Tesco introduces top drive, casing system for extended reach

Tesco Corp has completed tests for two products – the HXI 150-ton top drive and Hydraulic Compact CASING DRIVE SYSTEM (HCCDS) – for extended reach.

The HXI 150t, the 12^th of TESCO’s top drive line, features the same benefits as the HXI 250t but is lighter and smaller and allows operators to move the top drive between mobile rigs. “The R&D groups did a great job of looking at this unit and shrinking it down substantially,” Julio Quintana, president and CEO of Tesco, said at a press conference at the 2013 OTC on 7 May. “You’re able to put it on essentially any rig in the world.”

Generating 24,000 ft/lbs of drilling torque, the HXI 150t is designed for the horizontal value stream, as well as the vertical stages of the well, including drilling sections, rotating casing to TD and cementing the casing. Its integrated safety interlock of the process logic controller system and driller’s control panel maximizes operating efficiency while minimizing risks.

“Consistent with our customer intimacy culture, we asked our customers what attributes of the top drive were critical to their operations and they told us: rig integration, smaller footprint and mobility,” Jeff Foster, vice president of top drives, said. “We designed the HXI 150t to meet all of those demands, and after a year of field testing, we are confident that it is the most versatile and dynamic top drive to meet those challenges.”

Complementing the HXI 150t is TESCO’s HCCDS, a compact, lightweight version of the company’s 500-ton CASING DRIVE SYSTEM.  Replacing conventional power tongs, traveling elevators and removing the need for a stabbing board, the HCCDS allows circulation, rotation and reciprocation of the casing to ensure it reaches casing point and in conjunction with TESCO’s Dynamic Cementation System improves the cement bond and wellbore integrity.

“By eliminating traditional equipment, the HCCDS is cost-efficient and maximizes safety by eliminating risks associated with conventional casing running equipment,” Nick Mawford, vice president of tubular services, said. “The HXI 150t top drive, coupled with TESCO’s HCCDS provides operators and end-users a compact rig solution for any drilling environment.”

Hydraulic Compact CASING DRIVE SYSTEM and CASING DRIVE SYSTEM are trademarks of Tesco Corp.