Product Safety Alert

Date: 22 February 2021

Bulletin Number: 1000059340-SA Revision: 02

Top Drive

Subject: Un-Commanded Opening of BX Elevator on PS Top Drives

Product Model: PS-500A, PS2-500A, PS2-500/500, PS2-750, PS2-650/650, PS2-650/750, PS2-

750A, and PS2-1000 Top Drives

Effectivity: Only PS-500A, PS2-500A, PS2-500/500, PS2-750, PS2-650/650, PS2-650/750,

PS2-750A, and PS2-1000 Top Drives Using BX Elevators

Affected Assemblies:
Elevator Control Manifold Assembly (P/N 2037631) used on the following
Power Swivel Assemblies:
• PS2-500A Shunt Assembly (P/Ns 2027538, 2027539, and 2027540)
• PS2-650 Shunt Assembly (P/N 2037520)
• PS2-750A Series Assembly (P/N 2034503)
• PS2-750A AC Assembly (P/N 2034506)
• PS2-1000 Shunt Assemblies (P/Ns 2034503, 2038506, and 2038508)

Objective
To inform customers of the un-commanded opening reported when operating the PS2 Top Drive with the
BX Elevator. This latest revision advises customers of the newly developed pilot isolation kit as a solution.

Issue
NOV received a customer report involving the un-commanded opening of a BX Elevator being used with
the PS2-1000. Although this is an isolated report, this issue potentially affects the top drive models
noted above. No injuries or equipment damage were reported as a result of the BX Elevator opening.

The PS Top Drive utilizes an Elevator Control Manifold Assembly (P/N 2037631) to open the elevator, as
well as tilt the elevator forward and backwards. The manifold has three four-way, pilot-operated cartridge
valves, which control the functions. After the rig was upgraded to a BX Elevator with the PS2-1000 Top
Drive, the customer began reporting issues with the un-commanded opening of the elevator.

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In troubleshooting the issue, NOV determined the root cause of the elevator opening un-commanded was
due to backpressure in the system, which resulted in sufficient pressure to shift the four-way, pilot-
operated cartridge valve that controls the BX elevator open function.

Solution
NOV has evaluated several possible solutions to address this issue. As was noted in the original release
of this product bulletin, this condition will not result in the elevator opening when lifting loads. The BX
elevator has a vertically spring-loaded bushing in the right-hand door, which when pushed downward
under load will activate the mechanical latch lock to prevent accidental opening while lifting load.

NOV has developed the BX Open Pilot Isolation Kit (P/N 18440388-001), which is designed to provide
an isolated exhaust for the pneumatic pilot of the BX-OPEN command. This kit is designed to be installed
in the solenoid J-Box and removes the potential for unintended opening of the BX Elevator, due to
backpressure through the common exhaust. The kit consists of a sandwich manifold, O-rings, hardware
for installation to the existing solenoid assembly, a dust excluder, and Nylon tubing and elbow fitting to
route the exhaust outside of the solenoid J-box (Figures 1, 2 and 3).

Figure 1. Installation cross-section of sandwich manifold

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Figure 2. Schematic view of isolation kit

Figure 3. Overall view of kit installed in solenoid J-box

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Ordering and Contact Information

Please contact National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Aftermarket at RA-AM@nov.com with reference to Product
Bulletin No. 1000059340-SA for further assistance.

Economic Impact

Parts will be supplied by NOV, delivered FCA, NOV facility (Incoterms 2010), for all equipment defined
by NOV to be affected by the above described issue. Parts will be supplied free of charge for a period
of one year from the release date of the bulletin. For plants/equipment still under warranty, parts will
be provided as per terms of contract. Send a Warranty Claim with reference to Product Bulletin No.
1000059340-SA Rev 02 to NOV.

Customers should also refer to previous NOV Product Bulletins for additional information regarding safe
operation, maintenance, and inspection criteria by signing in to https://access.nov.com. For information
on registering, please follow the first-time user instructions posted on the landing page.

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

Revision History
Revision Date Change Description
00 Month 0000 (vertical line to the side of a paragraph indicates a change)
01 02 October 2020 Initial release

02 22 February 2021 Added BX Open Pilot Kit as solution

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