Product Bulletin No.

: 10840469-PIB
Rev 01
Release Top Drive Drilling System

Date: December 15, 2013

Subject: Secondary Retention of Gooseneck Hammer Union Plug

Product: TDS-4S, -6S, -7S, -8S(All), -9S, -10S(All), -11S(All), -1000, IDS-4A, -350PE, TDX-1000
and -1250 Top Drive Drilling Systems

Affected
Assemblies: Top Drive Motor Housing Assemblies (Multiple Part Nos.)

Objective: Advise customers of potential dropped object incident, recommended inspection and
newly released secondary upgrade kit for Gooseneck Hammer Union and Blind Plug.

Issue: NOV received a report that a Hammer Union (P/N 93886) was found partially
unthreaded from the gooseneck and the Blind Plug (P/N 121378) was not seated. This
was the result of an observation and no dropped object incident occurred.

In this instance, the Hammer Union and Blind Plug did not have a secondary retention
feature and could have potentially become a dropped object incident.

Solutions: NOV strongly recommends that the Hammer Unions, which as part of the mud course,
be routinely inspected. If any parts are found to be loose, worn, damaged or missing
they should immediately be replaced and/or re-torqued before the Top Drive is returned
to service.

NOV has reviewed the design of the Hammer Union Nut and Blind Plug for secondary
retention aspects and has developed an upgrade kit to enhance the current design for
Top Drives operating in the field. The Gooseneck/Plug Lanyard Kit (P/N 10799241-
KIT) includes a Cap/Lanyard Assembly, associated hardware, drill bit (where required),
and instructions for installation of the kit (as shown in Figures 1 and 2).

Note: Older units without a Secondary Retention feature may find the Hammer Union and
Plug to be two separate components. With the addition of the Kit, the Blind Plug
becomes a captive part of the Hammer Union Nut.

This secondary retention feature has been incorporated into all new production Top
Drives. For kit number for your applicable Top Drive refer to Table 1.
© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 10840469-PIB
Rev 01
Page 1 of 4
Failure to follow the recommendations and/or guidance in NOV Manuals and 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 Manuals, 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.

Please contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center for price and availability or if you
have any questions regarding this safety alert.

Table 1

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 10840469-PIB

Rev 01
Page 2 of 4
 Blind Plug
Hammer Union Nut

Lanyard Kit
P/N 10799241-001

Figure 1
Hammer Union and Blind Plug with Lanyard Kit Shackle Design

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 10840469-PIB

Rev 01
Page 3 of 4
 Hammer Union Nut Blind Plug

Lanyard Kit
P/N 10799241-002

Figure 2
Hammer Union and Blind Plug with Lanyard Kit Lug Design

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 10840469-PIB

Rev 01
Page 4 of 4