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TDS-4S

Top Drive System


Service Manual

SM00620
Revision B

March 8, 2001

ii

TDS-4S Contents

Contents
Book 1 Description
Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 1-5
Directional references ...................................................... 1-6
Manual layout.................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 1 Introduction
General description .......................................................... 1-7

Chapter 2 Major component description


Motor housing assembly ................................................ 1-19
Drilling motor ......................................................... 1-20
Two speed transmission ........................................... 1-20
Integrated swivel bail and swivel washpipe ............... 1-22
Standard rotating head ............................................. 1-24
Powered rotating head ............................................. 1-26
Rotating head controls ....................................... 1-26
Cooling systems ............................................................. 1-28
Local blower ............................................................ 1-28
Closed loop .............................................................. 1-30
Remote blower ......................................................... 1-32
Guide dolly assemblies ................................................... 1-34
Motor alignment system ................................................ 1-37
Pipehandler .................................................................... 1-38
Link adapter ............................................................ 1-39
Safety valves (IBOP) ................................................ 1-40
Saver and crossover subs..................................... 1-40
Safety valve actuator ................................................. 1-40
Torque wrench ........................................................ 1-42

TDS-4S Contents

iii

March 8, 2001

Link tilt mechanisms ................................................ 1-45


Standard and extended reach pneumatic
link tilt mechanisms ........................................... 1-45
Hydraulic link tilt mechanism ........................... 1-48
Link tilt controls .......................................... 1-48
Elevator links ................................................................. 1-50
Counterbalance system .................................................. 1-51
TDS Control System (TDCS) ....................................... 1-53
Varco Drillers control and instrumentation
Console (VDC) ....................................................... 1-53
Transfer control panel .............................................. 1-54
Purge control system ................................................ 1-54
Service loops .................................................................. 1-55
Derrick electrical termination kit ................................... 1-56
Auxiliary equipment ...................................................... 1-57
Master bushing ID wear guide ................................. 1-58
Swiveling drill collar dolly ........................................ 1-59
Wireline adapter ...................................................... 1-60
Crown height indicator ............................................ 1-62

Chapter 3 Specifications
Drilling motor ......................................................... 1-65
Main gearbox lube system ........................................ 1-65
Cooling systems ....................................................... 1-66
Local blower ...................................................... 1-66
Derrick mounted remote blower ........................ 1-66
Closed loop ........................................................ 1-66
Guide dollies ............................................................ 1-67
Pipehandler .............................................................. 1-67
Service loop kits ....................................................... 1-68
Power loop (non-regulated areas) ....................... 1-68
Control loop ...................................................... 1-68
Fluid loop .......................................................... 1-69
Electrical equipment accessories ............................... 1-70
API Class I, Division II -N.E.C. ........................ 1-70
European standard zone 2 area-EExd ................. 1-70

iv

TDS-4S Contents

Book 2 Installation and Commissioning


Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 2-5
Directional references ...................................................... 2-6
Manual layout.................................................................. 2-6

Chapter 1 Preparation
Preinstallation checklist.................................................... 2-7

Chapter 2 Installation
Derrick electrical termination kit ..................................... 2-9
Installation ................................................................. 2-9
Wiring ..................................................................... 2-13
Plumbing ....................................................................... 2-15
Hydraulic................................................................. 2-15
Air ........................................................................... 2-15
Water....................................................................... 2-15
Rig-up procedure ........................................................... 2-16
Counterbalance system .................................................. 2-21
Motor alignment cylinder system ................................... 2-22
Drillers controls and instrumentation ........................... 2-23
Varco Drillers Console (VDC)................................ 2-23
Throttle and torque limit controls ........................... 2-23
Wiring ..................................................................... 2-23
Service loops .................................................................. 2-24
Installation ............................................................... 2-24
Electrical loop .................................................... 2-25
Fluids loop ......................................................... 2-25
Air loop ....................................................... 2-26
Retract loop ....................................................... 2-27

Chapter 3 Commissioning
Checkout procedures ..................................................... 2-29
Long term TDS storage procedures................................ 2-32
Returning the TDS to service after storage ..................... 2-33

TDS-4S Contents

March 8, 2001

Book 3 Operation
Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 3-5
Directional references ...................................................... 3-6
Manual layout .................................................................. 3-6

Chapter 1 Operating procedures


Start-up procedure ........................................................... 3-7
Stalling the DC motor ..................................................... 3-8
Changing transmission speeds .......................................... 3-9
Pipehandler operation .................................................... 3-11
Standard rotating head ............................................. 3-11
Powered rotating head ............................................. 3-12
Controls............................................................. 3-12
ROTATING HEAD LEFT/RIGHT switch ..... 3-12
AUTO STOP/FREE ROTATE switch ............ 3-12
Safety valves (IBOP) ................................................ 3-14
Torque wrench ........................................................ 3-16
Changing drill string sizes ........................................ 3-19
PH-85 ............................................................... 3-19
PH-60d ............................................................. 3-19
Torque values for load carrying components ............ 3-20
Drilling ahead ................................................................ 3-21
Drilling ahead with triples ....................................... 3-21
Drilling ahead with singles ....................................... 3-24
Drilling ahead on a semi .......................................... 3-26
Tripping ........................................................................ 3-28
Reaming out .................................................................. 3-29
Well control procedures ................................................. 3-31
Running casing .............................................................. 3-32
Handling bottom hole assemblies .................................. 3-32
Post jarring operations ................................................... 3-34

vi

TDS-4S Contents

Book 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting


Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 4-7
Directional references ...................................................... 4-8
Manual layout.................................................................. 4-8

Chapter 1 Maintenance
Inspection ........................................................................ 4-9
TDS swing out procedure .......................................... 4-9
DC drilling motor ................................................... 4-12
Motor alignment cylinder ........................................ 4-12
Air exhaust muffler .................................................. 4-12
Derrick termination kit air filter/regulator/
lubricators ................................................................ 4-13
Pipehandler .............................................................. 4-14
Nondestructive Examination (NDE) ....................... 4-14
Visual inspection................................................ 4-14
Landing collar .............................................. 4-16
Drive stem ................................................... 4-18
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) ................... 4-20
Ultrasonic Inspection ......................................... 4-21
Safety valve inspection procedures (IBOP) ... 4-21

Chapter 2 Lubrication
Lubricating the motor and motor support
bonnet assembly............................................................. 4-23
Gearbox ................................................................... 4-23
Torque setting procedure ................................... 4-25
Other gearbox lubrication and
maintenance considerations ............................... 4-27
Initial oil change period ........................................... 4-27
Oil capacity.............................................................. 4-28
Lubricating the DC motor ....................................... 4-29
Lubricating the washpipe and bonnet seal ................ 4-30
Lubricating the rotating head ......................................... 4-31
Lubricating the link adapter ........................................... 4-32
Lubricating the torque wrench ....................................... 4-33
Lubricating the master bushing ID wear guide ............... 4-34
TDS-4S Contents

vii

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the safety valve actuator .............................. 4-34


Lubricating the upper safety valve (IBOP) ..................... 4-35
Lubricating the guide dolly assembly ............................. 4-36
Lubricating the bail pins ................................................ 4-41
Lubricating the cooling system ....................................... 4-42
Lubrication schedule ...................................................... 4-44
Lubricant specifications ................................................. 4-45

Chapter 3 Maintenance
Adjustment procedures .................................................. 4-49
Adjusting the torque wrench .................................... 4-49
Adjusting the upper safety valve (IBOP)
and safety valve actuator system ............................... 4-52
Adjusting the counterbalance system ........................ 4-52
Adjusting the motor alignment cylinder system ....... 4-54
Precharging the counterbalance system .................... 4-60
Assembly and disassembly .............................................. 4-62
Pipehandler .............................................................. 4-62
Torque wrench disassembly ............................... 4-62
Replacing the torque wrench
clamping piston seal ..................................... 4-68
Replacing the standard rotating head
glyd rings ........................................................... 4-71
Replacing the powered rotating head
glyd rings ........................................................... 4-75
Replacing the standard or extended reach
link tilt air actuator ............................................ 4-77
Removing the tong dies ........................................... 4-81
Front jaw ........................................................... 4-81
Rear jaw ............................................................. 4-81
Removing the jaws ................................................... 4-82
Front jaw ........................................................... 4-82
Rear jaw ............................................................. 4-82
Upper safety valve (IBOP) ....................................... 4-82
Lower safety valve (IBOP) ....................................... 4-82
Removing the motor assembly
from the guide dolly....................................................... 4-83
Disassembly/assembly of the drilling motor
and motor support bonnet ....................................... 4-84
Installing the TDS motor pinion ................................... 4-87
Local blower cooling system assembly/disassembly ... 4-89
Closed loop cooling system assembly/disassembly .... 4-92
Replacing the safety wiring ............................................ 4-95
Safety wiring tips ..................................................... 4-97
viii

TDS-4S Contents

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the counterbalance .............................. 4-99
Troubleshooting the motor alignment cylinder ...... 4-100
Troubleshooting the drilling motor and guide dolly ..... 4-101
Troubleshooting the motor air brake ..................... 4-101
Troubleshooting the retract guide dolly ................. 4-101
Troubleshooting the transmission .......................... 4-102
Troubleshooting the oil pump ............................... 4-103
Troubleshooting the cooling system ....................... 4-104
Troubleshooting the pipehandler ................................. 4-106
Troubleshooting the torque wrench ....................... 4-106
Troubleshooting the safety valve actuator............... 4-108
Troubleshooting the link tilt .................................. 4-108
Troubleshooting the pipehandler at the
counterbalance manifold ........................................ 4-109
Troubleshooting the crown height indicator .......... 4-110
Six-gang air valve assembly illustration ................... 4-111

Book 4 TDS-4S Control System


General description .......................................................... 5-5
Maintenance and troubleshooting/
checkout procedures ........................................................ 5-7

TDS-4S Contents

ix

March 8, 2001

TDS-4S Contents

TDS-4S
Top Drive
Drilling
System

Description
SM00620-1
Rev. B

March 8, 2001

1-2

TDS-4S Description

Contents
Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 1-5
Directional references ...................................................... 1-6
Manual layout.................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 1 Introduction
General description .......................................................... 1-7

Chapter 2 Major component description


Motor housing assembly ................................................ 1-19
Drilling motor ......................................................... 1-20
Two speed transmission ........................................... 1-20
Integrated swivel bail and swivel washpipe ............... 1-22
Standard rotating head ............................................. 1-24
Powered rotating head ............................................. 1-26
Rotating head controls ....................................... 1-26
Cooling systems ............................................................. 1-28
Local blower ............................................................ 1-28
Closed loop .............................................................. 1-30
Remote blower ......................................................... 1-32
Guide dolly assemblies ................................................... 1-34
Motor alignment system ................................................ 1-37
Pipehandler .................................................................... 1-38
Link adapter ............................................................ 1-39
Safety valves (IBOP) ................................................ 1-40
Saver and crossover subs..................................... 1-40
Safety valve actuator ................................................. 1-40
Torque wrench ........................................................ 1-42
Link tilt mechanisms................................................ 1-45
Standard and extended reach pneumatic
link tilt mechanisms ........................................... 1-45
Hydraulic link tilt mechanism ........................... 1-48
Link tilt controls .......................................... 1-48
Elevator links ................................................................. 1-50
Counterbalance system .................................................. 1-51

TDS-4S Description

1-3

March 8, 2001

TDS Control System (TDCS) ....................................... 1-53


Varco Drillers control and instrumentation
Console (VDC) ....................................................... 1-53
Transfer control panel .............................................. 1-54
Purge control system ................................................ 1-54
Service loops .................................................................. 1-55
Derrick electrical termination kit ................................... 1-56
Auxiliary equipment ...................................................... 1-57
Master bushing ID wear guide ................................. 1-58
Swiveling drill collar dolly ........................................ 1-59
Wireline adapter ...................................................... 1-60
Crown height indicator ............................................ 1-62

Chapter 3 Specifications
Drilling motor ......................................................... 1-65
Main gearbox lube system ........................................ 1-65
Cooling systems ....................................................... 1-66
Local blower ...................................................... 1-66
Derrick mounted remote blower ........................ 1-66
Closed loop ........................................................ 1-66
Guide dollies ............................................................ 1-67
Pipehandler .............................................................. 1-67
Service loop kits ....................................................... 1-68
Power loop (non-regulated areas) ....................... 1-68
Control loop ...................................................... 1-68
Fluid loop .......................................................... 1-69
Electrical equipment accessories ............................... 1-70
API Class I, Division II -N.E.C. ........................ 1-70
European standard zone 2 area-EExd ................. 1-70

1-4

TDS-4S Description

Preface
Manual conventions

Safety information
Information pertaining to possible personnel injury and
equipment damage appears throughout this manual and is
formatted to draw the readers attention to important
information, a warning, or a caution note. See the examples
below and pay close attention to these important advisories.

z
e

Indicates advisories for operational or servicing procedures


involving little or no risk of personnel injury or equipment
damage.
Indicates advisories involving a risk of equipment damage.

Indicates advisories involving a definite risk of injury to rig


personnel.
Avoid personnel injury and equipment damage by reading this
manual and related documents before operating, inspecting, or
servicing the equipment.

TDS-4S Description

1-5

March 8, 2001

Directional references
References to the right or left and front or back of components
described in this manual assume the perspective of the Top Drive
Drilling System (TDS-4S), standing behind the TDS-4S as it
faces well center.

Manual layout
This binder contains several separate books that you can remove
individually for convenience.

1-6

TDS-4S Description

Chapter 1
Introduction

General description
Oil well drilling with a rotary table, kelly drive bushing, and a 45
ft. kelly was the industry standard for years. For decades, drillers
extended the drill string with the making-a-single-connection
process using the rotary table, kelly, pipe tongs, drawworks
cathead, master bushing, bowls, and slips. This method of
handling pipe and joint makeup remained unchanged, apart from
minor improvements such as kelly spinners, until the advent of
top drive drilling systems.
Varco produces several Top Drive Drilling Systems (TDS) to
rotate the drill string and allow adding entire 93 ft. stands of pipe,
eliminating two thirds of the conventional single-pipe drilling
connections. This manual describes the function and
maintenance of the TDS-4S, which integrates the drill pipe
connection handling and drive systems with the drilling swivel.
The TDS (Figures 1-1 and 1-2) provides the rotating power of a
conventional rotary table drive while eliminating the need to
pick up the cumbersome swivel/kelly combination. The TDS
does not interfere with the existing conventional equipment. It
allows tripping, circulation, rotation, and the running of casing as
well as providing 90 ft. back reaming capabilities to reduce the
chance of stuck pipe.
TDS-4S Description

1-7

March 8, 2001

Guide Dolly
Assembly

Motor Housing
Assembly

LO

Pipehandler Assembly

Figure 1-1. Typical TDS-4S overall view

1-8

TDS-4S Description

The TDS integrated swivel bail connects directly to a drilling


hook. Connecting the TDS integrated swivel bail directly to the
traveling block or motion compensator frame can eliminate the
drilling hook and shorten the TDS working height further.

Integrated Swivel Bail


Counterbalance
Cylinder (2)

Gooseneck
Air Brake

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Motor Support
Bonnet

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Swivel Bearing

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Bull Gear

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DC Drilling Motor

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Motor Pinion Gear

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Standard
Washpipe Packing

Upper Gearcase

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Low Gear
(Engaged)

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High Gear
(Disengaged)
Rotating Head
Main Shaft/Drive Stem

Lower Gearcase

Figure 1-2. TDS-4S motor and swivel housing assembly

TDS-4S Description

1-9

March 8, 2001

The integrated drive stem functions as the main output shaft


driving the drill string. The electric drilling motor and
transmission, located next to the stem, rotates the stem.
The DC motor bolts to an upper assembly of the gearcase,
called the motor support bonnet.
The motor frame/guide dolly attaches to the motor housing
assembly. The entire assembly moves vertically on two rails
installed in the derrick. The vertical rails react the motor torque
during drilling operations and keeps the TDS positioned over
wellcenter.
The pipehandler assembly (Figures 1-3 and 1-4) can make or
break drill pipe at any height in the derrick.

1-10

TDS-4S Description

Rotating Head
(Part of the Motor Housing Assembly)

Torque Arrestor (4)

Link Adapter
(Also know as: Solid Body Elevator)
(Landing Collar Inside
on Main Shaft/Drive Stem)

Hydraulic/Pneumatic
Link Tilt

Upper IBOP
Valve Actuator

Splined Upper
IBOP Valve
Lower IBOP Valve
(Inside Torque Tube)

Torque Wrench

350-Ton 108 in. Link (2)


(Optional Varco Equipment)

Manually or
Remotely Operated
Drill Pipe Elevator
(Optional Varco Equipment)

Figure 1-3. Typical 650-Ton, PH-85 pipehandler assembly

TDS-4S Description

1-11

March 8, 2001

Torque Arrestor (4)

650-Ton
Rotating Head
(Part of Motor
Housing Assembly)

Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body Elevator)
(Landing Collar Inside
On Main Shaft/Drive Stem)

Pneumatic Link Tilt

Safety Valve Actuator

Lower IBOP Valve


(Inside Torque Tube)
Splined Upper
IBOP Valve

Torque Wrench

108 in.
350-Ton Links
(Optional Varco Equipment)

Manually or Remotely
Operated Drill Pipe Elevator
(Optional Varco Equipment)

Figure 1-4. 650-Ton, PH-60d pipehandler assembly

1-12

TDS-4S Description

Internal Blow Out Preventor (IBOP) valves connect to the end of


the drive stem (Figure 1-5). The driller can close the upper IBOP
at any position in the derrick from the drillers control console. A
second, lower IBOP can be manually closed and sent downhole
while controlling a kick.

Main Shaft/
Drive Stem
Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body Elevator)
Landing Collar

Upper IBOP
Valve Actuator
Air Cylinder (2)

Actuator Arm (2)

Crank Assembly (2)

Safety Valve
Actuator Shell

Upper IBOP

Torque Tube

Lower IBOP

Saver Sub

Drill Pipe

Figure 1-5. Safety valves (IBOPs) and actuator assembly


TDS-4S Description

1-13

March 8, 2001

The drive stem passes through the link adapter. The torque
arrestors keep the link adapter above the landing collar on the
drive stem when drilling (Figures 1-6, 1-7 and 1-8). When
hoisting, the link adapter is pulled down onto the landing collar
due to the added weight of the drill string. This directs the
hoisting load through the drive stem, motor housing assembly,
and swivel bail.
The fluid service loop provides the hydraulic, pneumatic power,
and optional cooling water services to the TDS. The electric
service loops provide DC power and AC power/control.
A drill pipe elevator hangs from a pair of conventional links that
attach to the link adapter. Actuating the link tilt swings the
elevator out to facilitate picking up pipe.
The Major component description chapter of this book describes
each of these assemblies. Subsequent books provide more
information on the equipment specific to your rig configuration.

1-14

TDS-4S Description

Rotating Head
(Part of Motor Housing Assembly)

Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body Elevator)

Torque
Arrestors (4)

Figure 1-6. 650-Ton rotating head, link adapter and torque arrestors

TDS-4S Description

1-15

March 8, 2001

650/500-Ton
Rotating Head
(Part of
Motor Housing
Assembly)

Hydraulic/Pneumatic Link Tilt

650/500-Ton
Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body
Elevator)

Torque
Arrestor
650-Ton: (4)
500-Ton: (2)

Link Adapter
Support Plate

Upper
IBOP Valve

108 in.
350-Ton
Links
(Optional
Varco Equipment)

Safety Valve
Actuator
Torque Wrench

Lower
IBOP Valve

Manually or Remotely Operated


Drill Pipe Elevator
(Optional Varco Equipment)

Saver Sub

Figure 1-7. 650-Ton, PH-85 pipehandler in relation to other TDS assemblies

1-16

TDS-4S Description

650-Ton
Rotating Head
(Part of Motor
Housing
Assembly)

Pneumatic Link Tilt

650-Ton
Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body
Elevator)

Torque
Arrestor (4)

Link Adapter
Support Plate

Upper
IBOP Valve

108 in.
350-Ton
Links
(Optional
Varco
Equipment)

Safety Valve
Actuator
Torque Wrench

Lower
IBOP Valve

Manually or Remotely Operated


Drill Pipe Elevator
(Optional Varco Equipment)

Saver Sub

Figure 1-8. 650-Ton, PH-60d pipehandler in relation to other TDS assemblies

TDS-4S Description

1-17

March 8, 2001

1-18

TDS-4S Description

Chapter 2
Major component
description

Motor housing assembly


The motor housing assembly is composed of the following:
Drilling motor and brake
Two speed transmission
Rotating head
Integrated swivel and washpipe

TDS-4S Description

1-19

March 8, 2001

Drilling motor
The drilling motor on the TDS is a 1,100 hp DC drilling motor.
Mechanically, the motor features a double-ended armature shaft
and thrust bearings for vertical operation.
There is an air brake on the motor to hold torque in the drill
string to assist in directional work. It is remotely operated by a
solenoid valve. Please refer to the specifications included later in
this book for additional details.

Two speed transmission


The two speed transmission consists of the following major
components:
Bull gears 96 tooth, 2.0 diametral pitch
High range compound gears 27 tooth and 30 tooth
Low range compound gears 23 tooth and 40 tooth
Motor pinion gears 21 tooth
Geneva transmission shifter mechanism (Figure 1-9)
Main body and lower gearcase
Main shaft/drive stem
Bonnet
Swivel bearing
The compound gears mount to their eccentric shafts with a tworow, full complement roller bearing on one end and a spherical
roller bearing on the other end.

1-20

TDS-4S Description

Rotating Head
Assembly

Shifter
Input Shaft

LO

HI
External
HI / LO
Indicator

Compound
Gear Shafts

Bottom View

Low Gear
Eccentric Shaft
(Disengaged)

High Gear
Eccentric Shaft
(Engaged)

Geneva
Mechanism

Shifter Input

Top View

Figure 1-9. Transmission/geneva mechanism

TDS-4S Description

1-21

March 8, 2001

Lubrication to the bearings and gear meshes is force fed by an


electrically driven gear pump externally mounted on the gearcase
(Figure 1-10). The lower gearcase is a heavy duty steel casting,
fully ribbed for added heat dissipation.
The transmission shifts gears by rotating two vertical compound
gear eccentric shafts. The two compound shafts (high and low)
are supported on heavy trunnions between the main body and
lower gearcase halves. As the shafts rotate (less than one-half
turn), the compound gears go into or out of mesh with both the
motor pinion gear and the bull gear because the support shaft
center axes are offset or eccentric.
Each compound shaft carries a large, internally splined geneva
slave. A common geneva master sequentially unlocks, rotates, and
locks both gears. The master rotates using a reduction gear set
with a vertical manual input shaft. It carries its own latching
mechanism and provides the security of a double lock on the
compound shafts.
A 1 in. male hex at the bottom of the transmission case (Figure
1-9), rotates the input shaft. After pushing inward on the male
hex, it takes five turns of the input shaft to unlock both gear sets,
rotate the engaged gear set to full disengagement, rotate the
disengaged gear set into full engagement, and lock both gear sets
in their proper positions with positive stops in the locked
position. An external indicator shows the gear range selection.

Integrated swivel bail and swivel


washpipe
The integrated swivel bail is a bearing assembly that allows
transfer of the rotating load to the lifting components
(Figure 1-2).
The swivel washpipe is a rotating seal that allows mud to flow to
the rotating drill string.

1-22

TDS-4S Description

Lower Radial
Shaft Bearing

Motor Pinion
Gears

Side View
Bull
Gears

Inlet

Compound Shafts (Not Visible)

Bull Gears

Motor Pinion
Gears

LEGEND
Pressure Tap

Fabricated
Drilled

Bottom View

Figure 1-10. Transmission lubrication system


TDS-4S Description

1-23

March 8, 2001

Standard rotating head


The standard rotating head allows transferring pneumatic and
hydraulic pressure from stationary ports on the drilling motor
housing to rotating ports on the rotating head (Figure 1-11). It
features two hydraulic passages, three pneumatic passages, and
two spare passages capable of transferring either pneumatic or
hydraulic fluid (all are rated at 2,500 psi).
The rotating head assembly consists of:
Stationary flange
Eight rotary glyd rings
Swivel block
Cam
Auto-return cylinder
Cam follower
Swivel block locking mechanism
The hydraulic and air lines for the various pipehandler functions
(air link tilt, torque wrench, etc.) run from their respective
solenoid valves to the stationary flange. The fluids travel from the
flange to the swivel block via sealed rotating passages. The glyd
rings maintain the seal between the passages.
Additional hoses connect the ports in the swivel block to the
corresponding devices (link tilt, etc.). The swivel block rotates
relative to the flange without twisting or damaging any hoses.
There is also a lug for mounting the torque wrench hanger and
holes for attaching the torque arrestors on the swivel block.
The rotating head stationary flange bolts directly to the bottom of
the gearcase with the drive stem running through the center.
There is also an auto-return cylinder mounted on the stationary
flange. The auto-return cylinder is hydraulically connected to the
counterbalance manifold. The rod end of the cylinder connects to
a cam follower assembly that tracks the cam mounted to the
swivel block.

1-24

TDS-4S Description

Cam

Stationary Flange

Cam Follower

Locking Lever

Auto-Return
Cylinder

Torque Arrestor
Location
Glyd Ring (8)

Swivel Block
Torque Wrench Hanger
(Lug not shown)

Figure 1-11. Standard 650-Ton rotating head assembly

TDS-4S Description

1-25

March 8, 2001

Powered rotating head


The 10-port powered rotating head (Figure 1-12) allows
transferring pneumatic and hydraulic pressure from stationary
ports on the drilling motor housing to rotating ports on the
rotating head. It features three hydraulic passages, five pneumatic
passages, and two spare passages capable of transferring either
pneumatic or hydraulic fluid (all are rated at 2,000 psi).
The rotating head assembly consists of the following components:
Stationary flange
Eleven rotary glyd rings
Swivel block
Bull gear
Hydraulic motor assembly
Proximity sensor and adjustable targets
The hydraulic and air lines for the various pipehandler functions
(hydraulic link tilt, torque wrench, etc.) run from their respective
solenoid valves to the stationary flange. The fluids travel from the
flange to the swivel block via sealed rotating passages. The glyd
rings maintain the seal between the passages.
Additional hoses connect the ports in the swivel block to the
corresponding devices (link tilt, etc.). The swivel block rotates
relative to the flange without twisting or damaging any hoses.
There is also a lug for mounting the torque wrench hanger and
holes for attaching the torque arrestors on the swivel block.
The rotating head stationary flange bolts directly to the bottom of
the gearcase with the drive stem running through the center.
The hydraulic motor assembly mounts to the swivel flange which
engages a compound gear, driven by a pinion gear on the
hydraulic motor shaft. Two switches on the drillers control panel
control the hydraulic motor.

