Top Drive Drilling System (TDS) — DC/AC VFD Electric Drive
DQ Series • 3,000m–12,000m Depth • Up to 1,000 Ton Rated Load • API Certified • Dual Motor Configuration
Product Overview
DEENPU DQ Series Top Drive Drilling System (TDS) — Dual Motor Configuration with Integrated Pipe Handler
The Top Drive Drilling System (TDS) is a modern replacement for the traditional rotary table and kelly drive, representing the most significant advancement in drilling rig technology. It rotates the drill string directly from the top of the derrick, traveling along a guide track to perform rotary drilling, make-up and break-out of drill pipe connections, circulating drilling fluid, and back reaming operations — all in a single integrated unit.
Deenpu Machinery’s DQ Series Top Drive System covers drilling depth capacities from 3,000m to 12,000m with rated loads up to 1,000 tons. Available in electric DC or AC VFD configurations with dual-motor power up to 600 HP × 2, each unit includes the main body, electrical drive & control system, and hydraulic drive & control system. All units are API certified and ISO 9001-2015 audited by DNV.
How the Top Drive System Works
The TDS consists of three core subsystems working together to replace the rotary table function:
- Main Body — Houses the drive motor(s), gearbox, main shaft with washpipe assembly, swivel, and pipe handler (backup tong and link tilt). The main shaft transmits torque directly to the drill string while allowing high-pressure mud circulation through the gooseneck and washpipe.
- Electrical Drive & Control System — A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or SCR-controlled DC drive powers the main motor(s), providing infinitely variable speed control from 0–200 RPM. A SIEMENS PLC-based control console at the driller’s station displays real-time torque, RPM, and circulating pressure.
- Hydraulic Drive & Control System — Powers the pipe handler (backup tong clamping, link tilt, IBOP actuation) and counterbalance system. A dedicated hydraulic power unit (HPU) supplies pressure to all hydraulic functions independently of rig hydraulics.
Unlike a rotary table, the TDS eliminates kelly handling, allows drilling with triple stands (up to 28m), and can circulate and rotate while tripping — dramatically reducing connection time and the risk of stuck pipe.
Key Features
Applications
- Land drilling rigs — 1,000–3,000 HP mechanical or SCR rigs upgrading from rotary table to top drive
- Offshore drilling platforms & jack-ups — Space-efficient top drive packages for platform rigs
- Directional & horizontal drilling — Precise RPM control for PDM/MWD/LWD operations
- Extended reach drilling (ERD) — High torque for long laterals and complex well profiles
- Deep gas wells — 7,000–12,000m depth capacity for HPHT drilling programs
- Workover & snubbing units — Compact DQ30/DQ40 models for workover rigs
- Rig fleet standardization — OEM packages for drilling contractors upgrading multiple rigs
Technical Specifications
| Model | Drilling Depth (m) | Rated Load (Ton) | Cont. Torque (kN.m) | Breakout Torque (kN.m) | Main Shaft (mm) | Circulating Pressure (MPa) | Clamp Range (mm) | Speed Range (RPM) | Motor Power (HP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DQ120BSC | 12,000 | 1,000 | 85 | 135 | 102 | 52 / 70 | 87–250 | 0–200 | 600 × 2 |
| DQ90BSD | 9,000 | 750 | 89 | — | 52 | — | — | — | — |
| DQ90BS110 | 9,000 | — | 75 | — | — | — | — | — | 500 × 2 |
| DQ70BSD | 7,000 | 500 | 70 | 90 | 35/52 | — | — | — | — |
| DQ70BSE | 7,000 | — | 60 | 75 | — | — | 0–220 | — | 400 × 2 |
| DQ50BC | 5,000 | 350 | 40 | 60 | — | — | — | 0–180 | 500 |
| DQ40BC | 5,000 | 350 | 40 | 60 | — | — | — | 0–180 | 500 |
| DQ40BCQ | 4,000 | 250 | — | — | — | — | — | 0–200 | 400 |
| DQ40Y | 4,000 | — | — | — | — | — | 0–180 | — | 540 |
| DQ30Y | 3,000 | 190 | 22 | 40 | 64 | — | — | — | — |
D = Electric drive; Q = Top drive; B = Standard configuration; S = SIEMENS VFD; C = DC SCR drive; Y = Hydraulic drive. Contact us for complete specifications, dimensional drawings, and rig integration data.
When Ordering, Please Specify
- Rig Type & CapacityRig horsepower, derrick rating, and maximum hook load. Required drilling depth capacity (3,000–12,000m).
- Drive TypeDC SCR drive or AC VFD (SIEMENS / ABB). Specify motor power requirement (400–600 HP per motor).
- Guide Rail CompatibilityDerrick guide rail dimensions, type (torque tube or rail), and mounting interface details.
- Pipe Handling RequirementsDrill pipe size range (2-7/8″ to 6-5/8″). Link tilt with or without elevator. IBOP valve type and connection.
- Mud CirculationMaximum circulating pressure (35 MPa / 52 MPa / 70 MPa). Gooseneck connection type and washpipe specifications.
- Power SupplyInput voltage and frequency (600V AC VFD bus, 480V/60Hz, or 380V/50Hz auxiliary).
