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2853 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755
Telephone: (562) 424-8564 Fax: (562) 595-6174

CAVINS “ADVANCE” TUBING SPIDER

MODELS “B”, “C”, “C-HD”, “F” & “G

OPERATING, SERVICE AND

REPLACEMENT
PARTS MANUAL
 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUBJECT PAGE

1. SAFETY INFORMATION 3

2. GENERAL INFORMATION 4

3. TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATIONS 5

4. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 6

5. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 6

6. MAINTENANCE 7

7. HYDRAULIC CONNECTION DIAGRAM 8

8. HYDRAULIC FOOT VALVE ASSEMBLY 9

9. HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ASSEMBLY 10

10. FULL CIRCLE SLIP BODIES AND INSERTS 11

11. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 14

12. SPIDER REPAIR MANUAL AND INSTRUCTIONS 15

Revised Aug 18, 2006

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

SAFETY INFORMATION

 Read and understand all operating and service instructions before

using the Spider Assembly. All operating personnel should be
thoroughly trained and knowledgeable of the equipment operation
and safe use.

 Never place hand and feet in or around the operating parts of the
Spider Assembly.

 Always lower the Slips in to the bowl and disconnect the power
source before moving, installing or performing maintenance on the
equipment.

 Spider furnished with pinch point guards should not be used without
the guard properly installed.

 Safety latch should be checked for proper function on a daily basis

and replaced when broken or damaged. Never use the equipment
without a safety latch installed.

 The Spider assembly should only be lifted or hoisted by the bowl

guard. Never lift or hoist the equipment by attaching to any moveable
component, the cylinder guard or the pinch point guard.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS
GENERAL INFORMATION

The “Advance” Spider developed by the CAVINS Company is considered to be the pioneer in
power slips. Through years of experience and testing, many improvements have been made,
which make the “Advance” Spider the leader in safe, economical and trouble free handling of
tubular goods. Heat treated alloy steel is used throughout for the greatest possible strength and
longest wearing life with a minimum of weight. The shafts are hardened alloy steel for longer life.
Replaceable hardened steel bushings are fitted into the journal bearings. All bearings and
journals are equipped with grease fittings for lubrication. Air cylinders and foot valves are mist
lubricated through the air stream. All “Advance” Spiders are equipped with a manually operated
safety latch, which may be used to positively lock the slips in their set position. Because of the
low operating pressure, the slips cannot release from the tubing until it has been raised by the
elevators, thus guarding against a lost string in the event that the foot valve is tripped accidently.
The slips, shafts and air/hydraulic operating mechanisms are protected by guards to prevent
damage caused by the elevator or other outside forces. Through research and field testing, our
engineers are constantly on the lookout for additional improvements which will assure the user in
the field of receiving the safest and most maintenance free equipment available.

APPLICATION:
The CAVINS “Advance” Spider is available in four models. The Model “B” Spider is designed for
use with all API tubing sizes from 1.315” OD through 3-1/2” OD. The Model “C” Spider is
designed for use with all API tubing and drill pipe sizes from 1.315” OD through 5-1/2” OD. The
Model “F” Spider is designed for use with all API tubing, casing, and drill pipe sizes from 2-3/8”
OD through 8-5/8” OD. The Model “G” Spider is designed for use with all API tubing, casing, and
drill pipe sizes from 2-3/8” OD through 13-3/8” OD. All Spider models may be used on a rotary
table with an adapter plate, which fits into the master bushing drive square, thus centering the
Spider on the rotary table. This also enables the manually operated Spider to be rotated.

The Models “B”C” & “F” Spiders can be equipped with a gate and slips which are relieved to pass
parallel strings of tubing. If the Spider is to be used both single and parallel strings to any extent,
we recommend that both kinds of slips and gates be ordered.

COMPRESSED AIR OPERATED SPIDER

All Models of CAVINS “Advance” Spiders are available for compressed air operation. The low
operating pressure required by this type of Spider makes it easily adaptable to air supply on any
rig or portable compressor if the rig is not so equipped.