Rotating head controls


The powered rotating head has two switches. The ROTATING
HEAD LEFT/RIGHT switch rotates the rotating head, pipe
handler, and link tilt to the right or left (same direction as the
drill string). The AUTO STOP/FREE ROTATE switch controls
the powered rotating head operating mode.
1-26

TDS-4S Description

Stationary
Flange

Rotary Glyd
Ring (11)

Bull Gear

Torque Arrestor
Hanger
Swivel Block

A5

H1

S2

A2

H3

PRESSU

A3

RE

A1

S1

H1

Hydraulic Motor
Assembly

S2

H2

A4

A1

A4
A5

A2

H3

A3
H2

S1

Figure 1-12. Powered rotating head assembly

TDS-4S Description

1-27

March 8, 2001

Cooling systems
Local blower
The local blower cooling system with an optional extended intake
provides local cooling air to the drilling motor (Figure 1-13). It
receives air approximately 27 ft. above the rig floor at the lowest
point of the motors travel.
An explosion-proof 20 hp, 3,450 rpm AC electrical motor
directly drives the impeller in the blower housing. An optional
flexible duct connects the blower housing to the extended intake
mounted on the traveling equipment.
Two spark arrestor assemblies are mounted on the exhaust ports
of the upper gearcase. These components hinder the egress of any
air born sparks from the DC motor.

1-28

TDS-4S Description

Axial Fan
20 hp
Blower Motor

Transmission
Cooler

Locking Key
Oil Fittings (2)

Blower Housing
Gasket

Mounting
Brackets (2)
Blower Impeller
Taper Lock
Bushing
Gasket
Flex Duct
Connection
Point
Mounting Plate

Blower Duct to
AC Drilling Motor

Spark Arrestor

Figure 1-13. Typical local blower cooling system

TDS-4S Description

1-29

March 8, 2001

Closed loop
The closed loop cooling system (Figure 1-14) consists of two air/
water heat exchangers cooled by twin blowers driven by a double
ended AC motor. Ducting directs air out the motor exhaust port
to the heat exchangers and back to the blower inlets. The heat
exchangers are built from Cupro-Nickel tubes and the headers are
pressure tested to 250 psi.
The system requires a supply of liquid coolant (sea water, chilled
fresh water or glycol) at 100 gpm at a maximum inlet
temperature of 90F.
Purge air at a rate of 70 scfm per motor at 1.0 psig is also required
to provide positive system pressure, and a purge control system
(refer to TDS Control System information provided later in this
chapter) monitors system pressure to insure safe operation.

1-30

TDS-4S Description

Dual Shaft
20 hp AC
Blower Motor

Blower Mount/
Brake Cover
Blower
Housing (2)

Impeller (2)

8 in. Flex
Connection (2)

Blower Inlet (2)

Water
Connections

DC to Motor
Exhaust Port on
Upper Gear Case
Inspection
Cover

GE
Drilling Motor
Heat Exchanger (2)

Figure 1-14. Typical closed loop cooling system

TDS-4S Description

1-31

March 8, 2001

Remote blower
The remote blower motor cooling system consists of a motor and
pressure blower mounted in the derrick at racking board level
(Figure 1-15). Air is drawn in from outside the wind wall,
through a flexible duct into the top of the drilling motor, and
exits through spark arrestors attached to the air outlets of the
motor.
A pressure switch monitors the motor air inlet pressure to verify
blower operation. The contacts of the pressure switch are usually
wired into the SCR assignment logic for the drilling motor.
A moisture separator is attached to the blower inlet duct to
prevent water from entering the motor.

1-32

TDS-4S Description

Air Inlet

40 hp Explosion Proof
Electric Motor (AC)
and Centrifugal
Pressure Blower

Wind Wall

Racking Platform
at Racking Board Level

Rigid Cooling Duct

Spark Arrestor

Motor Dolly Assembly

86' Flex Air Duct

Figure 1-15. Typical remote blower cooling system

TDS-4S Description

1-33

March 8, 2001

Guide dolly assemblies


The guide dolly assembly transmits the drilling torque reaction to
the guide rails keep the TDS positioned over wellcenter and can
provide a method for setting the entire unit aside for maintenance
or to allow rig operation without the TDS if necessary.
The standard guide dolly assembly consists of two frames
connected by hinges on the pivot side and hold-down bolts on
the other (Figure 1-16).
Non-swing retract guide dollies use hold-down bolts (swing bolts)
on both sides (Figure 1-17). One frame attaches to the motor
housing assembly and includes attachment points for the service
loops and rotary hose. The other frame includes the guide rollers
and remains in the guide rails during all normal operations.
Centralized lubrication manifolds provide roller lubrication.

1-34

TDS-4S Description

Motor Frame

Guide Dolly Frame

Hinge Pin (2)

Hold-down Bolt
(Swing Bolt) (2)

Figure 1-16. Typical swing guide dolly assembly

TDS-4S Description

1-35

March 8, 2001

Upper Stabilizer Arm


Motor Frame

Guide Dolly
Frame

Retract
Cylinder

Lower
Extend/Retract
Arm

LEGEND
Intermediate
Frame

45.0"

Figure 1-17. Typical retract guide dolly assembly

1-36

TDS-4S Description

Extended Mode
Retracted Mode

Motor alignment system


The motor alignment system consists of a duplex cylinder,
hydraulic accumulator, pressure reducing valve manifold, and
related hardware.
The duplex cylinder attaches between the bottom of the lower
gearcase and the motor frame. It connects to an accumulator
circuit located on the guide dolly. The accumulator is charged
with nitrogen and maintained at a predetermined pressure setting
by the alignment cylinder manifold. Figure 1-18 shows the motor
alignment cylinder installed in a typical motor frame.
The duplex cylinder maintains a wellcenter orientation for the
swivel stem when disconnected from the drill sting, while
allowing the motor housing assembly to float slightly about its
trunnions.

Motor Alignment
Cylinder

Shipping
Brace

Motor
Frame Dolly (Ref)

Figure 1-18. Motor alignment cylinder

TDS-4S Description

1-37

March 8, 2001

Pipehandler
The main components of the pipehandler include the following
(Figures 1-3 and 1-4):
Link adapter
Safety valves (Upper and Lower IBOPs)
IBOP valve actuator
Torque wrench
Link tilt mechanism
The pipehandler provides two basic functions for the TDS:
Tripping 93 ft. drilling pipe stands
Providing up to 85,000 ft lb torque for makeup and
break-out of connections at any height in the derrick
(the PH-60d provides up to 60,000 ft lb torque)
The pipehandler can be configured for various tool joint
connections. It includes a link adapter and a special-purpose
Varco torque wrench assembly. It also incorporates a remote
IBOP valve actuator and link tilt mechanism.
When not in use, the pipehandler remains stationary and free
from the drill string passing through it. When tripping or
performing bottom hole operations, the pipehandler is free to
rotate 360, emulating the action of a standard hook.

1-38

TDS-4S Description

Link adapter
The link adapter (solid body elevator) and the elevator links
(Figures 1-7 and 1-8), working in conjunction with the torque
arrestors, transfer the hoisting loads to the drive stem.
The drive stem is free to rotate inside the link adapter while
drilling. The link adapter does not rotate with the drive stem
because torque arrestors raise the link adapter up off the load
supporting landing collar located on the drive stem.
When hoisting loads, springs inside the torque arrestors compess
to transfer the load to the drive stem by pulling the link adapter
down onto the landing collar. The link adapter rotates with the
rotating headwhich is required for tripping operations.
The torque arrestors contain compression springs capable of
supporting any stand of drill pipe in the full up position.

TDS-4S Description

1-39

March 8, 2001

Safety valves (IBOP)


The Varco pipehandler includes two Internal Blowout Preventor
safety valves (IBOPs) to provide blowout prevention. For detailed
descriptions, installation, operation, maintenance, and parts
information, refer to the IBOP Service Manual.

Saver and crossover subs


Each pipehandler ships with two saver subs and one crossover
sub. Saver subs (Figures 1-7 and 1-8) are dual pin subs used to
preserve the threads on the lower IBOP and provide a pin for the
box end of the drill string. Saver sub threads can be recut to a
minimum shoulder-to-shoulder length of 5 in. before the sub
must be discarded.
The crossover sub converts the lower IBOP pin to a box
connection for well control procedures with standard pipe.

Saver subs are load bearing components in the TDS and must be
inspected periodically along with other load bearing components.
Refer to the Maintenance and Troubleshooting book for more
information.

Safety valve actuator


The remotely operated upper IBOP valve actuator allows upper
IBOP actuation at any height in the derrick.
The upper IBOP actuator system consists of the following:
Two pneumatic air cylinders
Two actuator arms
Actuator shell
Two crank assemblies
Two pneumatic solenoid valves
Double-acting air cylinders move the actuator arm. The actuator
arm connects to the valve actuator shell and moves the actuator
shell up or down (Figure 1-19). A slot in the actuator shell
engages the crank assemblies, which opens or closes the IBOP.
The air cylinders are operated remotely by a solenoid valve
controlled by an electrical switch at the VDC.
1-40

TDS-4S Description

Main Shaft/
Drive Stem
Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body Elevator)
Landing Collar

Upper IBOP
Valve Actuator
Air Cylinder (2)

Actuator Arm (2)

Crank Assembly (2)

Safety Valve
Actuator Shell

Upper IBOP

Torque Tube

Lower IBOP

Saver Sub

Drill Pipe

Figure 1-19. Safety valve actuator system

TDS-4S Description

1-41

March 8, 2001

Torque wrench
The torque wrench provides a means for making and breaking
out connections with the drive stem.
The torque wrench assembly consists of the following
components (Figures 1-20 and 1-21):

Hanger
Torque tube
Torque tube guide ring
Two torque cylinders
Two clamping jaws
Two clamping pistons
Control manifold
Lift cylinder
Two stop tubes
Stabbing guide
IBOP actuator cylinders and arms

A hanger attached to the rotating head supports the torque


wrench. The torque wrench has two torque cylinders connected
to the torque tube.
The clamping jaw contains a 10 in. diameter clamping piston for
gripping the box end of the drill pipe. On the lower section of the
upper IBOP, a female spline engages the mating male spline on
the lower IBOP contained inside the torque tube.
When actuated, the torque wrench rises and engages the splines
on the upper IBOP. It then receives sequenced pressure to clamp
the clamping piston on the box connection. After the clamping
pressure develops, another sequence valve automatically opens
and directs pressure to the torque cylinders. The torque cylinders
can rotate up to 25 while developing a maximum torque of
85,000 ft lb (60,000 ft lb for PH-60d).
One electrical push button on the VDC controls the entire torque
wrench operation. The driller simply holds the button down until
the connection is made or broken. The driller then releases the
button to allow the unit to automatically recycle to the ready
position. A two-position, air piloted hydraulic valve located on
the counterbalance manifold controls the cycle.
The torque wrench can also make up or break out the saver sub
or the lower IBOP. A manually operated valve on the rear of the
pipehandler selects either the make up or break out function.
1-42

TDS-4S Description

IBOP Actuator
Hoses (Air)

Hanger
Torque Wrench
Hoses (Hydraulic)

IBOP Actuator
Air Cylinders
Lift Cylinder
IBOP
Actuator Arms

Torque Tube

Clamping Jaw
(Inside Clamp Body)

V
a
r
c
o

Stop Tube (2)

Control Manifold
(Hidden)
Torque Cylinder (2)

Stabbing Guide

Clamping Piston
(Inside Clamp
Body Cylinder)
Guide Ring
(Not Visible)

Figure 1-20. PH-85 torque wrench assembly

TDS-4S Description

1-43

March 8, 2001

IBOP Actuator
Hoses (Air)

Hanger

Torque Wrench
Hoses (Hydraulic)

Lift Cylinder

IBOP Actuator
Air Cylinders
IBOP
Actuator Arms

Torque Tube
Stop Tube (2)
Clamping Jaws
(Inside Clamp Body)

Control Manifold
(Hidden)
Torque Cylinder (2)

Stabbing Guide

Clamping Piston
(Inside Clamp
Body Cylinder)
Guide Ring
(Not Visible)

Figure 1-21. PH-60d torque wrench assembly

1-44

TDS-4S Description

Link tilt mechanisms


Standard and extended reach pneumatic
link tilt mechanisms
The standard (Figure 1-22) and extended reach (Figure 1-23) link
tilt assembly allows:
The elevators to move off of well center to pick up a stand in
the mousehole.
The derrickman to handle pipe more easily.
The link tilt assembly mounts on the front of the solid body
elevator (link adapter). This assembly consists of a pivoting lifting
frame connected to the drilling elevator links with chains and
clamps. A switch on the VDC controls a pneumatic solenoid
valve that inflates an air spring within the lifting frame. Inflating
the air spring pivots the frame upward, tilting the links outward.
Extended reach link tilt mechanisms have two air springs and
extend 76 in. A standard reach link tilt will extend links 52 in.
Both reaches are based on 108 in. elevator links.
An adjustable intermediate stop mechanism provides clearance
between the drill pipe elevator and the monkey board to assist the
derrickman in racking operations.

TDS-4S Description

1-45

March 8, 2001

Lifting Frame

Intermediate
Stop

Air
Actuator
D/P Elevator
Link Clamp

Intermediate
Stop Release

Figure 1-22. Standard pneumatic link tilt mechanism

1-46

TDS-4S Description

Lifting
Frame

Double Air
Actuator

D/P Elevator
Link Clamp

Intermediate
Stop
Intermediate
Stop Release

Figure 1-23. Extended reach pneumatic link tilt mechanism

TDS-4S Description

1-47

March 8, 2001

Hydraulic link tilt mechanism


The hydraulic link tilt assembly (Figure 1-24) provides lateral
movement of the drill pipe elevator to a position above the
mousehole or toward the monkeyboard.
The link tilt assembly mounts on the front of the link adapter
(solid body elevator). The link tilt uses dual hydraulic cylinders.
Full link tilt extension moves drill pipe approximately 78 in. from
well center, based on 108 in. links. During operation, the
operator can stop link tilt movement at any position and hold the
supported load in place.
The link tilt also enables retracting the open drill pipe elevator
from the drill pipe while drilling, tripping, and adding stands
(available only on PH-85 models).
Link tilt controls

The link tilt is controlled by a four-position switch. The positions


are RETRACT, FLOAT, HOLD, and EXTEND.
RETRACT

In the RETRACT position, the elevator backs away from well


center.
FLOAT

FLOAT returns the elevators to well center from the retracted or


extended position. A 1/2-second delay is programmed into the
FLOAT function to allow the control switch to travel from the
RETRACT position to the HOLD position without activating
the FLOAT.
HOLD

This setting holds the position of the elevators extended or


retracted.
EXTEND

This setting extends the elevator forward to the mousehole


through wellcenter.

1-48

TDS-4S Description

Hydraulic
Link Tilt with
Passive Stop
Passive
Stop
Assembly
(2)
Cylinder
Assembly
(2)
Link
Tilt Arm

Hydraulic
Link Tilt with
Intermediate Stop

Intermediate
Stop

Stop
Adjuster

Figure 1-24. Hydraulic link tilt

TDS-4S Description

1-49

March 8, 2001

Elevator links
Varco elevator links attach to the link adapter and support the
drill pipe elevator. Elevator link options include:
108 in., 350-Ton elevator links
132 in., 350-Ton elevator links
180 in., 500-Ton elevator links (special long links for running
casing, providing 120 in. of clearance for cementing heads)

1-50

TDS-4S Description

Counterbalance system
The counterbalance system prevents damage to tool joint threads
while making or breaking connections with the TDS. It provides
cushioned stroke similar to that provided by the hook.
The counterbalance system prevents damage to the threads of the
saver sub and drill pipe by offsetting the weight of the top drive
while stabbing into a connection. The system (Figure 1-27)
consists primarily of two hydraulic cylinders, a counterbalance
manifold, and two hydraulic accumulators. The hydraulic
cylinder assemblies connect the integrated swivel bail and the
traveling equipment (hook, block, becket, hook adapter, etc.).
When properly adjusted, the counterbalance system supports all
but about 800 lb of the weight of the top drive over a full 8 to
10 in. of travel.
The system also incorporates a complete backup. The two
accumulators, constantly maintained at system pressure, are
always able to provide pressure to the counterbalance cylinders if
the HPU is off or non-operational for any reason. For normal
operation, however, the HPU is on when using the torque
wrench for breaking out the top drive at the floor and is left on
while making up the next stand.
When adding a stand to the string during drilling operations, the
driller takes a stand in the elevators and stabs it into the box in
the rotary table. The driller continues to lower the TDS until the
saver sub touches the box of the new stand. At this point, only
about 800 lb load is on the saver sub/drill pipe connection. The
counterbalance cylinders support the remainder of the TDS
weight. The driller then spins in and torques up the connection
with the pipehandler assembly and is ready to drill ahead.
Note that the driller does not have to do anything extra to get the
counterbalance system to function properly. It is a pre-adjusted
system. Once drilling resumes, the HPU can be turned off and
restarted again for breaking out the connection at the floor after
drilling the stand down.

TDS-4S Description

1-51

March 8, 2001

Stabbing Mode:
Top Drive Lowered Past Thread Contact
Guide Dolly
Assembly
18,970 lb

18,970 lb

Hydraulic
Cylinders (2)

Hydraulic
Accumulators (2)

38,750 lb
Typical System Weight

Counterbalance
Manifold
810 lb
Weight on Threads

Hydraulic
Power Supply

Fluids
Service Loop

Rig Floor

Figure 1-27. Counterbalance system

1-52

TDS-4S Description

TDS Control System (TDCS)


The TDS Control System (TDCS) provides the driller with a
control console that operates all of the TDS functions. The
components of the TDCS include:
Varco Drillers control and instrumentation Console (VDC)
Transfer control panel (TP)
Purge control system for closed loop cooling systems

Varco Drillers control and


instrumentation Console (VDC)
The Varco drillers control and instrumentation Console (VDC)
consists of a torque meter, an RPM meter and various switches
and indicator lights. The basic TDS control functions are:
Link tilt
Remotely controlled upper IBOP valve
Motor brake
Motor spin-torque control
Makeup torque limit
Transfer switch (TDS/ROT)
The existing rotary table controls adjust motor speed, torque and
direction while drilling. A typical VDC also contains indicator
lights for determining the status of:
The brake
The remotely controlled upper IBOP valve
The oil pump
Blower pressure loss
Cooling air temperature
The purge system(s)
Optional controls and status indicator lights are available. Refer
to Engineering Drawing 98952 for VDC configurations.

TDS-4S Description

1-53

March 8, 2001

Transfer control panel


The TDS operates from the same SCR as the rotary table.
The Transfer control panel switches power between them.
This electrical enclosure contains the DC contacts, the
programmable controller, the auxiliary AC components
and the rig instrumentation interfaces for recording torque
and speed of the TDS.
The DC power cables running from the SCR to the rotary table
motor are disconnected from the rotary table and connect to the
transfer panel. New cables run from the TP to the rotary table
motor and to the racking board junction boxes for the TDS.
The transfer panel has a purge control system for use in a
hazardous area (Zone 2 or Class 1, Div. 2). If the panel is in the
SCR room, a purge system is not required.
The panel is compatible with all currently installed SCR systems
and is configured at installation for the SCR it will control. Logic
and alarm functions are connected to the TDS by programming
the transfer panels Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to
operate the rigs existing systems. Similarly, TDS interlocks and
limits, such as spin-up and makeup speeds, are programmed into
the PLC and are the same for all installations.

Purge control system


The transfer panel, VDC, and TDS closed loop cooling system
have separate purge systems. All systems provide positive internal
pressure to prevent hazardous gases from entering areas of
potential ignition in Zone 2 or Class 1, Div. 2 hazardous areas.
Pressure switches in the protection units monitor the pressure and
provide an alarm signal in the event of purge pressure loss.
Prior to starting an unpurged system, the purge control unit
purges the system for a specific time interval sufficient to remove
any trapped hazardous gas. Status lights on the VDC indicate to
the driller correct purge pressure, loss of purge and system
purging. If purge pressure loss alarms and indicators are ignored
for a preset time interval, the isolation unit can be set to shut
down the TDS.

1-54

TDS-4S Description

Service loops
The service loops transfer the required electric and fluid services
between the derrick service standpipes and junction boxes, and
the corresponding junction boxes and fluid connections located
on the TDS. There are two kinds of loops: one containing the
electric cables, and one containing air, hydraulic and water lines
(water lines included only on units with a closed loop cooling
system).
The power electrical loop contains four 646 MCM DC power
cables, one 2/0 AWG drilling motor ground cable. The other
electrical service loop contains a composite cable consisting of:
26 14 AWG conductors for auxiliary features
4

8 AWG conductors for blower motor

5 AWG conductors for series motor field supply

14 AWG shielded pairs for the RPM pickup signal

The power and ground cables are spiral wound and potted inside
a protective cover with 7 1/2 in. mounting flanges at each end.
The composit cable is pathed in its own smaller service loop. This
allows for easy changeout of either the power loop or the
composit loop in the event of a failure.
The TDS can use optional dual electrical service loops in order to
meet certain regulatory agency requirements for power cable
current carrying capacity.
The fluids loop can consists of any combination of the following:
3

3/4 in. diameter hoses for hydraulic supplies


(one is a spare)

1/2 in. diameter hoses for air supply (one is a spare)

1 in. diameter hoses for purge supply

1 1/4 in. diameter hoses for cooling water


(closed loop cooling systems only)

1 in. diameter hoses for retract cylinder supply and return

Additional 7-conductor, 20 AWG cables as required

TDS-4S Description

1-55

March 8, 2001

Derrick electrical termination kit


This kit consists of all the necessary electrical junction boxes
attached to a bulkhead mounting plate, which is then mounted in
the derrick to connect the rig electric supplies to the service loop.
There are several J-box configurations, depending upon which
electrical system is ordered. Each configuration complies with
specific electrical codes and regulatory agency requirements
throughout the world.

1-56

TDS-4S Description

Auxiliary equipment
Auxiliary equipment is compatible with all TDS models. All of
the equipment is selected or adapted for your specific rig. Below is
a list of auxiliary equipment available:
Master bushing ID wear guide
Swiveling drill collar dolly
Wireline adapter
Crown height indicator
Drillers recorder tranducer kit

TDS-4S Description

1-57

March 8, 2001

Master bushing ID wear guide


The master bushing ID wear guide centers the rotating drill
string and protects the master bushing while drilling ahead
(Figure 1-26). It hinges open for removal or when setting
manual slips. The bushings can be changed out to accomodate
different size drill pipe.

Figure 1-26. Master bushing ID wear guide

1-58

TDS-4S Description

Swiveling drill collar dolly


The swiveling drill collar dolly (Figure 1-27) allows the drill collar
elevators to turn freely when handling bottom hole assemblies.
The drill collar dollys upset, which latches in the standard drill
pipe elevator, mounts on a bearing which allows it to swivel even
under load. A shoulder elevator is suspended from the
perfection links (or a second drill pipe elevator if lifting subs are
used). The collars can be walked in or out with the elevator
turning on the drill collar dolly.
A
Drill Pipe
Elevator

A
100 TON
VARCO

Drill Collar
Dolly

Perfection
Links (36")

;;;
;;;
;;
;;; ;;
;;;

91 in.
Square
Shoulder
Elevator

Lifting
Sub
37 in.

8 in.

Drill
Collar
View

A-A

Figure 1-27. Swiveling drill collar dolly

TDS-4S Description

1-59

March 8, 2001

Wireline adapter
The wireline adapter (Figures 1-28 and 1-29) attaches to the
pipehandler and prevents wireline from interfering and damaging
pipe and TDS components. It can be used with a lubricator held
in the elevators by using 180 in. casing elevator links.

42.52 in.

26.0 in.

23.1 in.

Typical Section through Sheave

Figure 1-28. Typical PH-85 wireline adapter

1-60

TDS-4S Description

View A-A

9/16 in. Max.


Wire Rope Dia.

Top Drive
Torque Wrench

Torque Wrench Guard


(remove for installation)

20 in. Dia.
Sheave

Elevator Links
(180 in. longCustomer furnished)

Lubricator

To Mud Manifold

Wireline Adapter installs in


place of Torque Wrench
Guard using existing Pins

Elevator Links
(180 in. or longerCustomer furnished)

View A-A

Figure 1-29. Typical PH-60d wireline adapter

TDS-4S Description

1-61

March 8, 2001

Crown height indicator


The crown height position indicator is a self-contained electronic
instrument which determines the position of the traveling
equipment with respect to the derrick crown. The system contains
four major subassemblies:
A metal target typically located on the Varco block dolly
assembly
Two hinged sensor bracket assemblies located on the rear of
the guide track
A sensor junction box located in the derrick near the above
bracket assemblies
A crown height indicator control box, or an integral control
in the drillers control and instrumentation console
The Crown Height Indicator Control (CHIC) control box
(Figure 1-30) contains three indicator lights and an electronic
printed circuit board. Two of the indicators display the position
of the top of the traveling equipment relative to the crown. The
third indicator displays system power status.
The yellow indicator on the CHIC control box illuminates when
the top of the traveling equipment is within ten feet of the crown.
The red indicator illuminates when the traveling equipment is
within five feet of the crown. When the traveling equipment is
within two feet of the crown both indicators flash alternately. The
green indicator illuminates when correct DC system power is
available. This indicator also contains a push-to-test button which
simulates the 2 ft. position.
The integral crown height indicator controls on the VDC are
identical to the separate control box.

1-62

TDS-4S Description

CROWN CLEARANCE
2 FEET
WHEN FLASHING

IBOP
CLOSE

BRAKE
ON

IBOP
CLOSE OPEN

BRAKE
OFF ON

TORQ. WRENCH
PUSH & PULL

LINK TILT
OFF ON

R
5 FEET

Y
10 FEET
ACTIVE/TEST

Integrated Controls

IBOP
CLOSE

BRAKE
ON

CROWN CLEARANCE
2 FEET WHEN FLASHING

Purge Air in

R
5 FEET

IBOP
CLOSE OPEN

BRAKE
OFF ON

Y
10 FEET

TORQ. WRENCH
PUSH & PULL

LINK TILT
OFF ON

Purge Air out


to Protection Unit

ACTIVE/TEST

VDC

Independent
Controls

Figure 1-30. Typical CHIC control box

TDS-4S Description

1-63

March 8, 2001

1-64

TDS-4S Description

Chapter 3
Specifications

Drilling motor
Horsepower: 1,100
Maximum stall time at full power is generally about 10 seconds.
Refer to the Operation book for details.

Main gearbox lube system


Provides lubrication to both the primary gear set and swivel
bearing. It includes explosion proof 5 hp AC motor/pump
combination, filter/strainer, pressure loss sensor, and oil level sight
glass. The TDS-4S main gearbox lube system holds approximately
20 gallons (refer to the Maintenance and Troubleshooting book for
details on oil capacity and adding oil to the gearbox).