- Control SystemSIEMENS PLC with touchscreen HMI, driller’s console type, data logging, and communication protocol (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
- Hydraulic Power UnitStandalone electric HPU or integrated rig hydraulic supply. Specify operating pressure and reservoir capacity.
- Explosion-Proof RatingEx d IIB T4 or Ex d IIC T6 for Zone 1 / Zone 2 hazardous areas. Required for offshore and gas well drilling.
- Certifications & DocumentationAPI 8C / API 7K certification. Material certificates, pressure test reports, and FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) documentation.
Custom Manufacturing & OEM Capability
- Guide Rail Engineering — Custom guide rail design to match any derrick structure (Lee C. Moore, Dreco, Pyramid, Sovonex, BOMCO).
- Motor & Drive Configuration — Single or dual motor; DC or AC VFD; SIEMENS, ABB, or Yaskawa drive systems.
- Mud Circulation Path — API 6A / API 16A rated washpipe assemblies for working pressures up to 70 MPa (10,000 psi).
- Pipe Handler Customization — Link tilt for 350–750 ton elevators. Backup tong jaw sets for any drill pipe and collar OD range.
- Control System Integration — Integrate with existing rig control systems (Amphion, NOV Cyberbase, Canrig). Profibus/Modbus/Ethernet/IP communication.
- Skid & Transport Design — DNV 2.7-1 certified lifting frames, transport skids, and offshore containerization.
Quality Control & Testing Standards
- Main shaft and gearbox load tested to 1.25× rated capacity with certified test reports.
- Complete unit function tested at factory — full-speed motor run, torque calibration, hydraulic function cycle test, and PLC I/O verification.
- Washpipe assembly hydrostatically tested to 1.5× rated circulating pressure.
- Electrical panels megger and insulation tested; VFD system commissioned with motor load bank testing.
- Material test certificates (MTC) for all pressure-bearing and structural components.
- FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) performed before shipment — customer or third-party witness optional.
- Third-party inspection by DNV, BV, SGS, or ABS available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a top drive over a rotary table and kelly?
A top drive eliminates the kelly, rotary table, and kelly bushing entirely. You can drill with 28m stands instead of 9m singles — reducing connections by 66%. You can circulate and rotate while tripping, ream tight spots immediately, and make up connections with precise torque control. In directional drilling, a top drive allows continuous rotation during sliding, significantly improving ROP and wellbore quality.
What is the difference between DC and AC VFD top drives?
DC (SCR) top drives use DC motors controlled by SCR (thyristor) drives. They are robust, proven technology, and cost-effective — ideal for rigs that already have an SCR power system. AC VFD top drives use AC induction or permanent magnet motors with variable frequency drives. They offer higher efficiency, wider speed range, lower maintenance (no brushes), and regenerative braking capability. All DQ models can be configured for either drive type.
Can you retrofit a top drive to our existing rig?
Yes, we specialize in top drive retrofits. Our engineering team will review your derrick drawings, guide rail specifications, power system (SCR or VFD bus), and mud system to design a complete integration package. Retrofits typically include: top drive main body, guide dolly and rail system, service loop (hose management), VFD/SCR drive cabinet, driller’s console, and hydraulic power unit. Typical retrofit timeline is 12–16 weeks from order to delivery.
What spare parts and maintenance support do you provide?
Deenpu maintains a comprehensive spare parts inventory: washpipe packing kits, main shaft seals, gearbox bearings, hydraulic pump cartridges, IBOP valve repair kits, VFD power modules, PLC I/O cards, and motor brushes (DC models). We also offer complete washpipe assemblies, backup tong jaw sets, and gooseneck assemblies. Critical spares ship within 3–5 working days. Annual maintenance contract (AMC) and on-site field service engineers are available.
What certifications do your top drives carry?
Our top drives are designed and manufactured to API 8C (Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment) and API 7K (Drilling and Well Servicing Equipment) standards. The complete system is ISO 9001-2015 certified by DNV. We provide full material traceability, NDT reports, pressure test certificates, and FAT documentation with every unit. ABS, DNV, and BV design appraisal and individual unit certification are available on request.
How long does it take to install and commission a top drive?
A standard retrofit installation takes 5–7 days with a rig crew and our commissioning engineer on site: Day 1–2: guide rail and dolly installation; Day 2–3: top drive body mounting; Day 3–4: service loop routing, electrical and hydraulic connections; Day 4–5: VFD commissioning, PLC configuration, function testing; Day 5–7: load testing, torque calibration, crew training. We provide full installation manuals, rig-up drawings, and remote support throughout the process.
Request a Quote — Top Drive Drilling System
Send your rig specifications and drilling requirements. Our engineering team recommends the optimal TDS model and provides a complete proposal with pricing, drawings, and delivery schedule within 48 hours.
- Get DatasheetComplete specification PDF with dimensional drawings and motor curves
- Contact EngineerRig integration study, guide rail design, and drive selection
- Retrofit ProposalComplete upgrade package with installation plan and timeline
Include: Rig type, drilling depth, hook load rating, guide rail type, existing power system (SCR/VFD), drill pipe size range, and mud pressure requirement.
About Us
Our company has been in the oil & gas drilling equipment industry for over more years, We are here to serve all your drilling equipment needs.