National-Oilwell: Top Drive

NATIONAL-OILWELL
Top Drive
Mechanical
Trouble-Shooting
Document Number:
600-005-00
Mechanical NATIONAL-OILWELL
Trouble-Shooting Top Drive
Table of Contents
Description Page
Purpose............................................................................................................................................ 2
Personnel Qualifications ................................................................................................................. 2
Measuring and Testing Equipment ................................................................................................. 2
Drilling Motor Brake ...................................................................................................................... 3
Counterbalance System................................................................................................................... 4
Cooling System............................................................................................................................... 6
Gearbox........................................................................................................................................... 7
Grabs ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Elevator Positioning System........................................................................................................... 9
IBOP Assembly ............................................................................................................................ 10
Purge System................................................................................................................................. 10
Solenoid Valve Assembly............................................................................................................. 11
Guide Track Dolly System............................................................................................................ 11
Rotating Side Skid ........................................................................................................................ 12
Document Number:
1 600-005-00
Purpose
This section is written to provide guidelines to inspect and trouble-shoot the Top Drive functions
that could malfunction - causing delays in the drilling program, damage to machinery or personal
injury. This section will address the mechanical functions of the Top Drive and assume the
Electrical Components are functioning properly.
While the author has consulted with a multitude of field personnel and is acquainted with the
original design group, there is no possible way to anticipate every problem or predicament that will
be encountered. Contact National Oilwell for mechanical problems not covered in this document.
Personnel Qualifications
Personnel conducting the Trouble-Shooting Procedures should be experienced and thoroughly
familiar with the Top Drive. The Personnel conducting the Trouble-Shooting Procedures must read
and understand the Care and Operations Manual as well as understand the functions of the Top
Drive.
Measuring and Testing Equipment

Equipment used to inspect, test or examine components or functions of the Top Drive shall be
identified, controlled, calibrated and adjusted at specific intervals in accordance with documented
manufacturer's instructions and consistent with a recognized industry standard (e.g., MIL STD 120,
BS 5781 or ASME E 543-87) to maintain the required level of accuracy.
Document Number:
2 600-005-00
Drilling Motor Brake
MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

Motor Brake does not The AIR SUPPLY may be turned off. Open Air Supply.
operate.
The AIR LINE may be clogged. Open or Replace the clogged Air
Line(s).
The AIR BLADDER may be Replace the punctured Air Bladder.
punctured.
The QUICK RELEASE VALVE may be Replace the malfunctioning Quick
malfunctioning Release Valve.
The BRAKE PADS may be too worn Replace the worn Brake Pads.
for service.
Document Number:
3 600-005-00
Counterbalance System
Counterbalance does not float The M AIN AIR SUPPLY VALVE Open the Main Air Supply
the Top Drive up as may be closed. Valve
programmed.
The AIR SUPPLY VALVE to the Open the Air Supply Valve to
Counterbalance Control Box the Control Console.
may be closed.
All the VALVES closed on the Open one valve on the Control
Counterbalance Control Box. Console.
The REGULATOR attached to the Adjust the regulator until the
open valve in the Counterbalance desired results are obtained.
Control Box is not properly Refer to “Counterbalance
adjusted. System” Section of “System
Description”
The REGULATOR in the Replace or Rebuild the
Counterbalance Control Box is regulator.
not performing properly.
The RELAY VALVE is not Inspect the Rig Air Supply to the
receiving air flow. Relay Valve for air flow and
pressure.
The RELAY VALVE is not Inspect the Pilot Air Supply at
receiving a pilot air signal. the Relay Valve for flow and
pressure.
The RELAY VALVE is not Return the Relay Valve for
processing the pilot air signal repair or exchange.
received due to plugged orifice.
Exhaust Air M UFFLER on the Remove the Muffler and clean it
Pressure Booster Pump is not or replace the Muffler.
allowing air to escape due to
paint on the exterior or an
accumulation of debris on the
inside of the Muffler.
The PRESSURE BOOSTER PUMP Repair or Replace the Pressure
may be malfunctioning. Booster Pump.
Document Number:
4 600-005-00
Counterbalance System
(Continued from page 4)