TDS-4S Description

1-65

March 8, 2001

Cooling systems
Local blower *
Flow

3,200 cfm

Blower motor

20 hp

Typical voltage

220/460 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz

Speed

3,450 rpm

Spark arrestors

Standard style, BASEEFA


approved type available

Derrick mounted remote blower *


Flow

3,200 cfm

Blower motor

40 hp

Typical voltage

220/460 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz

Speed

3,450 rpm

Spark arrestors

Standard style, BASEEFA


approved type available

* These systems include an additional oil cooler/heat exchanger


mounted on top of the gearcase on the TDS.

Closed loop

1-66

TDS-4S Description

Flow

3,200 cfm

Blower motor

20 hp

Typical voltage

220/460 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz

Speed

3,450 rpm

Heat exchanger

220,000 BTU/Hr.
for GE motor

Cooling water supply

50 gpm at 250 foot head,


measured at rig floor

Oil cooler

6 gpm

Max. inlet temp

90F

Guide dollies
Standard rail setback
30, 39 or 48 in.
(Wellcenter to centerline of rails)
Standard rail spacing
(Centerline of rails)

62, 66 or 72 in.

Recommended rail sizes

W12x53 (land masts),


or W14x74, W14x90

Roller size

6 in. flange and 6 in. side

Frame material

ASTM A-500/A-36 steel


or equivalent

Pipehandler
Break-out torque

PH-85 and PH-85H = 85,000 ft lb


PH-60d = 60,000 ft lb

Hydraulic pressure

2,000 psi maximum

Hydraulic flow

30 to 35 gpm

Air pressure

90 psi minimum

TDS-4S Description

1-67

March 8, 2001

Service loop kits


Power loop (non-regulated areas)
646 mcm

4 (each)

Standard length

86 ft. (flange to flange)

Diameter

5 in. ID SAE 100-R2


hose outer jacket

Power cable voltage

2,000 maximum (each)

Ground cable

2/0 conductor tinned copper


ground

Control composite loop


26 conductor, 14 guage
4 conductor, 8 guage
2 pair, 14 guage twisted and shielded
2 conductor, 5 guage
1 pair, 6 gauge twisted and shielded

1-68

TDS-4S Description

Fluid loop

Not all hoses are required for all configurations.


Overall length of assembly

86 ft. (flange to flange)

Hydraulic pressure or return hose (3 total)

Size

3/4 in. ID, SAE 100-R9

Maximum working pressure

3,000 psi

Air supply hose (2 each)

Size

1/2 in. ID, SAE 100-R2

Working pressure

150 psi

Maximum working pressure

3,500 psi

Purge air supply hose (2 each)

Size

1 in. ID, SAE 100-R2

Working pressure

150 psi

Maximum working pressure

2,000 psi

Water hose (2)

Size

1 1/4 in. ID, SAE 100-R2

Working pressure

150 psi

Maximum working pressure

1,625 psi

Retract hoses (2)

Size

1 in. ID, SAE 100-R2

Maximum working pressure

3,000 psi

TDS-4S Description

1-69

March 8, 2001

Electrical equipment accessories


API Class I, Division II -N.E.C.
Derrick J-boxes (2 each)

Cast aluminum,
explosion proof

Motor J-boxes (2 each)

Cast aluminum,
explosion proof

Solenoid valves (6 each)

1/2 in., 4-way, 2 position

Pressure switches (2 each)

6 in. of H2O sensor

Motor space heaters (2 each) 2 - 200 watt, 110 volt


VDC/instrument kit

Various switches

Torque meter

(0 - 1,500 Amps)

RPM meter

(0 - 350 rpm)

European standard zone 2 area-EExd


Derrick J-boxes (2 each)

Stainless steel

Motor J-boxes (2 each)

Stainless steel

Solenoid valves (6 each)

1/2 in., 4-way, 2 position

Pressure switches (2 each)

6 in. of H2O sensor

Motor space heaters (2 each) 2 - 200 watt, 220 volt

1-70

TDS-4S Description

TDS-4S TOP DRIVE DRILLING SYSTEM


Drill Pipe Torque Vs. Speed GE 752 High Torque Series Motor
60,000
58,200
INTERMITTENT
55,000
1,130 HP LIMIT
50,900
CONTINUOUS

50,000

LOW GEAR
45,000

160 RPM

TORQUE, CONTINUOUS (ft lb)

40,000
37,200 INTERMITTENT

1,130 HP LIMIT

35,000
32,500 CONTINUOUS
30,000

25,000

HIGH GEAR
20,000

15,000
12,000 ft lb
10,000
5,000 ft lb
5,000
120

190

0
0

50

100

150

200

250

300

RPM
CONTINUOUS TORQUE VALUES ARE BASED ON 1250 ARMATURE AMPS
INTERMITTENT TORQUE VALUES ARE BASED ON STALL AT 1400 AMPS
WITH A 7 SEC. MAX. DURATION
JUNE 3, 1991 A.N.

TDS-4S Description

1-71

March 8, 2001

TDS-4S TOP DRIVE DRILLING SYSTEM


Drill Pipe Torque Vs. Speed GE 752 High Torque Shunt Motor

TORQUE, CONTINUOUS (ft lb)

55,000

50,000

50,100
INTERMITTENT

45,000

45,500
CONTINUOUS

LOW GEAR

40,000

35,000
32,000 INTERMITTENT

30,000
29,100 CONTINUOUS

HIGH GEAR

25,000

20,000
Reduced Field
Required in this Area

15,000

10,000
5,000
130 RPM

205 RPM

0
0

50

100

150

200

250

300

RPM
Continuous Torque Values are based on 1250 Armature Amps.
Intermittent Torque Values are based on stall at 1400 Amps with a 7 second maximum duration.
Reduced Field area is based on a 30 Amps Field.

1-72

TDS-4S Description

TDS-4S
Top Drive
Drilling
System

Installation and
Commissioning
SM00620-2

October 20, 1998

2-2

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Contents
Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 2-5
Directional references ...................................................... 2-6
Manual layout.................................................................. 2-6

Chapter 1 Preparation
Preinstallation checklist.................................................... 2-7

Chapter 2 Installation
Derrick electrical termination kit ..................................... 2-9
Installation ................................................................. 2-9
Wiring ..................................................................... 2-13
Plumbing ....................................................................... 2-15
Hydraulic................................................................. 2-15
Air ........................................................................... 2-15
Water....................................................................... 2-15
Rig-up procedure ........................................................... 2-16
Counterbalance system .................................................. 2-21
Motor alignment cylinder system ................................... 2-22
Drillers controls and instrumentation ........................... 2-23
Varco Drillers Console (VDC)................................ 2-23
Throttle and torque limit controls ........................... 2-23
Wiring ..................................................................... 2-23
Service loops .................................................................. 2-24
Installation ............................................................... 2-24
Electrical loop .................................................... 2-25
Fluids loop ......................................................... 2-25
Air loop ....................................................... 2-26
Retract loop ....................................................... 2-27

Chapter 3 Commissioning
Checkout procedures ..................................................... 2-29
Long term TDS storage procedures................................ 2-32
Returning the TDS to service after storage ..................... 2-33

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-3

October 20, 1998

2-4

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Preface
Manual conventions

Safety information
Information pertaining to possible personnel injury and
equipment damage appears throughout this manual and is
formatted to draw the readers attention to important
information, a warning, or a caution note. See the examples
below and pay close attention to these important advisories.

z
e

Indicates advisories for operational or servicing procedures


involving little or no risk of personnel injury or equipment
damage.
Indicates advisories involving a risk of equipment damage.

Indicates advisories involving a definite risk of injury to rig


personnel.
Avoid personnel injury and equipment damage by reading this
manual and related documents before operating, inspecting, or
servicing the equipment.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-5

October 20, 1998

Directional references
References to the right or left and front or back of components
described in this manual assume the perspective of the Top Drive
Drilling System (TDS-4S), standing behind the TDS-4S as it
faces well center.

Manual layout
This binder contains several separate books that you can remove
individually for convenience.

2-6

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Chapter 1
Preparation

Preinstallation checklist
The following assumes that all preinstallation planning and rig-up
has been accomplished prior to installation of the TDS. This
includes:
1. Guide rails and bracing are installed and inspected to
conform to Varco specification and installation tolerances
(Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3).
2. Stops are ready for installation at the bottom of the rails.
3. Hydraulic and air standpipes are installed in the derrick,
flushed clean, and pressure tested. Water piping is installed,
flushed, and pressure tested as well for configurations with
closed loop cooling systems.
4. All electronics are installed up to the derrick junction box:
DC power leads, AC leads for blower motor, and control/
alarm signals.
5. The transfer panel is installed.
6. Rigging of the tong lines, etc. are inspected to ensure that
they will not foul with the TDS and other rig equipment.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-7

October 20, 1998

2-8

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Chapter 2
Installation

Derrick electrical termination kit


Installation
Refer to Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 for typical mounting
dimensions of the plate assembly. Mount it at racking board
height within 15 ft. of the service loop support bracket.
Remember to provide convenient access for wiring and
maintenance.
Usually, mounting the plate so that the J-box is four to five feet
above the walk-around and near the service loop support bracket
is adequate. If a walk-around does not exist, then construct a
work platform to allow access to the J-boxes. Manufacture
appropriate brackets and clamps to attach the plate to the derrick
structure.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-9

October 20, 1998

1/4 in.

CL Rail

Over Full Length

CL Rail
3/8 in. Over Full Length
1/8 in. Within 25 ft. of Floor

CL Rail

CL Rail
C
L Well Center

3/8 in. Over Full Length


1/8 in. Within 25 ft. of Floor

C
L Well Center

TDS Back
Operational Clearance Between Top Drive
And Nearest Girt or Fastline Should Be 3 in. Minimum

Guide Rails

Nearest Girt

Splice
Clearance

Splice Plates
or Bolts Are
Not Permissible
on Inside
Surfaces
of Beam

Dolly Overhang

Maximum Rail Support Spacing


16 ft. for W12x53 Rails
25 ft. for W14x74 Rails

6" Rail Stop

10 ft. 6 in. +0/-4 in.

Guide
Dolly
Config.

Rail
Size

39 x 66
48 x 62
30 x 72
30 x 72

W14 x 90
W14 x 90
W12 x 90
W14 x 90

Drill Floor
CL Well Center

Figure 2-1. General rail installation data

2-10

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Splice
Dolly
Clear
Overhang
Inches

3.3
3.3
3.3
2.3

0
0
1.6
0.5

Instrument
J-Box **

Clearance Hole For


.75 in. Dia. Bolt (4 Places)
36.0 in.

Electrical Supply*

Motor J-Box **

Filter/Regulator
Lubrication Assembly**

48.0 in.

800 lb Load

B
18.0 in.

Must Support
4,000 lb

Control Service Loop**

Electrical Service Loop**

Hydraulic
Air Standpipes
Standpipes
To Be 1 1/2 in.
To Be 1 1/2 in. Sch 40 Pipe*
Sch 80 Pipe*
Water Standpipes
A
To Be 2 in.
Sch 40 Pipe*
86 ft.
Service
Loops

Fluids Service Loop**

36.0 in.

View A-A
Typical Service
Loop Termination

Gussets *

75 ft.
Mud
Hose
Ref

73 ft. Mud Hose


Connection

Service Loop
Bracket**
Existing Girt *
5500 lb Load

View B-B
83 ft. Hydraulic, Air and Water
Standpipe Height and
Service Loop Bracket Location
10 ft. 6 in.
+0/-4 in.

7 ft. Ref

* Customer Supplied
** Varco Supplied

Typical Equipment Stack-Up

Figure 2-2. Derrick services/general installation data

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-11

October 20, 1998

Motor Frame
Setback
Rails

L
P

9 ft. 3 in. TDS-3S


10 ft. 3 in. TDS-4S,
TDS-8S

7 ft. TDS-3S
8 ft. TDS-4S,
TDS-6S, TDS-8S

P
L
Rail Stops

L
42,600 lb for a typical TDS-3S
48,000 lb for a typical TDS-4S
52,000 lb for a typical TDS-7S
48,000 lb for a typical TDS-8S

Rail Loading with TDS in Setback position


Load P - lb
Rail Spacing

TDS-3S

TDS-4S, TDS-8S

39 in. x 66 in.

18,600

18,900

48 in. x 62 in.

18,600

18,900

30 in. x 72 in.

17,500

17,800

Rail Loading while Drilling - 38,000 ft lb for TDS-3S,


60,000 ft lb for TDS-4S, 68,000 ft lb for TDS-6S,
34,000 ft lb for TDS-7S and 62,250 ft lb for TDS-8S.
Load L - lb
TDS-6S

TDS-7S

5450

--

3090

3680

5800

--

3290

3170

5000

--

2840

--

3330

3780

--

Rail Spacing

TDS-3S

39 in. x 66 in.

3450

48 in. x 62 in.
30 in. x 72 in.
91/101 in. x 108 in.

TDS-4S, TDS-8S

Figure 2-3. General installation data

2-12

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Wiring
The electrical installation requires routing power to the transfer
panel and then to the TDS through the service loops (Figure 2-4).
In addition, control cables are required between the service loop,
the transfer panel, the SCR, the TDS Varco Drillers Console
(VDC), the SCRs drillers console, the hydraulic and water
pumps and the drilling recorder.

Derrick
Power
J-Box

Transfer Panel

#12AWG/20C
#10AWG/4C
#14AWG/2 Pr Shld
#6AWG/2C*
Shunt Field

Derrick
AC
J-Box

(4)646MCM*
Top
Drive
System

AC
Power

HYD
Pump
#2
#16AWG/10C
#16AWG/10C

Existing
Drillers Console

#16AWG/10C

#10AWG/4C
#10AWG/4C
#6AWG/4C
#6AWG/4C

TDS
Drillers Console
HYD
Pump
#1

Rotary
Table

RBS
Controls
#12AWG/3C

E/P
RPM

#6AWG/2C*
Existing
Power
Cables

#16AWG/10C

E/P
Torq

#14AWG/2 Pr Shld
#12AWG/3C
#14AWG/37C
#12AWG/20C
#12AWG/20C
#16AWG/10C
#12AWG/20C

#10AWG/4C

#14AWG/2 Pr Shld
#12AWG/3C

SCR
Room

Service Loop

#6AWG/2C*
Shunt Field
#16AWG/10C

Water
Pump
#1

Water
Pump
#2

Figure 2-4. Typical cabling diagram


TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-13

October 20, 1998

The cable requirements, depending on options selected are:


Cable

Runs

646MCM (4 Shunt)

SCR room to transfer panel

(8 Series)

Transfer panel to derrick J-box


Transfer panel to rotary

#6AWG/2C (Shunt only)

SCR Room to transfer panel


Transfer panel to derrick J-box
Transfer panel to rotary

#6AWG/4C

AC Power to hydraulic pumps

#10AWG/4C

AC Power to water pumps


AC Power to transfer panel
Transfer panel to derrick J-box

#12AWG/20C

Transfer panel to existing drillers console


Transfer panel to derrick J-box
Transfer panel to hydraulic pumps
Transfer panel to water pumps

#12AWG/3C

Transfer panel to RBS unit


Transfer panel to VDC
RBS unit to VDC

#14AWG/37C

Transfer panel to VDC

#14AWG/2PR SHLD

Transfer panel to derrick J-box


Transfer panel to VDC
Transfer panel to drilling recorder

#16AWG/10C

Transfer panel to SCR console


Transfer panel to SCR room
Hydraulic pumps to transfer panel
Water pumps to transfer panel

Purge control system (not shown)


#12AWG/3C

Purge control unit to transfer panel


Isolation unit to floor air control unit
Transfer panel protection unit to isolation unit

#16AWG/10C

Purge control unit to transfer panel


VDC protection unit to isolation unit

#14AWG/2PR SHLD

Transfer panel to derrick J-box

Terminate the J-boxes per the electrical schematic. Follow


applicable electrical codes during installation. Cable glands are
provided for the service loop cables. Cable glands for the
incoming power, control and signal cables are not provided.
2-14

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Plumbing
The plumbing connections should terminate near the service loop
bracket. The mating halves are preassembled on the service loop.
Specifications for specific lines are described in the following
sections.

Hydraulic
Hydraulic lines should be cleaned and pickled, black pipe lines
(one pressure and one return) 1 1/2 or 2 in. schedule 80 pipe.
Install shut-off valves at the drill floor or racking board level. The
derrick connections are reduced to 1 in. NPT female pressure and
fluid return for connection to the service loop.

Air
Air lines should be schedule 40, 1 or 1 1/2 in. pipe in the case of
the purge supply for the TDS. Install a shut-off valve at drill floor
or racking board level. The air lines connect to the filtered and
lubricated supply. The derrick connections are reduced to 1 in.
NPT female for the purge line (if required) and 1/2 in. for the air
line in order for the fluids service loop to match.

Do not connect purge air lines to the lubricator. Only use clean,
dry air in the purge air system.

Water
The two cooling lines should be schedule 40, 2 in. pipe. Install
shut-off valves at the drill floor or racking board level. See the
cooling system specifications for water supply requirements. The
derrick connections are reduced to 1 1/4 in. NPT female pressure
and return for connection to the fluids service loop.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-15

October 20, 1998

Rig-up procedure
z

Refer to the engineering drawings to install the TDS.


1. Using four lift slings from the crane, one attached at each
corner of the guide dolly, lift the TDS motor and dolly
assembly to the V-door.
2. Attach the lifting slings from the hook or block to the pad
eyes located at the swivel end of the motor support bonnet
and lift the TDS into the guide rails. The slings must be a
minimum of 15 ft. long (equal length) and capable of lifting
40,000 lb combined. (BOP stack lift slings are usually
adequate.)

On some configurations it may be necessary to remove the upper


roller brackets from the dolly to allow the unit to engage the
guide rails.
3. Once the TDS is fully engaged on the guide rails, install the
stops at the bottom of the guide rails and lower the TDS onto
the stops.
4. Slide the link adapter onto the drive stem and support it up
against the rotating head with adequate rigging and an air
winch. Be certain that the link tilt mounting bosses are
opposite from the torque wrench mounting clevis on the
rotating head.
5. Slide the landing collar retainer onto the drive stem as shown
in Figure 2-5. Install the O-ring in the uppermost groove on
the stem. Load the O-ring and remaining grooves with a
waterproof grease. Place the split landing collar around the
grooves of the drive stem, and drive in the remaining roll pin.
Grease the OD liberally. Wipe off excess grease.
6. Use the installation procedure in the IBOP Service Manual to
install the pipehandler assembly.
7. Use the pipehandler to tighten the connection between the
lower IBOP/saver sub assembly to the upper IBOP.

2-16

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

O-Ring

Roll Pin (4)

Split Landing
Collar (2)

Drive Stem

Safety Link (4)

Figure 2-5. Installing the landing collar


8. Use the four bolts, lock washers and safety wire provided to
install this assembly to the link adapter. Connect the opposite
end of the hose to the quick disconnect on the rotating head
assembly.
9. Install the elevator links and drill pipe elevator. Attach the
link tilt clamps to the bails (U-bolts on the inside). There
should be about 1/2 in. slack in the chains.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-17

October 20, 1998

10. Install the counterbalance system as illustrated in Figure 2-6.


When using chain, use the following procedure to determine
the chain length required:
a. Install pear links to ears on hook-block.
b. With the hook supporting the TDS, measure the distance
from the point of contact inside the pear link to the top
of the mounting lug on the integrated swivel bail.
c. Subtract 37 1/4 in. from the measurement in step b.
d. Cut the chain to the length obtained in step c.
The tolerance is: +3 1/4 in. or -0 in.
e. Assemble remaining components and install per
Figures 2-6 and 2-7.
11. Attach the service loops to the bracket on the TDS dolly
frame. Using the cable clamps provided on the motor support
bonnet, route the electrical cables over the gear box and into
the J-boxes. The front guard folds down for access to the Jboxes.
Use the electrical schematic (refer to the engineering
drawings) to make the connections. Be certain that the cables
are securely tied or clamped to the structure along their
length. Route the hoses to the bulkhead and plug in the quick
disconnects. Follow the stamped code numbers to confirm
each type, and identify spares.
12. Attach the S-tube to the swivel gooseneck and the side of the
motor frame as follows:
a. Make up the upper union just before clamping the
S-tube to the side of the motor frame.
b. Install the drill pipe rubber onto the S-tube aligned with
the mounting saddle on the frame.
c. Attach the mud hose to the bottom connection of the
S-tube.
d. Position the 20 S-tube elbow on the bottom of the
S-tube to adjust the hanging direction of mud hose.
13. Remove the exhaust duct shipping covers from the spark
arrestors on the air exhaust duct at each side of the DC
motor. Save the covers for use during future shipping or
storage.

2-18

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Pear Link
Connecting
Link
Hydraulic
Accumulator
(Inside Motor Frame)

Motor Frame
and Guide Dolly
Assembly

Counterbalance
Cylinder Assembly
(2)

Counterbalance
Manifold
(On Guide Dolly)

Counterbalance Lug
(Bolted to Bail)
Integrated
Swivel Bail

Figure 2-6. Typical counterbalance assembly

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-19

October 20, 1998

Loop Assembly

Guide Assembly

Cylinder Assembly

Hose Assemblies

Hydraulic Accumulator
(Inside Dolly Tube)
Swivel Bail

Counterbalance
Operation Switch

Figure 2-7. Optional counterbalance assembly with parking system

2-20

Never operate the top drive with the exhaust duct covers
attached to the spark arrestors on the air exhaust ducts.
Doing so severely restricts air flow through the motor, causing
overheating and potential damage. They can also fall off
during operation and injure personnel working below.
Attach the covers only during shipping and storage.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Counterbalance system
Figures 2-6 and 2-7 illustrates the installation arrangement for
this system. Please see the Maintenance and Troubleshooting book
for the adjustment procedures.
This assembly is pre-charged when it is shipped by land or water
transport. When this assembly is shipped by air freight, it must be
pre-charged according to the instructions in the Maintenance and
Troubleshooting book.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-21

October 20, 1998

Motor alignment cylinder system


Figure 2-8 shows the motor alignment cylinder installed on a
typical motor frame.
The split shipping brace, shown exploded from the cylinder rod,
is only removed after unit is fully installed. If the brace is removed
before the hydraulic system is powered, the motor will tend to
rotate on its trunnions.
If the cylinder is removed for service, use the three bleed holes
(located along the top of the cylinder barrel) to remove trapped
air from the cylinder before operating the unit. Refer to the
Maintenance and Troubleshooting book for the adjustment
procedure.

Motor Alignment
Cylinder

Shipping
Brace

Motor
Frame Dolly (Ref)

Figure 2-8. Motor alignment cylinder

2-22

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Drillers controls and instrumentation


The controls and instrumentation described in the following
sections are, or must be, supplied for operation of the TDS
system.

Varco Drillers Console (VDC)


Mount the VDC within easy reach and in plain view of the driller
while he is operating the drawworks brake and clutches. The
gauges must be easily seen by the driller during drilling
operations. Provide appropriate cable glands for the electric
cables.

Throttle and torque limit controls


The throttle and torque limit controls are the standard controls
used for the independent rotary drive table. If not using an
independent rotary drive, then these controls must be added by
the SCR manufacturer.

Wiring
Refer to the electrical schematics in the engineering drawings.

Customers who choose to use control systems not manufactured


by Varco should be aware that Varco systems are specifically
designed with operational interlocks and safety devices to
prevent possible injury to personnel or damage to the system.
Other systems must meet Varco requirements. Varco highly
recommends the use of its system as it is specifically made for
use with the TDS.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-23

October 20, 1998

Service loops
Installation
Install the service loops as follows:
1. Fabricate the appropriate brackets and clamps to attach the
service loop mounting bracket to the derrick structure.
2. Place the service loop derrick mounting bracket at the height
specified on the derrick interface drawing provided in the
engineering drawings. Locate the bracket on the side of the
derrick adjacent to the hinges on the TDS and as far as
practical toward the corner where the guide rail bracing is
attached. The bracket must be located far enough from the
corner to insure the loops do not catch under the guide rails
during operations, but far enough back to provide clearance
for tong lines, the stabbing board, tugger lines, etc.
3. Do not unpack the service loops from the shipping protective
crate until they are ready to hang in the derrick. Lift the
service loops onto the rig floor (still in the crates) and then
remove them from the crates with the lifting eyes provided.

Use care in lifting gear rigging so as not to damage electrical


conductors. Use lifting eyes only. Do not bend the service loops tighter
than a three foot bend radius. Tighter bends damage the loops.
4. Attach a sling to the TDS end of the service loop and lift
using the lifting eyes only. Allow enough room for the 86 ft.
service loop to hang and untwist.
5. Use the lifting eyes to pull the derrick end of the loop
through the V-door and attach it to the air tugger. Hoist this
end of the loop into the derrick while slacking off at the crane
end. Do not drag the loop on any sharp areas on the derrick.
Disconnect the crane from the sling and continue hoisting the
loop into the derrick.
6. Check that the derrick end of the loop is hanging toward the
crown. Attach the derrick end to the derrick service loop bracket
and hold in place with flange clamps (Figures 2-2).

2-24

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

7. Pick up the TDS end of the loops and attach them to the
service loop bracket at the bottom of the motor frame.
8. Complete the terminations of the two loops as outlined in the
following sections.

Electrical loop
1. Connect the pre-terminated wire ends at the motor J-boxes
using the appropriate glands. Refer to the electrical schematic
provided to ensure proper terminal block assignments.
2

Cut wires and cables to length and terminate them at the


derrick end to attach them to the derrick J-boxes.

Terminal ends and lugs are supplied, but proper assembly


equipment (crimping pliers, wire strippers, and hydraulic crimper
for the DC power lugs with the correct dies for the cable) must be
provided by the installer. Installation practices should comply
with applicable electrical codes (i.e., NEC, etc.).

Fluids loop
1. Before connecting the hoses from the service loop, be certain
that the service stand pipes have been flushed free of any
contamination.

Use only 10 wt. hydraulic oil or non-detergent motor oil as a


lubricant in the air system. Use of any other type of oil (i.e., Marvel
Mystery Oil, etc.) or synthetic additive will cause the seals in the air
valves to swell and cease to function.
2. Plug the quick disconnects into the appropriate mating end
on the TDS. The quick disconnects are arranged to connect
only one way so that the hoses cannot be mixed up. The
hydraulic and air lines are identification stamped at both ends
so they can be verified and connected properly.
An assortment of pipe fittings are supplied with the
termination kit to attach the fluid service loop hoses to the
top of the standpipes in the derrick (Figure 2-2).

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-25

October 20, 1998

3. Connect the service loop to the standpipes, noting the codes


(i.e., A for air, H for hydraulic, etc.) to separate the hoses.

