the wire in opposite directions each
time it passes through the measuring head. The large wheel radius minimizes the effects of
fatigue and promotes longer wire life, especially with larger diameter wirelines.
Guide rollers are installed on the tension wheel to keep the wire in the groove. A spring
mounted guide roller is used on the measure wheel to ensure the wire is always pressed tightly
against the measure wheel to prevent wire slippage at low tension to minimize measurement
error. The spring tightly presses the wire against the wheel regardless of wire size. The spring
force keeps the wire turning the wheel even with sudden changes of direction during jarring
action. A composite guide roller is mounted above the measure wheel to keep the wire in the
groove when wireline tension is relaxed such as during transport and rigup.
Depth measurement is made by wrapping the wire around the measuring wheel which has a
precision machined groove. The wheel groove has a circumference of 4 feet with .125 wire
installed. The wheel is hardened to greater than Rockwell 58 by using a special heat treat
process. This minimizes wheel wear to maximize wheel life.
The optical encoder provides a high resolution measurement to the BenchMark Wireline
Products hoistman’s panel. With this panel depth and line speed can be accurately measured
on different sized lines without changing wheels. This is done electronically by the panel.
Changes in wire size are accounted for by the panel software. Wire stretch can also be
automatically calculated by the panel. The panel operates on 12v and supplies the necessary
power to the encoder and load pin.
A backup depth system is available to provide another independent depth measurement. Depth
is measured by a frictionless magnetic pickup mounted in the measuring head. The pickup
consists of magnets imbedded in the measure wheel coupling and two hall affect devices
mounted next to the shaft. This provides a quadarature type measurement. A small display
panel is mounted inside a wireline unit. The panel is designed to be connected to an external
AC or DC supply or operate off internal batteries for up to 15 hours between charges. In the
event of an external power interruption, the unit automatically switches to battery power. The
system is designed to operate without intervention from the user. When external power fails,
the depth display is maintained by the batteries. A switch on the front of the panel allows
different sizes of wire to be measured accurately without changing the measuring wheels.
The mechanical measurement is made by connecting a “speedometer” cable to the hub of the
measuring wheel. A “Veedor Root” type counter can be used. Step down adapters are
available to convert from a 1:4 to a 1:1 measurement (adapters on the wheel and in the
counter). The mechanical system cannot be adjusted for different wire sizes so a wheel with a
different sized groove must be installed to make the mechanical measurement correct.
The wheel nearest the well rotates on an axle pin that is instrumented with strain gauges.
These strain gauges produce an electrical signal proportional to the magnitude of line tension.
The wire always makes a complete 180 degree wrap around the tension wheel so rigup angle
does not affect the tension measurement.
The tension wheel is mounted on a self aligning bearing which allows the wheel to properly align
itself. This reduces any side forces that may be present which increases the tension
measurement accuracy.
2. DIFFERENTIAL VOLTAGE
Interface - Proprietary circuit board which amplifies the load pin signals and provides a
1.5v differential output.
Interface - Proprietary circuit board which amplifies the load pin signals and provides a
4-20ma current loop output.
4 ma = 0 lbs (0 kg)
12 ma = 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) - shunt cal
20ma = 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)
COMMON SPECIFICATIONS
Temperature Stability
<= .015% full scale / deg F on zero
<= .02% full scale / deg F on output
Load Pin: Passive low voltage, Differential voltage, 4-20ma current loop
Cable sizes .092 to .125 slickline & 3/16” to 1/4” e-line/braided line
Tension load axle & amplifier can be configured to different outputs
3 fully independent depth measurements - 1. mechanical counter 2. optical
encoder 3. magnetic pickup
Backup depth system – reduces drag on measuring wheel by eliminating
mechanical drive cable
Encoder & tension amplifier certified for Zone II area use
Anodized aluminum frame – all steel parts are plated or SST
Line removal from the side without cutting off Cable Head
Minimizes wire abrasion & fatigue by using non-reverse bend configuration
Wires run side-by-side across top of measuring wheel to prevent wire rub
Large diameter wheel radius minimize wire fatigue
Spooling rollers and pressure wheels keep wire in wheel at low/no tension
Sprung pressure wheel keeps wire turning with wheel even with sudden
direction change or jarring action
Pivots 90 degrees – measuring device pivots 90 degrees for easy storage
Loosen the bolts on the top of both sets of guide rollers. Swing the guide roller plate
away leaving top access to the space between the guide rollers.
Loosen the keeper roller, move it to the top of its slot and retighten the bolt.
Loosen the upper pressure roller, move it to the end of its slot and retighten the bolt.