Counterbalance does not float FILTER plugged. Inspect the Filters in the
the Power Swivel up as Counterbalance Control Box,
programmed. (Continued...) Relay Valve Assembly, and
Pressure Booster Assembly and
replace the Elements as required.
Make sure the Automatic Drain
on the Filter is working.
CANISTER VENT plugged. Inspect the vent on top of the
Canisters for paint and
accumulation of debris and
sludge on the inside of the vent.
Clean or replace the vent.
RUBBER ELEMENTS leaking Replace the Rubber Element
within the Canisters. (AIR ISOLATOR).
Counterbalance Center LIMIT SWITCH not properly Adjust the Limit Switch.
position indicator does not adjusted.
come on.
Document Number:
5 600-005-00
Cooling System

The Blower Assembly vibrates FAN may be out of balance If the Fan is dusty, it may be
excessively. due to dust build-up, cleaned; if the fan is corroded or
corrosion, or missing missing a weight, it may have to
weight. be returned to the factory for
repair or exchange.
The Moisture Probe detects water There may be a water leak Replace the Heat Exchanger.
in the Drilling Motor. in the HEAT EXCHANGER.
(Closed Loop Cooling System Only)

Drilling Motor over heats. There may be an Inspect the Coolant Pumping
inadequate flow of water to System Intake and the Coolant
the HEAT EXCHANGER. Supply Lines for restrictions to
(Closed Loop Cooling System Only) the Heat Exchanger.
The Blower runs and there is The SPARK ARRESTOR is Clean or replace the Spark
pressure in the system but little or clogged Arrestor.
no air exhaust.
(Open Loop Cooling System Only)
Document Number:
6 600-005-00
Gearbox

The Gear Box is over- heating. LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL in the Fill the Gear Box to the proper
Gear Box temperature exceeds Gear Box. level.
200o F. (95o C.)
RESTRICTION in the Lubrication Clean the Suction Strainer,
System. Replace the Filter and Inspect the
Nozzles.
LUBRICANT does not meet Drain and clean Gear Box,
specification or is contaminated. replace Lubricant with
recommended oil.
Operating at High Speed and Install an Oil Cooler on the
High Torque in High Ambient Lubrication System.
Temperature Environment.
Operating with Faulty Bearing or Replace the Faulty Bearing and
Galled Gear Teeth. Galled Gear Set.
Gear Box vibrates or makes Operating with Faulty Bearing or Replace the Faulty Bearing and
unusual noises. Galled Gear Teeth. Galled Gear Set.
Document Number:
7 600-005-00
Grabs

Grabs fail to either close or The PUMP does not function See the section on the “Air
open. properly. Driven Hydraulic Pump” located
in the “Outside Source
Information” Section in this
manual.
The air EXHAUST M UFFLER on Inspect the Exhaust Muffler for
the pump may be clogged. paint on the exterior and
accumulation of debris and
sludge on the inside of the
Muffler. Clean or replace as
necessary.
The air FILTER may be plugged. Inspect the Air Supply Filter and
replace the element as required.
Make sure the Automatic Drain
on the Filter is working.
The HYDRAULIC OIL FILTER Inspect the Hydraulic Oil Filter
may be plugged. and replace the Elements as
required.
The OIL LEVEL may be low. Inspect the Oil Level and add oil
as required.
The OIL SUCTION STRAINER Inspect the Strainer on the Oil
may be plugged. Intake Line for a build up of
sludge and debris by
disconnecting the Suction Hose
and removing the larger Bushing
from the top of the Hydraulic
Reservoir. The Strainer will be
on the end of the Hose attached
to the Bushing.
Mud and Debris may be built-up Wash the mud and debris out.
behind the DIE HEADS.
Document Number:
8 600-005-00
Elevator Positioning System

The Handling Ring will not Inspect the AIR EXHAUST Clean or Replace Muffler.
rotate when the switch is M UFFLER, located on the shuttle
activated. valve supplying air to the rotation
motor, for Paint on the Exterior
and/or accumulation of debris and
sludge on the Interior.
The LOCKING RACK ASSEMBLY Inspect the air supply to the
will not retract. Locking Rack Assembly.
The Air Motor operates in Under certain weather conditions, Thaw out the Air Motor. See
one direction fine, but ice may build up in the AIR Requirements for Compressed
operation is very erratic in M OTOR during prolonged Air supplied to the Top Drive.
the opposite direction. operation. When the motor is
reversed with the build up of ice,
the operation could be very
erratic.
The Gear Box is over- IMPROPER LUBRICANT LEVEL in Fill Gear Box to the proper
heating. Gear Box the Gear Box. level.
Temperature exceeds 200o F.
Operating With Faulty Bearing or Replace Faulty Bearing and
Galled Gear Teeth. Galled Gear Set.
Gear Box vibrates or makes Operating with Faulty Bearing or Replace the Faulty Bearing and
unusual sounds Galled Gear Teeth. Galled Gear Set.
The Link Tilt will not The AIR SUPPLY is turned off. Open the Main Air Supply
operate. Valve.
The RELAY VALVE is faulty. Repair or replace faulty Relay
Valve.
The QUICK RELEASE VALVE is Repair or replace the faulty
faulty. Quick Release Valve.
Drilling mud or wire rope Clean the Cylinder Rods.
lubricant is gumming up the
CYLINDER RODS .
The SEALS are dry and the Inner Lubricate the Rods with
Diameter (I.D.) of the Cylinder is lightweight oil and "inject" a
dry. few drops of oil into each Port
on the Cylinder.
Document Number:
9 600-005-00
IBOP Assembly

