Varco Equipment Maintenance for Magnetic Particle Inspections (MPI)

Once a year, or every 3,000 operating hours, Varco recommends performing a Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) of the exposed surfaces of all load carrying components to reveal any fatigue or crack indications. Any indications found are a potential cause for replacing the suspect component. Round bottom pits and erosion are acceptable as long as the defect is less than 1/16 in. deep. Larger defects or any crack indications are cause for replacing the suspect component.

After approximately five years, or 15,000 operating hours, depending on the severity of operating conditions, Varco recommends performing a MPI of all load carrying components over their entire surface (including internal bores) to reveal any fatigue or crack indications. Any indications found are a potential cause for replacing the suspect component. Round bottom pits and erosion are acceptable as long as the defect is less than 1/16 in.deep. Larger defects or any crack indications are cause for replacing the suspect component. The load carrying components are:

❏ Mainshaft (lower portion)

❏ Bail

❏ Landing collar (yearly)

❏ Upper and lower IBOP

❏ Link adapter

❏ Saver, crossover, and spacer subs

❏ Power subs

❏ Power swivels

❏ Elevator links