SuperMax Tubular Cleaning Unit: High Pressure Pipe Cleaning

The SuperMax Tubular Cleaning Unit by R&R Manufacturing is a high-performance industrial machine built to deliver fast, efficient, and inspection-ready cleaning of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG). It is designed for high-pressure water blasting of drill pipe, including heavyweight drill pipe, and large-diameter casing, while still accommodating standard tubing sizes.

As R&R’s most advanced model, the SuperMax features a traversing head design, meaning the cleaning heads move linearly along the pipe while the pipe rotates in place. This configuration eliminates pipe slippage during wet or muddy conditions and significantly improves cleaning consistency, speed, and safety.

The SuperMax is capable of cleaning up to 200 joints per 8-hour shift (size and cleanliness dependent). Once cleaned, the pipe exits inspection-ready without requiring additional manual finishing, even in cases of heavy scale or residue buildup. Built on robust roller assemblies with heavy-duty spherical bearings, the unit is engineered to withstand high loads, impact, and vibration during both brushing and water blasting.

For internal pipe cleaning, the SuperMax uses a rigid lance that supports either a pneumatic rattling motor or a high-pressure water jet nozzle. Two OD brush assemblies travel the length of the pipe simultaneously while the pipe spins in place, delivering fast and even exterior cleaning.

While the SuperMax shares many core technologies with R&R’s HD Tubular Cleaning Unit such as load-sensing hydraulics, dual OD brushes, and a remote control pedestal. It sets itself apart with its heavier-duty construction, increased pressure capabilities, and traversing cleaning head system, making it better suited for large-diameter tubulars and more demanding applications.

Key Features

  • High-Throughput Performance: The SuperMax is capable of cleaning up to 200 joints per 8-hour shift, depending on pipe size and cleanliness level. Its robust drive system and dual-head cleaning configuration maximize output and reduce downtime in busy yard operations.
  • Traversing Dual Cleaning Heads: Unlike the HD and base models, the SuperMax features cleaning heads that travel linearly along the pipe, while the pipe rotates in place. This eliminates slippage—especially on wet or muddy pipe—and ensures even, uninterrupted cleaning along the full length of the joint.
  • Integrated Water Blasting Compatibility: The unit is built to support high-pressure water blasting up to 40,000 psi, making it ideal for removing scale, rust, mud, and other stubborn deposits. At pressures above 20,000 psi, most pipe joints exit the unit completely inspection-ready, with no manual touch-ups required.
  • Load-Sensing Hydraulic System: A 60 HP electric-powered hydraulic system powers all functions with a load-sensing pump that adjusts output based on operational needs. This reduces energy consumption and heat generation while maintaining consistent pressure and flow through all processes.
  • Dual Outside Diameter Brush Assemblies: Two OD brush housings, each holding seven 10” x 2” wire brushes, provide fast, aggressive exterior cleaning. The brushes are hydraulically adjustable for quick adaptation to various pipe sizes.
  • Inside Diameter Cleaning Versatility: A rigid lance system enables internal cleaning via either a pneumatic rattling motor or high-pressure water nozzle, depending on job requirements. This flexible setup allows operators to switch between dry and wet ID cleaning with ease.
  • Heavy-Duty Build for Demanding Jobs: The SuperMax is designed to handle large casing, long Range 3 joints, and high-impact cleaning conditions. All critical assemblies (rollers, bearings, brush shafts) are engineered for extended service life in rugged environments.
  • Remote Operator Control Pedestal: The unit comes standard with a remote control station that can be positioned up to 10 feet from the machine. This setup gives operators full visibility and control while keeping them safely out of the operating zone.

