Bentec, the leading European manufacturer of high quality and highly efficient drilling rig systems and drilling rig components, has sold three 500-tonne Bentec top drives (TD-500-HTs) in the space of 60 days.
This brings the number sold since launch in spring 2010 to nine in total and, according to Bentec – part of Aberdeen-headquartered KCA Deutag – demonstrates strong customer endorsement.
The top drives will go into rig operations in areas of the world that present current and ongoing operational challenges due to their extremely harsh environments, such as eastern Siberia and arid desert regions.
They will also comply with strict certification requirements in Europe.
The most recent sale – the ultimate customer is Russian oil company Rosneft – will go into operation on Sakhalin Island.
Temperatures on the island, located in the Sea of Okhotsk north of Japan, can fall as low as -55C.
According to Bentec, the TD-500-HT comes with a number of innovative features, all of which have been recently developed to significantly improve drilling results.
With a claimed up to 25% higher performance than comparable units and a new control system, the Bentec top drive is said to reduce downtime and maintenance costs significantly.
Newly developed link tilt mechanisms apparently set new standards in the area of safety.
The TD-500-HT and its equivalent 350-tonne model will be followed by a 250-tonne model by the end of the year.
A 650-tonne model or heavier will follow in due course.
Dirk Schulze, chief executive, said: “We are delighted that the Bentec top drive has gained market acceptance so rapidly and conclusively.
“This again demonstrates the technical knowledge, long-term experience and passion for innovation for which we are known.”