Product Information Bulletin

Date: 24 June 2022

Bulletin Number: 1000080496-PIB Revision: 01

Top Drive

Subject: TDS-11 Gearbox Noise in Unloaded Condition

Product Model: TDS-11SA, TDS-11SAE, TDS-11SH, and TDS-11HD Top Drives

Effectivity: All TDS-11SA, TDS-11SAE, TDS-11SH, and TDS-11HD Top Drives

Affected Assemblies: Motor Housing Assembly (Various Part Numbers)

Objective
To advise customers of an NOV review of the TDS-11 Gearbox operating in an unloaded condition.

Issue
NOV has received a report of gearbox noise (“gear chatter”) on a TDS-11SAE Top Drive when the main
shaft is rotating in the 30 to 60 rpm range and in an unloaded condition (i.e. not connected to drill
string/load). The subject top drive had been recently upgraded from a TDS-11SA to a TDS-11SAE at an
NOV Repair Center and was installed on an offshore rig, undergoing installation and commissioning.

Solution
NOV has investigated the reported noise and has performed similar testing in the unloaded condition on
multiple TDS-11 units (e.g., TDS-11SA, TDS-11SAE, and TDS-11HD), all of which exhibited a similar noise.
Vibration testing was performed on two of the units, and the results confirmed all the units were
producing similar vibration signatures.

A significant duration of unloaded rotation is not a common operating condition; therefore, the NOV test
procedure had not included any unloaded rotation tests. Infrequent unloaded operation of the gear train
will not lead to accelerated wear of the gears.

The gear train on all TDS-11 models is very similar, and there are no reported gearbox issues or premature
failures that relate to these circumstances.

1000080496-PIB / 01 Page 1 of 2
 Product Information Bulletin

NOV continues to advise customers to perform periodic oil analysis as outlined in the service manual and
monitor for any abnormalities or sudden increases in the level of contamination.

Documentation
Any referenced documents within this Product Bulletin may be subject of Equipment/Rig specific
versions and/or revisions. Please contact NOV Aftermarket to get access to the correct version/revision.

Ordering and Contact Information

Please contact NOV Aftermarket at RA-AM@nov.com with reference to Product Bulletin No.
1000080496-PIB for further assistance.

Economic Impact
No Economic Impact.

Customers should also refer to previous NOV Product Bulletins for additional information regarding safe
operation, maintenance, and inspection criteria by signing in to https://max.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 24 June 2022 Initial Release

1000080496-PIB / 01 Page 2 of 2