Nov.

11, 1994

Operating Guide

Contents
A. START-UP PROCEDURE ................................................................................. 2
B. PIPEHANDLER OPERATION .......................................................................... 3
1. Rotating Head ...................................................................................................... 3
2. IBOP Safety Valves ............................................................................................. 4

3. Torque Wrench .................................................................................................... 5

4. Torque Values for Load Carrying Components ............................................... 6
a. Changing Drill String Sizes .......................................................................... 8
D. DRILLING AHEAD ...................................................................................................... 9
1. Drilling Ahead with Triples ................................................................................. 9
2. Drilling Ahead with Singles .............................................................................. 12
3. Drilling Ahead on a Semi .................................................................................. 14
E. TRIPPING ................................................................................................................. 16
F. REAMING OUT ......................................................................................................... 16
G. WELL CONTROL PROCEDURES ........................................................................... 18
H. RUNNING CASING ................................................................................................... 18
I. HANDLING BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLIES ............................................................ 19
J. POST JARRING CHECKLIST .................................................................................. 20
1. Post Jarring ChecklistJDesign Torque Specification (DS 0008) ................... 20

1
.................................--------
Nov. 11, 1994

A. START-UP PROCEDURE

Use the following procedure to start up the TDS:

1. Place the blower/oil pump switch in the AUTO position.

2. Place the hydraulic power unit (HPU) switch in the PLC position.

3. Place the water pumps switch in the PLC position.

4. Place the motor space heater switch in the ON position.

5. Place the top drive/rotary table (TDIRT) lockout switch in the RUN position.

6. Select top drive on the TDIRT switch.

7. Assign an SCR.

2
 Nov. 11, 1994

B. PIPEHANDLER OPERATION

1. Rotating Head

To operate the swivel block locking mechanism, pull down the locking lever, pulling the
locking pin out of one of 24 locking slots in the cam (Figure 1). With the locking lever
in the vertical position, manually rotate the swivel block to the desired position and
release the locking lever, setting the pin.

Stationary Flange

Auto-Return

Locking
Lever
Swivel Block
Cylinder

Figure 1. Rotating Head

The perimeter of the cam is machined with an indented area where the cam follower
normally rests. When the cam follower is located on this indented area, the return cylinder
rod is fully retracted and the hydraulic pressure inside the cylinder is at equilibrium.
When the swivel block and cam is rotated to another position by the drill string, the ramp
of the cam extends the return cylinder rod, unbalancing the hydraulic pressure in the
cylinder. When the elevator is released, the system automatically returns to its pre-
selected (indented) position (equilibrium).

3
Nov. 11, 1994

2. IBOP Safety Valves

Operating the switch on the driller's console to the mop CLOSE position causes the two
actuator air cylinder rods to extend moving the arms and the actuator shell body upward
(Figure 2). This upward movement causes the crank assemblies to rotate 90, closing the
mop ball valve.

Operating the switch to the OPEN position retracts the cylinder rods, drawing the mop
actuator shell downward-opening the mop.

DriveStem _ _ _ _
(Ref.)

Link
Cylinder Adapter
Adjustment
Bolts (4)
Landing Collar
Eye Bolts (2) ----I-~ Upper IBOP Valve
Actuator Shell
Upper IBOP Valve - - - - 1 - 1 -
Actuator Air Cylinders (2) Crank Assy(Shown with
Valve OPEN. Note Crank

