Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NOV TDS Washpipe Assembly
NOV TDS Washpipe Assembly
Service Manual
SM01053
Revision A
© Copyright 2004 Varco® LP. All rights reserved.
Varco® is a registred trademark of Varco I/P Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. This
publication is the property of, and contains information proprietary to, Varco International, Inc. No
part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form, or by any means, including
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission
of Varco International, Inc.
All product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners. Information in this manual is subject to change without
notice.
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Intended Audience and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Personnel Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
General System Safety Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Replacing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper Use of Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Washpipe Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Special Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Washpipe Assembly Pressure Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General Maintenance Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Equipment Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Standard Washpipe Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Initial Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Maintenance Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Inspection Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lubrication Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Illustrated Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Initial Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Maintenance Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Inspection Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lubrication Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Removing the Washpipe Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Disassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Illustrated Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Washpipe 3
4 Varco
General Information
Intended Audience and Use
This manual is intended for use by field engineering, installation, operation, and repair
personnel. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained herein. Varco International, Inc., will not be held liable for errors in this
material, or for consequences arising from misuse of this material.
This manual is intended as a supplement to the service manuals supplied with the Varco
Top Drive System (TDS) and/or the Varco Integrated Drilling System (IDS).
Conventions
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Notes, cautions, and warnings are used throughout this manual to provide readers with
additional information, and to advise the reader to take specific action to protect
personnel from potential injury or lethal conditions. They may also inform the reader of
actions necessary to prevent equipment damage.
Please pay close attention to these advisories.
Note:
i
The note symbol indicates that additional information is
provided about the current topics.
Caution:
!
The caution symbol indicates that potential damage to
equipment or injury to personnel exists. Follow
instructions explicitly. Extreme care should be taken when
performing operations or procedures preceded by this
caution symbol.
Warning:
Illustrations
Figures provide a graphical representation of equipment components or screen
snapshots for use in identifying parts or establishing nomenclature, and may or may not
be drawn to scale.
For more specific component information pertinent to your rig configuration, see the
technical drawings included with your Varco documentation.
Washpipe 5
Safety Requirements
Varco equipment is installed and operated in a controlled drilling rig environment
involving hazardous operations and situations. Proper service and repair is important for
safe and reliable operation. Operation and service procedures provided by Varco
manuals are the recommended methods of performing those operations.
!
To avoid injury to personnel or equipment damage,
carefully observe the following safety requirements.
Personnel Training
All personnel performing installation, operations, repair, or maintenance procedures on
the equipment, or those in the vicinity of the equipment, should be trained on rig safety,
tool operation, and maintenance to ensure their safety.
!
During installation, maintenance, or repair of equipment,
personnel should wear protective gear. Protective gear
must be worn during certain operation.
Contact the Varco training department for more information about equipment operation
and maintenance training.
Recommended Tools
Service operations may require the use of tools designed specifically for the purpose
being described. Varco recommends that only those tools specified be used when
stated. Ensure that personnel and equipment safety are not jeopardized when using
service procedures or tools not specifically recommended by Varco.
6 Varco
Safety Requirements
General System Safety Practices
The equipment discussed in this manual may require or contain one or more utilities,
such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or cooling water.
!
Before installing or performing maintenance or repairs on
equipment, read the following instructions to avoid
endangering exposed persons or damaging equipment.
!
Failure to conduct routine maintenance could result in
equipment damage or injury to personnel.
Washpipe 7
General Description
Washpipe Assembly
The washpipe assembly is located between the main shaft and the gooseneck (S-pipe)
on the TDS/IDS, supported by a bonnet. The washpipe assembly allows for the rotation
of the TSD/IDS drilling string. Two types of washpipe assemblies are available: standard
and hammerless.
8 Varco
General Description
Special Tools
The standard washpipe assembly has hammer nuts on its washpipe nut and packing
box. The hammer nuts are provided so that a special wrench and a hammer can be
used to tighten to washpipe nut and packing box during installation.
The hammerless washpipe assembly uses gear nuts which are tightened more precisely
without a hammer but with a special torque wrench kit. This feature makes the unit
easier to install by allowing the unit to swing in and out of its support bonnet before being
torqued and does not require the use of a hammer.
