Product Bulletin No.

: TDS-02-14
Rev A
Release Top Drive Drilling System
Date: May 10, 2013

Subject: Report of Falling Dust Plug/Cap from Top Drive during Drilling Operations

Product: All NOV Top Drive Drilling System Service Loops with Inline Connectors

Affected
Assemblies: Top Drilling System Service Loops (Multiple Part Numbers)

Objective: Advise customers of recent falling object incident and reiterate recommendation to
remove plugs/caps from inline connectors on service loops

Issue: In October 2002, a Safety Alert was issued after an incident was reported where during
drilling operations a dust cap and dust plug on the inline power connectors on a TDS-
11SA Top Drive Drilling System fell to the rig floor. No injuries were reported as a result
of that incident. NOV has just received another report of a non-injury falling object
incident involving a dust cap for a TDS-8SA service loop. We were advised that the
dust cap disconnected from its metal chain and s-hook, falling to the rig floor.

Several models of NOV Top Drive Drilling Systems are available with inline connectors
on their service loops for quick rig up and rig down. These inline connectors come in
either a pin or a socket configuration. The pin connector has a dust plug that is installed
when the service loop is disconnected. When the service loop is installed, the dust plug
is removed and is typically retained by a metal chain or cable and s-hook. The socket
connector has a dust cap that works in the same manner.

In the original incident, the pin and socket inline connectors were installed and located
adjacent to each other. The dust cap and dust plug were screwed together, as shown in
Figure 1. Neither metal chain prevented the cap and plug from falling.

Solutions: NOV strongly recommends immediate removal of all dust caps, dust plugs and their
respective metal chains and s-hooks from the inline connectors. Rather than remain
permanently attached to the inline connectors, the dust caps/dust plugs should only be
installed when the service loops are removed during rig down. When not in use, the
dust caps/dust plugs should be removed and stored until reinstalled during the next rig
down.

© 2013 National Oilwell Varco TDS-02-14

Rev A
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 Caution: It is important to reinstall these dust cap/plugs on all inline connectors, after
disconnecting service loops, to prevent water ingress and potential
electrical damage to connectors.

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

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.

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

FIGURE 1

© 2013 National Oilwell Varco TDS-02-14

Rev A
Page 2 of 2