The hoses in the fluids loop only extend 11 ft. from the
mounting bracket. It may be necessary to make jumper hoses to
reach the standpipes.
Air loop

To reduce the possibility of accidental opening of the air-operated


elevator, attach the airlines from the air-operated elevators to the
spare port S1 on the rotating head whenever possible. Port S1 is
located next to the hydraulic return port in the rotating head.
Port S2 is next to the hydraulic press port.
Install a pressure relief valve on the elevator and set at 200 psi.

2-26

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Retract loop
If your rig is equipped with a retract guide dolly, attach the retract
loop to the derrick mounting brackets as follows:

There are four separate service loops needed for a TDS with
retractable dollies: two electrical loops, a fluids loop, and a retract
system loop. The electrical and fluids service loops attach to the
derrick service loop mounting bracket, the retract loop attaches to
the retract system service loop bracket.
1. Lift the crate containing the retract system service loop onto
the rig floor.
2. Uncrate the service loop.
3. Attach an air winch to the lifting eyes on the derrick end
(derrick end has 8 ft. of hose extending beyond the flange)
and hoist to the retract system mounting bracket.
4. Attach the service loop flange to the mounting bracket with
the hardware provided. Ensure that the service loop hangs
straight in the derrick without any twists or kinks.

Use only 10 wt. hydraulic oil or non-detergent motor oil as a


lubricant in the air system. Use of any other type of oil (i.e. Marvel
Mystery Oil, etc.) or synthetic additive will cause the seals in the air
valves to swell and cease to function.
5. Connect the retract service loop hydraulic and pneumatic
hoses to the derrick standpipes.

Before connecting the hoses from the service loop, be certain that the
standpipes have been flushed free of any contamination.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-27

October 20, 1998

2-28

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Chapter 3
Commissioning

Checkout procedures
1. Turn on the hydraulic and air power and check for leaks.
Repair as required.
2. Turn on the electric power (drillers controls only).
3. Check the function of switches and solenoids. There is an
audible click when each solenoid is actuated.
4. Actuate the link tilt. Be sure that it operates smoothly and the
elevator reaches a joint in the mousehole.
5. Adjust the intermediate stop so that the elevator clears the
monkeyboard when actuated. Refer to the Maintenance and
Troubleshooting book if a problem occurs.
6. Actuate the motor brake. There is a loud sound as the air
escapes when the brake releases.
7. Move the Make/Break valve located on the manifold at the back
of the pipehandler torque wrench to the BREAK position.
8. Turn on the hydraulic power supply and adjust the pressure
reducing valve (also located on the torque wrench manifold)
to the appropriate pressure for the lower IBOP connection.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-29

October 20, 1998

9. Return the Make/Break valve to the MAKE position.


10. Torque the connection between the upper and lower IBOP
valves. The torque wrench automatic sequence is adjusted at
the factory, but be sure that it follows the proper sequence. If
necessary, refer to the Maintenance and Troubleshooting book
for the adjustment procedure.
11. Push and hold the makeup button on the VDC a sufficient
number of times to make up the connection.
12. Make up the lower IBOP to the saver sub.
13. Reset pressure to the appropriate setting for drill pipe
connections (you can preset the pressure with the Make/Break
valve in the MAKE position).
14. Use the procedure outlined in the Maintenance and
Troubleshooting book to adjust the safety valve actuator
mechanism.
15. Actuate the IBOP valve. Verify that the stroke adjustment is
correct and that no binding occurs.

It is extremely important to verify that the stroke adjustment is correct


and that no binding occurs as the valve will fail prematurely (wash
out) if it does not open and close fully.
16. Verify that the indicator light on the VDC lights up when the
IBOP valve is closed.
17. Assign the TDS at the drillers console and check that the
blower operates.
18. Advance the throttle and be sure that the motor is operating
properly in both directions.
19. Calibrate the Torque meter and RPM meter.
20. With the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) off, bleed down the
TDS accumulators (HYD SIDE, not gas side).
21. Remove the split shipping brace (Figure 2-7) from the motor
alignment cylinder.
22. Open the two flow control valves 1-1/2 turns off their seats.
23. Set a joint of drill pipe in the slips.

2-30

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

24. Bring the TDS down as if stabbing the saver sub into the box.
The pin and box should be in alignment. If adjustment is
necessary, use the following procedure:
a. Measure how far and in what direction (toward or away
from the rails) the pin must move to line up with the drill
pipe box.
b. Turn off the HPU and bleed down the cylinder
accumulator (open the needle valve on the back of the
manifold). This allows the motor alignment cylinder to
relax and the motor to rotate on its trunnions until the
integrated swivel bail contacts the motor support bonnet.
c. Loosen the lock tab and jam nut on the cylinder clevis.
d. With a wrench tightened on the cylinder rod flats, screw
the rod into or out of the clevis, in the same direction the
saver sub pin is to be moved.
e. Secure the jam nut and lock tab.
f. The nominal position of the two cylinder flow control
valves is 1-1/2 turn off their seats. If you experience heavy
drill pipe vibration, first attempt to control it with nonrotating stabilizers if the casing shoe is close to the surface.
If motor movement becomes excessive due to continued
vibration, (more than 1/2 in. of total cylinder stroke)
close the flow controls to 3/4 turn off their seats.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-31

October 20, 1998

Long term TDS storage procedures


1. Palletize the main unit for indoor storage. A cargo container is
appropriate for indoor/outdoor storage.
2. Avoid wide variations in temperature and high humidity. The
preferred environment is clean and dry at 60F ambient. If
high humidity is unavoidable, 70F is recommended.
3. All exposed unpainted metal surfaces are coated with a rust
preventive at the factory prior to shipment, however, check
these surfaces periodically to be sure that no corrosion is
taking place. The recommended rust preventive (slushing
compound) for bare metal surfaces is Kendall Grade 5
(GE-D6C6A1) or equivalent.
4. Cover all openings to prevent water or dust from entering. Leave
enough space around the drilling motor to allow the machine to
breathe. Do not use silica gel or a dehydrating agent.
5. During storage, lubricant drains from the top half of the roller
bearings in the motor, allowing corrosion to take place on the
exposed areas. In order to counteract this, rotate the motor
and gear train periodically to distribute lubricant over the top
of the bearings. Perform this at three month intervals if stored
indoors, and at one month intervals if stored outdoors.
6. The drilling motor is equipped with AC space heaters in
order to keep the internal motor temperature above ambient,
preventing condensation. Connect power to the space heaters
at terminals 1 and 2 in the AC motor J-box (see electrical
schematic in the back of this section for proper voltage).
Be sure to reseal the protective covering after connection.
7. Megger the drilling motor armature and field (static voltage of
1,000 VAC and 2 MOhm minimum) when placed into
storage and at three month intervals thereafter (one month if
stored outside). Keep a record of the readings, as a drop
between readings indicates an increase in moisture in the
windings created by inadequate storage protection. If megger
readings drop, bake the motor as soon as possible to restore
proper resistance and avoid further damage.
8. Varco recommends adding one gallon of Mobilarma 524 Rust
Preventive prior to shutdown. Or drain the oil and mix with a
rust preventive, then replace the oil, run the oil pump and
rotate motor to insure 100% coverage.
2-32

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

Returning the TDS to service after storage


Before placing the TDS back into service, verify the following
items:
1. Remove all rust preventive and any corrosion that may have
taken place, taking special care with all load carrying
components.
2. Follow the procedure in the drilling motor service manual.
To verify the condition of the motor, take note of the
following:
a. Blow out all dust and dirt that may have accumulated in
the windings with clean, dry air.
b. Visually inspect for spring corrosion, sticking brushes and
general defects.
c. Remove the brushes from holders, inspect and replace
them as necessary prior to operation.
d. Check the winding insulation continuity to ground with
a 1,000 volt megger. If the reading is less than two
MOhms, bake the winding until the moisture content is
sufficiently reduced to produce an acceptable reading.
3. Perform a complete system test and adjustment as detailed in
the next section.

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

2-33

October 20, 1998

2-34

TDS-4S Installation and Commissioning

TDS-4S
Top Drive
Drilling
System

Operation
SM00620-3

October 20, 1998

3-2

TDS-4S Operation

Contents
Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 3-5
Directional references ...................................................... 3-6
Manual layout.................................................................. 3-6

Chapter 1 Operating procedures


Start-up procedure ........................................................... 3-7
Stalling the DC motor ..................................................... 3-8
Changing transmission speeds .......................................... 3-9
Pipehandler operation .................................................... 3-11
Standard rotating head ............................................. 3-11
Powered rotating head ............................................. 3-12
Controls............................................................. 3-12
ROTATING HEAD LEFT/RIGHT switch ..... 3-12
AUTO STOP/FREE ROTATE switch ............ 3-12
Safety valves (IBOP) ................................................ 3-14
Torque wrench ........................................................ 3-16
Changing drill string sizes ........................................ 3-19
PH-85 ............................................................... 3-19
PH-60d ............................................................. 3-19
Torque values for load carrying components ............ 3-20
Drilling ahead ................................................................ 3-21
Drilling ahead with triples ....................................... 3-21
Drilling ahead with singles ....................................... 3-24
Drilling ahead on a semi .......................................... 3-26
Tripping ........................................................................ 3-28
Reaming out .................................................................. 3-29
Well control procedures ................................................. 3-31
Running casing .............................................................. 3-32
Handling bottom hole assemblies .................................. 3-32
Post jarring operations ................................................... 3-34

TDS-4S Operation

3-3

October 20, 1998

3-4

TDS-4S Operation

Preface
Manual conventions

Safety information
Information pertaining to possible personnel injury and
equipment damage appears throughout this manual and is
formatted to draw the readers attention to important
information, a warning, or a caution note. See the examples
below and pay close attention to these important advisories.

z
e

Indicates advisories for operational or servicing procedures


involving little or no risk of personnel injury or equipment
damage.
Indicates advisories involving a risk of equipment damage.

Indicates advisories involving a definite risk of injury to rig


personnel.
Avoid personnel injury and equipment damage by reading this
manual and related documents before operating, inspecting, or
servicing the equipment.

TDS-4S Operation

3-5

October 20, 1998

Directional references
References to the right or left and front or back of components
described in this manual assume the perspective of the Top Drive
Drilling System (TDS-4S), standing behind the TDS-4S as it
faces well center.

Manual layout
This binder contains several separate books that you can remove
individually for convenience.

3-6

TDS-4S Operation

Chapter 1
Operating procedures

Start-up procedure
Use the following procedure to start up the TDS:
1. Place the blower/oil pump switch in the AUTO position.
2. Place the hydraulic power unit (HPU) switch in the PLC
position.
3. Place the water pumps switch in the PLC position.
4. Place the motor space heater switch in the ON position.
5. Place the top drive/rotary table (TDS/ROT) lockout switch
in the TDS position.
6. Assign a SCR.

TDS-4S Operation

3-7

October 20, 1998

Stalling the DC motor


e

The brake on the top end of the TDS drilling motor armature shaft is
a static, or parking brake. It is not a running or dynamic brake. It is
not intended to, nor is it capable of, slip-releasing the wind-up torque
in the drill string. Using the brake to slip-release the drill string
wind-up torque causes the brake to heat up and can destroy the brake
lining.
When the TDS motor brake holds the down-hole torque, Varco
recommends using the following procedure to safely release the
torque in the string:
1. Use the hand throttle to develop motor torque equal to the
wind-up torque held by the parking brake.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Reduce the drill current, reducing motor torque, as the drill
string slowly releases the wind-up torque.
4. Turn the hand throttle off and reset the drill current to the
normal operating position after the pipe unwinds completely.

3-8

TDS-4S Operation

Do not leave the top drive DC motor stalled in a high torque


condition generally for more than 10 seconds (refer to the following
table):
Amps

Stall time (sec)

Amps

Stall time (sec)

280
470
670
820

240
90
45
30

900
1000
1200
1400

25
20
15
10

Changing transmission speeds


The transmission shifts gears by rotating two vertical compound
gear eccentric shafts (Figure 3-1). The two compound shafts (high
and low) are supported between the main body and lower gear
case halves on heavy trunnions. As the shafts rotate (less than onehalf turn), the compound gears go into or out of mesh with both
the motor pinion gear and the bull gear because the support shaft
center axes are offset or eccentric.
To change transmission speeds, use a 1 in. wrench to turn the
1 in. male hex, located on the well side of the guide dolly lower
cross members at the bottom of the transmission case, to rotate
the input shaft. It takes five turns of the input shaft to unlock
both gear sets, rotate the engaged gear set to full disengagement,
rotate the disengaged gear set into full engagement and lock both
gear sets in their proper positions with positive stops in the locked
position. An external indicator shows the gear range selection.
An optional remote gear shifter is available. It allows the operator
to change gears simply by turning a switch to select the desired
gear. Refer to the Remote Gear Shifter Supplement for more
information.

TDS-4S Operation

3-9

October 20, 1998

Rotating Head
Assembly

Shifter
Input Shaft

LO

HI
External
HI / LO
Indicator

Compound
Gear Shafts

Bottom View

Low Gear
Eccentric Shaft
(Disengaged)

High Gear
Eccentric Shaft
(Engaged)

Geneva
Mechanism

Shifter Input

Top View

Figure 3-1. Transmission/geneva mechanism

3-10

TDS-4S Operation

Pipehandler operation
Standard rotating head
The perimeter of the rotating head cam (Figure 3-2) has an
indented area where the cam follower normally rests. When the
cam follower is in this indented area, the return cylinder rod is
fully retracted and hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder is at
equilibrium. When the swivel block and cam rotates to another
position along with the drill string, the ramp of the cam extends
the return cylinder rod, unbalancing hydraulic pressure in the
cylinder. When the elevator is released, the system automatically
returns to its pre-selected (indented) position (equilibrium).
To operate the swivel block locking mechanism, pull down the
locking lever, pulling the locking pin out of one of 24 locking
slots in the cam. With the locking lever in the vertical position,
manually rotate the swivel block to the desired position and
release the locking lever, setting the pin.

Cam

Stationary Flange

Cam Follower

Locking Lever

Auto-Return
Cylinder

Torque Arrestor
Location
Glyd Ring (8)

Swivel Block
Torque Wrench Hanger
(Lug not shown)

Figure 3-2. Standard 650-Ton rotating head assembly

TDS-4S Operation

3-11

October 20, 1998

Powered rotating head


The 10-port powered rotating head (Figure 3-3) functions as a
hydraulic slip ring. It provides ten hydraulic and pneumatic
passages between the stationary swivel flange and the rotating
swivel block and attached pipe handling equipment.
The powered rotating head is operated by controls on the drillers
console. The driller can rotate the swivel block and attached pipe
handling equipment freely, or to a predesignated AUTO STOP
position. The position can be set by locating a target in the bull
gear on the rotating head, to align with the proximity sensor
mounted on the flange of the rotating head.

Controls
The powered rotating head is controlled by two switches.
ROTATING HEAD LEFT/RIGHT switch

This switch rotates the powered rotating head, pipe handler, and
link tilt to the right or left (same direction as the drill string).
Rotation only occurs when the switch is held in the RIGHT or
LEFT position. Rotation stops when the switch returns to the
center position.

The ROTATING HEAD function is only active when the LINK


TILT switch is in the FLOAT position.
AUTO STOP/FREE ROTATE switch

This switch is in the AUTO STOP mode when the light is


illuminated (on). In the AUTO STOP mode, a proximity sensor
automatically stops rotating head rotation. The AUTO STOP
function is independent of the direction of rotation. Rotation
continues when the ROTATE switch returns to the center
position, then activated again. When the AUTO STOP/FREE
ROTATE light is off, the FREE ROTATE mode is active. In this
mode, the rotating head rotates as described in the ROTATING
LEFT/RIGHT section above.

3-12

TDS-4S Operation

Stationary
Flange

Rotary Glyd
Ring (11)

Bull Gear

Torque Arrestor
Hanger
Swivel Block

A5

H1

S2

A2

H3

PRESSU

A3

RE

A1

S1

H1

Hydraulic Motor
Assembly

S2

H2

A4

A1

A4
A5

A2

H3

A3
H2

S1

Figure 3-3. Powered rotating head assembly

TDS-4S Operation

3-13

October 20, 1998

Safety valves (IBOP)


Operating the switch on the VDC to the IBOP CLOSED
position causes the two actuator air cylinder rods to extend,
moving the arms and the actuator shell body upward (Figure 3-4).
This upward movement causes the crank assemblies to rotate 90,
closing the upper IBOP.
Operating the switch to the OPEN position retracts the cylinder
rods, drawing the IBOP actuator shell downward-opening the
upper IBOP.

3-14

TDS-4S Operation

Closing the manually operated lower IBOP requires an Allen


wrench.

Main Shaft/
Drive Stem
Link Adapter
(Also known as
Solid Body Elevator)
Landing Collar

Upper IBOP
Valve Actuator
Air Cylinder (2)

Actuator Arm (2)

Crank Assembly (2)

Safety Valve
Actuator Shell

Upper IBOP

Torque Tube

Lower IBOP

Saver Sub

Drill Pipe

Figure 3-4. Safety valve actuator system

TDS-4S Operation

3-15

October 20, 1998

Torque wrench
The primary function of the TDS torque wrench is to breakout
the drill string from the saver sub before making a connection.
The torque wench can also make connections if necessary (i.e.,
when replacing the lower IBOP or saver sub, or while backreaming, or when adding a pup joint to the drill stem).
The torque wrench has a control manifold with the following
components (Figure 3-5):
Hydraulic pressure gauge
Control and sequencing valves
Hydraulic hose inlet and outlet Quick Disconnects (QDs)
Manual Make/Break directional valve
The Make/Break valve controls the torque wrench operating
direction (makeup/breakout) during operation.
A pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the control manifold allows
presetting the makeup torque (this valve is bypassed when the
torque wrench is in breakout mode).
When the driller actuates the torque wrench from the VDC, the
lifting cylinder rod retracts, raising the torque tube to engage the
splines on the upper IBOP. A sequenced signal from the control
manifold then operates the clamping piston, clamping the jaws
onto the drill string box connection. Then another sequenced
signal from the control manifold automatically
directs pressure to the torque cylinders, rotating the torque tube
up to 25 while developing a maximum torque of 85,000 ft lb
(65,000 ft lb on the PH-60d Pipehandler). The position of the
Make/Break valve on the control manifold determines the
direction that the torque tube rotates.
A two-position, air-piloted, hydraulic valve located on the
counterbalance manifold located on top of the TDS guide dolly
controls the entire sequenced cycle described above. A push
button switch on the VDC operates the hydraulic valve. The
driller holds the button down to makeup or breakout a
connection, and then releases the button to allow the torque
wrench to automatically recycle to the ready position. If the
torque developed on the first pass is insufficient, the driller simply
operates the button again.

3-16

TDS-4S Operation

Manually switch the Make/Break valve on the torque wrench to


the MAKE position to use the top drive torque wrench to make
connections. This allows the driller to initiate automatic torque
wrench sequences and repeat them until reaching the preset
makeup torque.

Make/Break
Valve

Recycle
Sequence
Valve

Clamp
Sequence
Valve

Torque
Sequence
Valve

Torque Wrench
Manifold

BREAK

MAKE

Hydraulic
Pressure
Return
RECYCLE

CLAMP

TORQUE

PRV

50

60

40

30

1000

1500

70

80

Hydraulic
Pressure
Inlet

20

LIFT LOWER

500

2000

90

10

2500

PSI
Ft.Lbs.

10
0

Lift/Lower
Flow Control
Valve

x1000

Torque Gauge
0 - 2500 PSI

Figure 3-5. Typical torque wrench control manifold

TDS-4S Operation

3-17

October 20, 1998

Failing to apply the correct amount of torque when using the


torque wrench to makeup connections can result in equipment
damage and injury to rig personnel.
Do not switch the Make/Break valve to BREAK until completing
the makeup sequence, which may require repeating the makeup
sequence several times.
Verify the torque pressure regulating valve setting after every
makeup sequence before releasing the makeup valve. Repeat the
makeup sequence until the torque cylinders do not stroke more
than one inch during the final sequence, repeat the sequence if
uncertain. Varco recommends that the driller operating the
pipehandler verify that the torque cylinders do not stroke more
than one inch on the last makeup cycle.
Varco also recommends checking the torque gauge on the
pipehandler while making connections to make sure the torque
wrench applies the correct amount of torque to the connection.
Stop and verify correct operation whenever the operator observes
unsteady or inconsistent hydraulic pressure readings, or finds it
difficult to adjust set points.
Varco recommends that a second individual assist the driller when
making connections with the torque wrench. The second person
can verify that the torque wrench applies the correct torque to
connections.

3-18

TDS-4S Operation

Changing drill string sizes


PH-85
To operate the torque wrench using drill string sizes that are different
from the size specified on your rigs original configuration, install a
separate drill string handling kit. Refer to the following tables when
ordering a drill string handling kit for a PH-85:

Drill String Change-Over Kits


750/650 Ton PH-85
Pipehandling
Original Part Number

Desired Tool Joint Connection


NC 50

5 1/2 F.H.

95497-A-H-N-*-*
95497-A-J-N-*-*

NC 38
91873-650
91873-650

94731-650
94731-650

94730-650

95497-A-K-N-*-*

91873-651

94730-651

95497-B-K-N-*-*
95497-A-L-N-*-*

91873-651
n/a

n/a

94730-652
TBD

6 5/8 F.H.

2 7/8 F.H.

94729-650
94729-651
94729-652

97219-651
n/a

*These designators do not affect kit choice.

PH-60d
To operate the torque wrench with a 3 1/2 in. drill string, install a
separate drill string handling kit. The following lists available kits
for a PH-60d:
Part No. 78652-1 Includes stabbing guide assembly, jaw
assemblies, saver subs, installation drawing.
Part No. 78652-2 Includes stabbing guide assembly, jaw
assemblies, installation drawing.

Part No. 78652-1 includes 3 1/2 IF saver subs, while Part No.
78652-2 does not. By purchasing the latter, the user assumes
responsibility for obtaining appropriate 6 5/8 reg. x 3 1/2 IF saver
subs separately. Specifications for these are available from the
factory or any Varco service center.

TDS-4S Operation

3-19

October 20, 1998

Torque values for load carrying


components
Proper makeup torque is critical to the function of drill stem
components. Table 3-3 only includes components within the
TDS. Refer to the API charts for other components.
Table 3-3. Torque values for load carrying components
Components

ID

Connection

OD

Min. torque Max. torque

Upper IBOP to
main stem/main shaft

3 or 3 3/4 in.

6 5/8 in. API Reg. 7 3/4 in.

50,000 ft lb

63,000 ft lb

Lower IBOP valve


to upper safety valve

3 or 3 3/4 in.

6 5/8 in. API Reg. 7 3/4 in.

50,000 ft lb

60,000 ft lb

Saver sub to
lower IBOP valve

3 or 3 3/4 in.

6 5/8 in. API Reg. 7 3/8 in.

46,000 ft lb

60,000 ft lb

Crossover sub to
lower IBOP valve

3 or 3 3/4 in.

6 5/8 in. API Reg. 7 3/8 in.

46,000 ft lb

60,000 ft lb

Upper IBOP valve to


main stem/main shaft

3 or 3 3/4 in.

7 5/8 in. API Reg.

9 in.

83,000 ft lb

91,000 ft lb

Lower IBOP valve


to upper IBOP valve

3 or 3 3/4 in.

7 5/8 in. API Reg.

9 in.

75,000 ft lb

84,000 ft lb

Saver sub to
lower IBOP valve

3 or 3 3/4 in.

7 5/8 in. API Reg. 7 5/8 in.

66,000 ft lb

85,000 ft lb

Crossover sub to
lower IBOP valve

3 or 3 3/4 in.

7 5/8 in. API Reg.

75,000 ft lb

91,000 ft lb

3-20

TDS-4S Operation

9 in.

Drilling ahead
Drilling ahead with triples
Drilling ahead with triples is the common drilling mode for the
TDS. There are various sources for triples. On skidding rigs
drilling multiple well platforms, drill pipe can be left racked and
used to drill the next well.
If triples do not currently exist, there are two recommended
methods of obtaining them. One is to leave some triples racked in
the derrick when tripping back in the hole and finish the trip
with singles. Leave enough triples racked to handle anticipated bit
life.
The second method for obtaining triples is to make up triples in
the mousehole while drilling ahead or during idle rig time. For
safety reasons a pivoting mousehole is best because it can pivot to
a vertical plane to simplify making connections.
Use the following procedure to drill ahead with triples
(Figure 3-6):
1. Drill down until the saver sub is within three feet of the
rotary table.
2. Circulate bottoms up as necessary.
3. Stop the string rotation.
4. Pick up the string and set slips for a connection four feet off
the rig floor.
5. Switch the TDS motor from FORWARD to REVERSE.
6. Stop the mud pumps.
7. Close the IBOP.
8. Break out the drill pipe connection using the torque wrench
on the pipehandler.
9. Using the TDS motor, spin out of the box while hoisting the
TDS with the drawworks (follow with the drawworks, do not
lead).

TDS-4S Operation

3-21

October 20, 1998

Set slips on
string
Stop circulation

Raise block
Tilt link tilt
to derrickman

Pickup stand with


elevator
Stab bottom of
stand onto string

Breakout
connection
using pipehandler
and drilling motor
(in reverse)

Lower block to
stab motor into
top of stand

Pull slips

Spin in motor
and stand

Begin drilling

Start circulation

Makeup both
connections with
motor

1
Link
Tilt

Makeup

Start
Circulation

Stop
Circulation
Stab

Makeup

Figure 3-6. Drilling ahead with triples

3-22

TDS-4S Operation

10. Stop the spin out mode.


11. Open the drill pipe elevators.
12. Retract the TDS away from the hole.
13. Hoist the TDS to the racking board level to get the next
stand.
14. Latch the backup tong on the box connection.
15. Thoroughly dope the box connection in the rotary table.
16. When the TDS is fully raised, extend the TDS.
17. Tilt the links.
18. Switch the TDS motor from REVERSE to FORWARD.
19. Derrickman latches the elevator on the next stand.
20. Hoist the pin off setback area and clear the box with the
stand.
21. Release the link tilt.
22. Stab the connection at the floor.
23. Switch the TDS to SPIN IN mode.
24. Continue to slack off approximately two feet to stab the
upper connection of the stand with the TDS.
25. Slack off to allow connection to shoulder up (lead with the
drawworks, do not follow).
26. Switch to TORQUE and hold for approximately six seconds.
The makeup torque is preset.
27. Verify full makeup to the correct value on the torque meter.
28. Switch to DRILL mode.
29. Unlatch the backup tong.
30. Open the IBOP.
31. Start the mud pumps.
32. Pick up to pull the slips.
33. Drill ahead.