Standard Washpipe
Strike here
Hammerless Washpipe
Torque Wrench
30-250 ft lb
Hammerless Washpipe
Torque Multiplier
3200 ft lb
Removable extension
not shown
Socket Adapter
Washpipe 9
Specifications
Washpipe Assembly Pressure Ratings
i
Assembly descriptions are repeated for similar units. Use
the assembly part number when referencing pressure
ratings.
10 Varco
General Maintenance Practices
Equipment Maintenance Records
Keep a record book of all maintenance procedures performed. Date each procedure,
followed by a description and the technician who performed it. This data is valuable for
fault finding and problem solving, should technical problems arise.
i
Procedures in this chapter relate to Varco only
components. See the vendor manuals for maintenance
procedures and schedules for the vendor equipment.
Maintenance Schedules
Maintenance schedules list preventive maintenance tasks.
Inspection schedules assume normal operating conditions. Some conditions (excessive
loading, dusty or corrosive atmosphere, temperature extremes, etc.) may warrant more
frequent inspection intervals. Perform the procedures indicated, as warranted by the
inspection.
Safety Precautions
Avoid equipment damage or injury to personnel by paying close attention to the
important safety notes highlighted as Notes, Cautions, and Warnings used throughout
this manual.
To avoid serious injury or death, read and understand the following Warnings before
performing maintenance or troubleshooting procedures:
Washpipe 11
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Initial Installation
Procedure
1. Install the washpipe assembly on the TDS/IDS and hand-tighten
the washpipe nut and packing box, then back off the packing box
and washpipe nut by 1/4 turn.
securely tighten.)
Nut
12 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Initial Installation
Washpipe 13
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Initial Installation
Procedure
11. Check washpipe alignment. Install dial indicator base on packing
box. Adjust dial indicator to contact the washpipe approximately
one inch above the packing box.
12. Rotate main shaft through one revolution, noting the minimum
and maximum readings on the dial indicator. Subtract the
minimum reading from the maximum reading to obtain the Total
Indicated Runout (TIR). Maximum allowable TIR is 0.007 inch.
Washpipe
Dial
Indicator
Packing
Box
14 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Maintenance Schedules
Inspection Schedule
Cleaning Schedule
Lubrication Schedule
Washpipe 15
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Inspection Procedures
When Washpipe is to be Removed from TDS/IDS
Service Limit
(inches)
3.090
3.840
3.120
16 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Inspection Procedures
Every Six Months
Procedure
Dial
Indicator
Washpipe 17
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Inspection Procedures
Every Six Months
Gooseneck
Pilot
Dial
Indicator
Main Shaft
Pilot
18 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Lubrication Procedures
Daily Lubrication
Description
Cyprina grease fitting.
2.
Washpipe 19
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
i
The troubleshooting table does not necessarily cover all
possible symptoms. The table provides an insight to typical
symptoms, their possible causes, and what components to
check.
20 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Leakage through grease Spacers not flat and prevents Follow inspection procedures as outlined
fitting access hole (cont) packing seals from sealing the Inspection Procedure.
between spacers proper
Leakage at grease fitting Grease fitting failure Follow inspection procedures as outlined
in step 12 of the Disassembly Procedure.
Leakage between the Packing failure Disassemble and inspect components.
washpipe and the packing Replace worn or damaged components
box on reassembly of the washpipe.
Leakage between the Packing failure or packing is Disassemble and inspect components.
washpipe and the improperly seated Replace worn or damaged components
washpipe nut on reassembly of the washpipe.
Upper O-ring failure 1. Remove washpipe assembly. and
replace O-ring.
2. Inspect the gooseneck and, for big
bore units with lined goosenecks, the
stem liner for any burrs that can damage
the O-ring and deburr as required. The
surface of the stem liner should be
smooth and flat. If it is not, replace stem
liner.
3. Replace the O-ring and reinstall the
washpipe assembly.
Leakage at threads Upper O-ring failure 1. Remove washpipe assembly. and
between washpipe nut and replace O-ring.
gooseneck 2. Inspect the gooseneck and, for big
bore units with lined goosenecks, the
stem liner for any burrs that can damage
the O-ring and deburr as required. The
surface of the stem liner should be
smooth and flat. If it is not, replace stem
liner.