Each compressed air operated Spider requires the following items:

One Spider body complete, for air operation

One Slip Assembly complete for each size tubing, casing or drill pipe to be run. The Slip
assembly Model corresponding to the body assembly ordered.
One Air Filter, Pressure Regulator with Gauge and Lubricator.
One Foot operated Air Control Valve assembly with Cover Guard.
Three lengths of Air Hose assemblies are required. One hose to connect the outlet of the
lubricator to the inlet of the foot or hand valve, two to connect the valve with the air cylinder of the
Spider.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications Model “B” Model “C” Model “C- Model “F” Model “G”
HD”
Material Alloy Steel Alloy Steel Alloy Steel Alloy Steel Alloy Steel
Heat Treated Heat Treated Heat Treated Heat Treated Heat Treated
Weight – 190 Lbs/ 310 Lbs/ 362 Lbs/ 1070 Lbs/ 4000 Lbs/
Less Slips 86 Kgs 141 Kgs 165 Kgs 486 Kgs 1818 Kgs
Height to top 15-1/2” 16-1/2” 16-1/2” 26-3/4” 35”
of Guard 394mm 419mm 419mm 679mm 889mm
Base 14”X17” 16.5”X18.5” 16.5”X18.5” 28”X28” 41”X41.625”
Dimensions 356X431mm 419X470mm 419X470mm 711mm 1041X1057mm
Bolt Centers 11.125”- 12.75”-14.5” 12.75”-14.5” 18.75”X24.5” 31”X37”
16.5” 324 – 324 – 476-622mm 787-940mm
283 – 368mm 368mm
419mm
Gate Opening 4-1/4” 5-3/4” 5-3/4” 8-3/4” 13-3/4”
108mm 146mm 146mm 222mm 349mm
Bowl Opening 4-3/4” Dia 6-1/2” Dia 6-1/2” Dia 10-1/8” Dia 15-1/2” Dia
121mm 165mm 165mm 257mm 394mm
Operating air 35-45 psi 40-50 psi 40-50 psi 60-80 psi 250-300 psi
pressure 343-441 392-490 392-490 588-784 2451-2942
kg/m2 kg/m2 kg/m2 kg/m2 kg/m2
Operating 250-275 psi 250-275 psi 250-275 psi 250-275 psi 300-350 psi
hyd pressure 2451-2697 2451-2697 2451-2697 2451-2697 2942-3432
kg/m2 kg/m2 kg/m2 kg/m2 kg/m2
Hyd fluid 1/400 cu 1/400 cu 1/250 cu 1/250 cu
consumption ft/stroke ft/stroke ft/stroke ft/stroke
Tubular 1.315” – 1.315” – 1.315” – 2-3/8” – 8- 2-3/8” – 13-
goods range 3/12” Dia 5/12” Dia 5/12” Dia 5/8” Dia 3/8” Dia
Maximum 110,000 lbs 165,000 lbs 250,000 lbs 320,000 lbs 700,000 lbs
load Capacity 50 Met tons 75 Met tons 113 Met tons 145 Met tons 318 Met tons

To Calculate maximum setting depth of string, divide the maximum load capacity by the weight
per foot of the Threaded and Coupled tubular goods to be handled.

For slips with Circular Button Inserts (Type “CBI”) and Strip Inserts (Type “SI”), reduce calculated
setting depth by 40%.

For slips with Chevron Inserts (Type “CI”), reduce calculated setting depth by 25%.

For slips with Full Circle Wickers (Type “FC”), no reduction of the calculated setting is necessary.

For slips with Full Circle Inserts (Type “FCI”), no reduction of the calculated setting is necessary.

For slips with Horizontal Tooth Inserts (Type “HTI”), for Model “F” Spider only, reduce calculated
setting depth by 25% for drill pipe only.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

COMPONENTS CONSISTING OF:

Spider Body Assembly complete with Slips
Hydraulic Control Valve (foot operated)
(4) ½” Hydraulic Hoses with Quick Change Couplers
Optional: Hydraulic Pressure Reducer Valve

