Product Bulletin No.

: 10745637-PIB
Rev 01
Release Top Drive Drilling System
Date: May 13, 2013

Subject: Dropped Guide Beam Assembly While Hoisting Casing Tubular

Product: TDS-9SA, TDS-11SA, TDS-11SH, IDS-4A, IDS-350, and TDS-8SGB Top Drive Drilling
Systems with Quick Rig-up Guide Beam Kit

Affected
Assemblies: Top Drives with Quick Rig-up Guide Beam Kits (Multiple Part Nos.)

Objective: Advise customers of reported dropped Guide Beam Assembly incident and remind
them of safe and proper operation when hoisting tubulars from catwalk.

Issue: NOV has received a report of a dropped Guide Beam Assembly, which occurred while a
rig was hoisting a casing tubular from the catwalk through the V-door. The box end of
the casing was forced up against the Guide Beam while being hoisted with the top
drive/elevator at high speed. The casing collar caught on the bottom guide beam hinge
joint, lifting the entire Guide Beam Assembly (see Figures 1 and 2).

The Hang-Off Link and the hook-latch on the top section of the Guide Beam Assembly
were severely damaged, resulting in the entire Guide Beam Assembly separating from
the hang-off link and dropping to the rig floor. No injuries were reported as a result of
this incident.

Solution: The affected rig had a TDS-11SA Top Drive Drilling System; however this Safety Alert
is applicable to those Top Drive products noted above as the Guide Beam kits are the
same or very similar.

NOV wants to remind users of the importance of safe operational practices when using
a Top Drive, particularly when power-assisted feeding equipment can push tubulars
past well center resulting in contact with the Guide Beam and other equipment. It
should be verified that the tubular clears all possible snag points and is hoisted at a
safe speed until it is completely clear of potential snag points before hoisting at high
speed.

© 2013 National Oilwell Varco 10745637-PIB

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

Replacement of damaged and worn parts is important to rig safety and operation. Operators should
also refer to previous NOV Product Information Bulletins and Safety Alerts at
http://www.nov.com/drilling for additional information related to this issue and information regarding
safe operation, maintenance, and inspection criteria.

Contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center if there are any questions regarding
this safety alert.

Figure 1
Tubular forced up against the Guide Beam Hinge Joint

© 2013 National Oilwell Varco 10745637-PIB

Rev 01
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 Figure 2
Tubular forced up against the Guide Beam Hinge Joint

© 2013 National Oilwell Varco 10745637-PIB

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