3. Replace the O-ring and reinstall the
washpipe assembly.
Packing failure or packing Disassemble and inspect components.
is improperly seated Replace worn or damaged components
on reassembly of the washpipe.
Premature failure after Improper greasing Greasing can cause the seal to unseat
greasing procedure from the washpipe and cause premature
failure of the assembly. Running the TDS/
IDS without standpipe pressure allows
the seals to reseat. Follow greasing
procedure as outlined in the Lubrication
Procedures.
Washpipe 21
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Premature failure Washpipe alignment caused If necessary, reinstall washpipe or realign
accompanied by by improper installation, or the gooseneck. Check washpipe
occasional spurts of mud misalignment of the alignment as follows (see illustration on
from packing box gooseneck, or excessive following page):
bearing endplay 1. Install dial indicator base on packing
box. Adjust dial indicator to contact the
washpipe approximately one inch above
the packing box.
2. Rotate main shaft through one
revolution, noting the minimum and
maximum readings on the dial indicator.
Subtract the minimum reading from the
maximum reading to obtain the Total
Indicated Runout (TIR). Maximum
allowable TIR is 0.007 inch.
3. If out of specification, check
gooseneck alignment.
Premature failure Misalignment of gooseneck- Inspect main shaft and mainshaft-to-
accompanied by to-washpipe pilot gooseneck alignment as described in the
occasional spurts of mud Every Six Months Inspection procedure.
from packing box
Installation problems The proper installation sequence allows
the packing and washpipe to align to each
other, and ensures that both the
washpipe nut and the packing box
engage their pilots. Follow proper
installation procedures (refer to the Initial
Installation Procedure).
Premature failure due to Nut not torqued Improper torque prevents metal-to-metal
flanged packing contact between the flat surfaces of the
spacers. When pressure is applied, it will
extrude the packing between the spacers.
Follow proper torquing procedures as
described in the Initial Installation
Procedure.
Too mush grease during Too much grease prevents metal-to-metal
assembly of the unit contact between the flat surfaces of the
spacers during operation. The grease can
sustain a hydrostatic pressure that resists
torque during the installation.
22 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Washpipe
Dial
Indicator
Packing
Box
Washpipe 23
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Packing is worn out Poor greasing schedule or Follow proper lubrication procedures.
improper grease.
RPM, pressure and mud Friction between the seals and the
temperature too high washpipe create heat. TDS/IDS rpm and
standpipe pressure contribute equally to
the amount of heat generated. If
pressure of rpm is increased, so is the
amount of heat generated. Heat
generation goes up with the square of the
bore size. Mud is what cools the system.
The hotter the mud, the less cooling it
provides. The greater the amount of heat
generated is relative to the amount of
cooling the mud will provide, the hotter
the seals run. As the seals run hotter, the
wear resistance of the rubber drops. If
using a large-bore washpipe, convert to a
small-bore washpipe.
Packing extruding Spacers too flat If the spaces are not flat, then metal-to-
between spacers metal contact cannot be maintained even
when they are bottomed out against each
other. The resulting small gaps will allow
the packing to extrude into these areas.
Follow instructions outlined in the
Inspection Procedures.
Nut not torqued Improper torque prevents metal-to-metal
contact between the flat surfaces of the
spacers. When pressure is applied, it will
extrude the packing between the spacers.
Follow proper torquing procedures as
described in the Initial Installation
Procedure.
Blue spacers Improper torque or grease Improper torque on the nut can lead to
on the OD of the spacers situations where the lower and middle
spacers spin the packing box. The
resulting heat achieves temperatures
high enough to turn the spacers blue.
Unable to maintain torque Improper assembly or 1. Remove washpipe assembly from
on packing box installation TDS/IDS.
2. Disassemble the washpipe assembly,
setting aside the packing seals for the
lower, middle, and upper spacers.
3. Reassemble the washpipe assembly
without the packing seals for the lower,
middle, and upper spacers.
