Top Drive system is an essential piece of drilling equipment. The top drive is a motor that is suspended from the derrick, or mast, of the rig. Top Drive system can be used in a variety of rigs including truck-mounted rigs and offshore rigs. These power swivels boast at least 1,000 horsepower that turn a shaft to which the drill string is screwed. Replacing the traditional Kelly or rotary table, the top drive lessens the manual labor involved in drilling, as well as many associated risks.
Top Drive system is comprised of one or more electric or hydraulic motors, which is connected to the drill string via a short section of pipe known as the quill. Suspended from a hook below the traveling block, the top drive system is able to move up and down the derrick. Many times, slips are still employed on a rotary table to ensure the drill string does not fall down the well.