1. The hydraulic spider can be powered by the rig hydraulic system or any portable
hydraulic power source. The operating pressure for the hydraulic spider should not
exceed 300 PSI. An additional (2) ½” male quick change couplings with dust caps
should be ordered and installed on the power source. One is for the pressure line and
one is for the return line.
2. If the hydraulic power source operates at a higher working pressure and does not have
an adjustment to reduce the pressure, then the optional Hydraulic Pressure Reducer
Valve should be installed at the power source. The Hydraulic Pressure Reducer Valve
can reduce the working pressure of the hydraulic power supply from 2,850 PSI to the
maximum 300 PSI, or less as required by the hydraulic spider, and has ½” ports.
3. Position the Spider and the Foot Valve in their operating locations. The Spider should be
secured to the wellhead, tubing wiper, B.O.P. stack, etc. with bolt(s) or chain(s).
4. With the power source turned off and using the Quick Change Couplers provided,
Connect the (4) Hydraulic Hoses as follows:
a) Hose #1 to the pressure outlet of the power source and pressure inlet of the Foot
Valve.
b) Hose #2 to the outlet of the Foot Valve and to the inlet of the Spider Cylinder.
c) Hose #3 to the outlet of the Spider Cylinder and to the inlet of the Foot Valve.
d) Hose #4 from the return port of the Foot Valve to the return port on the power
source.
Note: Always use the dust caps and plugs for the hydraulic couplers when they are
disconnected to prevent debris from contaminating the hydraulic fluid. Clean the
couplers before connecting as needed.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cycle the Foot Valve until the Slip Lifting Arms are in the fully open position (pointing
upwards). Set the Safety Latch to prevent the Spider from closing during installation of
the Slip assemblies. Remove the two lower Arm Bolts and Nuts from the Slip assemblies,
while leaving the upper tie bolts and nuts in place. Install one half of the Slip assembly to
each of the Lifting Arms using the Bolt and Nut. Release the Safety Latch.
Note: The Safety Latch should be checked for proper operation at the beginning
of each shift and must be used any time when it is necessary to install or remove
the Slips or place any parts of your body near the operating mechanisms.
2. After the hoses are properly connected to the Foot Valve and the Spider, and the Spider
has the proper size slips installed by bolting the slips to the lifting arms, it will be
necessary to regulate the operating hydraulic pressure for proper operation and to avoid
unnecessary wear and tear on the Spider and Slips.
3. Adjust the pressure at the power source to approximately 200 PSI. Depress the Foot
Valve lever until the slips operate. If the operation is too slow, or the slips do not operate,
then increase the pressure to the desired operating level, however, do not exceed 300
PSI maximum working pressure. If the operation is too fast then decrease the pressure
to the desired operating level. Operation at too high of a level will increase wear and tear
on the Spider and Slips.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

Note: It may be necessary to change the hydraulic pressure when changing Slip
sizes to compensate for the different Slip weights.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

1. Grease fittings are provided at SIX points to grease the journals, which should be done
on a daily basis before operations begin.
2. When the Slip Inserts are worn to the point where they will no longer grip the pipe
adequately, then they need to be replaced. Periodic visual inspection of the slips and
inserts is good operational practice to make sure there are no indications of other
problems. We also recommend that the inserts be cleaned with a wire brush, as
required, to remove accumulated debris and foreign material that can interfere with the
gripping action.
3. Insert Replacement procedure for Cavins Full Circle (Type “FCR”) Slips with replaceable
“FCI” inserts:
a) Place the Safety Latch in the locked position and remove the Slips from the Spider
body by removing the Lifting Arm Bolts and Nuts
b) Remove the Cotter Pins from each Slip segment
c) Remove the Insert Retaining Pins (insert a dowel rod or punch from the lower end of
the slip and tap them out if necessary)
d) Remove the old “FCI” Inserts from each Slip segment (gently tap them out with a
hammer if necessary)
e) Clean and lubricate the slips as needed prior to installing the new “FCI” Inserts and
check for excessive wear
f) Each set of (4) “FCI” Inserts comes with 2 right hand and 2 left hand Inserts. Install
the new “FCI” Inserts in each slip segment and check the fit. Inserts should fit
snugly. If the fit appears to be too loose, then the Slips may need to be replaced.
g) Re-Install the Insert Retaining Pins in each Slip Segment.
h) Re-Install the new Cotter Pins (included with the “FCI” Insert set) in each Slip
Segment.
i) Make sure the Safety Latch is in the locked position and Re-Install the Slips in the
Spider Body by securing them to the Lifting Arms with the proper Slip Bolt and Self-
locking Nut

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS
HYDRAULIC CONNECTION DIAGRAM

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS
HYDRAULIC RATCHET TYPE FOOT VALVE ASSEMBLY

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS
HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ASSEMBLY

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

FULL CIRCLE SLIP BODIES WITH INSERTS

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS
OVERALL DIMENSIONS IN INCHES

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

Spider Repair Manual and Instructions

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

Figure 1

Figure 2

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

INSPECTION AND DISASSEMBLY OF CAVINS MODEL “B” SPIDERS FOR REPAIRS

I. Inspect for surface cracks.

A. Visual inspection for cracks ; If cracks discovered, please contact the factory for
further instructions.
B. Optional wet magnetic particle examination per ASTM E-709 specification to
identify all linear discontinuities upon customer request. Please contact the
factory for further instructions.

