External Bulletin No.

: 10685192-PIB
Rev 04
AC Drive Systems
Date: 01/27/2014
PRODUCT INFORMATION BULLETIN (PIB)

Subject: NOV AC Drive Systems - ABB Inverter Modules

Product: NOV AC Drive Packages

Affected
Assemblies: An uncertain percentage of NOV AC Drive Inverter cabinets utilizing ABB
ACS800 R8i air and liquid cooled inverter modules. The affected NOV AC
Drive Inverter Cabinet systems were manufactured between January 2011 and
July of 2012.

Objective: To notify NOV customers the replacement program targeting the exchange of
affected inverter modules will conclude on Wednesday April 30th of 2014. NOV
began this exchange program to address two (2) potential failure modes that
may occur on operational ABB inverter modules. NOV encourages customers
to contact their respective National Oilwell Varco Service Center by February
28th 2014 to ensure completion prior to the April 30 th deadline. Contact
information and information pertaining to original bulletin can be found in the
subsequent sections of this bulletin.

Issue: In the original release of this External Bulletin in August 2012, customers were
advised that ABB ACS800 R8i air and liquid cooled inverter modules could
contain a potentially defective component in the IGBT gate drive circuit board.
ABB identified a number of ABB ACS800 R8i inverter modules that were prone
to premature failure as a result.

1 – As originally reported in the first release of this External Bulletin in August

2012, it was reported that during manufacturing, the affected IGBT gate drive
circuit boards may have sustained a small fracture to a critical surface mount
component in the gate drive circuit which could not be detected visually or
through field tests. Symptoms of the problem are reoccurring and intermittent
drive tripping, which typically include overcurrent and/or current unbalance
© 2012 National Oilwell Varco 10685192-PIB
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 faults. However, IGBT failure may also occur with or without prior warning
faults. As a result of such fracture, a failure of the ABB ACS800 R8i air and
liquid cooled inverter modules may occur shortly after commissioning, or
several months afterwards during operation.

2- NOV has received a recent report that a second potential failure mode has
been traced to a defective lot of tantalum capacitors used on the IGBT gate
driver circuit board. This failure mode is similar to the 1st with regards to
symptoms and faults. Module failures attributed to this component defect are
apparent within approximately 10 days of continuous operation under load.

Solution: NOV has launched a controlled program to exchange the affected ABB
ACS800 R8i modules in the field. All units replaced in this program will carry a
one-year full manufacturer’s warranty. Program ending on April 30th 2014.

Execution: The exchange program will be managed by NOV’s after-market personnel,

who will schedule exchanges. Accordingly, customers are recommended to
contact their National Oilwell Varco’s Service Center for further information.
The preferred channel is through NOV Tech Support at 281-569-3050 or
HoustonServiceDept@nov.com.

In order to help expedite exchanges on possibly affected inverters, please be

prepared to provide the following information when contacting NOV Tech
Support:

1) Where the inverter was originally install, if know (Rig designation or Rig number).
2) Any known existing issues with the inverter.
3) The 10 digit ABB serial number of the inverter in question. This serial number is
located on the interior, lower, left hand side of the inverter, on the OEM information label.
Please see the below illustration showing the location of the serial number needed.

© 2012 National Oilwell Varco 10685192-PIB

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A TRMA number will be provided for tracking purposes once the above information has been
processed. Example: (TRMA - ###)

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.

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

Please contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center if you have any
questions regarding this bulletin.

© 2012 National Oilwell Varco 10685192-PIB

Rev 04
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