TDS-4S Operation

3-23

October 20, 1998

Drilling ahead with singles


Typically there are two situations requiring drilling ahead with
singles. One is beginning operations on a new well where there
are no triples made up and racked. The other is when making
surveys every 30 ft. (i.e., when kicking off using a downhole mud
motor). The link tilt feature makes drilling with singles safe and
efficient by moving the elevators to the mousehole to pick up the
singles.
Use the following procedure to drill ahead with singles
(Figure 3-7):
1. Drill down the existing single, pull up to the 4 ft. level
(approximately), close the IBOP, stop mud circulation, and
set the slips.
2. Break the connection between the saver sub and the drill pipe
using the torque wrench in the pipehandler.
3. Spin out the connection using the drilling motor.
4. Lift the TDS, opening the drill pipe elevators to allow them
to pass over the box setting in the rotary table.
5. Actuate the link tilt to bring the elevator over to the single in
the mousehole and latch the elevator around the single.
6. Pull the single out of the mousehole and as the pin clears the
floor, deactivate the link tilt to allow the single to come to
well center.
7. Stab the connection at the floor and lower the TDS, allowing
the added single to enter the stabbing guide until the saver
sub pin stabs into the box of the new joint.
8. Using a backup tong to react the torque, spin up and torque
the connection using the TDS motors in the TORQUE
mode.
9. Pull the slips, start the mud pumps and drill ahead.

3-24

TDS-4S Operation

Set slips on
string

Tilt links to
mousehole

Pickup single with


elevator

Stop circulation

Latch drill pipe


elevator around
single

Release link tilt

Close IBOP

Stab bottom of
single onto string

Lower block to
stab motor into
top of single

Pull slips

Spin in motor
and single

Start circulation

Open IBOP

Begin drilling
Makeup both
connections with
motor in
torque mode

Breakout
connection
using pipehandler
and drilling motor
(in reverse)

Makeup

Open
IBOP
Close
IBOP

Link
Tilt
Stab

Makeup

Figure 3-7. Drilling ahead with singles

TDS-4S Operation

3-25

October 20, 1998

Drilling ahead on a semi


Derrick clearances are critical for drilling operations with the
TDS on a floater. When making a connection, kelly drilling pulls
the bit off bottom far enough to account for vessel heave. The
54 ft. kelly must be pulled all the way up to add the next joint.
With the TDS, there is no kelly to pull up. Therefore, you must
be able to pull the bit off bottom enough to allow for vessel heave
when making a connection. The practical method for doing this
is to pull up the pipe string until the bit is sufficiently off bottom,
and then set the slips. The distance should equal the maximum
expected heave.
The TDS pipehandler can break out the drive shaft, and the TDS
motor can spin out the connection. Then hoist the TDS into the
derrick and add a new 90 ft. stand from the pipe rack in the same
manner as on a fixed rig.
Because the pin connection of the new stand is about 15 ft. above
the floor, a torque backup device is required, as well as a means to
assist stabbing. Varco provides a simple, remotely-operated Raised
Backup System (RBS) which retracts out of the way when not in
use.
Use the following procedure to drill ahead with triples on a semi
(Figure 3-8):
1. Drill the stand down until the elevator is to the floor.
2. Pull the string up sufficiently off bottom.
3. Set the slips.
4. Breakout the TDS and spinout shaft using the drilling motor.
5. Raise the TDS to the racking platform and latch the elevator
on a new stand.
6. Extend the RBS and adjust the height. Clamp the RBS tong
on the elevated box of the drill string.
7. Stab the pin of the new stand into the string using the RBS
stabbing head if so equipped, or use the lower racking arm.
8. Stab the TDS into the upper end of the stand, spin in, and
make up both connections.
9. Retract the RBS.
10. Pull the slips and drill ahead.
3-26

TDS-4S Operation

Drill down stand

Pickup string
10 to 20 ft.

Stop circulation
Set slips

Raise block

Spin in stand

Pull slips

Extend RBS
and adjust height

Makeup both
connections
with motor

Retract RBS

Unlatch elevator
Breakout/spinout
with pipehandler
and motor

Start circulation

Pickup stand
Begin drilling
90 ft.

Stab stand using


RBS to assist

Makeup

Start
Circulation

Stop
Circulation
Makeup

Figure 3-8. Drilling ahead with triples (floaters)

TDS-4S Operation

3-27

October 20, 1998

Tripping
Perform tripping operations in the conventional manner. Use the
link tilt feature to tilt the elevator to the derrickman so the
derrickman can quickly latch it around the pipe.
The hydraulic link tilt allows the elevator to also reach the
mousehole.
The air actuated link tilt has an intermediate stop which is
adjustable to set the elevator at a convenient working distance
from the monkeyboard. The intermediate stop tilts out of the way
to allow the elevator to reach the mousehole.
If a tight spot or key seat is encountered while tripping out of the
hole, spin the drilling motor into the stand at any height in the
derrick. Establish circulation and rotation immediately to work
the pipe through the tight spot.

3-28

TDS-4S Operation

Reaming out
The TDS permits reaming out of an open hole to prevent pipe
sticking and to reduce key seat formation, without affecting
racking functions associated with normal tripping (i.e., there are
no singles to contend with). The pipehandler torque wrench can
break out 90 ft. stands in the derrick.
Use the following procedure to ream out of the hole (Figure 3-9):
1. Hoist the block while circulating and rotating the drilling
motor until the third connection appears.
2. Stop circulation and rotation and set the slips.
3. Break out the drilling motor from the top of the stand using
the pipehandler torque wrench. Hold a backup at the floor
and spin out the drilling motor.
4. Break out the stand at floor level, and spin out using pipe
spinners.
5. Pick up the stand with the drill pipe elevator.
6. Rack the stand back.
7. Lower the block and TDS to the floor.
8. Stab the drilling motor into the box, spin up and torque it
with the drilling motor. With light slip loads, the pipehandler
torque wrench can be used to torque the connection.
9. Resume circulation and continue reaming out of the hole.

TDS-4S Operation

3-29

October 20, 1998

Hoist while
circulating and
rotating
When 3rd
connection
surfaces, stop
rotation and
circulation

Set slips on
string

Hoist free stand


with elevator

Setback stand
using link tilt

Breakout connection using pipehandler


and drilling motor
(reverse)

Spin in motor
and makeup
connection with
motor

Breakout and
spinout stand
at floor

Start circulation,
pull slips,
hoist and rotate

Lower block,
stab motor into
string

Breakout

Hoist

Setback

Hoist and
Rotate

Breakout

Figure 3-9. Reaming out

3-30

TDS-4S Operation

Well control procedures


The TDS can stab into the string in any position in the derrick.
While drilling, the remotely controlled IBOP valve is always in
the string for immediate use as needed.
Use the following TDS well control procedure in conjunction
with standard IBOP well control procedures:
1. On indication of a kick, set the slips at the nearest connection
and stab the TDS into the string.
2. Spin up and torque the connection using the Spin/Torque
control, after setting the backup tong.
3. Remotely close the upper IBOP valve.*
4. Lower the string to the floor and reset the slips.
5. Manually close the lower IBOP valve.
6. Remove the torque wrench vertical travel stops.
7. Breakout the lower IBOP from the upper IBOP.
8. Engage the top drive motor in reverse to spin out the
connection.
9. Install the appropriate crossover sub, check valve or
circulation sub on top of the lower IBOP valve.
10. Proceed with normal well control procedures.
* Operation of the IBOP valves is the same as any standard valve.
A 7/8 in. hex wrench is included with the system to operate the
upper valves if the remote actuator should fail, or for checking
that the valve is functioning correctly.

TDS-4S Operation

3-31

October 20, 1998

Running casing
For casing operations, longer elevator links (180 in.) must be used
to allow clearance for the cementing head under the torque
wrench in the pipehandler.
Attach a short piece of hose to the saver sub in the pipehandler to
fill the casing while lowering. Use the remotely controlled upper
IBOP valve to start and stop the fluid flow.
If desired, run casing conventionally using the block and hook
and swinging the TDS aside. Use longer bails (180 in.) to prevent
the block dolly (if used) from contacting the TDS dolly.

Handling bottom hole assemblies


For handling bottom hole assemblies, use the swiveling drill collar
dolly (Figure 3-10) to allow the elevators to turn freely. The drill
collar dollys upset, which latches in the standard drill pipe
elevator, is mounted on a bearing allowing it to swivel even while
it is under load. A shoulder elevator is suspended from the
perfection links (or a second drill pipe elevator if lifting subs are
used.) The collars can be walked in or out with the elevator
turning on the drill collar dolly.

3-32

TDS-4S Operation

A
Drill Pipe
Elevator

A
100 TON
VARCO

Drill Collar
Dolly

Perfection
Links (36")

;;;
;;;
;;
;;; ;;
;;;

91 in.
Square
Shoulder
Elevator

Lifting
Sub
37 in.

8 in.

Drill
Collar
View

A-A

Figure 3-10. Swiveling drill collar dolly

TDS-4S Operation

3-33

October 20, 1998

Post jarring operations


e

Jarring occurs on all drilling rigs. It is not practical to recommend


removing the top drive from the drill string during all jarring
operations. But the possibility of damage to a top drive during a
jarring operation is considerable. Consider removing the top drive
from the drill string before performing prolonged jarring. It is
imperative to exercise caution when using a top drive after a jarring
operation.
Safe operation of the TDS is the responsibility of the user and rig
crew. Use the Post Jarring Checklist (PI 93-1) and Design
Specification, Design Torque Standard (DS00008) to help ensure
safe top drive operation. Note that the checklist includes
recommended procedures. Do not limit inspections to items on the
checklist.
The checklist draws attention to specific parts on major subassemblies.
Inspection should be rigorous, looking for any wear that could cause a
safety or operational risk.
Use the Post Jarring Checklist (PI 93-1) and Design Specification,
Design Torque Standard (DS00008) after performing any jarring
operation while the top drive is in the drill string.

3-34

TDS-4S Operation

TDS-4S
Top Drive
Drilling
System

Maintenance
and
Troubleshooting
SM00620-4
Rev. B

March 8, 2001

4-2

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Contents
Preface/Manual conventions
Safety information ........................................................... 4-7
Directional references ...................................................... 4-8
Manual layout.................................................................. 4-8

Chapter 1 Maintenance
Inspection ........................................................................ 4-9
TDS swing out procedure .......................................... 4-9
DC drilling motor ................................................... 4-12
Motor alignment cylinder ........................................ 4-12
Air exhaust muffler .................................................. 4-12
Derrick termination kit air filter/regulator/
lubricators ................................................................ 4-13
Pipehandler .............................................................. 4-14
Nondestructive Examination (NDE) ....................... 4-14
Visual inspection................................................ 4-14
Landing collar .............................................. 4-16
Drive stem ................................................... 4-18
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) ................... 4-20
Ultrasonic Inspection ......................................... 4-21
Safety valve inspection procedures (IBOP) ... 4-21

Chapter 2 Lubrication
Lubricating the motor and motor support
bonnet assembly............................................................. 4-23
Gearbox ................................................................... 4-23
Torque setting procedure ................................... 4-25
Other gearbox lubrication and
maintenance considerations ............................... 4-27
Initial oil change period ........................................... 4-27
Oil capacity.............................................................. 4-28
Lubricating the DC motor ....................................... 4-29
Lubricating the washpipe and bonnet seal ................ 4-30
Lubricating the rotating head ......................................... 4-31
Lubricating the link adapter ........................................... 4-32
Lubricating the torque wrench ....................................... 4-33
Lubricating the master bushing ID wear guide ............... 4-34
TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-3

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the safety valve actuator .............................. 4-34


Lubricating the upper safety valve (IBOP) ..................... 4-35
Lubricating the guide dolly assembly ............................. 4-36
Lubricating the bail pins ................................................ 4-41
Lubricating the cooling system ....................................... 4-42
Lubrication schedule ...................................................... 4-44
Lubricant specifications ................................................. 4-45

Chapter 3 Maintenance
Adjustment procedures .................................................. 4-49
Adjusting the torque wrench .................................... 4-49
Adjusting the upper safety valve (IBOP)
and safety valve actuator system ............................... 4-52
Adjusting the counterbalance system ........................ 4-52
Adjusting the motor alignment cylinder system ....... 4-54
Precharging the counterbalance system .................... 4-60
Assembly and disassembly .............................................. 4-62
Pipehandler .............................................................. 4-62
Torque wrench disassembly ............................... 4-62
Replacing the torque wrench
clamping piston seal ..................................... 4-68
Replacing the standard rotating head
glyd rings ........................................................... 4-71
Replacing the powered rotating head
glyd rings ........................................................... 4-75
Replacing the standard or extended reach
link tilt air actuator ............................................ 4-77
Removing the tong dies ........................................... 4-81
Front jaw ........................................................... 4-81
Rear jaw ............................................................. 4-81
Removing the jaws ................................................... 4-82
Front jaw ........................................................... 4-82
Rear jaw ............................................................. 4-82
Upper safety valve (IBOP) ....................................... 4-82
Lower safety valve (IBOP) ....................................... 4-82
Removing the motor assembly
from the guide dolly....................................................... 4-83
Disassembly/assembly of the drilling motor
and motor support bonnet ....................................... 4-84
Installing the TDS motor pinion ................................... 4-87
Local blower cooling system assembly/disassembly ... 4-89
Closed loop cooling system assembly/disassembly .... 4-92
Replacing the safety wiring ............................................ 4-95
Safety wiring tips ..................................................... 4-97
4-4

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the counterbalance .............................. 4-99
Troubleshooting the motor alignment cylinder ...... 4-100
Troubleshooting the drilling motor and guide dolly ..... 4-101
Troubleshooting the motor air brake ..................... 4-101
Troubleshooting the retract guide dolly ................. 4-101
Troubleshooting the transmission .......................... 4-102
Troubleshooting the oil pump ............................... 4-103
Troubleshooting the cooling system ....................... 4-104
Troubleshooting the pipehandler ................................. 4-106
Troubleshooting the torque wrench ....................... 4-106
Troubleshooting the safety valve actuator............... 4-108
Troubleshooting the link tilt .................................. 4-108
Troubleshooting the pipehandler at the
counterbalance manifold ........................................ 4-109
Troubleshooting the crown height indicator .......... 4-110
Six-gang air valve assembly illustration ................... 4-111

This section contains some information regarding the GE motor.


Refer to the GE Motor Service Manual, VDR00023 (included in
VDP0001) for specific details such as:
Inspection and maintenance schedule
Recommended storage instructions drilling motors and generators
Removing motors or generators from storage

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-5

March 8, 2001

4-6

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Preface
Manual conventions

Safety information
Information pertaining to possible personnel injury and
equipment damage appears throughout this manual and is
formatted to draw the readers attention to important
information, a warning, or a caution note. See the examples
below and pay close attention to these important advisories.

z
e

Indicates advisories for operational or servicing procedures


involving little or no risk of personnel injury or equipment
damage.
Indicates advisories involving a risk of equipment damage.

Indicates advisories involving a definite risk of injury to rig


personnel.
Avoid personnel injury and equipment damage by reading this
manual and related documents before operating, inspecting, or
servicing the equipment.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-7

March 8, 2001

Directional references
References to the right or left and front or back of components
described in this manual assume the perspective of the Top Drive
Drilling System (TDS-4S), standing behind the TDS-4S as it
faces well center.

Manual layout
This binder contains several separate books that you can remove
individually for convenience.

4-8

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Chapter 1
Maintenance

Inspection
TDS swing out procedure
Varco top drives with swing-out guide dollies can be quickly
swung aside on their own dolly frames for inspection,
maintenance, running casing, or to allow drilling operations
requiring a kelly and rotary table. Electrical, hydraulic, and air
supplies do not have to be disconnected. Use the following
procedure to swing out the TDS only if your rig has a guide dolly
with hinge pins (refer to the engineering drawings for
information specific to your rig configuration):
1. If you have a retract system, operate the switch on the VDC
to retract the TDS.
2. Slowly lower the TDS until the elevator nears the rig floor.
3. Remove the elevator and elevator links.
4. Lower the TDS guide dolly to the stop.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-9

March 8, 2001

On some rigs, it may be necessary to secure the traveling block


frame to the guide dolly frame using chain and/or rope.
5. Turn off the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) and bleed down
hydraulic pressure by opening the needle valve on the
counterbalance manifold. (The counterbalance manifold is
located on the upper motor frame.)
6. Detach the counterbalance system cylinders from the hook or
block by unhooking the pear links from the ears on the hook
or block.
7. Disconnect the air intake hose.
8. Disconnect the mud hose from the TDS S-tube.

Unlatching the hook from the integrated swivel bail may cause the
TDS motor assembly and/or the hook to lurch suddenly. Always
keep adequate tension on the tailing lines to prevent sudden
movement of these assemblies.
9. Unlatch the hook.
10. Attach tugger lines to the TDS motor frame, opposite the
frame hinges, to assist in swinging out the TDS motor
assembly. Use tailing lines on the motor frame to control
swing out.
11. Unfasten the two swing-out bolts, opposite the hinges,
holding the motor frame to the guide dolly.
12. Operate the air tuggers to slowly pull on the motor frame
while unhooking the traveling block from the swivel bail.
13. When the traveling block is disconnected, continue swinging
out the TDS 180 and secure the motor assembly to the
derrick with chain and/or rope.

4-10

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

To swing the TDS back in for operation after inspection or


maintenance, perform the following procedure:
1. Lower the guide dolly far enough to allow swinging the
TDS back into place.
2. Retract the TDS and secure it.

While latching the hook to the integrated swivel bail, the swivel
and/or the TDS motor assembly may suddenly lurch. Always keep
adequate tension on tailing lines to prevent sudden movement of
these assemblies.
3. Attach tugger lines to the TDS motor assembly, opposite the
hinges, to aid in swinging back the TDS assembly. Use tailing
lines on the motor frame to control swing back.
4. Release the chain and/or rope securing the TDS motor
assembly to the derrick and slowly swing back the TDS motor
assembly to the guide dolly. While swinging it back, latch the
hook onto the swivel.
5. Secure the motor frame to the guide dolly with the two
swing-out bolts opposite the hinges.
6. Connect the mud hose to the S-tube.
7. Connect the air intake hose.
8. Hook the counterbalance system pear links onto the ears of
the hook or block.
9. Turn the HPU on and bleed air out of the system.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-11

March 8, 2001

DC drilling motor
Thoroughly inspect the TDS, motor support bonnet, and guide
dolly assembly for loose bolts and fittings daily. If any safety wire
or cotter pins were removed to facilitate repairs, replace them
immediately.

The DC motor has a complete manufacturers service manual for


your reference provided in the Vendor Documentation Package.

Motor alignment cylinder

The alignment cylinder is not intended to be used to align the pin


with the box at the well bore. It is a device to counterbalance the
offset weight of the DC motor and allow the system to accommodate
external forces. It is adjustable to ensure that the mainshaft is straight
at well centerto compensate for design tolerances in the guide rails
and dolly. To work properly, the guide rails must be properly located,
and the dolly must fit within design tolerances.
Check alignment cylinder operation weekly. Also, inspect all
moving parts and check accumulator pressures on a weekly basis.

Air exhaust muffler


Varco installs air exhaust mufflers on the exhaust ports of the
multi-gang solenoid valve manifold for noise abatement. All such
mufflers reduce noise and collect contaminants that can
eventually restrict the air passage. Air passage constriction results
in back pressure on all of the solenoid valves and erratic valve
operation. It also holds pressure on the air brake.
Periodically remove the mufflers and clean or replace them.
If noise abatement is not an issue on the rig, replace the mufflers
with simple pipe elbows.

4-12

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Derrick termination kit air filter/


regulator/lubricators
Top drives that rely on rig air to power link tilt, upper IBOP,
brake, and torque wrench makeup/breakout sequence pilot signal
functions require regular inspection. The air valves, cylinders and
actuators for these functions require proper lubrication and
moisture-free and particle contaminant-free air. Moisture in the
air can cause corrosion on internal cylinder surfaces. Particle
contamination can damage the seals in moving parts and cause
solenoid valves to stick. Oil, injected by the lubricator and carried
by the air, reduces friction between moving parts and increases
the life of seals in valves and actuators.

Varco supplies a filter/regulator/lubricator in the derrick


installation kit and recommends installing it at the fingerboard
level in the derrick. Improperly adjusted regulators can cause poor
device performance at reduced pressures, or valve and cylinder
seals and O-ring extrusion at excessive pressures.
Inspect the entire filter/regulator/lubricator monthly for damage
to the filter bowl, overall body, or inlet and outlet fittings.
Replace any damaged, corroded, or improperly functioning
components.
Adjust the pressure regulator outlet pressure to 100-120 psig
monthly. Clean and drain the filter weekly. Fill the lubricator
with petroleum-based hydraulic oil with a fluid viscosity of
100-200 SSU at 100F (ISO 32/34).

Do not use fluids such as Marvel Mystery Oil, motor oil, or


Dextron II in the lubricator. Swollen seals may result.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-13

March 8, 2001

Pipehandler
Thoroughly inspect the pipehandler for loose bolts and fittings
daily. If any safety wire or cotter pins were removed during
repairs, replace them immediately.
Inspect the hinge bolts daily to make sure they are not separating
from the pipehandler. Make sure the hinge pins are not loose due
to excessive wear in the bore of the clamp clevis or a broken
retaining bolt.

Inspect the link tilt intermediate stop and adjustment device for
overall integrity weekly. Replace the components if there is
excessive looseness of the threaded rod in the threaded hole of the
pivot arm (Figures 4-24 and 4-25). An indication of a possible
problem is if the two intermediate stops are not adjusted equally
(i.e., if the thread engagement differs between the two stops).
Failure to perform this inspection and/or component replacement
can result in injury to rig personnel.

Nondestructive Examination (NDE)


Yearly (or after approximately 3,000 operating hours), perform a
Nondestructive Examination (NDE) of all critical load path
items.

NDE inspection includes visual examination, dye penetrant


examination, magnetic particle inspection, ultrasonic inspection,
x-ray examination, and other methods of nondestructive testing
for metallurgical integrity.

Visual inspection
Use calipers on a regular basis to measure the amount of wear on
the elevator link eyes (Figure 4-1). Compare the measurements
with the Wear Chart (Figure 4-1) to determine the current
strength of the elevator links. The capacity of the links equals the
capacity of the weakest link.

4-14

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Upper
Eye
(Hook)

Wear Chart - Forged Links


Lower
Upper
Eye
Eye
Dimension Dimension
A
C

;;;;
;;;;
;;;;
;;;;

Capacity
(per set)
in Tons

B = 3 1/2 in., 350-Ton


5 in.
4 13/16 in.
4 5/8 in.
4 7/16 in.

2 3/4 in.
2 9/16 in.
2 3/8 in.
2 3/16 in.

350
300
225
175

;;;
;;;
;;;

B = 4 1/2 in., 500-Ton


6 in.
5 3/4 in.
5 1/2 in.
5 1/4 in.

3 1/2 in.
3 1/4 in.
3 in.
2 3/4 in.

500
420
325
250

B = 6 1/4 in., 750-Ton


7 1/2 in.
7 1/4 in.
7 in.
6 3/4 in.

7 1/2 in.
7 1/4 in.
7 in.
6 3/4 in.

350
300
225
175

To determine the strength of worn links,


measure (with calipers) the amount of eye
wear and compare the measurements
with the above Wear Chart to find the
current capacity. The capacity of the set of
links is determined by the weakest link.

;;;;
;;;;
;;;;

A
Lower
Eye
(Elevator)

Figure 4-1. Visual inspection of elevator links

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-15

March 8, 2001

Landing collar

Disassemble and inspect the landing collar every six months.


Use the following procedure to disassemble the landing collar
(Figure 2-5) for inspection:
1. Disconnect the top drive from the drill string.
2. Remove the IBOPs and pipehandler.
3. Raise the solid body elevator to expose the landing collar
retainer.
4. Straighten the retainer tabs.
5. Slide the retainer ring above the split landing collar halves.
6. Drive out one roll pin.
7. Remove the landing collar halves.
8. Slide the retainer off the drive stem.
After disassembly, inspect all landing collar parts for wear,
damage, or corrosion. Check for:
Grooves or other radial wear marks indicating that the bore of
the solid body elevator is rubbing on the outside diameter of
the landing collar retainer shell
Radial grooves on the inside diameter of the retainer shell
Missing tabs from the retainer shell
Wear or corrosion induced pitting on the retainer shell shoulder
Wear, corrosion, or fatigue cracks on the inside or outside
diameter of the landing collar halves
Evidence of drive stem contact with the solid body elevator
Evidence of inside bore wear on the solid body elevator indicating
contact with the drive stem or landing collar retainer. Wear on
the inside shoulder of the elevator should not exceed 1/8 in.
Evidence of wear, corrosion, or fatigue cracks on the safety
links

4-16

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Replace the appropriate part(s) if any of the above conditions


exist. Use the following procedure to reassemble the landing
collar:
1. Replace the existing O-ring in the retainer shell.
2. Grease the inside diameter of the retainer shell.
3. Slide the retainer onto the drive stem above the landing collar
grooves.
4. Install one new roll pin and safety links on the split landing
collar halves.
5. Coat the landing collar halves with a generous amount of
water resistant grease.
6. Place the landing collar halves on the drive stem with
15 taper closest to the top drive.
7. Drive in the remaining roll pin.
8. Slide the retainer shell over the landing collar halves.
9. Use a hammer and drift to bend all 32 retainer tabs to secure
the retainer shell.
10. Coat the retainer shell and drive stem with a generous
amount of water resistant grease to prevent corrosion.
11. Reinstall the IBOPs and pipehandler.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-17

March 8, 2001

Drive stem

Regularly inspect and measure the drive stem/main shaft for wear.
Remove the drive stem/mainshaft from service if bore wear is
greater than the dimensions shown in Figure 4-2.
Determine inspection frequency according to API Recommended
Practice 8B, Section 2 for power swivels and power subs.
Varco recommends the use of API RP 7G and API RP 8B as
guidelines for interpreting and performing inspections.
Measurement techniques are specified in API RP 7G, Section 10.
Use API Bulletin 5T1 to identify and define imperfections found
during inspections.
Large Bore
1.30 Minimum @ Landing
Collar Grooves (2.45 New)
3.75
Diameter (New)

(1.70 New)

9.000
Diameter

7 5/8 API REG R.N. Pin


7.500-3 ACME-3G
Left-hand Thread

Small Bore
1.30 Minimum @ Landing
Collar Grooves (2.45 New)
3.00
Diameter (New)

(1.70 New)

9.000
Diameter

7 5/8 API REG R.N. Pin


6.250-3 ACME-2G
Left-hand Thread

Figure 4-2. Typical minimum bore wear dimensions


(Refer to engineering drawings for exact dimensions)

4-18

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Use the following API recommended guidelines (Figures 4-3) to


determine the tensile load bearing capacities of the drive stem/
main shaft landing collar.
3800000
3700000

New Condition (3.00 Bore)

3600000
3500000
3400000
3300000

3100000

New Condition
(3.82 Bore)

3000000
2900000
2800000
2700000
2600000
2500000
2400000
2300000

1.00

1.05

1.10

1.15

1.20

1.25

1.30

1.35

1.40

1.45

1.50

1.55

1.60

1.65

1.70

2200000

1.75

Load (Lbs)

3200000

Remaining Wall Thickness Under Pin Thread Relief Groove


(Inches)

Figure 4-3. 750-Ton and 650-Ton drive stem/main shaft


landing collar tensile dimensions

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-19

March 8, 2001

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)


Once a year, or every 3,000 operating hours, Varco recommends
performing a Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) of the exposed
surfaces of all load carrying components and load collar grooves
to reveal any fatigue or crack indications. Any indications found
are a potential cause for replacing the suspect component. Round
bottom pits and erosion are acceptable as long as the defect is less
than 1/16 in. deep. Larger defects or any crack indications are
cause for replacing the suspect component.
After approximately five years, or 15,000 operating hours,
depending on the severity of operating conditions, Varco
recommends performing a MPI of all load carrying components
over their entire surface (including internal bores) to reveal any
fatigue or crack indications. Any indications found are a potential
cause for replacing the suspect component. Round bottom pits
and erosion are acceptable as long as the defect is less than 1/16
in. deep. Larger defects or any crack indications are cause for
replacing the suspect component. The load carrying components
are:
Drive stem/main shaft (lower portion)
Landing collar
Upper and lower IBOP
350-Ton BNC drill pipe elevator
Link adapter
Saver, crossover, and spacer subs
Power subs
Power swivels
Elevator links
Details on MPI procedures are in the following publications:

4-20

I.A.D.C.