II. Inspect the spider visually with proper slips, inserts and tubing or a factory supplied “B”
bowl gage in the spider bowl.
A. Place the spider on a flat surface.
B. Check whether the gage/slips is sitting too low in the spider bowl.
1. Using a ruler, measure distance “X” (figure 1). This is the distance from
the base of the spider to the start of the 10° taper.
2. Place either the bowl gage or a set of slips with proper inserts and a short
length of tubing inside the spider bowl.
3. Check for uniform fit of gage/slips against the spider bowl. A non-
uniform fit may indicate uneven wear in the spider bowl.
4. Measure distance “Y” by inserting the ruler through the hole in the bowl
gage.
5. The difference between “Y” and “X” on a new spider is approximately 8-
1/32”.
6. If the difference between “Y” and “X” is less than 7-1/4”, then, the
spider is beyond repair.
C. Check for any missing or broken bolts, grease fittings, taper pins or other
damaged parts. Now, remove the slips/bowl gage from the spider bowl.

III. Remove the cylinder guard and the air/hydraulic cylinder.

A. Test the air cylinder with compressed air at a pressure of between 80-100 psi and
the hydraulic cylinder with a pressure of about 250 psi.
B. If the cylinder leaks or is otherwise inoperable, remove the snap ring, cylinder
head and the piston rod assembly. Use the repair kit TB140-R for the air cylinder
and TBH140-R for the hydraulic cylinder to repair the cylinder.

IV. Remove the retaining rings that hold the link in place, from the spider.
A. Check the link bushings for loose fit and wear.
B. Remove the link from the spider

V. Loosen the set screws on the lifting arm and remove the taper pins from both the left and
the right hand shafts.
A. Before removing the shafts and the lifting arms, check for any play between the
shafts and the bushings.

B. Remove the shafts and check for wear on the outer diameter. If the lifting arms
and the shafts are in good condition, replace the lifting arm on the matching shaft
assembly, as they are drilled and timed together.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

VI. Remove the gate bolt from the spider.

A. With the gate in the spider, check for loose fit.
B. Check for broken stop tabs on top of the gate.

ASSEMBLY OF MODEL “B” SPIDER WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS

I. Place the spider on a radial drill press table. Place either the bowl gage or a set of slips
with proper inserts and a short length of tubing inside the spider bowl.

II. Install four replacement bushings (TB124) inside ears on the spider body. Place the shafts
(TB104) & (TB105), the lifting arms (TB106) and the spacers (TB126) in their proper
position (please refer to the Model “B” spider exploded assembly drawing). Position the
lifting arms in between the gage/slips ears and install the tie bolts (TB116) and nuts
(TB117) through the bottom holes in the gage/slips and the lifting arms.

III. Position the left hand shaft (TB104) as shown in the Model “B” spider exploded
assembly drawing. Tighten the lifting arm set screw (TB118) on the shaft while in set
position.

IV. Install the link (TB103) and place a wedge on the shelf underneath the link. Hold the link
against the wedge using a “C” clamp. Position the link and shafts such that the distance
“A” (figure 2), measured vertically is approximately 1-1/4”. On a spider with bowl wear,
distance “A” could be as low as 1”. With the link securely positioned, tighten the set
screws on the right hand shaft (TB105).

V. Using a center punch, punch (2) marks on each lifting arm, on centerline of the shaft and
approximately 1/2” from each side of the lifting arm.

VI. Using a 23/64” drill, position the drill on the punched mark and drill through the lifting
arm and the shaft.

VII. Remove the 23/64” drill and install a #7 tapered reamer on the drill press. Ream the
drilled hole such that the top of the taper pin (TB119) is approximately 1/2” above the
lifting arm when inserted hand tight.

VIII. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the remaining (3) punched marks.

IX. Install retaining ring (TB122) at the end of each shaft to securely lock the link in place.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

Figure 3

Figure 4

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

INSPECTION AND DISASSEMBLY OF CAVINS MODEL “C” & “C-HD” SPIDERS

FOR REPAIRS

I. Inspect for surface cracks.

A. Visual inspection for cracks ; If cracks discovered, please contact the factory for
further instructions.
B. Optional wet magnetic particle examination per ASTM E-709 specification to
identify all linear discontinuities upon customer request. Please contact the
factory for further instructions.

II. Inspect the spider visually with proper slips, inserts and tubing or a factory supplied “C”
bowl gage in the spider bowl.
A. Place the spider on a flat surface.
B. Check whether the gage/slips is sitting too low in the spider bowl.
1. Using a ruler, measure distance “X” (figure 3). This is the distance from
the base of the spider to the start of the 10° taper.
2. Place either the bowl gage or a set of slips with proper inserts and a short
length of tubing inside the spider bowl.
3. Check for uniform fit of gage/slips against the spider bowl. A non-
uniform fit may indicate uneven wear in the spider bowl.
4. Measure distance “Y” by inserting the ruler through the hole in the bowl
gage.
5. The difference between “Y” and “X” on a new spider is approximately 8-
1/4”.
6. If the difference between “Y” and “X” is less than 7-1/4”, then, the
spider is beyond repair.
C. Check for any missing or broken bolts, grease fittings, taper pins or other
damaged parts. Now, remove the slips/bowl gage from the spider bowl.