24 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Unable to maintain torque 4. Reinstall the washpipe assembly on
on packing box (cont) the TDS/IDS as follows:
a. Install the packing box onto the TDS/
IDS main shaft. Tighten until spacers are
firmly held.
b. Install the holding ring into the
washpipe nut and install washpipe nut
onto the TDS/IDS goosneck until the
holding ring is firmly in place.
c. Using a dial indicator, measure and
record the distance between the flat
surfaces on the washpipe nut and the
packing box. Also for future use, mark the
location where the measurement is taken.
NOTE
To ensure that the washpipe assembly
has been sufficient tightened, measure
the distance with each subsequent
installation of the washpipe assembly.
Washpipe 25
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
Snap Ring
1. Remove washpipe assembly from the TDS/IDS.
2. Completely disassemble the washpipe assembly.
Take care to prevent damage to the sharp edge Holding Ring
of the upper and middle spacers.
3. Dispose of packing, washpipe and O-rings.
These parts are not serviceable and must be
replaced.
Washpipe Nut
O-Ring
Packing Box
Grease
i Fitting
Discard and replace
Washpipe these non-serviceable
parts from the
washpipe assembly.
Socket Head
Dog Nose
Upper Spacer Screw
Middle Spacer
O-Ring
26 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
4. Thoroughly clean and inspect remainder of parts.
5. Check that the ID of each spacer is within specification.
6. Check that the flat portions of each spacer are free of burrs that
could prevent the spacers from seating properly. Burrs should be
lightly filed flush. If surfaces are out-of-flat, replace spacer.
7. The edge that directly backs up the packing should be free of
cuts, nicks, and burrs. If edge is damaged replace spacer.
This surface to be
smooth and flat
ID This edge to be
This surface to be
sharp
smooth and flat
Washpipe 27
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
8. Check that the ID of the washpipe nut where the washpipe
passes through.
9. Check that the ID of the packing box where the washpipe passes
through.
Washpipe
Nut
ID
Packing
Box
28 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
10. Inspect the holding ring drive dogs. Each dog has a slight
undercut. If the undercut is no longer visible, replace the holding
ring.
Holding
Ring
This surface to be
smooth and flat
Undercut
rease
i
This surface to be
smooth and flat
11. Check that the flat portions of the holding ring are free of burrs
that could prevent the ring from seating properly. Burrs should
be lightly filed flush.
12. Inspect the spring tension in the ball of the grease fitting. If the
ball is not properly tensioned, replace the grease fitting. If in
doubt, replace the grease fitting. Replace the grease fitting every
six months or every other rebuild of the washpipe assembly,
whichever period is longer, even if the grease fitting is working
properly.
13. Reassemble the washpipe assembly as described in the
Reassembly Procedure.
Washpipe 29
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
1. Apply a light grease film to the outside of each packing seal and
fill the plunge with grease, flush with the packing.
Packing
Seal
Spacer
2. Install one packing seal into each of the four spacers (one upper,
two middle, one lower) that go into the packing box. Wipe all
excess grease from the top edge of the packing and all excess
grease from the spacers. Take care to prevent damage to the
sharp edges of the spacers.
Upper Spacer
Sharp edge
of spacer Wipe grease
from area shown, Middle Spacer
all the way around
Sharp edge on each spacer.
of spacer
Sharp edge
of spacer Middle Spacer
30 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
3. Install each spacer (with packing seals) in the proper sequence in
the packing box. Handle each spacer from the ID to ensure that
no grease gets between the metal portions of the spacer, or on
the outside diameter of the spacer. When installing the upper
spacer, line up the slot in the upper spacer with the dowel pin in
the packing box.
Dowel
Grease Pin
Fitting
Socket Head
Dog Nose
Screw
Packing
Box
.010" Min
i
In the following step, an Arbor press may be required
to compress the packing enough to in stall the screws.
4. Install the socket head cap screws. The heads of the screws
should bottom out in the nut casing. The dog head should not
bottom out on the space er. The screw prevents the spacers from
Washpipe 31
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
7. Lightly grease the washpipe, then install the washpipe into the
packing box, with the slotted end of the washpipe up and the non-
slotted end flush with the bottom edge of the packing box.
