PRODUCT INFORMATION BULLETIN

National Oilwell Norway AS

NUMBER: 73456114
Servicebox 401 PRODUCT:
N-4604 Kristiansand SUBJECT: Top Drive, Main Shaft
Norway

Telephone: +47 38 19 20 00
Telefax: +47 38 19 23 11
E-mail: technical.support.norway@nov.com

Issued date: 20.11.2007

Prepared by: KBH
Approved by: ZOJ

SAFETY ALERT
Incident:
During drilling operations a main shaft on a HPS topdrive suffered a complete failure in the load
distribution grooves. The split design load carrying collar engaging into the main shaft grooves held
the main shaft together thus preventing an inadvertent drop of the string. The string was parked in the
slips and drilling operations were stopped in a safe manner. No personell injuries were suffered and
there was no damage to equipment other than the topdrive.

Cause:
Investigations later revealed that the fracture was caused by the mechanism rotating bending fatigue.

The load carrying concept and fatigue life of the three load distribution grooves is highly dependant on
correct surface finish in the stressed areas. Presence of corrosion reduces the expected life time
significantly. Additional strain to the shaft caused by misalignment of the topdrive to well center may
further accelerate the development of the microcracks to initiate fatigue cracking critical to the integrity
of the shaft.

Corrective/ preventive actions:

The following recommendations apply:
• Thorough corrosion inspection and preservation to be carried out at first opportunity, in
accordance with procedure described herein.
• Thereafter, a thorough corrosion inspection and preservation to be performed together with
each regular NDE inspection.
• If corrosion is detected, thorough grinding and polishing by hand is required to eliminate all
signs of corrosion and reinstate the correct properties of the surface.
• Due to the accelerating effect of shaft misalignment on crack development, it is highly
recommended that alignment checks are performed at first opportunity. The check should
include main shaft to well center alignment, angular and lateral. Any anomalies should be
rectified immediately.
• It is further recommended that guide rails are checked to be within original tolerances.

• During 5-year re-classification, the main shaft should be subjected to extended inspections,
the object being to determine whether it during operation has been subjected to excessive
forces resemblant to the ones described here. An evaluation of the actual operating
conditions, particularly misalignment and any wear in the groove area, is necessary to assess
the condition of the main shaft and it’s suitability for further use.

Page 1 of 3
 PRODUCT INFORMATION BULLETIN
National Oilwell Norway AS
NUMBER: 73456114
Servicebox 401 PRODUCT:
N-4604 Kristiansand SUBJECT: Top Drive, Main Shaft
Norway

Telephone: +47 38 19 20 00
Telefax: +47 38 19 23 11
E-mail: technical.support.norway@nov.com

Issued date: 20.11.2007

Prepared by: KBH
Approved by: ZOJ

Corrosion inspection and preservation procedure:

• Remove parts as needed for normal NDE inspection of main shaft and load collar.
• Thoroughly clean all parts using suitable solvent, ensuring that all traces of preserving grease
is removed.
• Visually inspect the grooves in both main shaft and the split collar, paying particular attention
to the areas marked with red/ arrows. Corrosion may show as miscoloured areas/ darker
colour.

Split collar half (2 off)

Main shaft load groove area

• Perform NDE inspection of the load carrying area as for normal 6 month routine.
• By sign of corrosion, or microcrack indication, hand grind the surface around the complete
circumference using abrasive cloth 3M 301D grit 240 until all indications are removed. Then
hand polish using abrasive cloth 3M 301D grit 400.
• Do not use hard faced grinding material of any kind, such as angle grinders, grinding
pegs etc.

Page 2 of 3
 PRODUCT INFORMATION BULLETIN
National Oilwell Norway AS
NUMBER: 73456114
Servicebox 401 PRODUCT:
N-4604 Kristiansand SUBJECT: Top Drive, Main Shaft
Norway

Telephone: +47 38 19 20 00
Telefax: +47 38 19 23 11
E-mail: technical.support.norway@nov.com

Issued date: 20.11.2007

Prepared by: KBH
Approved by: ZOJ

• If no corrosion is detected, hand polish only using abrasive cloth 3M 301D grit 400.
• When the surface is reinstated to a corrosion free state, thourough preservation is required to
prohibit corrosion. Apply grease, recommended type Jet Lube Arctic Extreme Service
Grease, by brush on all surfaces of the main shaft grooves, and inside the two split collar
halves, as well as the tapered sleeve. Ensure that the surfaces are covered 100%.
• Reinstall the split collar on the main shaft as normal.

Jet Lube Arctic Extreme Service Grease:

Page 3 of 3