III. Remove the cylinder guard and the air/hydraulic cylinder.

A. Test the air cylinder with compressed air at a pressure of between 80-100 psi and
the hydraulic cylinder with a pressure of about 250 psi.
B. If the cylinder leaks or is otherwise inoperable, remove the snap ring, cylinder
head and the piston rod assembly. Use the repair kit TB140-R for the air cylinder
and TBH140-R for the hydraulic cylinder to repair the cylinder.

IV. Remove the retaining rings that hold the link in place, from the spider.
A. Check the link bushings for loose fit and wear.
B. Remove the link from the spider

V. Loosen the set screws on the lifting arm and remove the taper pins from both the left and
the right hand shafts.
A. Before removing the shafts and the lifting arms, check for any play between the
shafts and the bushings.

B. Remove the shafts and check for wear on the outer diameter. If the lifting arms
and the shafts are in good condition, replace the lifting arm on the matching shaft
assembly, as they are drilled and timed together.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

VI. Remove the gate bolt from the spider.

A. With the gate in the spider, check for loose fit.
B. Check for broken stop tabs on top of the gate.

ASSEMBLY OF MODEL “C” & “C-HD” SPIDER WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS

I. Place the spider on a radial drill press table. Place either the bowl gage or a set of slips
with proper inserts and a short length of tubing inside the spider bowl.

II. Install four replacement bushings (TC124) inside ears on the spider body. Place the shafts
(TC104) & (TC105), the lifting arms (TC106) and the spacers (TC126) in their proper
position (please refer to the Model “C” or “C-HD” spider exploded assembly drawing).
Position the lifting arms in between the gage/slips ears and install the tie bolts (TB116)
and nuts (TB117) through the bottom holes in the gage/slips and the lifting arms.

III. Position the left hand shaft (TC104) as shown in the Model “C” spider exploded
assembly drawing. Tighten the lifting arm set screw (TB118) on the shaft while in set
position.

IV. Install the link (TC103) and place a wedge on the shelf underneath the link. Hold the link
against the wedge using a “C” clamp. Position the link and shafts such that the distance
“A” (figure 4), measured vertically is approximately 1-1/4”. On a spider with bowl wear,
distance “A” could be as low as 1”. With the link securely positioned, tighten the set
screws on the right hand shaft (TC105).

V. Using a center punch, punch (2) marks on each lifting arm, on centerline of the shaft and
approximately 1/2” from each side of the lifting arm.

VI. Using a 23/64” drill, position the drill on the punched mark and drill through the lifting
arm and the shaft.

VII. Remove the 23/64” drill and install a #7 tapered reamer on the drill press. Ream the
drilled hole such that the top of the taper pin (TB119) is approximately 1/2” above the
lifting arm when inserted hand tight.

VIII. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the remaining (3) punched marks.

IX. Install retaining ring (TB122) at the end of each shaft to securely lock the link in place.

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 CAVINS “ADVANCE” SPIDERS

CAVINS INVERTED SPIDERS

Hydraulic work over (Snubbing) services are

increasingly favored, having the advantage of
eliminating the need to kill the well. It lowers the
cost as well as the time and problems associated with
circulating salt water, mud and other fluids.
The Cavins “Advance” Model “C”, “C-HD”, and
“F” Spiders have specifically been designed for
snubbing operations. It can work in its right side up
position (Fig. 6) or in the inverted upside down
position (Fig. 5). The Spider Body and Slips are
specially designed for this service. The gripping
Inserts however, are of standard design and are
interchangeable with the regular Cavins Spiders.
Tubular Goods from 1.315" (1" O.D. to 5-1/2" O.D.
can be handled with a clear opening for 6.050"
O.D. casing coupling with the Model “C” and “C-
HD” Spiders. Tubular goods 2-3/8" O.D. to 8-5/8"
O.D. can be run with the Model “F” Spider. All
Spider models can be either hydraulic or compressed
air operated. A minimum of moving parts assures
a trouble-free operation.
A typical set of spiders on a snubbing rig is
illustrated in Fig. 7. Four spiders may be used: two
(2) in the regular (upright) position and two (2) in the
inverted (snubbing) position. One regular and one
inverted spider are stationary and the other regular
and inverted spiders are mounted on the traveling
piston. The traveling spiders are used to either push
the pipe into the well or pull it from the well while
the stationary spiders are used to hold the string of Fig 7
pipe when the traveling spiders are not engaged.

Fig 6

Fig 5

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