8. Install the washpipe nut onto the washpipe.
Washpipe
Nut
Washpipe
Packing
Box
32 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
9. Lightly grease the packing seal, fill the plunge with grease, and
install in the holding ring, taking care to not damage the seal on
the splines of the washpipe. Wipe all excess grease from the top
edge of the packing and wipe all grease from the holding ring.
Holding
Ring
Wipe grease
from area shown,
all the way around
the holding ring. Packing
Seal
Fill with grease
to level shown. Holding
Ring
10. Insert the holding ring and packing, seal side down, over the
slotted end of the washpipe.
Packing
11. Install the snap ring. Seal
12. Install the upper and lower O-rings. Apply a light coat of grease
to the O-rings.
Snap
Ring
O-ring
13.
approximately the length of the washpip
pe.
14.
Initial Installation Procedure.
Washpipe 33
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Illustrated Parts List
O-Ring
Snap Ring
Holding Ring
Upper Spacer
Packing Set
5 per set
Washpipe
Nut
Middle Spacer
Middle Spacer
Washpipe
Lower Spacer
Packing Box
O-Ring
Grease Fitting
Socket Head
Dog Nose Screw
Long-Arm
Allen Wrench
34 Varco
Standard Washpipe Assembly
Illustrated Parts List
Washpipe 35
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Initial Installation
Procedure
i
During installation the washpipe assembly is brought into
place as one unit and handled by a tugger line. Ensure that
the washpipe assembly is strapped together securely
before lifting.
Nut
Yoke 2 places
36 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Initial Installation
Procedure
9. Loosen the thumb screw on the pinion gear and raise the
pinion gear from its stored position and lock the thumb
screw in place when it aligns with the gear on the packing
box. It may be necessary to rotate the square drive shaft
to engage the gears.
10. Install the torque kit assembly over the square shaft. Set
the torque wrench to 100 ft-lb and begin applying torque to
the packing box gradually until the torque wrench clicks.
11. Disengage the pinion gear from the packing box gear and
engage it with the washpipe nut gear and secure it in
place. Similarly, apply torque to the washpipe nut,
completing the installation of the washpipe assembly.
12. Apply 6 to 8 pumps of grease to the grease fittings.
13. Return the pinion gear to its stored position and secure it
with the thumb screw. Secure the handling yoke to its
stored position by pinning it with the two pins.
14. Release the TDS/IDS brake and rotate the TDS/IDS at
approximately 50 rpm for one minute.
Washpipe 37
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Maintenance Schedules
Inspection Schedule
Cleaning Schedule
Lubrication Schedule
!
To prevent rust from damaging parts, properly clean and
grease the following parts before storage:
38 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Inspection Procedures
Every Six Months
Washpipe Assembly Alignment
Satisfactory packing life depends on good washpipe alignment. Use the following
procedure to check sleeve-to-gooseneck support alignment:
1. Attach an indicator base to the gooseneck support and place the indicator at the
top of the sleeve.
2. Raise and lower the sleeve and record the total indicator reading.
3. Attach a magnetic indicator base or an improvised holding fixture to the sleeve or
packing box.
4. Rotate the sleeve 360° and record the TIR.
Washpipe Assembly Tolerances
Use the following procedure to check washpipe assembly tolerances:
1. Shim the gooseneck support to obtain a required bearing clearance of 0.001 to
0.003 inch.
2. Check the clearance by raising and lowering the sleeve. The maximum allowable
misalignment at the gooseneck support bore is 0.008 inch TIR. The maximum
allowable misalignment at the gooseneck pilot is 0.010 inch TIR. The maximum
allowable misalignment after complete assembly of the washpipe assembly is
0.010 inch TIR.
i
Inspection may indicate misalignment exceeding
recommended limits. The packing box assemblies are
designed to accommodate misalignment of the sleeve to
the gooseneck and can operate with some excessive
misalignment. However, to achieve maximum packing life,
maintain the misalignment at the washpipe within the
recommended limits.
Washpipe 39
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Inspection Procedures
Every Six Months
Procedure
1. Remove the washpipe assembly and replace
the grease fitting.
2. Check the mainshaft axial movement by
applying an upward force to the mainshaft and
measuring the amount of axial movement with a
dial indicator.