t

Assy Position
CLOSE

t OPEN
Actuator
Arm

Upper IBOP

Torque Tube
*IMPORTANT

LowerlBOP

Saver Sub

Figure 2. Safety Valve Actuator System

4

 Nov. 11, 1994

3. Torque Wrench
Located on the torque wrench control manifold are a hydraulic pressure gauge, control
and sequencing valves, hydraulic hose inlet and outlet quick disconnects and the manual
MAKEIBREAK directional valve (Figure 3). This manual valve controls the torque
wrench operating direction (makeup/breakout) during operation.
A pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the control manifold allows presetting the makeup
torque (this valve is bypassed when the torque wrench is in breakout mode).
When the torque wrench is actuated from the driller's console, the lifting cylinder rod
retracts raising the torque tube to engage the splines on the upper mop. A sequenced
signal from the control manifold then operates the clamping piston, causing the clamping
jaws to clamp onto the drill string box connection.
After clamping pressure is developed, another sequenced signal from the control
manifold automatically directs pressure to the torque cylinders causing the torque tube
to rotate up to 25 while developing a maximum torque of 60,000 ft lb. The direction of
rotation is controlled by the MAKEIBREAK valve on the control manifold.
This entire sequenced cycle is controlled by a two-position, air piloted, hydraulic valve
located on the counterbalance manifold located on top of the TDS guide dolly. One
electrical push button on the driller's console operates this hydraulic valve. The driller
holds the button down until the connection is made or broken, and then releases the button

to allow the torque wrench to automatically recycle to the ready position. If the torque
developed on the first pass is not sufficient, the driller simply operates the button again.

Make/Break
Valve
Torque
Wrench
Manifold

Hydraulic
Pressure
Return

Lift/Lower
Flow Control ~""'--'-~
Valve
Pressure
Gauge
03000 PSI

Figure 3. Torque Wrench Control Manifold

5
Nov. 11, 1994

4. Torque Values for Load Carrying Components

Proper makeup torque is critical to the function of drill stem components. Table 1 covers
only components within the TDS. Refer to the API charts for other components.

Table 1. Torque Values for Load Carrying Components

Min. Torque Max. Torque
Components 1.0. Connection 0.0. (ft Ib) (ft Ib)
Main stem to upper 3" 6-5/8" API Reg. 7-3/4" 50,000 63,000
safety valve
Upper safety valve to 3" 6-5/8" API Reg. 7-3/4" 50,000 63,000
lower safety valve
Lower safety valve to 3" 6-5/8" API Reg. 7-3/8" 46,000 63,000
saver sub
Crossover sub to 3" 6-5/8" API Reg. 7-3/8" 46,000 60,000
lower safety valve

*Maximum +10%

6
 Nov. 11,1994

Table 2 shows the relationship between torque wrench hydraulic pressure as read from
the gauge located on the torque wrench control manifold and the torque applied.

TABLE 2. PH-60d TORQUE VS. PRESSURE

To calculate values not shown in the table, multiply the pressure in psi from the gauge by
30 to get the torque in foot pounds:
Torque (ft lb) =Pressure (psi) X 30
Pressure Torque
(psi) (ftlb)

100 3000
200 6000
300 9000
400 12,000
500 15,000
600 18,000
700 21,000

800
900
1000
1100
24,000
27,000
30,000
33,000
1200 36,000
1300 39,000
1400 42,000
1500 45,000
1600 48,000
1700 51,000
1800 54,000
1900 57,000
2000 60,000

7
Nov. 11, 1994

A. CHANGING DRILL STRING SIZES

To operate the pipehandler torque wrench with a 3-112" drill string, install a separate
drill string handling kit. The following lists available kits for a PH-60d:

o Part No. 78652-1- Includes stabbing guide assembly,jaw assemblies, saver subs,
installation drawing.

o Part No. 78652-2 - Includes stabbing guide assembly, jaw asemblies, installation
drawing.

NOTE
Part No. 78652-1 includes 3 1I21.F. saver subs, while
Part No. 78652-2 does not. By purchasing the latter,
the user assumes responsibility for obtaining appro-
priate 6-5/8 reg. x 3-112 I.E saver subs separately.
Specifications for these are available from the factory or
anyVarcolBJ service center.

8

 Nov. 11, 1994

D. DRILLING AHEAD

1. Drilling Ahead with Triples

Drilling ahead with triples is the common drilling mode for the TDS. There are various
sources for triples. On skidding rigs drilling multiple well platforms, drill pipe can be left
racked and used to drill the next well.

If triples do not currently exist, there are two recommend methods of obtaining them. One
is to leave some triples racked in the derrick when tripping back in the hole and finish the
trip with singles. Enough triples should be left racked to handle anticipated bit life.

The second method for obtaining triples is to make up triples in the mousehole while
drilling ahead or during rig idle time. For safety reasons it is best to have a pivoting
mousehole so it can be put in a vertical plane to simplify making connections.