Drilling Manual, 9th Edition

ASTM A-275

Std. Method for Magnetic Particle Inspection


of Steel Forgings

ASTM E-709

Std. Recommended Practice for


Magnetic Particle Inspection

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Ultrasonic Inspection
In addition to the MPI, Varco also recommends performing an
Ultrasonic Inspection of the above components to detect any
erosion of the inside diameter. Any erosion reduces the loadcarrying capability of the part. Any subsurface irregularity can
also compromise a components integrity.
Details on Ultrasonic Inspection procedures are in the
publication: ASTM A-388 Std. Practice for Ultrasonic Examination
of Heavy Steel Forgings.
Safety valve inspection procedures (IBOP)

Upper and lower IBOP valves, because of their internal grooves


and shoulders, are particularly susceptible to corrosion fatigue
cracking. These internal diameter changes act as stress risers for
bending and tensile loads. It is especially important to properly
inspect the IBOP valves on a frequent basis. Read and use the
IBOP valve inspection procedures described in the IBOP Service
Manual (SM00611).

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-21

March 8, 2001

4-22

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Chapter 2
Lubrication

Lubricating the motor and motor support


bonnet assembly
Gearbox
Check oil daily. With the motor off, check to see that the oil level
is at the middle of the sight glass located on the side of the main
body. Drain and refill the gearbox every 1,500 operating hours or
three months, whichever occurs first. (Refer to Oil capacity later
in this chapter.)
Properly maintaining the TDS gear shifting mechanism increases
the operational life of the top drive. Use the following procedure
to maintain proper gear lubrication:
1. Shift all top drive two speed gearboxes from one gear to the
other and back again at least once a week. This helps to
distribute lubricant and prevents contaminant buildup.
2. Remove the gear indicator lever assembly and the indicator
gearcase cover.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-23

March 8, 2001

3. Repack the inside area with grease every six months (refer to
Figures 1-9 and 1-10 in the Description book).
4. Inspect the gears for corrosion or damage. Clean, lubricate or
replace components as required. There is a timing mark on
the gears to ensure correct orientation. If these marks are not
visible when removing the gears, mark the gears before
removal to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling them.
If there are problems shifting from one gear to the other, use the
following procedure to shift the gears:
1. Turn the drive stem with chain tongs to make sure the gear
mesh aligns properly. Do not turn the DC motor while
shifting gears.
2. Insert two 3/8 in. bolts in the threaded holes on the bottom
of the shafts while shifting the gears and use a bar to turn the
shaft in the proper direction. Do not shear the bolts.
Eccentric shaft rotation direction is the same as the shifter
input shaft when shifting into gear.
3. If the shift input mechanism slips when attempting to shift
gears, use a torque wrench to check the torque of the shifter
when the clutch begins to slip. If the torque is less than
65 ft lb, then use the Torque setting procedure to adjust the
clutch

Gearbox oil must be drained before removing clutch.


The factory setting of the clutch is 45 ft lb. However, increase the
torque if there are persistent problems.
4. Remove the 3 in. inspection plugs on the rear of the gearcase
and make sure the compound gears are free to turn with the
unit in neutral. If the gears cannot turn, it indicates a larger
problem (i.e., contaminants in gears, damaged bearings, etc.).

4-24

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Torque setting procedure


Use the following procedure to set the torque limit clutch to
45-50 ft lb:
1. Attach any torque indicator to the output stub (Figure 4-4).
2. Hold the body and determine the current torque setting.
3. Remove the snap ring and locking plate.
4. Use a 5/8 in. open end wrench to turn the nut clockwise to
increase torque, or to turn the nut counterclockwise to
decrease the torque.
5. Check the resulting torque and repeat the above steps if more
adjustment is necessary.
6. Replace the locking plate and snap ring.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-25

March 8, 2001

Gear Subplate

Lower Gearcase

Housing Gear Changer

Gear Shaft Changer

Torque Limiter (Clutch)

Detail A

Torque Limit Clutch

Figure 4-4. Torque setting procedure

4-26

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Other gearbox lubrication and maintenance


considerations
Keep the bottom of the eccentric gear shafts clean and free of
corrosion, paint or other contaminants. Keep this area lightly
lubricated with oil.
Contaminant build up or corrosion around the upper end of
the eccentric shafts can cause persistent shifting problems.
Install sealed caps on the top of the shaft to correct the
problem. There are two ways to install sealed caps. One way
to install sealed caps requires shop installation during top
drive overhaul.
There is a kit for field installation (P/N 97926). It consists of a
rubber gasket, a sealing cap and a stud which threads into an
existing tapped hole in the top of the eccentric shaft. The stud
holds the cap on top of the gearcase and keeps contaminants away
from the shaft. It also adds a secondary seal between the oil in the
gearbox and the DC motor cooling air path.

Initial oil change period


Drain and refill the gearbox after the first 500 operating hours or
four weeks, whichever occurs first.
Remove and clean the oil pump suction strainer (or oil filter,
depending on the model and configuration) when changing
the oil.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-27

March 8, 2001

Oil capacity
The TDS-4S holds approximately 10-20 gallons of oil, but oil
capacities vary according to the type of cooling systems, etc.
installed. Always fill the transmission to the middle of the sight
glass. Use the following procedure to fill the transmission for the
first time on a new top drive:
1. Fill the gearbox to the top of the sight glass
(approximately 10-20 gallons).
2. Operate the top drive 10-15 minutes and check the
sight glass.
3. The oil level should be near the middle of the sight glass.
If the oil level is below the middle of the sight glass, add more
oil until the level reaches the middle of the sight glass. If the
oil level is at, or above the middle of the sight glass, do not add
any additional oil to the gearcase.
After installation and initial operation of the top drive, always fill
the transmission to the middle of the sight glass.
When draining oil from the drain plug at the bottom of the
gearcase, only the 5-6 gallons of oil at the bottom of the gearcase
actually drains. Oil still remains in the rotating head cavity
(approximately 1-2 gallons), the oil lube/pump/cooler system
(approximately 1-2 gallons), and the wetted surfaces inside the
motor housing assembly (approximately 2-3 gallons). Removing
the suction hose from the cover plate below the pinion shaft
allows more oil to drain and also removes sediment that collects
there. Removing the oil drain plug from the rotating head allows
more oil to drain.

4-28

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lubricating the DC motor


The upper motor armature bearings have grease points located on
the brake adapter plate attached to the top of the motor. The
lower armature bearing grease point on the G.E. motor is at the
end of a small diameter tube projecting toward the back of the
tool.
The grease points all have plugs or relief fittings installed during
operation. Install grease fittings to lubricate and then remove the
fittings and replace the plugs for operation. Lubricate the pinion
(transmission) end bearing every 750 operating hours, or three
months, with two ounce by weight Shell Cyprina RA.
Lubricate the commutator (brake) end bearing every 1,500
operating hours, or six months, with two ounce by weight Shell
Cyprina RA.

Excessive lubrication of electric motors can cause motor failure due to


shorting or heat buildup from grease coming in contact with the field
windings.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-29

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the washpipe and


bonnet seal
Apply grease daily to the washpipe grease fitting and the two
bonnet seal fittings (located below the washpipe grease fitting)
(Figure 4-5).

Grease
Fittings
Wash Pipe
Assembly

Bonnet

Figure 4-5. Lubricating the washpipe and bonnet seal

4-30

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lubricating the rotating head


Apply grease daily at the fittings (Figures 4-6 and 4-7). Inspect for
seal leakage weekly around the lower bearing retainer.

Grease
Fittings
Grease
Fitting

Grease
Fittings

Figure 4-6. Lubricating the standard rotating head

Grease Fitting

Grease Fittings

Figure 4-7. Lubricating the powered rotating head


TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-31

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the link adapter


Apply grease to the link adapter fittings weekly as shown
in Figure 4-8.

2 Grease Fittings on front,


2 Grease Fittings opposite.
(4 places total)

Figure 4-8. Lubricating the link adapter

4-32

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lubricating the torque wrench


Apply grease daily to the torque wrench fittings (Figure 4-9).
Inspect the stabbing guide for excessive wear or cracks. Replace as
necessary.

Grease Fitting
(6 on IBOP Actuator
Rollers, Cylinder Pins
and Arm Pins)

Grease Fitting
(6 on Optional Link Stop
and Cylinder Assembly)

Grease Fitting
(1 each side of Torque
Tube on Clevis Pin)

Grease Fitting
(8 on Bottom of Clamp)

Figure 4-9. Lubricating the PH-85 torque wrench


TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-33

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the master bushing


ID wear guide
The master bushing ID wear guide has four fittings (Figure 4-10).
Lubricate weekly. Inspect the guide ring periodically for wear or
damage and replace it as necessary.

Master Bushing
Wear Guide

Grease Fittings (4)

Figure 4-10. Lubricating the master ID bushing wear guide

Lubricating the safety valve actuator


Apply grease daily to the fitting in the crank assemblies (Figure 411). Check for worn components and operate the valve to verify
correct adjustment weekly.

4-34

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lubricating the upper safety valve (IBOP)


Lubricate the upper IBOP valve weekly at the lubrication fittings
located directly below the actuator cranks in the recessed counter
bores (Figure 4-11). Refer to the IBOP Service Manual for
complete IBOP lubrication instructions.

Open
Position

Actuator Shell

Grease Fitting

Crank Arm
Grease Port

Actuator Arm
Groove

Upper IBOP
Valve

Figure 4-11. Lubricating the IBOP

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-35

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the guide dolly assembly


Lubricate the 20 guide rollers every trip at the four manifolds
(5 fittings each) located on each corner of the guide dolly (Figure
4-12). If your rig has a retract system, refer to the Retract Guide
Dolly supplement. Check guide rollers weekly for cracks or
excessive axial or radial play and replace as necessary. Lubricate
the hinges (one place on each hinge) monthly.
It is possible to over-grease (too much pressure, not volume) the
guide rollers. This can push the plugs out. Visually inspect all of
the guide rollers for evidence of grease extruding from the end(s)
of the shaft. If you discover over-greasing, perform the following
procedure:
1. Remove and disassemble the roller assembly.
2. Thoroughly clean and inspect all parts.
3. If the component parts are still serviceable, drill and tap the
shaft end(s) for 1/8 in. NPT threads and install internal
wrenching pipe plugs after thoroughly cleaning metal chips
from the grease ports in the roller shaft.
4. Pre-grease roller bearings before reassembling and installing
the rollers and shaft.
5. Re-grease roller bearings through grease lines to make sure
lubricant is pumping through the roller bearings. Some grease
should extrude between the rollers and roller shaft.
6. Replace unserviceable assemblies.
7. Improve plug retention on roller assemblies with intact sheet
metal plugs by staking the edges of the port(s). To do this:
a. Remove the roller or roller bracket assembly to improve
accessibility.
b. Use a hammer and chisel to stake the port edges.

4-36

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

A preferred method is to rework the roller assembly for drill and


tap operation, but the staking method is also effective.
At each bottom corner of the motor frame are the two grease
points for the motor trunnions (Figure 4-13). Lubricate these
weekly.
Lubricate the washpipe packing daily with the mud pump off.
Daily, with the hydraulic power on, check the filter gauge on the
pressure filter to determine the condition of the filter element.
Replace the element when a bypass condition is indicated.

Do not weld or torch cut on or near the motor frame without


removing hydraulic accumulators.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-37

March 8, 2001

Grease
Fitting
(20)

Grease Fittings

(TDS Removed for clarity)


Non-Swing
Guide Dolly

Grease Fittings

Figure 4-12. Lubricating the non-swing guide dolly assembly

4-38

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Grease Fittings
Grease
Fitting
(20)

Swing
Guide Dolly

Grease
Fitting

Grease
Fitting

Grease Fittings

Figure 4-13. Lubricating the swing guide dolly assembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-39

March 8, 2001

Grease
Fitting
(28)

Grease Fittings

Retract Guide Dolly

(TDS Removed for clarity)

Grease Fittings

Figure 4-14. Lubricating the retract guide dolly assembly

4-40

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lubricating the bail pins


Lubricate the bail pins weekly, at the same time the dolly
rollers are lubricated, at the two fittings, one on each bail pin
(Figure 4-15).

Bail

Bail Pin

Bail Pin

Grease Fitting

Grease Fitting

Figure 4-15. Lubricating the bail pins


TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-41

March 8, 2001

Lubricating the cooling system


Lubricate AC blower motors every three months (Figure 4-16).
On rigs with closed loop cooling systems (Figure 4-17) also check
the heat exchangers for water leakage weekly, and remove the
access covers and operate the blower to remove dust buildup every
500 operating hours.

Explosion Proof AC Blower Motor


Grease Fitting
Grease Fitting
Motor Cooling Blower

Transmission Cooler

Figure 4-16. Lubricating the local cooling system

4-42

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Explosion Proof AC Blower Motor

Grease Fitting

Motor Cooling Blower

Heat Exchanger

Grease Fitting

Motor Cooling Blower

Heat Exchanger

Figure 4-17. Lubricating the closed loop cooling system

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-43

March 8, 2001

Lubrication schedule
Frequency
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily

Location
Bonnet seal
Torque wrench (PH-85)
Gearbox oil (check level)
Rotating head
Safety valve actuator cranks
Hydraulic pressure filter
Wash pipe assembly

Lubricant code*
1
1
2
1
1

Number of points
2
6
1
5
2

Each trip
Each trip

BNC drill pipe elevator


Guide dolly rollers (Retract )

1
1

7
20

Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly

Gearbox (shift gears)


Dolly motor trunnions
Air filter/regulator/lubricator
IBOP actuator arms
Link adapter (650-Ton)
Elevator support
Master bushing wear guide
Link tilt (check condition)
Bail pins

1
1
1
1

6
4
7
4

750 hrs/90 days


1,500 hrs/6 mos.

GE drilling motor pinion bearing


GE drilling motor commutator bearing

3
3

Monthly
Monthly

Motor frame/dolly hinges (Retract )


Cooling system cleaning

3 months
3 months
3 months

AC blower motor
Change gearbox oil
Gear oil filter/suction strainer

1
2

2
1
1

* See Table 4-1, Recommended lubricants


Check condition and replace as necessary
Refer to Retract Guide Dolly supplement

4-44

Use only 10-wt. hydraulic oil or non-detergent motor oil as a


lubricant in the air control system. Using any other type of oil or
synthetic additive causes the seals in the air valves to swell and cease
to function.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lubricant specifications
TDS-4S transmissions operate under a combination of heavy and
shock loads. Under these conditions oil tends to extrude out of
the gear mesh. Keeping an effective film of oil on the gear mesh
requires oil with an AGMA extra pressure rating, and a
minimum viscosity of 100 SUS at operating temperature.
Varco top drives also operate under a wide variety of
temperatures. Select lubrication for the TDS based on the
minimum ambient temperature to be expected before the next oil
change. Under all but the most severe operating conditions,
Varco recommends changing the oil every three months.
Introducing an oil viscosity greater than required by the ambient
temperature can:
Damage the gearbox due to reduced oil flow
Damage the oil pump because of excessive load
All oils change viscosity with temperature and EP oil is no
exception. The TDS transmission lubrication system is limited to
pumping oils of a maximum of 9,000 SUS viscosity.
Varco recommends measuring the oil temperature with a contact
thermometer. Measure on the pump discharge fitting on the TDS.
The following tables will aid in your lubricant selection and keep
your TDS-4S transmission operating properly:
Minimum ambient temperature
F
C

Oil type required

Varco P/N

Below 20

-6

See note below

See note below

20 to 60

-6 to 16

2EP, ISO 68

56004-1

45 to 85

7 to 30

4EP, ISO 150

56004-BSC

Above 70

21

6EP, ISO 320

56004-2

For minimum temperatures below 20F, the TDS must be


warmed up by rotating at a very light load (less than 200 Amps)
and at very slow speeds (less than 50 rpm) until the oil
temperature climbs above 20F.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-45

March 8, 2001

If the oil temperature falls below 20F, Varco recommends


running the TDS at very light loads (less than 100 Amps) until
the oil is above 20F. If drilling conditions dictate oil
temperatures below 20F, consult Varco engineering.
If the oil temperature rises above 200F, Varco recommends
shutting down or reducing drilling loads to stabilize the oil
temperature below 200F If drilling conditions dictate oil
temperatures above 200F, consult Varco engineering.
Table 4-1. Recommended lubricants
Lube Code and Description

Ambient
temperature
range

General Purpose Grease

Gear Oil

Above
-4F
(-20C)

Below
-4F
(-20C)

Above
70F
(21C)

45 to 85F
(7 to 30C)

20 to 60F
(-6 to 16C)

Castrol

MP grease

Alpha LS-320

Alpha -150

Alpha LS-68

Chevron

Avi-Motive

Avi-Motive W

NL Gear 320

NL Gear 150

NL Gear 68

Exxon

Lidok EP2

Lidok EP1

Spartan EP320

Spartan EP150

Spartan EP68

EP Lube HD320

EP Lube HD150

EP Lube HD68

Gulf

4-46

Gulf Crown EP32 Gulf Crown EP31

Mobil

Mobilux EP2

Mobilux EP1

MobilGear 632

MobilGear 629

MobilGear 626

Shell

Alvania EP2

Alvania EP1

Omala 320

Omala 150

Omala 68

Statoil

Uniway EP2N

Uniway EP1N

Loadway EP320

Loadway EP150

Statoil

Texaco

Multifak EP2

Multifak EP1

Meropa 320

Meropa 150

Meropa 68

Total

Multis EP2

Multis EP1

Carter EP 320

Carter EP 150

Carter EP 68

Union

Unoba EP2

Unoba EP1

NGLI

AGMA

6EP

4EP

2EP

ISO Viscosity
Grade

320

150

68

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Extra Duty NL6EP Extra Duty NL4EP Extra Duty NL2EP

Table 4-1. Recommended lubricants (continued)


Lube Code and Description

Ambient
temperature
range

Motor Grease

Hydraulic Oil

Bio-degradable

All
temperatures

14 to 185F
(-10 to 85C)

5 to 167F
(-15 to 75C)

N/R

Hyspin AWS-46

Hyspin AWS-32

Black Pearl

AW Hyd oil 46

AW Hyd oil 32

Exxon

N/R

Nuto H46

Nuto H32

Gulf

N/R

Harmony 46AW

Harmony 32AW

Mobil

N/R

DTE 25

DTE 24

Shell

N/R

Tellus 46

Tellus 32

Statoil

N/R

Hydraway HMA 46

Hydraway HMA 32

Texaco

N/R

Rando oil HD46

Rando oil HD32

Total

N/R

Azolla ZS 46

Azolla ZS 32

Union

N/R

Unax AW46

Unax AW32

NGLI

AGMA

ISO Viscosity
Grade

46

32

Castrol
Chevron

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-47

March 8, 2001

4-48

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Chapter 3
Maintenance

Adjustment procedures
Adjusting the torque wrench
Use the following procedure to adjust the pipehandler torque
wrench:

The pipehandler torque wrench is properly adjusted and tested in the


factory before it is shipped. Perform the adjustment procedure after
performing maintenance on the torque wrench or if the torque
wrench does not function correctly.
1. Connect a pup joint or joint of drill pipe to the saver sub and
makeup hand tight. Be sure to use the correct thread
compound when making up.

When adjusting torque wrench manifold needle valves, loosen the


locknut around the valve stem and use a 5/32 in. hex wrench to
adjust the valve. After obtaining desired setting tighten locknut
around valve stem.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-49

March 8, 2001

2. With the HPU off, screw the RECYCLE, CLAMP, and


TORQUE sequence valves on the torque wrench manifold
fully in (Figure 4-18).
3. Fully back out the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV), then screw
in one turn.
4. Turn the LIFT/LOWER flow control valve fully in, and then
back it out three turns.
5. Turn on the HPU.
6. If the torque cylinders are in their full clockwise position, set
the Make/Break valve to MAKE. If they are in their full
counterclockwise position, set Make/Break valve to BREAK.
Note that torque cylinders should not move if the recycle
sequence valve is fully in.
7. Slowly back out the RECYCLE sequence valve until torque
cylinders just start to move, then screw out an additional
full turn.

Make/Break
Valve

Recycle
Sequence
Valve

Clamp
Sequence
Valve

Torque
Sequence
Valve

Torque Wrench
Manifold

BREAK

MAKE

Hydraulic
Pressure
Return
RECYCLE

CLAMP

TORQUE

PRV

50

60

40

30

1000

1500

70

80

Hydraulic
Pressure
Inlet

20

LIFT LOWER

500

2000

90

10
0

PSI
Ft.Lbs.

Torque Gauge
0 - 2500 PSI

Figure 4-18. Torque wrench control manifold


4-50

2500

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

x1000

10
0

Lift/Lower
Flow Control
Valve

8. Move the Make/Break valve to BREAK. Set the PRV


to 750 psi.
9. Switch the lever between MAKE and BREAK to adjust the
RECYCLE sequence valve until full rotation in each direction
takes six to eight seconds. Tighten the locknut around the
RECYCLE sequence valve adjustment screw.
10. Set the Make/Break valve to MAKE.
11. Depress and hold the torque wrench operating button on the
VDC. The torque wrench should lift and the clamp jaws
should remain retracted.
12. Slowly back out the CLAMP sequence valve until the clamp
jaws just begin to clamp onto the tool joint. Screw out an
additional half turn. Lock the CLAMP sequence valve
adjustment screw in position by tightening the locknut.
13. Back out the TORQUE sequence valve until the torque
cylinders just begin to stroke, then back out an additional half
turn. Tighten the locknut around the TORQUE sequence
valve adjustment screw.
14. Release the torque wrench operating button on the VDC.
The torque wrench should start to unclamp and drop, then
the torque cylinders should recycle.
15. If the torque cylinders recycle before the clamp cylinders
retract, screw in the RECYCLE sequence valve until the
torque cylinders do not move before clamp cylinders have
fully retracted. Tighten the RECYCLE sequence valve
adjustment screw locknut.
16. Cycle the torque wrench as many times as required to makeup
the connection.
17. Set the Make/Break valve to BREAK.
18. Verify that the torque wrench correctly breaks out the drill
pipe from the saver sub, without breaking out the saver sub or
lower IBOP.
19. The torque wrench is ready for operation.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-51

March 8, 2001

Adjusting the upper safety valve


(IBOP) and safety valve actuator
system
Refer to the IBOP Service Manual for upper IBOP and safety
valve actuator system adjustment procedures.

Adjusting the counterbalance


system
Leave the HPU on during the entire adjustment procedure, and
disconnect the TDS from the drill string near the bottom of the
rails, but well off the stops.
1. Remove the caps and loosen the lock nuts on the needle valve
and PRV located on the counterbalance manifold (Figure 419). It is not necessary to remove the front guard for access to
the manifold. A small amount of oil will leak around the
adjusting stems after removing the caps.
2. Open the needle valve and let the stem circulate for two
minutes. Crack both upper cylinder fittings and bleed air
from system. Tighten the fittings. Close the needle valve.
3. Using a hex wrench, screw in the PRV until the cylinder
retracts, raising the TDS.
4. Slowly back out the PRV. The pressure decreases and the
cylinder rods begin extending. When the integrated swivel
bail contacts the hook, note the pressure on the gauge. Allow
the pressure to decrease an additional 25 psi and tighten the
locknut. Replace the caps on the valve adjustment stem.

4-52

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Needle Valve
(on opposite side)

Upper Motor Frame


Crossmember

Pressure Reducing
Valve

Pressure
Gauge

Figure 4-19. Counterbalance manifold

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-53

March 8, 2001

Adjusting the motor alignment


cylinder system
Once the alignment cylinder is installed, use the following
procedure to properly adjust the motor alignment before
operating TDS systems that have a separate alignment cylinder
accumulator and valve manifold.
1. With the HPU turned off, bleed down the alignment cylinder
accumulator by opening the needle valve located at the
alignment cylinder valve manifold (Figures 4-20 and 4-21).
2. Remove the split shipping brace from the motor alignment
cylinder (Figure 4-22).
3. Turn on the HPU and allow the system to circulate for
approximately two minutes.
4. Close the needle valve.
5. Open the two flow control valves located at the alignment
cylinder supply return lines 1-1/2 turns off their seats.