3. If axial shaft movement is not .001 in. to .003
in., remove the bearing retainer and adjust the Washpipe
number of shims under the bearing retainer as Grease Fitting
required to allow .001 in. to .003 in. of axial Replace
shaft movement (end play) with the bearing
retainer capscrews tightened to the required
torque depending on the size of the capscrew
(refer to the Initial Installation Procedure for
proper torque requirements).
Dial
Indicator
40 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Inspection Procedures
Every Six Months
Gooseneck
Pilot
Dial
Indicator
Main Shaft
Pilot
Washpipe 41
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Lubrication Procedures
Daily Lubrication
Recommended Grease Procedure
Manufacturer Description 1. Twice daily or once every 10 hours of rotation,
apply 3 to 4 pumps of grease to the washpipe
Shell Cyprina grease fitting.
2. Rotate the TDS/IDS at 50 rpm for one minute
with 0 psi standpipe pressure.
3. Turn on the mud pumps and check for leaks.
42 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
i
The troubleshooting table does not necessarily cover all
possible symptoms. The table provides an insight to typical
symptoms, their possible causes, and what components to
check.
Washpipe 43
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Leakage through grease Spacers not flat and prevents Follow inspection procedures as outlined
fitting access hole (cont) packing seals from sealing the Inspection Procedure.
between spacers proper
Leakage at grease fitting Grease fitting failure Follow inspection procedures as outlined
in step 12 of the Disassembly Procedure.
Leakage between the Packing failure Disassemble and inspect components.
washpipe and the packing Replace worn or damaged components
box on reassembly of the washpipe.
Leakage between the Packing failure or packing is Disassemble and inspect components.
washpipe and the improperly seated Replace worn or damaged components
washpipe nut on reassembly of the washpipe.
Upper O-ring failure 1. Remove washpipe assembly. and
replace O-ring.
2. Inspect the gooseneck and, for big
bore units with lined goosenecks, the
stem liner for any burrs that can damage
the O-ring and deburr as required. The
surface of the stem liner should be
smooth and flat. If it is not, replace stem
liner.
3. Replace the O-ring and reinstall the
washpipe assembly.
Leakage at threads Upper O-ring failure 1. Remove washpipe assembly. and
between washpipe nut and replace O-ring.
gooseneck 2. Inspect the gooseneck and, for big
bore units with lined goosenecks, the
stem liner for any burrs that can damage
the O-ring and deburr as required. The
surface of the stem liner should be
smooth and flat. If it is not, replace stem
liner.
3. Replace the O-ring and reinstall the
washpipe assembly.
Packing failure or packing Disassemble and inspect components.
is improperly seated Replace worn or damaged components
on reassembly of the washpipe.
Premature failure after Improper greasing Greasing can cause the seal to unseat
greasing procedure from the washpipe and cause premature
failure of the assembly. Running the TDS/
IDS without standpipe pressure allows
the seals to reseat. Follow greasing
procedure as outlined in the Lubrication
Procedures.
44 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Premature failure Washpipe alignment caused If necessary, reinstall washpipe or realign
accompanied by by improper installation, or the gooseneck. Check washpipe
occasional spurts of mud misalignment of the alignment as follows (see illustration on
from packing box gooseneck, or excessive following page):
bearing endplay 1. Install dial indicator base on packing
box. Adjust dial indicator to contact the
washpipe approximately one inch above
the packing box.
2. Rotate main shaft through one
revolution, noting the minimum and
maximum readings on the dial indicator.
Subtract the minimum reading from the
maximum reading to obtain the Total
Indicated Runout (TIR). Maximum
allowable TIR is 0.007 inch.
3. If out of specification, check
gooseneck alignment.
Premature failure Misalignment of gooseneck- Inspect main shaft and mainshaft-to-
accompanied by to-washpipe pilot gooseneck alignment as described in the
occasional spurts of mud Every Six Months Inspection procedure.
from packing box
Installation problems The proper installation sequence allows
the packing and washpipe to align to each
other, and ensures that both the
washpipe nut and the packing box
engage their pilots. Follow proper
installation procedures (refer to the Initial
Installation Procedure).