Use the following procedure to drill ahead with triples (Figure 4):

1. Drill down until the saver sub is within 3 feet of the rotary table.

2. Circulate bottoms up as necessary.

3. Stop the string rotation.

4. Pick up the string and set slips for a connection four feet off the rig floor.

5. Switch the TDS motor from forward to REVERSE.

6. Stop the mud pumps.

7. Close the !BOP.

8. Break out the drill pipe connection using the torque wrench on the pipehandler.

9. U sing the TDS motor, spin out of the box while hoisting the TDS with the drawworks
(follow with the drawworks, do not lead).

10. Stop the spin out mode.

11. Open the drill pipe elevators.

12. Retract the TDS away from the hole.

13. Hoist the TDS to the racking board level to get the next stand.

9
Nov. 11, 1994

14. Latch the backup tong on the box connection.

15. Thoroughly dope the box connection in the rotary table.

16. Tilt the links.

17. Switch the TDS motor from reverse to FORWARD.

18. Derrickman latches the elevator on the next stand.

19. Hoist the pin off setback area and clear the box with the stand.

20. Release the link tilt.

21. Stab the connection at the floor.

22. Switch the TDS to SPIN IN mode.

23. Continue to slack off approximately 2 feet to stab the upper connection of the stand
with the TDS.

24. Slack offto allow connection to shoulder up (lead with the drawworks, do not follow).

25. Switch to TORQUE and hold for approximately 6 seconds. The makeup torque is
preset.

26. Verify full makeup to the correct value on the torque meter.

27. Switch to DRILL mode.

28. Unlatch the backup tong.

29. Open the mop.

30. Start the mud pumps.

31. Pick up to pull the slips.

32. Drill ahead.

10
.......
-----------------

Lower block to Pull slips
Unlatch elevator Pickup stand with Start circulation
Set slips on stab motor into
Raise block elevator Begin drilling
string Stab bottom of top of stand
Stop circulation stand onto string Spin in motor
Breakout connection and stand
using pipehandler Makeup both
and drilling motor connections with
(in reverse) motor

!1
co'
c::
ca
.c:..
,
11 , ~ , ~ \ I\~
tJ 1\\ \ 1\\ \ 11\ 11\ I\\~
-S'
3:
co
~
~
~
::r-
CI)
Q)
a.
,
3-
~
ii'
i"

5 z0
3 4 :'
1 2 ......
-............
co
co
"'"
Nov. 11, 1994

2. Drilling Ahead with Singles

Typically there are two situations when it is required to drill ahead with singles. One is
beginning operations on a new well and there are no triples made up and racked back. The
other is when surveys must be made every 30 feet as when kicking off using a downhole
mud motor. The link tilt feature makes drilling with singles safe and efficient by moving
the elevators to the mousehole to pick up the singles.

Use the following procedure to drill ahead with singles (Figure 5):

1. Drill down the existing single, pull up to the 4' level (approximately) and set the slips.

2. Break the connection between the saver sub and the drill pipe using the torque wrench
in the TDS pipehandler.

3. Spin out the connection using the drilling motor.

4. Lift the TDS, opening the drill pipe elevators to allow them to pass over the box setting
in the rotary table.

5. Actuate the link tilt to bring the elevator over to the single in the mousehole and latch

the elevator around the single.

6. Pull the single out of the mousehole and as the pin clears the floor, deactivate the link
tilt to allow the single to come to well center.

7. Stab the connection at the floor and lower the TDS, allowing the added single to enter
the stabbing guide until the saver sub pin stabs into the box of the new joint.

