Top Drive Application: Intrinsically Safe Encoders
The top drive attaches to the top of the drill string and rotates it with a lot of torque. The drill string, in turn, has a drill bit at the end which cuts into the rock strata below the drilling platform and creates the well hole. The weight of the motor plus any additional weights required to control the force on the drill string are carried by a traveling block and tackle arrangement. This Block and tackle is operated by a winch known as a DrawWorks. This is all big equipment and the encoder has to fit between the motor and a brake. So the encoder has to be compact, allow for high temperature operation, and be able to take high shocks and vibrations.
Download this application note to learn more about Sensata products in Top Drive applications.