Premature failure due to Nut not torqued Improper torque prevents metal-to-metal
flanged packing contact between the flat surfaces of the
spacers. When pressure is applied, it will
extrude the packing between the spacers.
Follow proper torquing procedures as
described in the Initial Installation
Procedure.
Too mush grease during Too much grease prevents metal-to-metal
assembly of the unit contact between the flat surfaces of the
spacers during operation. The grease can
sustain a hydrostatic pressure that resists
torque during the installation.
Washpipe 45
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Washpipe
Dial
Indicator
Packing
Box
46 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Packing is worn out Poor greasing schedule or Follow proper lubrication procedures.
improper grease.
RPM, pressure and mud Friction between the seals and the
temperature too high washpipe create heat. TDS/IDS rpm and
standpipe pressure contribute equally to
the amount of heat generated. If
pressure of rpm is increased, so is the
amount of heat generated. Heat
generation goes up with the square of the
bore size. Mud is what cools the system.
The hotter the mud, the less cooling it
provides. The greater the amount of heat
generated is relative to the amount of
cooling the mud will provide, the hotter
the seals run. As the seals run hotter, the
wear resistance of the rubber drops. If
using a large-bore washpipe, convert to a
small-bore washpipe.
Packing extruding Spacers too flat If the spaces are not flat, then metal-to-
between spacers metal contact cannot be maintained even
when they are bottomed out against each
other. The resulting small gaps will allow
the packing to extrude into these areas.
Follow instructions outlined in the
Inspection Procedures.
Nut not torqued Improper torque prevents metal-to-metal
contact between the flat surfaces of the
spacers. When pressure is applied, it will
extrude the packing between the spacers.
Follow proper torquing procedures as
described in the Initial Installation
Procedure.
Blue spacers Improper torque or grease Improper torque on the nut can lead to
on the OD of the spacers situations where the lower and middle
spacers spin the packing box. The
resulting heat achieves temperatures
high enough to turn the spacers blue.
Unable to maintain torque Improper assembly or 1. Remove washpipe assembly from
on packing box installation TDS/IDS.
2. Disassemble the washpipe assembly,
setting aside the packing seals for the
lower, middle, and upper spacers.
3. Reassemble the washpipe assembly
without the packing seals for the lower,
middle, and upper spacers.
Washpipe 47
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Troubleshooting
Symptom Probable cause Remedy
Unable to maintain torque 4. Reinstall the washpipe assembly on
on packing box (cont) the TDS/IDS as follows:
a. Install the packing box onto the TDS/
IDS main shaft. Tighten until spacers are
firmly held.
b. Install the holding ring into the
washpipe nut and install washpipe nut
onto the TDS/IDS goosneck until the
holding ring is firmly in place.
c. Using a dial indicator, measure and
record the distance between the flat
surfaces on the washpipe nut and the
packing box. Also for future use, mark the
location where the measurement is taken.
NOTE
To ensure that the washpipe assembly
has been sufficient tightened, measure
the distance with each subsequent
installation of the washpipe assembly.
48 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Removing the Washpipe Assembly
Remove the washpipe assembly by reversing the Installation Procedure.
!
Once the packing box and washpipe nuts are unscrewed,
the assembly must be strapped together as one unit before
it is picked up by the handling yoke.
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The hammerless washpipe assembly must always be
handled as one unit. Avoid disassembly unless you
suspect faulty parts (refer to Troubleshooting).
Washpipe 49
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure Snap Ring
O-Ring
Packing
Box
i
Grease
Discard and replace
Washpipe Fitting
these non-serviceable
parts from the
washpipe assembly. Socket Head
Dog Nose Screw
Upper Spacer
Middle Spacer
O-Ring
50 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
4. Thoroughly clean and inspect remainder of parts.
5. Check that the ID of each spacer is within specification.
6. Check that the flat portions of each spacer are free of burrs that
could prevent the spacers from seating properly. Burrs should be
lightly filed flush. If surfaces are out-of-flat, replace spacer.
7. The edge that directly backs up the packing should be free of
cuts, nicks, and burrs. If edge is damaged replace spacer.