8. Using a backup tong to react the torque, spin up and torque the connection using the
TDS motors in the "Torque Mode."

9. Pull the slips, start the mud pumps and drill ahead.

12


Pickup single with Lower block to Pull slips
Set slips on Unlatch elevator Open IBOP
elevator stab motor into
string Tilt links to top of single
Stab bottom of Start circulation
Stop circulation mousehole
single onto string Spin in motor Begin drilling
Close IBOP Latch drill pipe
and single
Breakout connection elevator around
Makeup both
using pipehandler single
connections with
and drilling motor motor in
(in reverse) torque mode
:!t
CQ'
e:
~
~

-,
~
::::
~'
...... :t.
U)
~
m
Q,
,
So
(I)
s'
CQ
I1 I \ I~ \ nt \ , II~
CD
U)

4 5 z0
1 2 3 :::......
......
~

......
<0
<0
.jlI.
--------------------............................
Nov. 11, 1994

3. Drilling Ahead on a Semi

Derrick clearances are critical for drilling operations with the TDS on a floater. When
making a connection, kelly drilling assures the bit is pulled off bottom far enough to
account for vessel heave. The 54' kelly must be pulled all the way up to add the next joint.

With the TDS there is no kelly to pull up. Therefore, you must be able to pull the bit off
bottom enough to allow for vessel heave when making a connection. The practical
method for doing this is to pull up the pipe string until the bit is sufficiently off bottom,
and then set the slips. The distance should equal the maximum expected heave.

The TDS pipehandler can break out the drive shaft, and the TDS motor can spin out the
connection. The TDS is then hoisted into the derrick and a new 90' stand is added from
the pipe rack in the same manner as on a fixed rig.

Because the pin connection of the new stand is about 15 feet above the floor, a torque
backup device is required, as well as a means to assist stabbing. VarcolBJ provides a
simple, remotely-operated raised backup system (RBS) which retracts out of the way
when not in use.

Use the following procedure to drill ahead with triples on a semi (Figure 6):

1. Drill the stand down until the elevators to the floor.

2. Pull the string up sufficiently off bottom.

3. Set the slips.

4. Breakout the TDS and spinout shaft using the drilling motor.

5. Raise the TDS to the racking platform and latch the elevator on a new stand.

6. Extend the RBS and adjust the height. Clamp the RBS tong on the elevated box of
the drill string.

7. Stab the pin of the new stand into the string using the RBS stabbing head if so
equipped, or use the lower racking arm.

8. Stab the TDS into the upper end of the stand spin in and make up both connections.

9. Retract the RBS.

10. Pull the slips and drill ahead.

14


Drill down stand Pickup string Raise block Spin in stand Pull slips
Stop circulation 10 to 20 feet Extend RBS Makeup both Retract RBS
Unlatch elevator Breakout / spinout and ADJ height connections Start circulation
with pipehandler Pickup stand with motor Begin drilling
and motor Stab stand using 90 feet
RBS to assist
:n
cO'
e:
CiI
~
t:J
~.
:::::
~.
:t:.
:::s-
.....
01 l
.
So
;t
"6'
Ci'
en
'5i
g-
Cit
Cil
----

1 2 3 4 5 z
0
~
......
......
~

......
<0
<0
..j:lo.
Nov. 11, 1994

E. TRIPPING

Tripping is handled in the conventional manner. Use the link tilt feature to tilt the elevator
to the derrickman so the derrickman can latch it around the pipe quickly.

The link tilt has an intermediate stop which is adjustable to set the elevator at a convenient

working distance from the monkey board. The intermediate stop is tilted out of the way
to allow the elevator to reach the mousehole.

The elevator may be positioned in any direction by unlocking the rotation lock and
rotating the pipehandler. The elevator returns to its original position if rotated by the
drillstring.

If a tight spot or key seat is encountered while tripping out of the hole, the drilling motor
may be spun into the stand at any height in the derrick. Circulation and rotation can be
established immediately to work the pipe through the tight spot.

F. REAMING OUT

The TDS permits reaming out of an open hole to prevent pipe sticking and to reduce key
seat formation, without affecting racking functions associated with normal tripping (i.e.
there are no singles to contend with). The pipehandler torque wrench can break out 90'
stands in the derrick.

Use the following procedure to ream out of the hole (Figure 7):

1. Hoist the block while circulating and rotating the drilling motor until the third
connection appears.

2. Stop circulation and rotation and set the slips.

3. Break out the drilling motor from the top of the stand using the pipehandler torque
wrench. Hold a backup at the floor and spin out the drilling motor.