4-54

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Alignment Cylinder
Lug (ref)
Pressure Reducing
Valve

Needle Valve

Motor Frame (ref)

Alignment
Cylinder
Manifold
Accumulator

Bracket
Gas Valve

Figure 4-20. Typical motor alignment cylinder valve manifold

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-55

March 8, 2001

Prefill Valve Assembly

Directional Control Valve


(Operation Switch)
Pressure Reducing Valve
(PRV)

Needle Valve

Motor Frame (ref)

Alignment Cylinder
Valve Manifold

Bracket
Gas Valve
Accumulator

Figure 4-21. Motor alignment cylinder valve manifold

4-56

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Motor Alignment
Cylinder

Shipping
Brace

Motor
Frame Dolly (Ref)

Figure 4-22. Motor alignment cylinder

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-57

March 8, 2001

The pressure setting is adjusted by screwing the PRV in or out


with a hex wrench (Figure 4-19). Screwing in the valve increases
pressure and moves the saver sub toward the rails. Backing out the
PRV reduces pressure and moves the saver sub away from the rails
(see additional notes at the end of this procedure).
6. Verify the correct pressure setting using the following
procedure:
a. With the HPU on, back down the pressure using the PRV
until the saver sub begins to pivot away from the rails.
Record this pressure.
b. Slowly increase the pressure until the saver sub no longer
moves closer to the rails as pressure increases. At this time,
the cylinder should be in a dead band area.
c. Slowly increase the pressure until the saver sub begins to
move toward the rails again. Record the pressure reading
when this occurs.
d. To determine the correct pressure setting, add the average
pressure readings from steps a and c above and divide by two.
The resulting pressure dead band provides equal pre-load
in each direction both toward and away from the rails.
e. Record the pressure setting for future reference.
7. Set a joint of drill pipe in the slips.
8. Bring the top drive down as if stabbing the saver sub into the
box. The pin and the box should be in alignment so that the
OD of the pin clears the shoulder of the box. If adjustment is
necessary, use the following procedure:
a. Measure how far and in what direction (toward or away
from the rails) the pin must move to line up with drill
pipe box.
b. Turn off the HPU and bleed down the alignment cylinder
accumulator. This allows the motor alignment cylinder to
relax and the motor to rotate on its trunnions, until the
swivel contacts the motor frame.
c. Loosen the lock tab and jam nut on the cylinder clevis.

4-58

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

d. Use a wrench on the cylinder rod flats to screw the rod


into or out of the clevis, in the same direction the saver
sub pin is to be moved. A 1/4 in. of pin movement results
from a 3/4 turn of the rod. The alignment cylinder rod
extension should be 2 3/8 1/8 in. gland to rod threads
when the system is properly aligned.
e. Secure the jam nut and lock tab.
f. The nominal position of the two flow control valves is
1-1/2 turns off their seats. Should heavy drill pipe
vibration be encountered, first attempt to control it with
non-rotating stabilizers in the casing close to the surface.
If motor movement becomes excessive due to continued
vibration (more than 1/2 in. of cylinder stroke), the flow
control valves may be closed to 3/4 turn off their seats.
g. Tighten the lock nuts and replace the caps on all valve stems.

If the alignment cylinder is removed for service, install the


alignment cylinder replacement brace to support the motor
housing assembly while continuing to operate the TDS. After
reinstalling the alignment cylinder, use the three bleed holes
(located along top of cylinder barrel) to remove air trapped in the
cylinder.
Rail spacing and setback from the centerline of the well must be
held within recommended tolerances in order to maintain vertical
alignment of the TDS.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-59

March 8, 2001

Precharging the
counterbalance system
Please read these instructions completely before precharging,
making note of the special cautions at the end of the section.
1. Use an inert gas such as nitrogen for precharging
accumulators. If oil-pumped is not available, use dry, waterpumped nitrogen gas.
2. Before precharging, make certain:
a. The accumulator end caps are screwed flush into the
accumulator body.
b. The gas valve is screwed in tight.
c. No oil remains trapped in the top end of the accumulator.
3. Remove the gas valve protector and the gas valve cap.
4. Attach the charging hose to the nitrogen bottle and to the gas
valve using the following procedure:
a. Use thread sealing and lubricating compound on the pipe
threads of the gauge.
b. Back the gas chuck stem completely out of the way before
attaching the assembly to the accumulator gas valve.
c. Use a wrench to tighten the gas chuck swivel nut onto the
gas valve. Close the bleeder valve.
d. Turn the gas chuck stem all of the way down, depressing
the core in the accumulator gas valve.
e. Only crack open the nitrogen bottle valve to slowly fill the
accumulator. Shut it off when the gauge indicates 900 psi.
f. If the 900 psi precharge pressure is exceeded, make sure
the nitrogen bottle valve is closed, then open the bleeder
valve (opposite the gas valve below the gauge) slightly, but
only momentarily, to reduce pressure.
g. Before loosening the swivel nut, turn the gas chuck stem
out all of the way, then open the bleeder valve.
h. Prevent the gas valve from turning, loosen swivel nut, and
remove the assembly.
5. When precharging is complete, replace the cap on the gas
valve and install the gas valve protector.

4-60

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Do not loop or twist hose as it stiffens when gas pressure is released


from nitrogen bottles.
Never loosen the swivel nut attached to the gas valve in the
accumulator without first backing the gas chuck stem all of the way
out.
Do not reduce accumulator precharge by depressing valve core (high
pressure may rupture rubber valve seat). Instead, slowly turn gas valve
out until gas begins to escape through bleed hole drilled through
threads of valve. This hole is a safety feature, it warns of stored
pressure whenever gas valve is being removed. Install new gas valve
O-ring each time gas valve is removed.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-61

March 8, 2001

Assembly and disassembly


Pipehandler
Torque wrench disassembly
For PH-85, see Figures 4-23, 4-24, 4-25, and 4-26.
For PH-60d, see Figure 4-27.
1. Remove the guard.
2. Disconnect the hard plumbing from the quick disconnects
near the left torque cylinder.
3. Remove the bolts holding the frame onto the cast body and
lift off.
4. Remove the pins holding the torque tube in place and remove.
5. Disconnect and label the hoses from the torque cylinders and
remove the cylinders.
6. Disconnect and label the remaining plumbing, and remove
the Make/Break manifold assembly.
7. Remove the jaws.
8. Remove the stabbing guide.
9. Remove the retaining bolts, hinge pins and outer body.
10. Remove the cylinder ring from the clamping piston bore.
11. Pressurize the blind end of the clamping cylinder to remove
the gland and piston.

4-62

Use care in this operation. High pressure air can be explosive.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Torque Tube

V
a
r
c
o

Torque Cylinders

Figure 4-23. PH-85 torque wrench assembly/disassembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-63

March 8, 2001

Clamping Jaws

Body

Clamp Cylinder Body

Clamp Cylinder Pistons

Stabbing Guide

Figure 4-24. PH-85 torque wrench assembly/disassembly

4-64

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Mounting Shaft

Frame

Safety Valve
Actuating
Cylinder
(2)

Vertical
Positioning
Cylinder

Hanging
Height
Adjustment

Guard

Figure 4-25. PH-85 torque wrench assembly/disassembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-65

March 8, 2001

Figure 4-26. PH-85 torque wrench assembly/disassembly


(optional link retractor)

4-66

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Frame

Mounting
Shaft
Safety Valve
Actuating
Cylinders (2)

Vertical
Positing
Cylinder

Safety Valve
Actuating
Arm (2)

Torque
Tube
Stabilizer

Stop Tube

Hanging Height
Adjustment Shim

Torque
Tube

Guard

Body
Torque
Cylinder (2)

Clamp Cylinder Body

Stabbing
Guide

Clamping
Jaws (2)

Clamping
Cylinder
Piston
Control
Manifold

Figure 27. PH-60d torque wrench assembly/disassembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-67

March 8, 2001

Reassembly is accomplished in the reverse order of the above


procedure. Pay close attention to the following points:
1. Replace all seals.
2. Take great care when installing the clamping piston and
gland. If they are not closely aligned with the bore, they may
become jammed and could be extremely difficult to remove.
3. Use the following torque values:
Cylinder rod end to cylinder rod*
944 ft lb
Frame to clamp cylinder body
250 ft lb
Stabbing guide to body
250 ft lb
Die retainer screws
380 ft lb
Body hinge pin retainer screws
150 ft lb
Stabbing guide spring retainer screws
75 ft lb
Jaw retaining screws
110 ft lb
*The torque cylinder rod ends are threaded into the rods with
locktite and cross pinned.
Replacing the torque wrench clamping piston seal

The following procedures require that the torque wrench be


removed from the pipehandler.
Replacing the front and rear piston seals

Parts required front and rear piston seal replacement:


Qty.
3
2
2

P/N
72219
72220
72221

Description
Piston seal
Rod seal
Rod wiper

Disassembly

1. Remove the slotted hex nut and cotter pin attaching the two
halves of the stabbing guide together at the front and swing
the guides out to each side.
2. Vent the clamping cylinder as follows: disconnect the
hydraulic lines to the clamp port and front unclamp port on
the clamp body cylinder at the torque wrench manifold clamp
and unclamp ports.

4-68

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

3. Remove the jaw pins from the rear clamping jaw and remove
the jaw.
4. Remove the two screws holding the jaw spacer to the front
clamp cylinder piston and remove the spacer and jaw spacer.
5. Remove the two screws holding the clamp clevis to the rear
clamp cylinder piston.
6. Remove the pins holding the clamp body to the clamp clevis
and remove the clamp clevis. Be sure to remove the spacer
from the piston rod slot.
7. Push in the cylinder gland from the rear cylinder head
retainer ring and remove the ring with a screwdriver.
8. Attach the sliding hammer to the rear piston rod and carefully
pull the piston until the cylinder gland can be removed.
9. Continue to pull until the piston comes out.
10. Using a piece of wood or brass bar, tap the front clamp piston
from the front and remove it from the rear.
11. Remove and discard the piston seals, rod seals, and rod
wipers.
12. Remove the front piston rod seal and rod wiper from the
clamp cylinder body and discard.
13. Inspect the clamp cylinder bore thoroughly for dirt, burrs,
nicks, gouges, and pitting. Repair and clean as necessary.
Assembly

1. Insert a new front rod seal and rod wiper in the clamp
cylinder body and lubricate with clean hydraulic fluid.
2. Install a new piston seal in the front piston groove and
lubricate with hydraulic fluid.
3. Insert the front piston into the clamp cylinder body with the
two jaw spacer screw holes orientated vertically.
4. Gently and evenly tap the piston into place until the rod
appears beyond the front cylinder bore.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-69

March 8, 2001

5. Install a new piston seal in the rear piston groove and


lubricate with hydraulic fluid.
6. Insert the rear piston into the clamp cylinder body with the
two screws holes on the rod oriented to the horizontal
position.
7. Gently tap piston into place until there is enough space
between the piston face and retaining ring groove to insert
cylinder gland and retainer ring.
8. Install the rod seal and rod wiper in the inside grooves of the
cylinder gland.
9. Install the piston seal in the outside groove.
10. Lubricate all seals with hydraulic fluid.
11. Insert cylinder gland into the bore rod and piston seals first.
Push the gland past retainer groove and install the retainer
ring.
12. Insert the spacer and attach the clamp clevis to the rear
cylinder rod with the two hex head cap screws and flat
washers. Tighten firmly and lockwire.
13. Adjust orientation of the clamp clevis and attach to the clamp
body using the two clevis pins and cotter pins.
14. Attach the rear clamping jaw spacer to the front piston rod
using the spacer and two hex head cap screws and flat
washers. Tighten firmly and lockwire.
15. Attach the clamping jaw with the two jaw pins.
16 Swing the stabbing guide back into position and attach with
the slotted nut and cotter pin.
17. Reconnect the hydraulic lines from the clamp body cylinder
clamp port and front unclamp port at the torque wrench
manifold clamp and unclamp ports.
18. Reinstall and adjust the torque wrench
(refer to Adjusting the torque wrench earlier in this chapter).

4-70

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Replacing the standard rotating head


glyd rings

Rotary glyd ring replacement is indicated when hydraulic oil is


detected in the pipehandler air supply. An indication of oil
contaminating the air supply would be an accumulation of oil in
the link tilt air actuator (bag).
The following disassembly and assembly procedures assume that
the TDS is swung out for maintenance in accordance with the
TDS swing out procedures (refer to TDS swing out procedure in
Chapter 1 of this book). Refer to Figures 4-28 and 4-29, when
performing the following procedures.

Cam

Stationary Flange

Cam Follower

Locking Lever

Auto-Return
Cylinder

Torque Arrestor
Location
Glyd Ring (8)

Swivel Block
Torque Wrench Hanger
(Lug not shown)

Figure 4-28. 650-Ton rotating head assembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-71

March 8, 2001

Disassembly

1. Order eight replacement glyd rings, two gearcase seals, one


flange gasket, and one excluder cap gasket from Varco.
Contact the nearest Varco Service Center for details about
building an appropriate stand for working on the rotating
head when removed from the TDS for service or
maintenance.
2. Disconnect the hydraulic and air hoses from the rotating head
rotating block to the various pipehandler components.
3. Support the torque wrench.
4. Disconnect the IBOP actuator arms and hoses.
5. Remove the pin attaching the hanger to the rotating block
clevis, and remove the torque wrench.
6. Support the link tilt and link adapter assembly while
removing the pins attaching the torque arrestors to the
rotating block.
7. Remove the torque arrestors, link tilt and link adapter.
8. Place the rotating head stand, built prior to disassembly,
under the TDS and lower the TDS until the rotating head
rests on the stand.
9. Remove the flange nuts and lift the block, leaving the rotating
head on the stand.
10. Remove the quick disconnect fittings from the rotating block
hydraulic lines and drain the hydraulic fluid from the system.
11. Remove the cotter pin from the return cylinder clevis pin.
12. Remove the hex-slotted nut and remove the clevis pin.
13. Push the cam follower away from the rotating block cam.
14. Remove the safety wire from the ten hex-head screws
attaching the rotating block to the stationary flange.
15. Support the rotating block and remove the ten screws.
16. Remove the rotating block and glyd rings.
17. Remove the excluder cap and gasket.
18. Remove the glyd rings from the rotating block and discard.
19. Remove excluder cap gasket and replace with new gasket.
4-72

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Cam Assembly
Locking Handle

Return Cylinder

Return
Cylinder
Clevis Pin

Return
Cylinder
Rod End Detail
Hex Nut

;;;;

Cotter Pin

Cam

;;;;;;
;;;;;;
;;;;;;
;;;;;;
C;;;;;;
;;;;;;
;;;;;;
;;;;;;
Cylinder Clevis

Excluder
Cap

Detail
Retainer Ring

Ball Bearing
Glyd Ring (8)

Excluder Cap
Gasket

Cam
Ball Bearing

C
Stationary Flange

Bull Gear
Lip Seal

Figure 4-29. Replacing the 650-Ton rotating head glyd rings

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-73

March 8, 2001

Assembly

1. Lubricate the eight new glyd rings with hydraulic fluid and
insert them into the glyd ring grooves inside the rotating
block.
2. Place the excluder cap and gasket on the bottom of the
rotating block.
3. Using a tugger or other support, carefully mate the rotating
block to the stationary flange.
4. Reinstall the ten hex-head screws and torque to 250 ft lb.
5. Safety wire the screws per standard safety wire procedures.
6. Reinstall the quick disconnect hydraulic fittings on the
rotating block.
7. Attach the return cylinder rod to the clevis with the clevis pin
and install the slotted hex-head nut and cotter pin.
8. Reinstall the pipehandler components per the procedures
detailed in the Installation and Commissioning book.

4-74

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Replacing the powered rotating head


glyd rings
Refer to the assembly drawings when performing the following
procedures.
Disassembly

1. Order eleven replacement glyd rings, two gearcase seals, one


flange gasket, and one excluder cap gasket from Varco.
Contact the nearest Varco Service Center for details about
building an appropriate stand for working on the rotating
head when removed from the TDS for service or
maintenance.
2. Disconnect the hydraulic and air hoses from the rotating head
rotating block to the various pipehandler components.
3. Support the torque wrench.
4. Disconnect the IBOP actuator arms and hoses.
5. Remove the pin attaching the hanger to the rotating block
clevis, and remove the torque wrench.
6. Support the link tilt and link adapter assembly while
removing the pins attaching the torque arrestors to the
rotating block.
7. Remove the torque arrestors, link tilt, and link adapter.
8. Place the rotating head stand, built prior to disassembly,
under the TDS and lower the TDS until the rotating head
rests on the stand.
9. Remove the flange nuts and lift the block, leaving the rotating
head on the stand.
10. Remove the quick disconnect fittings from the rotating block
hydraulic lines and drain the hydraulic fluid from the system.
11. Remove the cotter pin from the return cylinder clevis pin.
12. Remove the hex-slotted nut and remove the clevis pin.
13. Remove the hydraulic motor assembly.
14. Remove the safety wire from the ten hex-head screws
attaching the rotating block to the stationary flange.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-75

March 8, 2001

15. Support the rotating block and remove the ten screws.
16. Remove the rotating block and glyd rings.
17. Remove the excluder cap and gasket.
18. Remove the glyd rings from the rotating block and discard.
19. Remove excluder cap gasket and replace with new gasket.
Assembly

1. Lubricate the eleven new glyd rings with hydraulic fluid and
insert them into the glyd ring grooves inside the rotating
block.
2. Place the excluder cap and gasket on the bottom of the
rotating block.
3. Using a tugger or other support, carefully mate the rotating
block to the stationary flange.
4. Reinstall the ten hex-head screws and torque to 250 ft lb.
5. Safety wire the screws per standard safety wire procedures.
6. Reinstall the QD hydraulic fittings on the rotating block.
7. Reinstall the hydraulic motor assembly.
8. Reinstall the pipehandler components per the procedures
detailed in the Installation and Commissioning book.

4-76

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Replacing the standard or extended reach


link tilt air actuator
The link tilt mechanism has two air actuators. Use the following
procedure to replace one air actuator (Figures 4-30 and 4-31).
Parts required:

One air actuator (P/N 82353)


18 Button head cap screws (P/N 50186-10-01)

Disassembly

1. Disconnect the air hose from the rotating head rotating block
to the link tilt assembly.
2. Support the link tilt and remove the two upper and two lower
screws attaching the link tilt to the link adapter.
3. Lower the link tilt to the floor with the air actuator to be
replaced facing up.
4. Remove the cotter key and pin from one end of chain
connecting the two sealing plates.
5. Remove the safety wire from the four hex-head cap screws
holding the air actuator sealing plate to the link tilt base or
lever and remove the screws.
6. Lift the lever or base off the air actuator sealing plate, and
rotate it 180 on the link tilt pivot pin and lay down.
7. Remove the nuts and washers holding the sealing plate to the
air actuator and remove the plate.
8. Using a pry bar or screwdriver, pry the air actuator away from
the screws, attach the actuator to the hanger plate and remove
the screws using a hex wrench.
9. Remove and discard the air actuator.
10. Remove any burrs or gouges on sealing surfaces of the hanger
and sealing plates.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-77

March 8, 2001

Lever Weldment
Pivot Pin
Sealing Plate (2)

Nuts, Lock
Washers (18)

Pressure
Regulator

Air Actuator
Base

Sealing Plate
Bolt (4)
Quick
Exhaust
Valve
Lever
Intermediate
Stop (2)

Connecting Chain
Buttonhead
Capscrew (18)

Stop Pivot Arm


Elevator Link (Ref)
Stop Release
Loop

Figure 4-30. Standard reach link tilt assembly/disassembly

4-78

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Lever Weldment
Pivot Pin
Sealing Plate (2)

Nuts, Lock
Washers (18)

Pressure
Regulator
Hanger Plate
Air Actuator (2)

Sealing
Plate
Bolt (4)

Base

Quick
Exhaust
Valve
Lever
Intermediate
Stop (2)

Connecting Chain
Stop Pivot Arm
Elevator Link (Ref)

Stop Release
Loop

Figure 4-31. Extended reach link tilt assembly/disassembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-79

March 8, 2001

Assembly

1. Place a new actuator on the hanger plate.


2. Attach the air actuator to the hanger plate with the 18
buttonhead cap screws. Coat the screw threads with locktite
before installation.

The air actuator has aluminum neck bead rings on both sealing
surfaces. These beads must be compressed equally to ensure a good air
seal. This requires more than one tightening pass to accomplish.
Over-torquing may cause hex sockets to strip.
4. Torque the cap screws to the hanger plate at 80 ft lb.
5. Insert the 18 bolts into the neck ring of the air actuator.
6. Reinstall the air actuator sealing plate, coat the bolt threads
with locktite and fasten with the lockwashers and nuts
provided.
7. Torque the nuts to the sealing plate at 80 ft lb.
(See Caution above.)
8. Lift and rotate the link tilt lever or base to line up with the air
actuator sealing plate. Attach with the four hex-head cap
screws and torque to 250 ft lb.
9. Safety wire the four screws.
10. Reconnect the chain between the two sealing plates.
11. Reinstall and adjust the link tilt per the Installation and
Commissioning book.

4-80

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Removing the tong dies


Front jaw
1. Remove the cotter pin from the retaining bolts
and slotted nut.
2. Remove the nuts securing the die retainer to the jaw.
3. Remove the die retainer from the jaw.
4. Remove the tong dies from the jaw.

Rear jaw
1. On the rear jaw, remove the cotter pins from the retaining
bolts and slotted nuts.
2. Support the retaining bolt while removing the slotted nut.
3. Remove the retaining bolt from the piston jaw.
4. Support the remaining retaining bolt while removing the
slotted nut and upper die retainer.
5. Remove the retaining bolt and lower die retainer.
6. Remove the tong dies from the jaw.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-81

March 8, 2001

Removing the jaws


Front jaw
1. Loosen the socket head cap screws securing the jaw assembly
to the torque wrench body.
2. Support the jaw and remove the socket-head cap screws and
washers from the jaw assembly and the torque wrench body.
3. Remove the front jaw assembly from the torque wrench body.

Rear jaw
1. Loosen the socket head cap screws securing the jaw assembly
to the piston.
2. Support the jaw assembly and remove the socket-head cap
screws and washers from the jaw assembly and piston.
3. Remove the rear jaw assembly from the piston.

Upper safety valve (IBOP)


Refer to the IBOP Service Manual for IBOP valve assembly and
disassembly procedures.

Lower safety valve (IBOP)


Refer to the IBOP Service Manual for IBOP valve assembly and
disassembly procedures.

4-82

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Removing the motor assembly


from the guide dolly
You can perform some service procedures on top drives (i.e. upper
drive stem bearing and seal, air brake or locally mounted cooling
system) without removing the drilling motor assembly from the
dolly. If service is required on the lower end (i.e. gear set, lower
bearings or seals), the drilling motor must be removed from the dolly.
1. Set the TDS down horizontally on a good flat surface.
2. Make sure none of the components protrude past the guide
dolly roller brackets before setting the TDS down. If so, block
up the guide dolly accordingly.
3. Disconnect all wiring and hoses between transmission and
guide dolly frame.
4. Remove any cooling ducts (heat exchanger, spark arrestor,
etc.) that interfere with removing the transmission from guide
dolly frame.
5. Use a suitable sling to support the weight of the TDS and
motor support bonnet (approximately 10,000 lb).
6. Take up the slack and remove the trunnion blocks that hold
the transmission to the guide dolly frame.
7. Hoist the transmission out of the guide dolly frame.
8. Set the TDS and motor support bonnet down on wooden
chocks, being careful not to damage components.
9. Disconnect the wiring between the motor and motor support
bonnet.
10. Make sure the transmission is in neutral.
11. Remove the dowel pins in the motor feet.
12. Remove the four large motor bolts.
13. Lift the transmission off of the motor, angling the upper end
slightly to clear the motor support bonnet, and sliding the
housing off of the motor toward the gearcase
14. Remove the blower and brake assemblies.
15. Reverse this procedure for reassembly.
TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-83

March 8, 2001

Disassembly/assembly of the
drilling motor and motor support
bonnet
1. Remove the upper bearing cover and grease seal
(Figure 4-32).
2. Pressurize the air brake to hold the drive mechanism in place.
3. Remove cotter pins, slotted nuts and the rotating head.
4. Remove the lower gearcase, carefully avoiding damage to the
lower gearcase locator dowel pins.
5. Carefully remove the bull gear, avoiding damage to the
bearing surfaces or wear sleeves. Do not remove the gear from
the shaft unless you are replacing it.
6. Remove the pinion seal and retaining ring.
7. Remove the main body.
8. On the opposite end of the motor, remove the magnetic
pickup and brake cover.
9. Remove the brake for service.

4-84

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Main Body
Air Brake

Low
Gear
Assembly

DC
Drilling
Motor

Bull Gear

High
Gear
Assembly
Pinion Gear
Manual
Shifter
Input

Geneva
Mechanism

HI

Shaft
LO

Oil Level
Sight Glass

Motor
Pinion Seal

Lower Gear
Case
Motor
Alignment
Cylinder

Gear
Selection
Indicator

Figure 4-32. Drilling motor and motor support bonnet assembly/disassembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-85

March 8, 2001

Refer to the GE Electric Motor Manual for procedures to remove


the pinion or hub on the armature shaft, or to service the motor
itself.
Once the unit has been disassembled, inspect the following
assemblies for any wear or damage that may be critical:
1. Gear set: Check the teeth and splines for chips or heavy wear.
The wear pattern should be even and symmetrical. If not,
replace it. Expect some small surface pitting. It is not cause
for replacing the gear set.
2. Bearings: Clean thoroughly in solvent, then rotate and listen
for any roughness during rotation.
3. Main shaft: Check splines and tool joints for wear. Replace
the shaft if spline wear exceeds 0.090 in.
4. Main shaft: Check fit to bull gear, wear sleeve surfaces, and
retaining threads.
5. Seals: Always replace seals and gaskets when removed.
6. Main shaft housing: The bore for the upper bearing and the
pilot diameter for the lower gearcase are critical. Clean up any
nicks or gouges prior to reassembly.
7. Air brake: Check the brake for air leakage and the pads for
wear.
8. Wear sleeves: These should be free of any imperfections on
the sealing surface.
9. Blower: Clean any accumulation of dust from the ducting,
then operate the unit and correct any interference between
the impeller and housing.
10. Air valve assembly: If any air-operated systems are
malfunctioning, remove the appropriate valve and repair or
replace.
Reassemble the drilling motor and motor support bonnet by
reversing the steps in the disassembly procedure. Replace all
grease seals and O-rings, and refer to the following torque chart
for bolt tightening guidelines.

4-86

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Torque Chart
Motor support/bonnet to main body
Main body to motor support/bonnet
Bull gear to hub
Lower gearcase to main body
Rotating head to lower gearcase
Brake adapter ring to motor
Brake to brake adapter plate
Brake drum to hub
Brake cover to brake

1100 ft lb
1100 ft lb
580 ft lb
250 ft lb
250 ft lb
250 ft lb
50 ft lb
250 ft lb
50 ft lb

Installing the TDS motor pinion

Installing a pinion gear can be dangerous to personnel installing


it as well as anyone witnessing the procedure. Exercise caution at
all times.
Use the following procedure to install a TDS motor pinion:
1. Clean the motor shaft by hand and cover with a thin layer of
Engineers Blue.
2. Firmly install the pinion on the motor shaft by hand. Mark
reference lines on the pinion and the shaft to ensure identical
angular orientation each time.
3. There must be a minimum of 75% surface contact between
the pinion and motor shaft. Dress the motor shaft/pinion
very lightly with a fine emery cloth and repeat the blueing
procedure if necessary until there is at least 75% surface
contact between the pinion and motor shaft.
4. After thoroughly cleaning all blueing, oil, and/or grease from
the pinion bore and shaft, trial mount the cold pinion gear on
the motor shaft, lining up the reference marks.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-87

March 8, 2001

5. Make sure the fixture is clean and the horse shoe face and
bar are parallel.
6. Place the fixture on the motor shaft with the horse shoe end
against the inner face of the gear and the bar against the outer
face of the gear, sandwiching the pinion gear in the fixture.
7. Adjust the adjusting screw to butt against the end of the
motor shaft.
8. Attach a calibrated dial indicator gauge to the fixture and set
to zero.
9. Back off the adjusting screw until the gauge reads 0.0720.074 in. Then lock the screw in place with a locknut.
10. Remove the fixture from the pinion gear assembly.

