Product Bulletin No.

: IDS-07-01
Rev A

Release

Top Drive Drilling System

Date: May 18, 2007

Subject: Possible Rotating Link Adapter Interference with Main Stem Product: IDS-4AC Top Drive Drilling Systems Affected Assemblies: Rotating Link Adapter Assembly (P/Ns 121341 and 30173277) Objective: Advise Operators of possible interference on the IDS-4AC Top Drive between the bottom bore of the Rotating Link Adapter Assembly (P/Ns 121341 and 30173277) and the outside diameter of the Main Stem (P/N 30157352) when drilling with link tilt extended to drill down position. Issue: NOV was advised of a Link Adapter Assembly contacting the Main Stem while drilling with the link tilt extended to the drill down position. The heavy side load created by the extended links and a BX Elevator caused the Link Adapter to tilt slightly and contact the rotating Main Stem. When the Link Adapter Assembly contacted the Main Stem, the elevator links and elevator began to rotate about well center near the drill floor. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident. After investigating this incident, it was determined that the clearance between the bottom of the Rotating Link Adapter Assembly and Main Stem was undersized due to the design tolerances being greater than they should have been. The likely cause for the contact was a combination of the Rotating Link Adapter to Main Stem clearance being too small and the increased weight of a BX Elevator.

2007NationalOilwellVarco

IDS-07-01 Rev A Page 1 of 3

Solution: To insure that there will always be sufficient operating clearance, NOV has determined that the minimum radial clearance between the Rotating Link Adapter and Main Stem should be .020. Operators must inspect their top drives to verify that they have at least this minimum allowable amount of clearance (see illustration on Page 3). The Landing Collar Assembly must be removed to obtain access to measure the clearance. If the clearance is less than .020, return the Rotating Link Adapter Assembly to NOV to have the bore of the Rotating Link Adapter re-machined to the latest design specifications. Additionally, if the clearance is less than .020, operators should avoid drilling with the links and elevator tilted to the extreme drill down position until the Rotating Link Adapter is re-machined. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in death, bodily injury or property damage. Contact your local NOV Service Center if you have any questions regarding this Safety Alert or to make arrangements to return your Rotating Link Adapter for repair.

2007NationalOilwellVarco

IDS-07-01 Rev A Page 2 of 3

IDS-4AC
-Rotating Link Adapter shown in Detail below -Verify a minimum 0.020 clearance where shown

View Shown with Landing Collar Assembly Removed

.020 Min Clearance

Landing Collar Assembly -Remove prior to Clearance Inspection

2007NationalOilwellVarco

IDS-07-01 Rev A Page 3 of 3

IDS Product Bulletin Index

No. IDS-94-01 IDS-94-02 IDS-94-03 IDS-95-01 IDS-95-02 IDS-95-03 IDS-98-01 IDS-03-01 IDS-03-2 Safety Alert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes A A Rev A A A Title Retainer Pin, P/N 103126 Guide Rollers on Carriage Assembly Torque Tube Joint Integrity Torque Tube Joint Lifting Load Capacity Torque Tube Joint Lifting Load Capacity Pin, Retainer P/N 109007 IDS Warning to Inspect Dolly Rollers Incorrect Shear Pin Documented in IDS Tool Kit Falling Seal from IDS 4.0 Rel. Date 3/18/94 12/22/94 11/15/94 1/24/95 1/24/95 3/3/95 5/7/98 5/27/03 1/15/04 Effectively IDS Top Drives & Type E TDS All Varco IDS Model Top Drives All units w/Bolted Joint Torque Tubes All units w/Bolted Joint Torque Tubes All units w/Pinned Joint Torque Tubes Torque Tube Assembly (Hinge Type) All IDS Top Drives IDS Special Tool Kits (P/N 105611 and 108340) IDS Carriage Assembly (P/N 30172244-4100) and IDS Roller Upgrade Kit (P/N 129276) IDS Gearcase Assembly Rotating Link Adapter Assembly (P/Ns 121341 and 30173277)

IDS-04-01 IDS-07-01

Yes

A A

Clarification of IDS Stem Ordering Information Possible Rotating Link Adapter Interference with Main Stem

1/26/04 5/18/07