IBOP does not open or close. AIR SOURCE turned off. Open the Main Air Supply
Valve.
AIR LINE clogged. Open or replace the clogged air
line(s).
ACTUATOR does not function Refer to the section on “IBOP
properly. Actuator Service” located in the
“Outside Source Information”
Section in this manual.
Purge System

Purge System does not purge AIR SOURCE turned off. Open the Main Air Supply
or pressurize the interior of the Valve.
boxes.
OTHER FUNCTIONS on the Rig May need to increase the flow
are demanding all the Air Flow. capacity of the Air Supply
System.
EXCESSIVE AIR LEAKING out of Repair or Seal the leaks or
the boxes faster than Air Flow increase the air flow.
can be supplied.
Document Number:
10 600-005-00
Solenoid Valve Assembly

Valve does not operate. M AIN AIR SUPPLY VALVE may Open the Main Air Supply
be closed. Valve.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY may Turn the Electric Power Supply
be turned off. on.
At least ONE Function AIR EXHAUST from Solenoid Enlarge, clean or replace the
operates unexpectedly when Manifold is Restricted. Exhaust Port/Muffler.
another Function is turned
OFF.
Guide Track Dolly System

Wheels will not roll. The WHEEL BEARINGS are Replace the Wheels that have
faulty. faulty Bearings.
Wheels squeak or make The BEARINGS are dry and un- Lubricate the Wheel Bearings.
unusual noises. lubricated.
Wheels make a loud series of There may be a flat spot on the Replace the Wheels that have flat
thumps when they roll. WHEEL. spots.
Document Number:
11 600-005-00
Rotating Side Skid

The Side Skid will not rotate. The AIR SUPPLY VALVE is Open the Air Supply Valve.
closed.
The AIR SUPPLY FILTER may be Clean or replace the clogged Air
clogged. Supply Filter.
The AIR EXHAUST VENT is Clean or replace the clogged Air
clogged on the drive cylinders. Exhaust Vent on the Drive
Cylinders.
The DRAG CYLINDER has leaked Activate the Drag Cylinder first
down and the slack wire rope has to remove the slack in the wire
gotten tangled on something. rope.
The AIR EXHAUST VENT in the Clean or replace the clogged Air
Control Box could be clogged. Exhaust Vent in the Control Box.
The WHEELS or ROLLERS may Replace the faulty Wheels or
be faulty. Rollers.
The LATCH and LOCK may be Rebuild or lubricate the faulty
faulty. Latch and/or Lock.
The WHEELS may be dragging Coat the circular track with
on the circular track. molybdenum disulfide paste and
over-coat with a weather resistant
protective grease.
The WIRE ROPE may have Install the Wire Rope on the
jumped off the Fairlead Sheave. Fairlead Sheave and work the
slack out of the Wire Rope
before rotating the Side Skid.
Document Number:
12 600-005-00

National-Oilwell: Top Drive

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NATIONAL-OILWELL

Personnel Qualifications ................................................................................................................. 2

Measuring and Testing Equipment ................................................................................................. 2

Drilling Motor Brake ...................................................................................................................... 3

Elevator Positioning System........................................................................................................... 9

IBOP Assembly ............................................................................................................................ 10

Solenoid Valve Assembly............................................................................................................. 11

Guide Track Dolly System............................................................................................................ 11

Rotating Side Skid ........................................................................................................................ 12

Measuring and Testing Equipment

Drilling Motor Brake

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

(Closed Loop Cooling System Only)

(Open Loop Cooling System Only)

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

Elevator Positioning System

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

Solenoid Valve Assembly

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

Guide Track Dolly System

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

Rotating Side Skid

MALFUNCTION PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

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