Do not put the fixture in the oven.


11. Heat the pinion gear to 360-385F (182-196C) for three
hours in an oven. After heating for three hours, remove the
pinion gear assembly and immediately attach the fixture.
12. Place the pinion gear assembly and fixture on the motor shaft,
lining up the reference marks.
13. Gently tap the pinion gear assembly and fixture into place
until the adjusting screw butts against the motor shaft.
14. Wait 2-3 minutes and back off the nuts holding the fixture in
place. There may be some noise as the pinion gear cools.
15. The pinion creeps up the shaft as it cools to the required
position of 0.085 0.005 in. advancement.
16. When the pinion is fully cooled, fit the fixture and check final
advancement.
17. Complete the required documentation recording pinion
advancement.

4-88

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Local blower cooling system


assembly/disassembly
Use the following procedure to remove the blower motor in the
local blower cooling system (Figure 4-33):
1. Remove the electrical wires from the blower motor.
2. Remove the eight bolts on each side connecting the ducts to
the blower housing ducts.
3. Remove the four bolts on each side connecting the duct
housing to the blower inlet ducts.
4. Remove the four bolts connecting the blower mount to the
brake cover.
5. Hoist the blower assembly off of the TDS and place on a
clean work space on the derrick floor.
6. Remove the blower inlet ducts on both sides of the blower
motor.
7. Remove the taper lock bushings from both blower impellers.
8. Remove both blower impellers.
9. Remove the bolts connecting the blower housing assemblies
on both sides to the blower mount.
10. Remove the shaft seal assemblies from both sides.
11. Remove the blower housing and inner plate assemblies as
units from both sides. Do not separate the blower housing
assemblies from the inner plates.
12. Unbolt the four bolts connecting the blower motor feet to the
blower mount.
13. Lift the motor out.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-89

March 8, 2001

Axial Fan
20 hp
Blower Motor

Transmission
Cooler

Locking Key
Oil Fittings (2)

Blower Housing
Gasket

Mounting
Brackets (2)
Blower Impeller
Taper Lock
Bushing
Gasket
Flex Duct
Connection
Point
Mounting Plate

Blower Duct to
AC Drilling Motor

Spark Arrestor

Figure 4-33. Typical local blower cooling system assembly/disassembly

4-90

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Use the following procedure to install a new motor in the local


cooling system:
1. Install wear sleeves on the blower motor shaft.
2. Bolt the blower motor onto the blower motor mount and
safetywire the bolts.
3. Install the blower housing and inner plate assemblies on both
sides of the blower motor frame as follows:
a. Use two 3/8 in. bolts in the threaded alignment bolt holes
on both sides to line up the blower housing and inner
plate assemblies with the blower motor frame on both
sides.
b. Gradually insert and tighten the bolts that connect the
blower housing and inner plate assemblies on both sides
to the blower motor frame. Check the alignment holes as
you tighten the bolts to make sure both assemblies line up
properly on the blower motor frame.
4. Install shaft seal assemblies inside both blower housing
assemblies. Make sure the seals are centered.
5. Tighten and safetywire the retainer plates in place on both
sides.
6. Install the impellers and taper lock bushings on both sides
and safetywire the bolts.
7. Install the blower inlet duct assemblies to the blower housing
on both sides using the same alignment holes used in Step 3a.
8. Hoist the entire cooling system assembly onto the TDS. If the
alignment holes were properly used, the cooling system
assembly should line up perfectly on the TDS.
9. Install and safetywire the four bolts connecting the blower
mount to the brake cover.
10. Install and safetywire the four bolts on each side connecting
the heat exchange duct housing assemblies to the blower inlet
duct assemblies.
11. Install and safetywire the six bolts on each side connecting the
transmission ducts to the blower housing ducts.
12. Connect the electrical wires to the blower motor.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-91

March 8, 2001

Closed loop cooling system


assembly/disassembly
Use the following procedure to remove the blower motor in the
local blower cooling system (Figure 4-34):
1. Remove the electrical wires from the blower motor.
2. Remove the eight bolts on each side connecting the ducts to
the blower housing ducts.
3. Remove the four bolts on each side connecting the duct
housing to the blower inlet ducts.
4. Remove the four bolts connecting the blower mount to the
brake cover.
5. Hoist the blower assembly off of the TDS and place on a
clean work space on the derrick floor.
6. Remove the blower inlet ducts on both sides of the blower
motor.
7. Remove the taper lock bushings from both blower impellers.
8. Remove both blower impellers.
9. Remove the bolts connecting the blower housing assemblies
on both sides to the blower mount.
10. Remove the shaft seal assemblies from both sides.
11. Remove the blower housing and inner plate assemblies as
units from both sides. Do not separate the blower housing
assemblies from the inner plates.
12. Unbolt the four bolts connecting the blower motor feet to the
blower mount.
13. Lift the motor out.

4-92

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Dual Shaft
20 hp AC
Blower Motor

Blower Mount/
Brake Cover
Blower
Housing (2)

Impeller (2)

8 in. Flex
Connection (2)

Blower Inlet (2)

Water
Connections

DC to Motor
Exhaust Port on
Upper Gear Case
Inspection
Cover

GE
Drilling Motor
Heat Exchanger (2)

Figure 4-34. Typical closed loop cooling system assembly/disassembly

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-93

March 8, 2001

Use the following procedure to install a new motor in the local


cooling system:
1. Install wear sleeves on the blower motor shaft.
2. Bolt the blower motor onto the blower motor mount and
safetywire the bolts.
3. Install the blower housing and inner plate assemblies on both
sides of the blower motor frame as follows:
a. Use two 3/8 in. bolts in the threaded alignment bolt holes
on both sides to line up the blower housing and inner
plate assemblies with the blower motor frame on both
sides.
b. Gradually insert and tighten the bolts that connect the
blower housing and inner plate assemblies on both sides
to the blower motor frame. Check the alignment holes as
you tighten the bolts to make sure both assemblies line up
properly on the blower motor frame.
4. Install shaft seal assemblies inside both blower housing
assemblies. Make sure the seals are centered.
5. Tighten and safetywire the retainer plates in place on both
sides.
6. Install the impellers and taper lock bushings on both sides
and safetywire the bolts.
7. Install the blower inlet duct assemblies to the blower housing
on both sides using the same alignment holes used in Step 3a.
8. Hoist the entire cooling system assembly onto the TDS. If the
alignment holes were properly used, the cooling system
assembly should line up perfectly on the TDS.
9. Install and safetywire the four bolts connecting the blower
mount to the brake cover.
10. Install and safetywire the four bolts on each side connecting
the heat exchange duct housing assemblies to the blower inlet
duct assemblies.
11. Install and safetywire the six bolts on each side connecting the
transmission ducts to the blower housing ducts.
12. Connect the electrical wires to the blower motor.

4-94

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Replacing the safety wiring


Use the following procedures to safety wire screws, nuts, bolts, or
other fasteners where applicable.

Torque fasteners before safety wiring any screw, nut, plug, or


other fastener. Never overtorque or loosen a torqued fastener to
align safety wire holes.
Use the size and type of safety wire required in the applicable
specifications and drawings. Whenever possible, use double-twist
safety wiring.

n
n

Limit single-twist wiring to the following: small screws located in


closely spaced, closed geometrical patterns (e.g., triangles, squares,
rectangles, or circles), parts in electrical systems, or parts that are
difficult to reach.

Do not reuse safety wire.


To install safety wire:
1. Open the jaws of the safety twist pliers.
2. Squeeze the handles of the pliers together and unlock the
round, perforated slider in the center of the pliers from the
hook lock.
3. Grip both safety wires in the jaw. Squeeze the handles
together with one hand and pull the slider toward the rear of
the pliers with the other hand to lock the pliers.
4. Twist the safety wire by pulling the aluminum knob and twist
the rod out from the pliers. Let the pliers spin free.
5. Return the knob and twist the rod by holding the pliers
steady with one hand and pushing against the end of the
knob the with other hand (step 4 in Figure 4-35).
6. Repeat the previous twisting cycle.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-95

March 8, 2001

7. After threading the safety wire through the hole in the


fastener, pull the wire straight through without nicking the
wire. Twist four to five complete revolutions per inch of wire.
8. Make a pigtail of approximately 1 in. (25 mm) length (four
twists minimum) at the end of the wiring and bend back or
under to prevent it from becoming a snag.

1
2

Figure 4-35. Safety wiring procedures

4-96

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Safety wiring tips


Pull the safety wire firmly, but do not stretch it or let kinks
develop. Make twists tight, even, and as taut as possible
without weakening the wire by overtwisting (Figure 4-36).

Do not nick the wire with the edge of the hole in the fastener.
Position the safety wire so the pull exerted by the wire tightens the
nut. For best results, let the wire leave the fastener in a clockwise
direction
Twist the safety wire so the loop around the bolt or head has
sufficient tension to keep it from slipping up and over the
bolt head, with resulting slack in the safety wiring.

When securing castellated nuts with safety wire, tighten the nut to
the low side of the selected torque range, unless otherwise specified.
If necessary, continue tightening within specified torque limits
until a slot aligns with the hole.
The number of nuts, bolts or screws that can be safety-wired
together depends on the application. As a guide, when safetywiring widely spaced bolts by the double-twist method, a
group of three, or a 24 in. (610 mm) length of safety wire is
usually the maximum.

Figure 4-36. Safety wiring examples


TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-97

March 8, 2001

4-98

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Chapter 4
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the counterbalance


Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

System does not hold


pressure.

Needle valve is not closed.

See adjustment procedure and check


needle valve.

Cylinder rod seals leak.

Replace seals.

Fittings or hoses leak.

Tighten or replace as required.

Dirty or defective PRV valve. See adjustment procedure.


Clean or replace.
Dirty or stuck check valve.

Clean or replace.

Counterbalance control valve Return valve to drilling position.


in rig down position.
Cylinder rods remain
retracted (closed).

Pressure setting too high.

Adjust per adjustment procedure.

When activating or reactivating the counterbalance system, never start


an empty system with the needle valve closed. Always start the Hydraulic
Power Unit (HPU) first, run for 3-5 minutes, then slowly close needle
valve with HPU running. If an empty system is started up with needle
valve closed there is a good potential for damaging counterbalance
cylinder seals.
TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-99

March 8, 2001

Troubleshooting the motor


alignment cylinder
Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Alignment cylinder
fails to move
transmission at
trunnion pivot points
with recommended
pressure setting.

Transmission trunnion pins


will not pivot in dolly
support brackets, from lack
of lubrication.

Free trunnion pins as needed and


lubricate area regularly.

Possible problem with


Counterbalance
system hydraulic
system works
erratically or does not components.
work at all.

Check Troubleshooting the


counterbalance section of this book.

Loss of nitrogen precharge in Recharge accumulators as per the


procedure in the Troubleshooting the
accumulators located in
counterbalance section of this book.
motor dolly upright frame.
System does not hold
pressure.

Needle valve is not closed.

See the adjustment procedure.

Cylinder rod seals leak.

Replace seals.

Fittings or hoses leak.

Tighten or replace as required.

Dirty or defective PRV valve. Clean or replace.


Saver sub on TDS
does not align with
drill pipe.

Alignment cylinder pressure


too high or too low.

See the adjustment procedure.

Alignment cylinder rod


Adjust according to procedure.
adjustment too long or short.

Excessive motor
movement.

4-100

Rails not properly aligned


with centerline of well.

Check to make sure that rotary is in


center of floor and then check
alignment of rails in relation to
rotary.

Alignment cylinder fluid


flow not adequately
throttled.

See the adjustment procedure.


Normal adjustment is 1 1/2 turns
from full closed position on flow
control valves. If there is excessive
movement close to 3/4 turn from
full closed position.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the drilling motor


and guide dolly
Troubleshooting the motor air brake
Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Brake does not hold.

Insufficient air supply.

Check air supply pressure,


90 psi minimum required.

Solenoid valve not shifting.

Check electrical continuity.


Check lubricator on air supply.
Check mechanical operation of
solenoid valve.

Brake does not


release.

Brake drum contaminated


with grease or pads worn or
burnt.

Inspect and replace if necessary.

Solenoid valve sticking.

Lubricate, repair with repair kit or


replace valve.
Check air supply lubricator.

Quick exhaust valve not


functioning properly.

Clean or replace.

Troubleshooting the
retract guide dolly
Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Guide dolly retracts


too slow or too fast.

Flow control valves on the


guide dolly are not properly
set.

Set the flow controls to attain


desired retract speed.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-101

March 8, 2001

Troubleshooting the transmission


Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Oil leaking from


lower seal.

Lower gear case seals are dry


or damaged.

Apply grease to seal.


Grease fitting daily.
If problem persists replace gearcase
seals and bearing.

Oil leaking from shaft Oil level too high.


housing breather.

Gearbox temperature
is excessive.

Adjust oil level per recommended


specification.

Incorrect lubricant used.

Check recommended lubricants


chart and replace as needed.

Oil is foaming.

Replace oil.

Oil level too low or too high. Adjust oil level to recommended
level in sight glass.
Incorrect lubricant used.

Check recommended lubricants


chart and replace as needed.

Clogged oil suction screen.

Remove suction screen from oil


pump. Check discharge or pressure
hoses at outlets to confirm
circulation.

Check heat exchangers for air flow


Clogged or dirty heat
exchangers on unit equipped or water flow to ensure adequate
heat transfer and dissipation.
with such.

4-102

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the oil pump


Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

OIL PUMP LOSS


alarm is on.

Motor is not running.

Check electrical components to


ensure power is available to motor.
Repair or replace as needed.

Incorrect motor rotation.

Verify proper rotation and correct


if necessary.

Dirty or clogged oil pump


suction screen.

Remove and clean suction screen


making sure to properly seal screen
cover when installing.

Oil pump cavitatingevidence of air bubbles in


discharge lines.

Check all connections and suction


screen cover plate to ensure there are
no air leaks on suction side of oil
pump. Repair as needed.

Defective or improperly
adjusted pressure switch.

Check switch operation.


Repair or replace as needed.

Failure of oil pump drive


coupling.

Inspect, repair or replace as needed.

Faulty or worn oil pump.

Check relief valve on back of pump.


Install test gauge in discharge line
and adjust to 10 psi.
If unable to make oil pump work
after checking all of the above, repair
or replace as needed.

Incorrect lubricant used.

Check recommended lubricants


chart to make sure proper viscosity
of oil is used. Replace as needed.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-103

March 8, 2001

Troubleshooting the cooling system


Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Mechanical noise in
blower.

Loose impeller.

Reinstall impeller and hub and


locktite screws.

Faulty motor bearings.

Repair or replace as needed.

Faulty or loose wiring.

Locate and repair as needed.

Faulty motor starter.

Check for dirt or trash between


starter coil. Repair or replace as
needed.

Worn or defective seal or


wear sleeve.

Replace as needed.

Loose or vibrating blower


motor, wearing seals
excessively.

Correct blower mounting problem


or faulty motor bearing and replace
blower shaft seals.

Incorrect blower rotation.

Verify blower rotation. Correct as


needed.

Dirty or clogged spark


arrestors (local or remote
cooling systems).

Remove spark arrestors from motor


and clean screens if screens are
damaged with holes. Replace as
needed.

Blower runs
intermittently.

Excessive air loss in


blower motor shaft
area.

DC MOTOR
OVERHEATING,
OVERTEMP alarm
stays on with blower
running.

Clogged water or air passages Remove and clean passages as


needed.
in water cooled exchangers
(closed loop cooling).

4-104

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the cooling system (cont.)

Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

DC MOTOR
OVERHEATING,
OVERTEMP alarm
stays on with blower
running.

Continuous drilling Amps


over recommended levels.

Check service manual for continuous


Amp motor rating and adjust
drilling program accordingly.

Motor being stalled for over


recommended periods of
time.

DC motor should never be stalled


for more than 5 seconds with over
300 Amps applied.

Serious damage could occur to the


motor if this is done.

Faulty temperature switch or Repair or replace as needed.


probe.

Do not readjust or raise heat range


setting.

Improper cooling water flow See the Installation and


or incoming water temp too Commissioning book for
recommended or required flow rates
high (closed loop cooling).
and water temp.
Restricted air flow (local or
remote cooling).

Check and clean spark arrestors as


needed.
Check air intake on blower to ensure
there are no restrictions.
Verify proper blower rotation.

WATER
DETECTOR
alarm is on
(closed loop system).

Moisture in air inside DC


motor.

Check for leaks in heat exchanger.


Check air purge line filters. Ensure
dry air is going into motor.

Dirty or faulty water


detector.

Clean or replace as needed.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-105

March 8, 2001

Troubleshooting the pipehandler


Troubleshooting the torque wrench
Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Tool does not cycle


properly.

Valves in manifold out of


adjustment.

Readjust.

Supply and return hoses are


crossed.

Reconnect hoses correctly.

Improperly connected Quick Check QDs to make sure they are


Disconnects (QDs).
properly plugged together and
flowing in both directions.
Needle valve in counterbalance manifold is open.

Close needle valve (always with


HPU running).

Defective cartridge valve or


PRV valve.

Inspect valves for damaged seals or


stuck spools. Replace if necessary.

Improper component or
component installation.

Valve cartridge replaced with wrong


type.

4-106

When changing the Make/Break


valve, make sure the valve is properly
oriented when installed.

Die retainer and die


retainer bolts
damaged while
breaking.

Improper saver sub length or Saver sub length too long. Sub
machining.
should also have proper chamfer on
both shoulders.

Torque wrench does


not lift.

Oil bypass in pipehandler


hydraulic components.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Listen for oil bypassing in


pipehandler cylinders or manifold.
Locate and repair bypass as
necessary.

Troubleshooting the torque wrench (cont.)

Symptom

Probable cause

Tool goes up, clamps, Air pilot valve on counterbalance manifold stuck or
and cycles, but
inoperative.
remains clamped on
pipe when switch is
released.

Remedy
Remove air supply line to verify air
supply when solenoid valve is
activated.

Pilot valve dirty.

If air supply is available remove end


cap on pilot valve, clean and
lubricate.

Improperly connected quick


disconnects.

If air pilot valve is operable, hook


both pipehandler hoses together and
verify flow in both directions by
activating switch with hydraulics on.
If there is flow in only one direction,
check QDs.
If QDs are properly connected,
check hydraulic pilot valve for stuck
spool.

Hydraulic valve not shifting. Repair or replace.


Saver sub breaks out
instead of tool joint.

Saver sub not made up


properly.

Make up saver sub per procedure


described in the IBOP Service
Manual, increase previous torque
makeup by 10% to maximum
torque recommended in the IBOP
Service Manual (for original Varco
OEM subs).

Tong dies break or


score drill pipe.

Valves in manifold out of


adjustment.

Readjust per procedure.

Tong dies worn.

Replace tong dies.

Connection overtorqued.

If saver sub is made up to


recommended torque and continues
to break out instead of drill pipe
connection, break out using rig
tongs.
If saver sub or drill pipe will not
break out using pipehandler, remove
pipehandler and break out with rig
tongs at floor.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-107

March 8, 2001

Troubleshooting the
safety valve actuator
Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Safety valve leaks.

Internal parts worn out.

Check for washouts or defective


parts. Repair as needed.

Actuator out of adjustment.

Check electrical continuity.


Check spool mechanical operation.
Lubricate if needed.
Check actuator cylinder adjustment
(see procedure).

Excessive vibration or Actuator support roller


wobble while rotating. brackets bent or out of
adjustment.
Worn cam rollers.

Check actuator shell adjustment and


crank assembly operation.
Repair or replace rollers and roller
brackets, shimming as needed to
maintain smooth operation.

Troubleshooting the link tilt


Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Does not tilt.

Solenoid valve not shifting.

Check electrical continuity.


Check spool mechanical operation
and lubricate as needed.

Does not reach


mousehole.

Improperly adjusted.

Readjust drag link, shorten if


necessary.

Retracts slowly, does


not make it back to
well center.

Pressure setting on float


valve too low.

Adjust pressure setting.

Passive stop not in right


spot.

Adjust jam not on passive stop to


position elevators over well center.

Pressure setting on float


valve too high.

Adjust pressure setting.

Passive stop not in right


spot.

Adjust jam not on passive stop to


position elevators over well center.

Retracts past well


center in float mode.

4-108

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the pipehandler at


the counterbalance manifold
Symptom

Probable cause

Remedy

Pipehandler goes up and


clamps when the HPU is
turned on without
pressing switch.

Improperly connected
QDs.

Check all QDs to make sure that they are


properly connected, also making sure that
each half is intact and not coming apart and
restricting fluid.

Solenoid valve stuck or


inoperative.

Disconnect air line from solenoid to air pilot


valve. If there is a constant air flow, the
solenoid valve is stuck in the open position.
Remove the solenoid and valve. Clean as
needed. Repair or replace valve as needed.
Check oil lubricator to make sure valves are
being lubricated.

Air pilot valve sticking.

Faulty or loose wiring.


IBOP valve actuator
remains either in closed or
open position.
No air supply or air
supply incorrect.

If there is no constant air flow from air line,


remove end cover on air pilot valve and
check spool to see if it is operating freely.
Clean as needed and lubricate. Repair or
replace valve as needed.
Check electrical continuity to switches and
solenoids.
Check air supply. There must be 90 psi
minimum pressure.

Crank assembly, actuator Check crank assembly, actuator arms and


cylinders. Repair as needed.
arms or cylinders
sticking.
Solenoid valves stuck in
the open position or in
center position.
IBOP valve does not fully Actuator cylinder out of
open or close.
adjustment.

Check solenoid valves to see if they are not


stuck in the open position or in center
position. Repair or replace valve as needed.
Check actuator cylinder adjustment and
adjust as needed.

Cam follower rollers


sticking.

Check cam follower rollers on crank


assembly and arms.

Crank assembly retainer


bolts loose.

Check crank assembly retainer bolts to


assure tightness.

Crank assembly retainer bolts should be


checked weekly to make sure they remain
tight.

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-109

March 8, 2001

Troubleshooting the
crown height indicator
Symptom
Green power indicator
does not illuminate.

Probable cause
Remedy
No AC power being applied. Check Expo purge system and
input AC power.
Internal AC breaker tripped. Check internal circuit breaker on control
electronic module for tripped condition.
Failure of DC power supply. Check AC power LED on control electronic
module. Replace electronic control module
necessary.
Replace electronic control module.
Depressing the PUSH TO Malfunction of control
electronics.
TEST indicator does not
cause position indicators to
flash or illuminate.
Misadjusted lower sensor
Check proximity switch alignment.
Yellow indicator is
proximity switch.
constantly illuminated
while traveling assembly is
below ten feet.
Defective lower sensor
Check mechanical operation of sensor
bracket assembly.
bracket assembly.
Perform cable continuity tests.
Defective sensor cable
between sensor junction box
and control electronics.
Defective proximity switch. Replace proximity switch.

Yellow and red indicator


constantly flash while
traveling assembly is below
ten feet.

Malfunction of electronics
control module.
Misadjusted lower sensor
proximity switch.

Defective sensor cable


between the sensor junction
box and control electronics.
Defective upper sensor
bracket assemblies.
Defective upper proximity
switches.

Malfunction of electronics
control module.

4-110

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Replace electronic control module.


Check proximity switch alignment.

Perform cable continuity tests.

Check the mechanical operation of the upper


sensor bracket assembly.
Check voltages from upper proximity switch
by measuring voltage between TB3 and TB2
for upper sensor at the sensor junction box.
A measurement of less than 2.0 VDC indicates
a working sensor when metal is detected.
Replace proximity switches as required.
Replace electronic control module.

Six-gang air valve assembly


illustration
Air Elevator
Torque Wrench
Brake
IBOP Open
Link Tilt
IBOP Close

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4-111

March 8, 2001

4-112

TDS-4S Maintenance and Troubleshooting

TDS-4S
Top Drive
Drilling
System

Control System
SM00620-5

March 8, 2001

5-2

TDS-4S Control System

Contents
TDS-4S Control System
General description .......................................................... 5-5
Maintenance and troubleshooting/
checkout procedures ........................................................ 5-7

TDS-4S Control System

5-3

March 8, 2001

5-4

TDS-4S Control System

TDS-4S
Control System

General description
The Top Drive Drilling System (TDS) typically operates from the
same SCR as the rotary table. A panel, located in a Central
Electronics Enclosure (CEE), switches power from one to the
other. The CEE typically contains the following components:
DC contactors
A programmable logic controller (PLC)
Auxiliary AC components
Rig instrumentation interfaces for recording
TDS torque and speed

TDS-4S Control System

5-5

March 8, 2001

In dedicated top drive SCR configurations, the SCR runs the top
drive only.
The panel can feature a purge control system so it can be located
in hazardous areas. If the panel is located in the SCR room, a
purge system is not required.
The panel is designed to be compatible with all presently installed
SCR systems and is configured at installation for the specific SCR
used on a rig. Logic and alarm functions are connected to the
TDS via PLC programming so the TDS can operate existing rig
systems. Also, TDS interlocks and limits, such as spin-up and
makeup speeds, are programmed into the PLC and are the same
for all installations.

5-6

TDS-4S Control System

Maintenance and troubleshooting/


checkout procedures
The Varco Top Drive Drilling Control System (TDCS) is
straightforward in its operation and relatively easy to service.
Refer to the following documentation for maintenance,
troubleshooting and checkout information:
Periodic control system maintenance schedule
(See Table 1 below.)
Rig checklist
PLC manual
Card rack terminal specifications
Table 1. Periodic control system maintenance schedule
Location

Procedure

Frequency

Indicator lamps

Test using the lamp test switch


on the drillers console.

Each time the


TDS is assigned.

Heater

Check operation with an Ohm meter.

Monthly

High voltage connections

Check for discolored or brittle insulation.

Monthly

Check retaining bolt torque


(needs to be 25 ft lb).

Monthly

Component mounting

Check fastener tightness, especially in


vibration-prone areas.

Monthly

Blower mounting current

Check and record current.


(A drop in the current may indicate
restriction or blockage of the air intake.)

Monthly

Drilling motor field current

Verify and record.

Weekly

Seals and gaskets

Check for integrity.

Monthly

Apply a light film of silicone lubricant


to the transfer panel door.

Every 3 months

TDS-4S Control System

5-7

March 8, 2001

5-8

TDS-4S Control System

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