Loosen the lower pressure roller, move it to the end of its slot and retighten the bolt
Thread the wire between the 1st set of guide rollers then over the top of the measuring
wheel under the under the keeper roller.
Thread the wire below the wear plate on the top of the tension wheel.
With a wrench or bar spring the pressure wheel away and thread the wire the pressure
wheel and the measuring wheel.
As the wire is brought over the top of the wheel make sure it is now pulled towards the
mechanic on the close side of the wheel.
The wire now is threaded between the 2nd set of guide rollers.
The keeper roller is now repositioned to keep the 2 rows of wires from crossing in the
measuring wheel groove.
Replace the guide roller plates making sure that they are positioned between the flat
washers on the tightening bolts
Reposition the upper and lower pressure rollers and tighten them.
Position the roller to run inside the grooves of the tension wheel.
There should be no heavy contact between the roller and the tension wheel as this can
interfere with accurate measurements
This process for threading a wire without a Cable Head attached is very similar to the
procedure described above.
However…
- the guide roller plates on top of the guide rollers DO NOT have to be loosened or
moved.
This is what an AMSLA measuring head should look like with the wire properly
threaded.
Final Thread Path is the same whether threaded with or without cable head attached.
This equipment is to be installed only by personnel who are suitably trained and
qualified to local/national codes.
2. Connect the cables from the panel to the encoder, backup and load pin on the
measuring head.
Make sure you use the correct cable for each connection as described in this manual.
Note – For better response, please have the Part Number available.
Power up the panel connected to the measuring head and verify it is working properly.
Install the line in measuring head and set the line size parameter on the panel.
Press T-CAL and verify that panel tension reads 4,000 or 5,000 lbs (depending on type
of measuring head selected)
Since the wireline wraps around the depth wheel, the circumference of the depth wheel
will change with a change in wire size. The wheel size needs to be corrected for
wireline size in order to accurately measure depth.
NOTE - The measuring heads do not contain any software. The software is in the
display panel. A variety of display panels can be used with this measuring head.
To view the Software Operating Instruction, refer to the manual for the Display Panel
being used with this head.
NOTE - The measuring heads do not contain any software. The software is in the
display panel. A variety of display panels can be used with this measuring head.
To view the Software Update Procedures, refer to the manual for the Display Panel
being used with this head.
Between jobs, check the measuring and guide wheels for looseness, play, out-of-
roundness, worn or rough sounding bearings, or other mechanical conditions that could
affect measurement accuracy.
Visually inspect the interiors of the electrical connectors for the encoders and electronic
load axle for dirt and evidence of insulation breakdown. Clean or replace as necessary.
Install dust caps on the connectors if the cables are removed.
Manually rotate each wheel by hand to verify its condition. Inspect the depth measuring
wheel for signs of abnormal wear diameter changes, or shaft play that can affect
measurement accuracy. The wheel should be replaced if it is grooved more than .005".
Inspect the tension wheels for signs of abnormal wear, diameter changes, or shaft and
bearing play that could affect measurement accuracy. It should also be replaced if it is
grooved more than .005".
Lubrication – use waterproof marine grease and a straight necked grease gun. Use
the grease nozzle that comes with the measuring head (in the small plastic bag zip-tied
to the frame).
Press the nozzle into the fitting and apply 3 squirts. Repeat same lubrication schedule
each month.
DO NOT pressure wash the machine as it will force the grease out of the bearings and
they will fail.
The 1st step is to remove the spiral lock from the load pin shaft.
If the lock has not been damaged it can be used again on reassembly.
With the load pin removed gently let the tension wheel rest in the frame.
Position the tension wheel so that the load pin can be placed through the wheel hub.
Note that the load pin has a flat notch on one side.
The flat side of the load pin will flange up to the guide plate on the frame.
Insert the load pin and rotate it so that the flat side of the pin butts up to the guide plate.
The bearing in the tension wheel has a slot for an anti rotation screw.
*Note - depending on position of the wheel, if during this procedure the tension wheel
stays in place, there is no need to remove the anti rotation screw.
If the wheel moves too much, the bearing may slide off the anti-rotation screw. In that
case you must remove the anti-rotation screw for proper reinstallation.
Spin the wheel until the anti rotation slot on the bearing can be seen through the anti
rotation screw hole.
For this maintenance, we assume that the load pin has been removed. 5.2.1
Loosen and completely move the pressure roller to the end of its slot and
retighten.
Reposition the wheel back in the frame and follow the load pin installation
instructions in 5.2.1.
For this maintenance, it is assumed that both the wheel and the bearing have already
been removed. The bearing is held in the wheel hub by 2 snap rings.