This surface to be
smooth and flat
ID This edge to be
This surface to be
sharp
smooth and flat
Washpipe 51
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
8. Check that the ID of the washpipe nut where the washpipe
passes through.
9. Check that the ID of the packing box where the washpipe passes
through.
hpipe
ut
ID
Packing
Box
52 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Disassembly
Procedure
10. Inspect the holding ring drive dogs. Each dog has a slight
undercut. If the undercut is no longer visible, replace the holding Holding
ring. Ring
This surface to be
smooth and flat
Undercut
Grea
Fitti
This surface to be
smooth and flat
11. Check that the flat portions of the holding ring are free of burrs
that could prevent the ring from seating properly. Burrs should
be lightly filed flush.
12. Inspect the spring tension in the ball of the grease fitting. If the
ball is not properly tensioned, replace the grease fitting. If in
doubt, replace the grease fitting. Replace the grease fitting every
six months or every other rebuild of the washpipe assembly,
whichever period is longer, even if the grease fitting is working
properly.
13. Reassemble the washpipe assembly as described in the
Reassembly Procedure.
Washpipe 53
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
1. Apply a light grease film to the outside of each packing seal and
fill the plunge with grease, flush with the packing.
Packing
Seal
Spacer
2. Install one packing seal into each of the four spacers (one upper,
two middle, one lower) that go into the packing box. Wipe all
excess grease from the top edge of the packing and all excess
grease from the spacers. Take care to prevent damage to the
sharp edges of the spacers.
Upper Spacer
Sharp edge
of spacer Wipe grease
from area shown,
all the way around Middle Spacer
Sharp edge on each spacer.
of spacer
Sharp edge
of spacer
54 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
3. Install each spacer (with packing seals) in the proper sequence in
the packing box. Handle each spacer from the ID to ensure that
no grease gets between the metal portions of the spacer, or on
the outside diameter of the spacer. When installing the upper
spacer, line up the slot in the upper spacer with the dowel pin in
the packing box.
Dowel
Grease Pin
Fitting
Socket Head
Dog Nose Packing
Screw Box
.010" Min
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In the following step, an Arbor press may be required
to compress the packing enough to in stall the screws.
4. Install the socket head cap screws. The heads of the screws
should bottom out in the nut casing. The dog head should not
bottom out on the space er. The screw prevents the spacers from
Washpipe 55
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
7. Lightly grease the washpipe, then install the washpipe into the
packing box, with the slotted end of the washpipe up and the non-
slotted end flush with the bottom edge of the packing box.
8. Install the washpipe nut onto the washpipe.
Washpipe
Nut
Washpipe
Packing
Box
56 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Reassembly
Procedure
9. Lightly grease the packing seal, fill the plunge with grease, and
install in the holding ring, taking care to not damage the seal on
the splines of the washpipe. Wipe all excess grease from the top
edge of the packing and wipe all grease from the holding ring.
Holding
Ring
Wipe grease
from area shown,
all the way around
the holding ring. Packing
Seal
Fill with grease
to level shown. Holding
Ring
10. Insert the holding ring and packing, seal side down, over the
slotted end of the washpipe.
Packing
11. Install the snap ring. Seal
12. Install the upper and lower O-rings. Apply a light coat of grease
to the O-rings.
Snap
Ring
O-ring
13.
approximately the length of the washpip
pe.
14.
Initial Installation Procedure.
Washpipe 57
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Illustrated Parts List
O-Ring
Snap Ring
Holding Ring
Upper Spacer
Packing Set
5 per set
Washpipe
Nut
Middle Spacer
Middle Spacer
Washpipe
Lower Spacer
Packing Box
O-Ring
Grease Fitting
Socket Head
Dog Nose Screw
Long-Arm
Allen Wrench
58 Varco
Hammerless Washpipe Assembly
Illustrated Parts List
Pressure Seal Kit (Packing 30123584-2 (7,500 psi) 123292-2 (7,500 psi)
Set)
Washpipe 59
Glossary
ID - Inner Diameter
IDS - Integrated Drilling System
OD - Outer Diamaeter
TDS - Top Drive System
TIR - Total Indicator Reading
60 Varco