4. Break out the stand at floor level, and spin out using pipe spinners.

5. Pick up the stand with the drill pipe elevator.

6. Rack the stand back.

7. Lower the block and TDS to the floor.

8. Stab the drilling motor into the box, spin up and torque it with the drilling motor. With
light slip loads, the pipehandler torque wrench can be used to torque the connection.

9. Resume circulation and continue reaming out of the hole.

16


Hoist free stand Set back stand Lower block
Hoist while Set slips on Stab motor into
circulating and string with elevator
string
rotating. Breakout and
Spin in motor
When 3rd spinout stand and makeup
connection from motor using connection with
surfaces, stop pipehandler motor
rotation and circulation Breakout and
Start circulation,
spinout stand
pull slips,
at floor hoist and rotate

l! ~
CO

CD
:--a
lilt
tD
Q)
C')
2f
~-.::J
CO

3 4 5 z0
1 2 ~
......
......
-
......
co
co
~
Nov. 11, 1994

G. WELL CONTROL PROCEDURES

The TDS can stab into the string in any position in the derrick. While drilling, the
remotely controlled upper mop valve is always in the string for immediate use as needed.
Use the following TDS Well Control procedure in conjunction with standard IBOP well
control procedures:

1. On indication of a kick, set the slips at the nearest connection and stab the TDS into
the string.

2. Spin up and torque the connection using the Spinfforque control, after setting the
backup tong.

3. Remotely close the mop valve. *

4. Lower the string to the floor and reset the slips.

5. Manually close the lower mop valve.

6. Remove the torque wrench upper and lower stop tubes.

7. Breakout the lower mop from the upper mop.

8. Engage top drive motor in reverse to spin the connection out.

9. Install the appropriate crossover sub, check valve or circulation sub on top of the
lower mop valve.

10. Proceed with normal well control procedures.

* Operation ofthe safety valves is the same as any standard valve. A 7/8" hex wrench
is included with the system to operate the upper valve if the remote actuator should
fail, or for checking that the valve is functioning correctly.

H. RUNNING CASING

For casing operations, longer elevator links (180") must be used to allow clearance for
the cementing head under the torque wrench in the pipehandler.

By attaching a short piece of hose to the saver sub in the pipehandler, the casing can be
filled while lowering by using the remotely controlled upper mop valve to start and stop
the fluid flow.

If desired, casing can be run conventionally using the block and hook by swinging the
TDS aside. Longer bails (180") must be used to prevent the block dolly (if used) from
contacting the TDS dolly.

18

 Nov. 11, 1994

I. HANDLING BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLIES

For handling bottom hole assemblies, use the swiveling drill collar dolly to allow the
elevators to turn freely. The drill collar dolly's upset, which latches in the standard drill
pipe elevator, is mounted on a bearing, allowing it to swivel even while it is under load.
A shoulder elevator is suspended from the "perfection" links (or a second drill pipe
elevator if lifting subs are used). The collars can be walked in or out with the elevator
turning on the drill collar dolly.

Drill Pipe
Elevator

Drill Collar
Dolly

91"
Perfection
Links (36")

Square
Shoulder
Elevator

Lifting
Sub
37"

Drill
Collar View A-A

Figure B. Swiveling Drill Collar Dolly

19
Nov. 11, 1994

J. POST JARRING CHECKLIST

CAUTION
Jarring occurs on all drilling rigs. It is not practical to
recommend removing the top drive from the drill

string during alljarring operations. But the possibility
of damage to a top drive during a jarring operation is
considerable. Consider removing the top drive from
the drill string before performing prolonged jarring. It
is imperative to exercise caution when using a top
drive after a jarring operation.

Safe operation of the top drive is the responsibility of

the user and rig crew. Use the Post Jarring Checklist
and Design Specification DS 0008 (Design Torque
Standards) to help ensure safe top drive operation.
Note that the checklist includes recommended proce-
dures. Do not limit inspections to items on the check-
list.

The checklist draws attention to specific parts on
major subassemblies. Inspection should be rigorous,
looking for any wear that could cause a safety or
operational risk.

1. Post Jarring Checklist/Design Torque Specification (OS 0008)

Use the checklist and Design Torque Standard (DS 0008) on the following pages after
performing any jarring operation while the top drive is in the drill string.

20