Frank’s International page 1

Frank’s Power Units

for
Power Tongs

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Power Units
There are several types of Power Units for Tongs:-
• Diesel Power Unit (Deutz engine, non-zoned)
• Diesel Power Unit (Zone 2 – used mainly in Europe)
• Single Electric Unit (Zone 1)
• Dual Electric Unit (Zone 1)
As far as the tong is concerned, all units produce the same
hydraulic performance.
Hydraulic Pressure produces Torque
Hydraulic Flow Rate produces Speed

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Hydraulic Oil Specifications

The following Hydraulic Oils are approved for use
in Frank’s Power units :-
Make Type 4 to 38° C Over 38° C

Shell TELLUS S 46 68
Chevron CLARITY 46 68
Texaco RANDO HD 46 68
Exxon TERRESTIC 46 68
Chevron EP HYDRAULIC 46 68
BP ENERGOL HLP 46 68
ESSO Petroleum NUTO H 46 68
Burmah Castrol HYPSIN AWS 46 68
Petrofina HYDRAN 46 68
Gulf HARMONY 46 68

46 / 68 refer to the Viscosity of the oil

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Zone I Electric Power Unit

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Zone I Dual Electric Power Unit

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Electric Power Unit Features

• All EPU’s have a Low Oil Level shut-down switch; if the
unit will not start, the hydraulic oil level may be low

• Units have a delay timer which prevents immediate re-

start in the event of shut-down; wait 60 seconds before
attempting to start the unit again

• Electrical connection and adjustments can only be made

by a qualified electrician (Frank’s or rig)

• Motor bearings require occasional greasing during use

This document contains confidential and proprietary information which is property of Frank’s International. None of the information contained herein may be disclosed, reproduced,
distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Pre-Start Up checks
Electric Power Units
1. Ensure Unloader (Start/Run) Valve is in START
position
2. Select correct Flow setting (for Casing or Tubing tongs)
3. Check Hydraulic Oil level
4. Check general condition of electric cables, connectors and
switchgear
5. Check condition of all hoses and connections
6. Turn master switch to ON position

This document contains confidential and proprietary information which is property of Frank’s International. None of the information contained herein may be disclosed, reproduced,
distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Diesel Power Units (Deutz Engine)

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Diesel Power Units (Deutz Engine)

UK Style

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.

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Power Units Hoses

 Do not use any hose that is showing signs of damage or deterioration or
has damaged connections.
 High Pressure connections on tongs may be painted RED; Return (Low
Pressure) connections may be painted BLACK.
 The winged Aeroquip connections should be made up hand tight then
gently tapped to secure. The line on the male end should not be showing
when fully tightened.
 Always replace the connector protective caps when the hose is
disconnected. Store the caps in a safe place to avoid loss!!
 Correct connection sequence is:- Disconnect in this order:-
1. Return LP hose 1. HP hose
2. HP hose 2. Return LP hose
3. Drain hose 3. Drain hose

Never connect/disconnect hoses when the Power Unit is running!!

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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Pre-Start Up checks
Deutz Diesel Power Units
1. Ensure Unloader (Start/Run) Valve is in START or OFF
position
2. Select correct Flow setting (for Casing or Tubing tongs)
3. Check all fluid levels – Engine oil, Hydraulic Oil, Diesel
4. Check that ESD Valve (air intake) is open
5. Check that Normal Shut-Down Lever (fuel cut-off valve) is
reset
6. Check condition of Fan Belts and that belt failure shut-
down arm is in run position
7. Check condition of all hoses and connections
8. Ensure air supply has adequate flow and pressure
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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Diesel Power Units Throttle

(or Speed-Up) Cylinder
• Throttle cylinder is controlled by the
hydraulic system
• Sensitivity is altered by adjusting spring
tension via the nut; more tension =
delayed reaction
• Spring is adjusted so that when the
tong directional valve is activated, the
PU immediately speeds up
• Throttle can be controlled or isolated
by adjusting this valve – used for ICS
operations and bucking work
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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.

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Power Units
Unloader Valve
(also called Pump On Valve, Pressure
Valve, Start/Run Valve, On/Off Valve)

Unloader Valve in START (OFF) position:-

Removes any hydraulic load (hydraulic pump runs but
provides no pressure); this allows for easy starting of the
engine

Unloader Valve in RUN (ON) position:-

Pump provides hydraulic pressure to the Tong

Maximum pressure from all Power Units is 3000 psi.

Pressure is not affected by engine speed.
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distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Remote Unloader Valve

Position near or on the power tong and requires constant air

supply.
In DISABLED position, the Power Unit cannot produce any
hydraulic pressure.
Does NOT shut the PU down!!!!
This document contains confidential and proprietary information which is property of Frank’s International. None of the information contained herein may be disclosed, reproduced,
distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.
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Power Units
Flow Selector Valve

Casing (HIGH) flow position (50 gpm (225 litres/min)):-

Used for Casing Tongs (XT22, 21”, 14-3/8”, 14”, 10-3/4”)
Tubing (LOW) flow position (29 gpm (130 litres/min)):-
Used for Tubing Tongs (7-5/8”, 4-1/2”, 3-1/2” Dual)
On a Diesel PU, the flow rate varies with engine speed –
Faster engine speed = greater flow rate = faster maximum
tong speed
Above flow rates occur when the engine is running at full RPM.
This document contains confidential and proprietary information which is property of Frank’s International. None of the information contained herein may be disclosed, reproduced,
distributed or used without prior written consent from Frank’s International. © 2018 Frank’s International. All rights reserved.