A power tong
system is used to make up and break out
threaded pipe connections. Rotary power tongs are connected to an integral
backup tong through an extendable
hydraulic cylinder and rod. A
brake is secured to the rotary tong to selectively hold the
pipe stationary relative to the rotary tong. When rotation of the
pipe by the rotary tong ceases, the
brake is applied, and the cylinder and rod are actuated to angularly displace the power tongs and the
backup tong to apply a torque force to the
pipe connection disposed between the power tongs and the
backup. A resulting torque force is obtained that is greater than the
maximum torque that can be exerted by the rotary tong acting alone. The
system may also be deployed to apply and hold precise torque forces on the pipe connections. When used to obtain a makeup torque below the maximum rated rotary tong output, the rotary tong is regulated to limit its torque output. When the limited torque is reached, the
brake is applied and the cylinder and rod are actuated to apply a smooth, closely controlled increase in torque to the connection. The final torque level may be held constant for a desired length of time. In both the high and low torque applications, the brake prevents the rotary tong from being turned backwardly by the increased torque force applied by actuation of the rod and cylinder
assembly. Operation of the
system may be manually or automatically controlled.