As a manufacturer of strapping systems to the offshore industry, Roblon Industrial Fiber, based in Frederikshavn, Denmark, has delivered aramid straps for many different projects and applications. One of its latest developments is in cooperation with Gearench, a manufacturer of extremely heavy-use casing tongs for the offshore industry.
For a long time, Gearench, based in Clifton, Texas, had been searching for an alternative to the heavy link chains required to handle the high torques. Gearench contacted Roblon regarding the development of fiber belts to replace the link chains used with the casing tongs.
Roblon developed a strong aramid belt to replace the heavy link chains. The development project resulted in a completely new type of heavy duty Petol Surgrip casing tong, through use of Roblon's specially made green belts. These have resulted in easier handling of the tong and increased security. The belt weighs less, has a better grip, and supplies a higher torque than the fomerly used link chains. Gearench says its product has become the only accepted casing tong in several drilling rigs, and is rapidly being seen as the standard for use in offshore applications.
Following this program, Gearench and Roblon plan to continue the development of new, stronger tongs using Roblon fiber belts. More details are available from both companies at either [email protected] or [email protected].
