Product Bulletin No.

: 10976753-PIB
Rev 01
Release Top Drive Drilling Systems
Date: May 16, 2014

Subject: Torque Unwind / Release Sequence on TDS, IDS and TDX Model Top Drives

Product: All TDS, IDS and TDX Model AC Top Drives Delivered After 2007

Affected
Assemblies: Top Drive Drilling Systems (Various Part Numbers)

Objective: To communicate the torque unwind / release sequence and the operator commands
required to initiate the process on NOV TDS, IDS and TDX model AC Top Drives.

Issue: NOV has been advised that during drilling, after bringing the Top Drive to zero speed it
is often seen that torque will be held by the Top Drive motors. To ensure that this torque
is removed from the string in a controlled manner, all TDS, IDS and TDX products,
when controlled by NOV control systems (Amphion, Cyberbase and Driller’s Console
operator interfaces), have the capability to unwind the string in a controlled manner,
thereby reducing the torque to a very low value, when it is then safe for the drive to be
switched off.

Solution: The following describes the unwind routine when utilizing the Amphion, Cyberbase and
Driller’s Console operator interfaces. Descriptions are provided to ensure that users
understand the process to initiate the ‘OFF / UNWIND’ sequence.

If the Top Drive is commanded to “OFF” by the operator while stationary or rotating
under load, the speed command will be zeroed and the Top Drive mainshaft will ramp
to zero speed. Once at zero speed, if Top Drive torque feedback is above 1000ft/lbs an
“UNWIND” sequence will be initiated to dissipate the trapped torque in the string.

In an “UNWIND” sequence the control system will command the Top Drive to rotate in
the appropriate direction that is required to dissipate the torque, which will execute at 8
RPM or as configured during commissioning. Once the torque has been reduced to
approximately 1000ft/lbs, the control system will command the drive to switch off. If the
brake is in the AUTO mode, the brake will be applied

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 10976753-PIB

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 Amphion: Amphion utilizes explicit commands for the Top Drive direction, OFF is selected by
pressing the OFF button directly via the HMI, this will initiate the process described
above.

Cyberbase: Cyberbase utilizes keypad toggle commands for the Top Drive direction. OFF is
selected by commanding the current selected direction and pushing confirm. When no
direction is selected via the keypad, the Top Drive direction is OFF. Once no direction
has been selected (OFF) this will initiate the process described above.

Drillers Console: The traditional drillers console (also known as VDC) utilizes explicit commands for
the Top Drive direction. OFF is selected by pressing the OFF button directly via
the console, this will initiate the process described above

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

Operators should also refer to previous Rig Solutions-Orange 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 if you have any questions
regarding this bulletin.

© 2014 National Oilwell Varco 10976753-PIB

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