RIG FLOOR EQUIPMENT

Proprietary face seals prolong washpipe system’s life

National Oilwell Varco (NOV), in alliance with Deublin Company, manufacturer of precision rotating unions, has designed the next generation of washpipe systems. The company’s Washpipe System is a patent-pending design, which uses a set of proprietary ultra-hard mechanical face seals to provide superior life. The ongoing challenge to solve high-pressure, large-bore washpipe life has finally been met with this robust and innovative design. The seals can be changed quickly without removing the hammer nuts. The system works on all Varco National or Hydralift brand top drives with large-bore set-ups with no special modifications; small-bore setups will be coming soon. The system’s enhancements effectively prevent premature washpipe failure, as evidenced by the company’s developmental testing and field trials.

The rotating and stationary seals in the NOV Washpipe System can withstand high pressure without premature washpipe failure.

Main features of the washpipe system include:

• Compatible with all NOV-brand top drives
• 7,500 psi capacity
• Simple mechanical seal design
• Seals changes in minutes with standard hand tools
• Large-bore top drive application
• Small-bore top drive application.