Applications of the Lathe Machine in the Petroleum Industry

The importance of machine tools can never be underestimated industry and one of the most critical of these tools is the lathe machine. The equipment is basically used in shaping metallic pieces such as tubes, engine shafts, bolts and nuts. The effectiveness of using this machine is based on the ability to hold the work piece firmly by a vice clamping mechanism and calibrate the machining to very precise measurements.

Another major and recent innovation of the lathe is that new designs have been developed that have incorporated computer numeric controls. This allows a particular design to be prepared by the engineering software and fed to the machine for execution.

There has also been an improved level of safety in using this equipment, with the latest models operated remotely, the work piece being enclosed in a chamber.

Light Duty Lathe Machine

Challenges in Oil Drilling and Production Machinery

Oil drilling and exploration is usually a complex process involving so many operations happening at the same time. This process involves using a lot of chemicals and solvents which in turn lead to very fast degradation of machines and equipments. Specialized equipments have to be on standby especially machine tools such as the lathes for quick replacements of these special parts. It is also worthy to note that most oil drilling operations are far away from industrial areas and may take long while, if there are no stand by equipments.

Special Machining Features of Oilfield Pipes

The rethreading process is one of the major challenges in oil field machining. The frequent breakdown of piping systems in oil fields has caused machine tools manufactures to work strategically to deal with this problem. Oilfield lathes have also been developed which are able to handle very large diameter pipes as those in the drilling and conveyance sections. Special features such as automatic coupling cells have been incorporated for ease of handling pipe sections during machining.

Some Of The Critical Innovation Areas Requiring Constant Maintenance Include;

  • Oil couplings for enhancing efficiencies through process automation
  • Down hole instrumentation systems for handling tough material
  • Pumps used for the hydraulic fracturing process.
  • Various components of the pump jacks such as sucker rods, and stanchions.

oil exploration industry

Special Features of Oil Field Lathes

There are very unique threading requirements in the oil exploration industry and innovations have been made to support this process. These include;

  • Thread phase harmonizing. This has been done through the automatic operation of CNC lathes. Once a work piece is placed in the machine, it can automatically locate the threads and start the threading process. This allows faster machining and maintenance of the important tolerances. Accuracy and consistent quality is also maintained.
  • The “variable spindle speed threading” This is an application for machining pieces with thin walled gauge, without previous threads on the work piece. This component actively controls the feed axis due to the changing speeds of the spindle. This forward feeding technology realizes very high accuracy on threading.

Conclusion

The importance of the lathe machine can never be underestimated in the oil field operations. This is due to the constant need for repairs and maintenance of piping and conveyance systems. Special machines have been constructed specifically for these processes which have increased efficiency and production.

How Industrial Efficiency and Bulk Productivity can be Achieved?

Research and development has led to the availability of many new and better products across many industries throughout the world. This has resulted in designing and producing a vast range of innovative machinery including tool room units for the local and global market. Hence, a broad variety of tools are now produced in order to fulfill the growing needs of various manufacturing industries.

toolroom_machine

How to Choose Right Tool Room Device?

Today there are several tool room equipment manufacturers in India and abroad. Each tool is built to perform a particular function and different models with specific characteristic are readily available at reasonable rates. Although all the producers supply good products; there are always certain distinctive features, even in the same type of equipments, manufactured by different producers.

Hence, choosing the right tool room device is definitely the key to control the overall costs. It helps to minimize input and maximize output; mainly in terms of expenditure, quality and quantity. First of all one should select a reliable and reputed tool manufacturer. The selected machine must have various salient features such as: user-friendly design, robust structure, higher dimensional accuracy, noise less, low maintenance, economical components etc.

Essential Characteristics of Tool Room Equipment

Other essential characteristics include: top grade materials, highly secure, flexible, perfect timing, simple to operate, rust free, precise settings, corrosion resistant, longer working life, higher cutting capacity, vibration free, globally adaptable, highly tolerant, better surface, faster setup time, lesser wear and tear, standard parameters, higher tool life, uniform output, better finishing, consistent speed, fully tested, highly efficient, constantly updated, higher throughput, good quality spares, durable parts etc.

Some of the most versatile and widely used tools include the milling, bandsaw, grinding, shaping and slotting machine.

Milling Machines

Milling machines are utilized for easy and complicated cutting, shaping and drilling operations. There are two categories of milling equipments such as horizontal milling and vertical milling. These are available in three models; namely manually operated milling equipment, mechanically automated milling  and digitally automated CNC milling.

all_geared_universal_milling_machine

Bandsaw Machines

Bandsaw machines are utilized for cutting long metallic or wooden pieces into various irregular or curved shapes. It has a horizontal metal band and a blade. Basically two types are available such as horizontal bandsaw and double column bandsaw.

bandsaw-machine

Grinding Machines

The grinding device is a tool used to grind the workpiece into different shapes and sizes, using an abrasive wheel. It involves precisely chipping the metal to finish the rough metal surfaces into smooth objects. Both manual and hydraulic grinders are easily available.

surface_grinder

Shaping Machines

Shaping machines are utilized in several industries to shape straight and flat metal surfaces made from steel, aluminum, ferrous and non-ferrous metals; into various curved or angular shapes. A slotting unit is a tool used for shaping or cutting materials and for making slots in objects made from wood, metal etc.

shaping_machine

In Conclusion

Hence, the chosen tool room machine must be versatile, safe and efficient in order to control costs and achieve optimum value for money.