Product Information Bulletin

Date: 28 April 2017

Bulletin Number: 1000012025-PIB Revision: 01
Top Drives

Subject: TDS-1000 Brake Adapter Ring Water Ingress

Product Model: TDS-3H, TDS-3S, TDS-4H, TDS-4S, TDS-5H, TDS-6S, TDS-8SA and TDS-1000
Top Drive Drilling Systems

Effectivity: All Product Models with Brake Adapter Ring (P/N 77544)

Affected Assemblies: Motor Housing Assembly (Multiple part Nos.)

Objective
Advise customers of recent reports of water ingress in TDS-8SA and TDS-1000 Top Drives inside of the
Brake Adapter Ring and to recommend immediate inspection for a plug and, if found, its removal.

Issue
NOV has received recent reports of water discovered inside of the Brake Adapter Ring (P/N 77544) on
several TDS-8SA and TDS-1000 Top Drives. The Brake Adapter Ring provides a mounting surface for the
Brake, Air (P/N 73302) and the Encoder, Incremental (P/N 30122725) and is located directly above the
drilling motor, as shown in Figure 1.

The Brake Adapter Ring design includes a 3/4"-14 NPT welded coupling located on the side. The
coupling is intended to be left open to atmosphere and allow residual condensation to escape. (see
Figure 2) NOV has received reports that on the Top Drives that have been inspected, the couplings have
been found with : (1) no plug, (2) plugged (3) silicone filled or (4) have a 90 degree elbow fitting installed
in the coupling. The reports also indicate varying amounts of water and corrosion of the Air Brake,
Brake Adapter Ring and the non-drive end of the Drilling Motor on these units.

Solution
NOV is currently investigating this issue and will report any findings in a revision to this product bulletin.
The NOV drawings are clear that this welded coupling on the Brake Adapter Ring is to be left unplugged.
NOV recommends that all customers with potentially affected equipment inspect the coupling at their
earliest convenience and remove the plug or silicone, if found.

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Note: This recommendation applies to all affected Top Drives whether operating,
warm/cold-stacked or in storage.
In addition NOV will be reviewing the Top Drive design for potential sources of water ingress in this
area and will advise of any further recommendations.

Encoder **

Air Brake

Brake Adapter Ring

Welded ¾-14 NPT Coupling

(also see Fig.2) Drilling Motor

Figure 1. TDS-1000 with view of Brake Adapter Ring.

** Note: Not all Top Drive product models listed on sheet 1 include the incremental encoder.

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Figure 2. Photo of Brake Adapter Ring Welded Coupling

Ordering and Contact Information

Please contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center, with reference to Product Bulletin
1000012025-PIB for further assistance.

Economic Impact
No Economic Impact.

Customers should also refer to previous NOV Product Bulletins for additional information related to this
issue and information regarding safe operation, maintenance, and inspection criteria by signing in to your
MYNOV account at https://portal.mynov.com and then searching with the Product Bulletin Search
available below the heading ‘Application Groups’. For information on registering, please visit
https://www.nov.com/Search/register.aspx.

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Failure to follow the recommendations and/or guidance in NOV Manuals and Product Bulletins may
result in death, bodily injury or property damage.

Please contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center if you have any questions regarding
this bulletin.

Revision History
Revision Date Change Description
(00 Month 0000) (vertical line to the side of a paragraph indicates a change)
01 28 April 2017 Initial release

1000012025-PIB Rev 01 4