Standard Features

  • Rotating Pipe with Traversing Cleaning Heads: The pipe remains stationary and rotates in place while the cleaning heads travel linearly along its length. This setup eliminates pipe slippage and allows for more controlled and consistent cleaning, especially beneficial for wet or muddy pipe conditions.
  • Dual OD Wire Brush Assemblies: Two powered outside diameter brush assemblies, each equipped with seven 10” diameter, 2” wide wire brushes (14 total), deliver thorough, high-speed exterior cleaning.
  • Pneumatic Floating Brush System: A floating OD brush assembly system automatically adjusts to variations in pipe diameter, ensuring constant contact and even cleaning without manual recalibration.
  • Inside Diameter Cleaning Lance: A rigid lance accommodates both rattling motors and high-pressure water jet attachments, allowing for adaptable ID cleaning based on pipe condition and application needs.
  • 60 HP Hydraulic System: A robust 60 horsepower hydraulic system powers all pipe rotation, brush drives, and cleaning head travel functions, offering smooth, consistent performance under heavy loads.
  • Left- or Right-Hand Loading Configuration: The unit can be configured for either left- or right-side pipe loading, allowing for easier integration into varying yard layouts or production lines.
  • Remote Operator Control Pedestal: The included operator pedestal can be positioned up to 10 feet away from the cleaning chamber, giving personnel full visibility and safe access to brush, travel, and lance controls.
  • SuperMax R&R Manufacturing
  • supermax-drill-pipe-cleaning-machine
  • supermax-drill-pipe-cleaning-machine

Optional Features

  • Sound & Debris Enclosures: Full or partial enclosures help reduce noise levels below 85 dB and contain dust, debris, and water spray. Ideal for indoor operations or environments with strict noise control standards.
  • Dust Collection System: An advanced debris capture system with filtered exhaust helps eliminate airborne particles during dry cleaning. Cartridge-style filters improve air quality and reduce maintenance in the surrounding area.
  • Baghouse Filtration System: For environments with higher dust output or stricter air quality requirements, a baghouse filtration system can be added to handle fine particulate capture on a larger scale.
  • OD Scale & Rust Removal System: An optional upgrade for aggressive cleaning of heavily corroded or scaled pipe exteriors. Ideal for reclaiming older pipe or prepping tubulars for rethreading and inspection.
  • Range 3 Capacity Extension: Configurable to handle Range 3 joints (up to ~45 ft in length), enabling efficient processing of extended-length tubulars without modification or sectioning.
  • High-Pressure Water Blast Package: Supports ultra-high-pressure systems up to 40,000 psi. When used at 20,000 psi or higher, pipe typically exits fully cleaned and inspection-ready, eliminating the need for pre- or post-cleaning by hand.
  • Flexible Hose ID Cleaning Attachment: Reduces the unit’s footprint while maintaining effective internal cleaning. Ideal for facilities with limited clearance or where rigid lances are impractical.

 

Applications:

  • Drill Pipe & Production Tubing Cleaning: Cleans common oilfield tubulars ranging from 2⅜” to 6⅝” OD. Effectively removes drilling mud, grease, scale, and rust. Suitable for both dry brushing and high-pressure water cleaning depending on pipe condition.
  • Large-Diameter Casing & Conductor Pipe: Designed to handle casing and conductor pipe up to 20″ OD. The SuperMax is especially well-suited for cleaning large tubulars where traditional brush systems may struggle due to slippage or limited reach.
  • OCTG Maintenance & Inspection Yards: Enables high-throughput processing of tubulars prior to threading, EMI, hydrotesting, or storage. Its water-blast compatibility and dual cleaning system minimize rework and speed up inspection readiness.
  • Integrated Drill Site or Base Yard Operations: Cleans drill strings and casing returning from the field. Prepares pipe for reuse, storage, or service without the need for multiple machines or manual scrubbing, helping improve equipment lifecycle and reduce turnaround times.

Building and Service Requirements

Electrical Requirements: The SuperMax requires either 230V, 3-phase, 60 Hz at 300 amps or 480V, 3-phase, 60 Hz at 200 amps. A dedicated electrical connection must be provided by the customer, and final hookup should be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local electrical codes and R&R’s installation guidelines.

Pneumatic Requirements: The unit operates at 110 psi and requires approximately 175 CFM when using an ID rattling motor, or 45 CFM for non-rattling applications. Compressed air should be clean and dry, adhering to ISO 8573.1 standards to avoid system contamination and ensure long-term equipment reliability.

Floor Space & Layout: Adequate installation footprint is required, following layout drawing #10901.20. The area should allow for infeed and outfeed conveyors, clear operator access, and safe maintenance zones around the machine. Ceiling clearance and forklift access should also be considered during planning.

Installation & Utilities: The customer is responsible for all electrical and pneumatic terminations, concrete pad or structural foundation work, and any necessary building modifications, such as venting for optional dust control. A signed installation agreement may be required before delivery. R&R Manufacturing offers optional on-site commissioning, system setup, and operator training to ensure successful deployment.

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