The anti-rotation bushing will be pressed into the bearing. Place the new bearing on the
press.
On the first stroke, the bushing may not go all the way into the bearing. Add a spacer
on the bottom of the bearing as the bushing will protrude below the bottom bearing.
The bushing is properly installed when approximately equal amounts stick out both
above and below the bearing assembly.
Take the Tension Wheel. 2 snap rings will hold the bearing assembly in place. The
front of the wheel is the side with the grease fitting.
Then turn the wheel over. You should be able to simply insert the bearing assembly
into the center hub. **NOTE make sure the small grease hole on the outside of the
bearing assembly is placed directly in front of the grease fitting of the bearing or it will
not be properly lubricated and the bearing will fail.
Lubrication – use waterproof marine grease and a straight necked grease gun. Use
the grease nozzle that comes with the measuring head (in the small plastic bag zip-tied
to the frame).
Press the nozzle into the fitting and apply 3 squirts. Repeat same lubrication schedule
each month.
DO NOT pressure wash the machine as it will force the grease out of the bearings and
they will fail.
Carefully pull the encoder straight out avoiding contact between the couplings and the
adapter.
*Note - If you drop the plastic coupling inside the adapter, you may have to remove the
adapter to retrieve it.
Note the size of the gap between the coupling and the encoder body.
With the small Allen wrench, loosen the 2 set screws that hold the coupling on the shaft
of the encoder.
Replace the existing coupling stack on the shaft of the new encoder.
Note that the shaft has a flat side. Place the coupling on the shaft so that the tangs on
the coupling and one set screw are aligned to the flat side of the shaft.
When tightening, leave the same gap on the shaft between the coupling and the
encoder. Snug up but DO NOT fully tighten the set screw on the flat side of the shaft.
Use DC111 or equivalent and apply a thin layer to the plastic coupling.
Press the plastic on top of the coupling stack. The DC111 will temporarily hold it in
place.
The top of the encoder has the OEM labels. Rotate the coupling stack so that the slot
on the top of the plastic coupling is oriented vertically.
Look though the hole in the adapter body and you will see the coupling half.
Rotate the measuring wheel so that the tang on the coupling half is vertical.
Carefully replace the encoder watching to not jar the coupling stack.
Hold it against the adapter body.
Using a flashlight look in the hole to verify that the plastic coupling has engaged the
tang on the measuring wheel.
Temporarily replace the 2 screws to hold the encoder and coupling in place.
Place the Allen wrench in a set screw hole and exerting force, lever the encoder stack
away from you towards the measuring wheel, snug up the set screw.
Lubricate the O ring using the DC111 and carefully replace the O ring in the adapter
body.
Holding the encoder firmly in place, Rotate the measuring wheel and if properly
engaged, as you look down through the plug hole, you should see the white dots on the
coupling stack move as the coupling spins.
For this maintenance we will remove both the Encoder and the wheel hubs.
Note that the keeper roller has a flat washer one on each side of the roller that will be
used again when the wheel is replaced.
We will now swing the front guide roller out of the way.
First loosen the front bolt.
Now completely remove the rear bolt.
Simply push on the top of the guide roller to swing it out of the way.
There is now clearance to remove the measuring wheel from the frame.
Pull the encoder straight out taking care not to jar the coupling.
The adapter fits snugly into a recess on the hub and often needs a nudge to come
loose.
Use a rubber hammer and gently tap on the corner to break it loose.
With the adapter removed we can now see the shaft inside the hub.
Take a wooden dowel about the size of a broom handle and put it through a hole in the
measuring wheel to stop it from rotating while the large nut is removed from the shaft.
Use the 1 7/16 socket and loosen and remove the nut.
NOTE - If you’re NOT replacing the bearings, leave this hub in place and after the shaft
is removed simply remove the wheel.
If you ARE replacing the bearings, loosen and then remove all 4 screws and then
remove the hub from the frame.
The other half of the hub assembly is on the other side of the frame.
Take the dowel out of the wheel.
Loosen and remove all 4 screws that attach the hub to the frame.
Hold the measuring wheel and remove the hub and shaft assembly – you will probable
have to tap on the shaft from the encoder side to get it to come out.
NOTE - While the wheel is free, it may be advisable to replace the wheel bearing.
That procedure is described in detail in 5.3.3
When reinstalling the shaft, rotate it so that the key goes in the keyway.
Rotate the hub so that the grease fitting faces to the right and the 4 screw holes on the
hub align with the holes on the frame.
On the encoder side of the frame, if the hub was removed, you’ll need to reinstall it.
Rotate the hub to align the screw holes on the hub and the frame.
