Main Control Panel

CONTROLS - LOCATION AND FUNCTION

Regardless of previous experience, the new operator of any machine must become familiar with the location and function of all of the operating controls before he can begin to operate the machine. Since this manual covers all possible controls that could be used on the machine, he should familiarize himself with both this manual and the particular machine being operated.

For the purpose of this manual, the operating controls have been divided into three groups, depending upon their location. These three groups are:

1. Operator’s Console Controls. 2. Machinery House Controls. 3. Miscellaneous Controls.

CAUTION: Read and become familiar with this manual before attempting to operate any of the machine controls. Pay particular attention to the caution and warning statements, and any federal, state, local or company safety rules relating to the machine. Failure to be aware of and understand the hazards associated with the operation of the controls may lead to death, personal injury or serious machine damage.

OPERATOR’S CONTROL CONSOLE

NOTE: The controls on the operators console are all electric. The switches operate electric controls, electromechanical or electrohydraulic valves on the machine. For purpose of describing the controls, the console will be broken down into panels and the controls on each panel described. The panels of the console are: main controls, propel controls, selector switches, leveling controls and Operator’s display terminal.

Operator’s Control Console - Overall View

NOTE: The panels with controls as shown on the following pages are typical of what could be included on a console. Individual machines will vary depending upon customer requirements.

MAIN CONTROL PANEL

Main Control Panel

HOIST/PULLDOWN RHEOSTAT

The hoist/pulldown rheostat (1) controls the speed and direction of the hoist-pulldown motor for hoisting or lowering the rotary drive unit.

Turning the rheostat in the hoist direction from the “0” position will raise the rotary drive unit. Maximum speed is available at full clockwise position.

Turning the rheostat in the pulldown direction from the “0” position will lower the rotary drive unit. Maximum speed is available at full counterclockwise position.

NOTE: The rheostat utilizes a reference scale and pointer. When the rheostat is turned, the pointer indicates, on the reference scale, the relative percentage of full speed being set.

ROTARY RHEOSTAT

The rotary rheostat (2) controls the speed and direction of the rotary motor which in turn drives the machinery to rotate the tool string.

Turning the rheostat clockwise from the “0” position will turn the tool string in a clockwise direction. Maximum rotary speed is achieved at full clockwise position.

Turning the rheostat counterclockwise from the “0” position will turn the tool string in the reverse direction. Maximum rotary speed is achieved at full counterclockwise position.

NOTE: The rheostat utilizes a reference scale and pointer. When the rheostat is turned, the pointer indicates, on the reference scale, the relative percentage of full speed being set.

DRILL/PROPEL CONTROLS ON AND OFF PUSHBUTTON

The drill/propel controls on (3) and off (4) push-buttons are used to energize or de-energize the control levers and switches of the machine.

When the operating mode selector switch is in the DRILL position, depressing the ON pushbutton will energize the hoist/pulldown and rotary drives if all appropriate circuit breakers are closed; no drive or power system faults exist, and master switches are in NEUTRAL.

When the operating mode selector switch is in the PROPEL position, depressing the ON pushbutton will enable the propel controls if all appropriate circuit breakers are closed, compressor motor is operating normally, and no power system faults exist.

When the operating mode selector switch is in the REMOTE position the ON and OFF push-buttons are not functional.

HOIST/PULLDOWN SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH

The hoist/pulldown speed selector switch (5) is located above the hoist/pulldown rheostat and is used to determine the speed range of the hoist/pulldown rheostat. The switch is a four-position switch with the following designations: PULLDOWN, HOIST HIGH, HOIST LOW, and PIPE RACK/ JOINT.

In the PULLDOWN setting, which is used for normal drilling, full pulldown force is available but the speed range for both pulldown and hoisting is limited to about 25 FPM (7.62 MPM).

The HOIST HIGH and HOIST LOW settings are used for pipe raising at high speeds.

In the HOIST LOW position full hoisting and lowering force is allowed, but the speed is allowed to reach a higher level (typically about 65 FPM [19.8 MPM]).

In the HOIST HIGH position maximum head speed capability is allowed for both hoisting and lowering. However, force capability in the lowering direction is limited to the weight of the rotary head/pipe combination. No additional downforce is allowed to the drive which reduces the chance of equipment damage during lowering operation.

As a result of obtaining a higher speed, the hoist force capability at full speed is not as large as is obtainable in the HOIST LOW position.

In the PIPE RACK/JOINT position, the hoisting and lowering force capabilities are the same as those when the switch is in the HOIST HIGH position. However, the speed limit is reduced to 25-35 FPM (7.62-10.67 MPM). This is the switch position for any pipe rack operation.

NOTE: Pipe rack operation also requires the rotary head assembly to be above the pipe racks before operation is allowed.

ROTARY SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH

The rotary speed selector switch (6) is a three position switch located above the rotary rheostat. This switch determines the speed/torque range of the rotary motor. In the LOW position, the motor has the highest torque capability but is limited in speed to about 85-100 RPM at the bit. In the HIGH position, the motor has a higher speed capability (110-140 RPM range) but motor torque will be less (typically 68% to 74%). The MEDIUM position provides for operation between the HIGH and LOW positions.

The switch should be set to the range that most closely matches the desired bit speed range. The LOW setting is sufficient for most conditions. If more speed is desired, select the desired range as needed.

HOIST BRAKE SWITCH

The hoist brake switch (7) is a two-position switch. It is used to set or release the hoist brake.

This switch must be in the RELEASE position before the hoist/pulldown drive is allowed to move the rotary head assembly. Placing the switch into the SET position during machine operation immediately disables hoist/pulldown drive operation.

Under normal operating conditions, the hoist/pulldown speed rheostat must be set to “0” before setting the brake.

PIPE RACK SELECTOR SWITCH

The pipe rack selector switch (8) is a four-position switch used to determine which pipe rack will be operated. For machines without a pipe rack or with only one pipe rack, this switch is not used.

PIPE RACK JOYSTICK (Left Crawler Propel)

This joystick (9) will operate the pipe rack or the left crawler (secondary propel control). For the joystick to control the pipe rack, the operating mode selector switch on the propel control panel must be in the DRILL position and the hoist/pulldown speed selector switch (5) in the PIPE RACK/JOINT position.

For the joystick to control the left crawler the operating mode selector switch on the propel control panel must be in the SECONDARY PROPEL position.

Full forward or rearward movement of the joystick will supply the fastest motion.

This switch is equipped with a lock feature. To move the switch out of the NEUTRAL position the switch knob must be lifted.