On the other side of the frame, tighten the 4 screws holding that hub in place.
Back on the encoder side replace the large retainer nut on the shaft.
Reinsert the large wooden dowel in the wheel and tighten the nut with the wrench.
Remove the wooden dowel and rotate the measuring wheel to verify proper installation.
Lubricate and replace the O ring on the adapter – DC111 lubricant works well in this
application.
Replace the adapter and all 4 screws – tighten the screws firmly.
NOTE – if you are reinstalling the Same Encoder, use this procedure.
If you are installing a New Encoder use the procedure in 5.3.1
Rotate the measuring wheel so that the tang on the coupling is horizontal.
Replace the encoder while looking through the plug hole on the top and rotating the
measuring wheel as necessary to get the 2 parts of the coupling to mesh.
When replacing the keeper roller, make sure you have a flat washer on each side of the
roller.
When replacing the pressure wheel, you must compress the tensioner to allow the bolt
to go into the wheel – tighten the bolt.
There are 2 bearings in the measuring wheel. 1 is on the shaft and the other is inside
this hub. Both will need to be replaced.
Remove the retainer clip that holds the bearing in place in the hub.
It can normally be removed and replaced with no special equipment.
Install the new bearing and the retainer clip.
NOTE – make sure that the small lubrication hole on the outside bearing race is lined up
with the grease fitting on the hub or the bearing won’t be lubricated and will fail.
You now need to press the shaft and the bearing out of the hub.
You will usually need a press to both remove and reinstall the bearing and shaft.
Set up your press to allow pressing the shaft and bearing out through the bottom of the
hub.
Get a punch of smaller diameter than the shaft and press out the shaft.
Be sure to catch the shaft – clean off any lubricant on the bearing and shaft.
Protect the small threaded end of the shaft by putting a nut over it to press on.
Press the shaft out of the bearing.
Place the new bearing on the shaft and snug as much as possible manually.
NOTE – make sure that the small lubrication hole on the outside bearing race is lined up
with the grease fitting on the hub or the bearing won’t be lubricated and will fail.
Place the shaft and bearing in the hub so that you can see the small end of the shaft
protruding out of the hub…this will indicate that the shaft is properly aligned in the hub.
You will now press the bearing with the shaft in it, into the hub.
The backup depth magnetic pickup is mounted to the encoder adapter. It is held in
place by four screws. Remove the screws and the pickup can then be removed. The
pickup must be properly oriented to work correctly. The slot should be oriented to the
top. The top side is the encoder side. Ensure that an o-ring is inserted between the
plastic housing and the mount. An additional o-ring is used between the connector and
the housing to keep moisture out.
If the backup display is counting backward (i.e. counting negative when going down
hole), simply rotate the pickup 180 degrees to change the direction.
Specifications
Pin Out
E - A
C - A\
G - B
D - B\
A - +5 to +15 vdc
B - Gnd
F - Case
Specifications
Pin Out
A - A
C - A\
B - B
E - B\
D - +5 to +15 vdc
F - Gnd
G - Case
Specifications
Pin Out
A - A
H - A\
B - B
I - B\
D - +5 to +15 vdc
F - Gnd
G - Case
Specifications
Pin Out
E - A
C - A\
G - B
D - B\
A - +5 to +15 vdc
B - Gnd
F - Case
Specifications
Pin Out
A - A
C - A\
B - B
E - B\
D - +5 to +15 vdc
F - Gnd
G - Case
The pivot plate is designed to allow the measuring head to be pivoted 90 degrees when
not in use. This allows it to fit inside a smaller compartment during transport.
It is a two piece assembly that sits between the measuring head and the horizontal
spooling bars. The bearings are removed from the bottom of the measuring head and
bolted to the bottom of the pivot plate.
This oiler features a Lexan reservoir with self closing filler cap. The flow is regulated by
adjusting the valve at the base of the reservoir. A mount is provided on the measuring
head. A copper tube channels the fluid to the wireline where it first enters the
measuring head.
Schematic drawings for load pins and encoders are not provided.
They contain either proprietary information and/or are purchased from 3rd party
suppliers.
6.2 WIRELISTS
This equipment is to be installed only by personnel who are suitably trained and
qualified to local/national codes.
2. Connect the cables for to the encoder, backup and load pin to the measuring head.
Power up the panel connected to the measuring head and verify it is working properly.
Install the line in measuring head and set the line size parameter on the panel.
Press T-CAL and verify that panel tension reads 4,000 or 5,000 lbs (depending on type
of measuring head selected)
NOTE - All Cable Drawings are included in the respective panel manuals.